Blog Archives - The Land of the Weird

The Land of the Weird

Family Time

8/31/2019

I've been continually running out of time these past few weeks. It feels as though the walls have been closing in as deadlines approach and emergencies flare up. As a result, I have not been doing as much with my family as I was before school started up. I need to fix that.

My family is why I do what I do. This has been the case ever since Alex was born. My family gives my life purpose and joy. It is to provide for them and their happiness that gets me to work when I don't want to and to fight for causes that will help them when I'd rather stay silent. However, what is the good in spending all that time on other things if I don't really get to spend time with them?

I feel that I did fairly well this past summer with the boys, but that took a sharp drop with the start of teacher work days this August. Since then, we've hardly played any games together, and due to the smoke, we haven't even been exercising together. Tomorrow, I want to make certain we have some time together.

I still have a lot that I need to do before school on Tuesday. I was working on it for much of the day today. Tomorrow, we need to get our cabin ready for a new set of guests. However, we are going to set aside so time to do something together as well. I certainly want to do so in the future.

Rain

8/30/2019

We finally [finally] saw some rain come down on our drought-dry lawn today. The rain is also supposed to be hitting the areas affected by the Swan Lake fire. Hopefully, this will calm things down in that region and perhaps contain it entirely. Meanwhile, I am ready for anything that can get rid of the persistent smoke that's been plaguing our area as well. Unfortunately, at this moment, it seems and smells like the rain is driving the smoke closer towards the ground (and thus where we breathe).

We had guests who arrived at our cabin tonight. They made the trek through the fire area on the highway and said that the conditions were not that bad. They were surprised that they had to follow a pilot car, especially since both lanes seemed to be open. It was interesting to have visitors who were actually hoping to have rain for the duration of their trip.

This rain is certainly needed. In just the few hours that it has been raining, I've already seen a noticeable difference in the color of our lawn and plants. I am certain that I saw the grass grow significantly in that same amount of time.

I am so glad it's raining ... even if it means that I really need to mow my yard now.

Climate Concerns [controversial]

8/29/2019

Twice now in the past two weeks, I have expressed to people my philosophy that humanity is on a path of progress and improvement, that by many types of measurement (life expectancy, access to resources, technology, transportation, communication, education, civil rights) we are better now than ever before--much more so as one looks farther and farther into the past. In both cases, someone responded, but what about the environment and global warming. One student asked me later about my views on climate change because the student had been speaking with other students who were discussing climate change; because of this, the student had fears that the world was going to end in the next couple of decades.

While I worked to allay the student's fears (I very much remember having similar fears when I was that age, but it my case, it was fear of nuclear annihilation), I was also hesitant to downplay the seriousness of climate change. I believe that the world isn't about to end and that humanity will continue to exist for millenia to come; however, the many people are going to be facing greater hardships in the coming decades and centuries due to the haphazard ways that humans--especially human businesses--have been disposing of their waste (solid, liquid, and gas). More frightening to me is that climate change deniers are not only spreading misinformation, but are actively taking steps to make polluting and destructive exploitation of our environment easier and more common.

There is no question that the world is warmer now than at any point in humanity's history; anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. There is no question that many people, especially in poorer nations, will be negatively impacted by the changes which are rapidly (from a historical, let alone a geological, perspective) occurring. The issue is how to we deal with these growing problems without bankrupting everyone. We should be spending our energy in that direction rather than sticking our heads in the sand and hoping it will all sort itself out.

I believe that crisis begets innovation. We are starting to see some remarkable, and practical, ideas being brought forth by a growing group of people. With the progress humanity has made in so many areas, I am certain we can make the world better in this regard as well.

D&D Idea - Wartorn

8/28/2019

I'm certain that someone else has had this idea and run campaigns in it, but I think it would be interesting to play in a world that lost its climatic, end-of-the-world battle. Final Fantasy VI has that as a major plot point--the heroes battle the big bad and lose, picking up the pieces and saving the world on a second try. In a D&D variation, the primary "good" races are the ones living in isolated regions while orcs, goblins, and dragons dominate the world.

More than just reversing the roles of the races, this could lead to some completely different types of societies and social dynamics. It could be run from a hopeful angle as humans, elves, and dwarves band together to try and reclaim the world one piece at a time. It could also be quite dark as the "good" races are trying to survive in a nightmarish world.

I started a campaign like this a very long time ago in a world where the waters were poisonous and the land toxic. I believe the story started with a village's purifying crystals being stolen from them and their land beginning to die out. However, I found it a bit too depressing to be a place that I would want to spend hours imagining.

Still, it would be an interesting twist and would certainly give the characters a greater sense of purpose as they slowly saved the world.

Diminishing Desire

8/27/2019

I don't know quite how to say this, but as I have gotten older, I've noticed some particular changes in my ... let's call them "needs." This has been especially true in regards to one of my favorite activities in life. In the past year in particular, I've noticed a significantly sharp drop in how much I think about, obsess over, or even participate in playing video games.

While I've always had a pile on unfinished games, I've found that my pile of unplayed games has notably grown as of late. This has included games that I believe that I would really like, but I just haven't been able to work up the enthusiasm to start them. Among these unplayed games include highly rated titles such as Final Fantasy 15, the most recent God of War, the past four Assassin's Creed games, and the Witcher III. Meanwhile some of the games that I've started but haven't progressed that far into include Red Dead Redemption 2 and Super Mario Odyssey. I'm close to finishing the PS4's Spider-Man, but certain areas (the drone chases) burned me out on it for the time being.

I haven't finished the main storyline of a new game since last November; the one before that was 5 months earlier; and the one prior to that was another 6 months earlier. Before 2018, I was finishing an average of a game every other month. Before 2014, it was an average of a game a month. Now, the main game I play is Overwatch, but that's largely out of convenience (I don't have to remember where I was in a 100+ hour plot).

This gaming lethargy has spread beyond the video games themselves. I'm less interested in going into the electronics areas of stores in general. I used to read Game Informer cover-to-cover, but I now have five mostly unread issues piled on top of each other. There aren't any games on the horizon that I'm really excited about, and I'm certainly not excited about talk of new systems coming out.

I know part of this is because I have a lot of plates spinning right now. It's hard to justify playing a video game when I still have to get my dissertation done, or plan for classes, or get the cabin ready, or take the boys to Scouts, or ... well, deal with a lot of other stuff. Another issue is that the boys are on the main screen that has the newest consoles more than before; it is always a bit of a fight to get them to log off so I can sign on. On top of that, we instituted Oasis Days over a year ago which does not allow us to use electronics individually for entertainment (we can play or watch things together) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It might just be that I'm getting older and more mature ...

... yeah, I don't buy that one either.

Fire Update

8/26/2019

Another change in the wind brought a flare-up for the fire that is affecting the Sterling Highway. Last night, massive flames went up to the road itself; there are some terrifying videos of people who made the trek. At this point, the road is closed entirely, and the picturesque town of Cooper Landing is on "Set" (the stage just before immediate evacuation).

Here, smoke has travelled down the highway. Strangely, the smoke was worse in town than it was at our house even though we are closer to the fire. By "closer to" I mean about 20 miles away, with lines of defence built between the fire and our direction. The very East end of Sterling (the town between our home and the fire) has been the "Ready" stage of evacuation for about a week now. Had we bought "Tower House" way back when, we would have been on the edge of that area.

I am not concerned for our home, nor even for the fact that our only land route in or out is currently blocked. However, I am very concerned, and am praying, for the residents of Cooper Landing as well as the hundreds of dedicated men and women who have come here to fight this fire. I am praying for those with breathing issues no matter which way the smoke flows. Mostly, I am praying for these fires to die out, for rain, and for a return to less complicated events.

The Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/25/2019

In today's Gospel, Jesus is asked how many people will make it to heaven. As often happens when He is asked a question, Jesus avoids directly answering. Instead He talks about how difficult it is to get into heaven. He even warns, in a parable, that there will be many who believe they deserve to get in, but whom the master of the house will not recognize.

I would very much like to live forever in a body which knows no decay or corruption. However, I know that I am not worthy of such a reward. No matter what others might think of me, I know the darkness that permeates my being. I know how susceptible I am to the lures of greed, power, fame, and pleasure. Although I know that I am supposed to spend my time helping my fellow humans, I instead live a life of decadent luxury that most on this planet do not know. There is nothing that I can do on my own to account for my sinfulness.

That does not stop me from trying anyway. I'm not going to be perfect, but that also cannot be expected of me. The miracle, the true and everlasting miracle, is that God was willing to redeem me and my failings in spite of them. While I might not have much of a chance of living forever in that perfect form, while the hell formed by my dependance on my desires might still be waiting for me, I will continue to work to make this world a better place in my own small way and leave the future to God.

Bargaining Anger [controversial]

8/24/2019

I woke up early so I could attend today's bargaining meeting that was open to the public. I don't think that the experience was good for my blood pressure. From the long opening recap (I like to skip those on Netflix) to the condescending explanations to the not-very-veiled threat, this meeting had me boiling.

Before I let out some of my stored steam, I should note that I am only speaking for myself through my own limited understanding of the situation. Should people with better experience on the subject read this, they can correct any of my misconceptions. Here are some of my takeaways:

1) The district's negotiators want us to pay. That expression was used over and over through the discussion. In one speech, "you will pay" was almost a refrain (e.g. If you lower your premium, you will pay a higher deductible) with no mention of the district taking measures to alleviate the cost burden that has been shifted to the employees.

2) Speaking of which, a major takeaway is that the district has REALLY shifted the burden of healthcare to the employees. I keep hearing how the cost of healthcare is increasing for everyone; well, that's not true for the district. In fact, the district is paying millions less towards its employee healthcare than it did two years ago. Meanwhile, the price of that healthcare has increased in that time. Thus, not only are employees paying more for healthcare due to rising costs, but we are paying more due to the district shifting the responsibility on us.

3) Another item made clear is that the district WANTS the cap to come into effect so that the cost burden stays on the shoulders of its workers. The comment was made that if the district took the plan offered by the unions, the cap would probably not be reached ... like that's a BAD thing. The point of the cap should be to keep the district from being crushed by a sudden and rapid rise in premiums. Instead, the district is looking to keep the cap in place at a rate that ensures it will be activated, penalizing its workers (note the first two takeaways).

4) The district is going to further punish its employees for not already bowing to their will and swallowing the swill it has offered. Before the second recess, the district's lawyer made certain to point out a bullet point from their proposal: employee's health premiums will rise sharply next month (by $300 a month) if an agreement is not reached. While the rise in premiums was only stated for those still on the traditional plan, a similar rise is on the horizon for the high deductible plan as well (remember, the board did not keep premiums low on those who switched to the high deductible despite the district saving over a million dollars from those people making the switch).

It used to be that districts covered the healthcare costs of their employees. To help with district money issues, employees began to share some of the costs of those healthcare expenses, only to have the district more and more sacrifices from them. The district bargainers have complained about how much the union's proposals would cost the district, citing millions of dollars. Yet, it should be noted that they ignore the fact that those same costs would have to come from its workers instead.

I do not believe that the district's bargaining team are bad people. I believe that they are looking for ways to cut costs in the district and save for future disasters. However, they operate from a position of fear and distrust (they hired a lawyer at the beginning of this bargaining term almost two years ago). The faculty, staff, and district should be standing together against the short-sighted troglodytes that lead our borough and state governments. Imagine if we had come to an agreement at the start and had been able to rally together and use the same time spent in this bargaining to petition our government for funding our children's futures. Imagine if the district turned its lawyer's focus towards securing the funding that the borough and state should be sending our way.

I think that's what makes me the angriest of all.

Janelle Has Returned

8/23/2019

Through smoke and fire, she traveled hundreds of miles to return home. Thankfully, although traffic was one-way-only near Willow, her trip went pretty smoothly, getting her home while the boys were still awake. She even managed to see beluga whales cavorting in the water (a sight I have yet to see directly). However, she also saw fire and devastation along that otherwise beautiful drive. Many of our favorite hiking trails are now scorched and devastated.

A big Thank You goes out to Michelle, who flew up to Fairbanks so that Janelle would have someone to accompany her on the trip back down. She also drove the lion's share of the trip. I'm glad that Janelle has such a good friend, and did not have to take that long drive back alone.

The boys and I are very grateful to have her back home. It's been a strange experience with just the three of us in the house for this past week. Even with Janelle back, it will take a while to get used to there only being four of us in the house.

Doughnut Shop

8/22/2019

The owners of our local doughnut shop, The Moose Is Loose, have announced that they are looking to sell their business so they can retire. The store is a crowded wonder that sells doughnuts of a quality that I have not experienced since Ginny May Donuts--the family doughnut shop founded by my grandparents--was still in business. There is nothing that compares with this place on the peninsula, and perhaps in the state.

While I am hoping that an enterprising individual or group decides to take up the mantle and continue on with this unique and wonderful business, I partially want that individual to be me. Sure, I never got the chance to work at Ginny May's, I don't know anything about running a business, and I have no experience in making doughnuts. However, I also feel that doughnut shops are a lost legacy of my family--a birthright that lies unclaimed. I very nearly emailed the owners to find out the specifics about the sale.

It's not a good idea. Not only am I short of the necessary funds and lacking in the experience necessary, a doughnut shop would not be the best place for a type ii diabetic to own. Also, there were valid reasons why my family got out of the business.

Still, I pray that someone purchases and continues the business as it has been run.

Burning

8/21/2019

Perhaps because I grew up in a generally wetter climate, I've never really feared forest fires. Sure, I remember Smokey the Bear's warnings, and the fire in Bambi's story was pretty devastating, but forest fires always felt like they happened somewhere else. In fact, I remember after the Yellowstone fires how many people were talking about the good that fires can bring, how they revitalize their ecosystems, and why we should let natural fires burn so that the forests don't build up dead wood that will bring even bigger fires.

While this current fire season has not completely changed my feelings and fears, it has certainly made me more aware of the problems and dangers that can come with these kinds of fires. Currently, our only land route that leads off the peninsula is threatened by a massive forest fire. As I write this, the road has only been reopened for a few hours with the warning that it could be closed again at any time. We have not received any postal trucks for the past three days, so mail is not getting in or out. I don't know if any grocery trucks have made it through, but Freddy's was already starting to look picked-over on Monday. Travelling sports events have been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the smoke has made outdoor activities much more difficult. The boys' school is not allowing students outside during the school day. Many people, such as myself, are stuck with a stubborn cough. Thankfully it has cooled off a bit so keeping our windows shut doesn't make me think we are trying to bake ourselves.

It has been a hot, dry summer. Although that has been great for outdoor activities most of the summer, it has also increased the fire hazard in the area. While I enjoy the sun, I wouldn't mind if it decided to rain a bit.

First Day of School 2019

8/20/2019

The joy I get from my job grows exponentially once students arrive. Sure, there are plenty of frustrations that come with them, but these students are the whole reason that I do what I do. Invariably, they help focus my mind to what my job is truly about. Despite being physically exhausted, I was mentally invigorated by the end of the day.

It helped that I received word from Janelle and Trevor at around noon that they made it through the section of the Sterling Highway that had been closed due to the fire. They said that, not only was the smoke thick and were charred areas all around them, they saw flames still burning along their drive. Still, news that they had made it off the peninsula lifted a significant burden from my chest--one that I had not realized was there until it was gone.

By the end of school, I had a chance to talk with them as they were being ushered through the fire zone on the Parks Highway. Amazingly, they were hardly slowed there at all. I praise the Lord that they will make it to Fairbanks as originally planned--if a little later--and that Trevor will start his journey as a college student tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the younger boys generally had a good first day of school. They really like their new teachers. Rowen was giving multiple "thumbs up" whenever asked about his day. Unfortunately, Connor had a few disappointments as his best friend has moved away, other friends of his are not in his class, and (he emphasized this) he won't have music this year as the district was not able to hire a teacher to replace the amazing one who left at the end of last year. Hopefully, his year will get better as it continues.

On Edge

8/19/2019

Janelle just got home and she leaves tomorrow morning to take Trevor to college. Two of the roads between here and there have been closed intermittently due to forest fires. For the Sterling Highway, there is no other option. They will need to take that path to get off the peninsula. The second is the Parks Highway which has only had one lane open even when it is open. The alternative route takes about an extra two hours, but it might take that long in delays on the main route even if it's open. She is going to check tomorrow morning to see if there are any changes.

Of course, Trevor did not have everything ready to go today despite weeks of urging for him to gather, pack, and check everything. It's only as we are packing the Pilot that he's suddenly concerned about items which he only now notices that he's missing [e.g. he has no idea where his winter boots went]. He also didn't think he had enough boxes [we have piles of boxes], so he hardly packed any warmer clothes [he's going to Fairbanks].

Plus, you know, he's leaving and won't be back until Christmas break [which at least starts earlier and lasts longer than we thought]. I'm concerned for him on this first foray on his own. Besides, as much as he often drives us crazy, I'm deeply going to miss having him around.

Fire-wreathed trips of loved ones, panicked packing, goodbyes ... it's a good thing I don't have a lot of other stresses going on in my life right now.

The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

8/18/2019

Jesus surprises his followers by telling them that He does not bring peace, but division. In fact, He says that His message will even divide families against one another. I don't believe He was telling them this as a threat, but rather with disappointment.

He knows that what He is teaching is difficult, even painful, to follow. He knows that it changes the way that people view the world and that it would upset those in power. He even knows about the troubles that His own Church is going to bring.

Today's homily focused on how the world wants everyone to be nice and just get along, but that Jesus' message requires us to work with some painful truths. There are people who disagree, and sometimes blatantly attack, His teachings. Hoping by being nice to avoid conflict in the present can lead to larger problems in our future.

On a side note, hearing a Gospel where Jesus talks about His cleansing fire hits a little close to home on a day when our only land route off the peninsula is currently closed due to a resurgence of a massive forest fire.