a variety of freezes

It has been a tumultuous week for Joe, Kiwi and I. A very positive aspect of the recent disorder is that we moved into a lovely home. This is the view from our bedroom window. Fantastic vista of the channel and Douglas Island. On the side of a lil mountain. The incline is pretty steep. To give one an idea, the bottom of this picture includes our neighbor's roof.

The sun is rising earlier and earlier. By next week, it should be peaking over the channel, greeting me on my walk to work. I am looking forward to that; it is always nicer to begin the day with sunshine (or at least daylight!). On February 1st, the sun rose at 8:02 a.m. and sat at 4:22 p.m. This morning, March 1st, the sun rose at 6:52 a.m. and will set at 5:29 p.m. In one week, the sun will rise at 6:35 a.m. and set at 5:43 p.m. We are gaining over 30 minutes of light each week. By the end of the month, we'll have 13 hours and 10 minutes of day. By May 31st, the day will last 17 hours and 45 minutes. Prior to moving to Alaska, I was aware of the change in the length of the day from winter to summer. However, I never thought of how that must impact one day-to-day. It is fascinating to watch.

I am not going to focus on all of the negatives of the past week or so. I am in a good mood this morning and do not want to disturb that vibe! However, I will briefly touch on one facet. Firstly, I knew I never liked that pooey Palin lady. Maybe you've heard of her. She's like the governor or something up here in Ahhkk.

A digression -- Joe served Palin! An encounter was bound to happen soon, between me working across from the Capitol and Joe working at the one fancy shmancy hotel/reception center. I guess she hasn't put on the campaign brakes just yet. Anyone else hear about her PAC? hehe. Anyway, I certainly do not want this blog to turn political. Back to my initial point. But for those interested and know Joe, you should ask him about his meeting.

Palin thought it a great idea to put a freeze on state jobs. This means no hiring--even for vacancies. That is crap. We have these underfunded and underemployed state agencies as it is. If a public defender leaves their office, the agency cannot fill the position--the position for which funds have already been set aside--while the freeze is in effect. When the freeze was initiated, my understanding was that no new positions were to be created. But to freeze all hiring. Hiring of social service jobs. I disagree with this. Our obligations do not diminish with the loss of employees. Our clients do not suddenly have less demands. Somehow, we are to continue to serve our community just as adequately. How? This is exceptionally crappy for myself who was hired on a short term contract, filling a position of one who is on vacation. If he returns in April--he may or he may not--I was going to be hired elsewhere within the agency. If he chooses not to return, I was going to be hired for his position. Now, I am on the hire-as-soon-as-the-ice-melts list. We shall see what happens. I am remaining optimistic that things will go as they should. Just now wishing that spring comes early both figuratively and literally. Pooey Paliness, indeed!

For now, I will focus on my work and my new home. Still have some unpacking to do. May have a first trial (or two!) very soon. Today will be spent putting away the rest of our clothes and brushing up on those fun Rules of Evidence. I love cozy Sundays.