September 13, 2006

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Regardless of how desperately we want out of Seward, I've got to admit that it is a pretty darn spectacular place. Especially on a day like today. Not a cloud in the sky, temps in the 60's, a light wind to cool things off. Add to that the autumn colors blooming on the side of Mount Alice across the bay and it makes today rather postcard-like. I think this weather calls for a nice walk to the beach with the dogs this evening.

The thing occupying most of our time over the last couple of weeks is obviously my search for a new NPS job. New openings are appearing on almost a weekly basis now that the end of the fiscal year is approaching. Which means I am getting very good at filling out NPS applications. Although it does get tedious answering the same questions with minor variations over and over again.

To date, I've sent official applications to the following parks:

  • Eugene O'Neil National Historic Site (San Fransisco)
  • Joshua Tree National Park (California)
  • Zion National Park (Utah)
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota)
  • Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (Minnesota)
  • Montezuma's Castle National Monument (Arizona)

    Added to the list within the past two days are:
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)
  • Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)

    And, in the next week, applications will be sent to the following locations:
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii...duh)
  • George Washington Memorial Parkway (Washington, DC)
  • Oregon Caves National Park (Oregon)
  • Moores Creek National Battlefield (North Carolina)
  • Everglades National Park (Florida...blech, ok this one's a maybe)

    Because the federal hiring process SUCKS ASS, it takes months to get these things processed. So, I have officially heard from only one of these parks...the aforementioned interview I will be doing in a couple weeks. It seems like they're the only ones that are on the ball. Although, considering I applied for that job in July, I guess they're not any more efficient than the others are.

    The other exciting happening is my upcoming Masters project defense next week. It's actually a week from today. I have to fly back down to Idaho for three days to jump through this last hoop before finally getting my degree. When that happens, you may all officially start calling me Master.

  • I'll finish with what might just be the most surreal menu ever published...

    The choices! They all sound so delicious. I don't know how anyone could pass up a Fatty Cow in the United States. Although I've heard the breeze ball is good, too.

    1 comment:

    kippur said...

    I like when things are spelled in "engrish".

    Cool list of job options. I vote for Zion! Erin and I will come hike angels landing once a year.

    Did you know I was offered a job at volcanoes? Actually it was right after the "volunteer" gig I had in Las Vegas that only payed $50 a week. The volcanoes job payed $100 a week. Plus I had to pay airfare. But I was so broke by that time I had to turn them down. Argh! Well plus I was all googly over Erin(and still am, dont worry erin) and another 6 months apart didnt sound like fun.

    Anyways, good luck in the interview!