Juneau or... wait, is this Salem in January?

Rain rain, go away. It's quite the downpour here in Juneau. Which is actually quite normal for them. My experience in Juneau began w/ me driving to Douglas on accident (oops) because my gut told me to go that way and the gps is VERY slow here. my bad. Turns out my hotel was like 2 miles from the airport. (read: had to turn around and go back). Which leads me to a helpful hint. If you THINK you should use the restroom before you "go find your hotel" then yes, that is a wise choice. Or do what I did. Hold it and after you get lost in a sea of one-way roads in downtown Juneau, wonder if you'll be the only adult to wet her pants in a rental car. That would have made great foder for the blog, yes?

Fortunately, crisis averted. Hotel found. However I was warmly greeted by a sign the read. "we are unavailable. if you need help call 907.xxx.xxx. sorry." Really? REALLY? As I'm calling 907.xxx.xxxx, I run into a ref from another college who chatted w/ me for a while, a goooood while (good thing i found a public restroom or this story would have been MUCH more interesting, yes?) and then asked for a ride. Ok. So I give her a ride to the other hotel (where I am to check in) only to be met by a very bored man. (Read: quit trying to joke with us. I REALLY am ready to go and crash in my room). He then informs us that our keys are back at the other hotel. Ok. So back we go. long story short, made it into my room at grandma's feather bed (best western) that actually comes w/ a featherbed AND a soaking jacuzzi tub. Bless you best western. Actually, all jokes aside. Thanks Lord. I needed this. I then proceeded to hole myself up in the room for the next well, for forever. I even ordered pizza. I just wasn't feeling the "let's go be social with people I don't know right now."

Blah blah blah, onto the college fair. I can't say that I'm very popular here. Kind of bums me out really, I like actually talking to students, not holding a fake smile for minutes on end hoping to entice a sucker over to my table. I mean a student. Actually, the second part of the fair was quite productive, I met several fun Christian students who are interested. I even met one of my student's (abel orbastando) cousins! And then there were the boys who hang out at my table making me fear the cougar vibe i must be putting out. run boys run! But I also entertain the lasses. I love overhearing them saying "she was fun, let's come back when this gets boring." I like connecting with real students more though. I'm just not sure Juneau is the best place for that. Bummer. Well, we'll see.

I will spare all of the details of our lunch with "entertainment" except to leave you with these few highlights:
-an older lady (we'll call her bernice) who, instead of asking my name, decided to lean in really close and stare at my chest and/or name tag to read my name. a little uncomfortable.
-that special duet performed by two teenage girls about the one boy they both love.
no, lets just stop there.

Now I'm at a coffee shop for 72 more minutes until I have to go back and meet the parents. Oh my word. I kid you not, I think the lady from lunch just walked in. wow... i LOVE small towns. Well, she's headed this way. Have a great day!

NATALIE- where ARE you!? :(