Applause by Ovation.

So, naturally, I am at hoops celebrating. I was trying to dissect what it is about this brewery that makes me so inclined to go so often to the point of being a regular. This place is my dojo. I come here because only the bartenders know me and I get to just relax without people being overly social. See, there is the occasional conversation next to bar neighbors.... like the tourist couples or the occasional sports watcher... maybe a fly fisher if im lucky, but that’s it. I've walked away from this bar without anything but an occasional, enjoyable conversation and a beer stache haha. I just enjoy a place to drink beer and read a book/use the internet. Brewerys are sort of awesome when you think about it. Its such a contrast to a bar. They are on opposite ends of the spectrum, solely because of the crowds and intentions. Bars are just people usually trying to get shitfaced and be shifty, lets be honest, after a few drinks, no matter who ya are, ya get frisky. Im getting to a point in life where i just enjoy getting a few beers and relaxing. Dont get me wrong, being rowdy every once in a blue moon is a blast too.

On that note, everyone is here for the vikings game and I forgot how lit Minnesotans get. I had to pop in my earphones because every time they get a touchdown everyone stands and yells haha. I got a job offer for the Maine Conservation Corps. CCM to MCC.. i dont even know if I have another Americrops year in me. Im flat broke after this job. Living stipends do not fund full ass moves across the country to make more living stipends. It would be another 5 g’s to add towards my education award for grad school, but based off of my experience at CCM, I cant handle another year of being treated like a serf and a toddler at the same time. I need to call the lady and have a serious conversation about what they are about (i.e. their take on managing invasives, policies and procedures, project types etc.). i’m thinking that ill be able to have a better grip on the similarities and differences between the two. There is, however, a trail crew as well as an environmental steward crew. I’d forsure take on the trail crew, hands down. After learning what the government’s take on  “conservation” is, I need to not be a part of it. We have fundamental differences on what a land steward is and should be. Trail crew looks mental, right up my ally. I love love loveeeee trail work. Sure, its not as environmentally educational, but what can I say, I love manual labor. Trail work will kick your ass. It’s conditioning for my future in wildland firefighting. 

Here’s where I run into the dilemma. I have to contact this woman before October 11th with my decision and I am in the midst of applying for a fuckton of Wildland firefighting jobs.... which is my top priority. Unfortunately they don’t start their hiring process until usually Nov./Dec. I could either pick up a bar tending jobs downtown and live my lease out until Jan.and move to Maine or I could turn the offer down and continue applying for wildfire positions through USFS and private contractors. Im sort of leaning towards option two but if im being smart i’d take maine and roll with it. Something to ponder on. Responsibility or follow yr dreams. I usually go with option 2. Even the phrase option 2 sounds appealing... I’ve never been one to follow through with plans ;) There’s this 1 private contractor called Grayback Mountain that I reallllly want to work for. Ive applied for their position on a Type 2 Handcrew in Oregon. Ashole Williams is trying to move out there with me which would help me with rent and take care of my future kitten while im gone for 6 months at a time.  I am thinking either Eugene or Bend since their fairly close to where I’d be stationed. The max you can live is two hours away from base which neither of those are but 30 minutes away. I figure ill live on the west coast for a year or 3 before climate change takes on the wrath of volcanic activity, hurricanes, tectonic plate movement, refugee populations rising etc.... lets not forget fires. The whole western half of the united states is up in flames.... job security.now would be a great time to fight fire wile im red card certified while I enjoy the coast before its toast (i told u i was freaky). Thats a good one ;) 

I’ve added the tinder app.... which has been detrimental. I got super high and thought about the things these people were saying to me and am now super offended lmfao im laughing in my head as we speak. Its super difficult because most of the time its a bunch of horny men and women trying to hook up. Luckily duluth is split between red necks northerners and “upper peninsula” type northerners who are super into outdoor activities albeit winter or summer. there’s a small handful of gems who are backpacking or canoe guides that I fall shortly in love with. I met one dude off tinder and successfully met him at a planned location. His name was Ryan Mell the glass blower (hes not dead) and we had various dates. That was the one success story except were both busy and don’t see each other much. He was str8 up my lover stylistically but hes more of a watch tv and get stoned kind of man. Thats ok, DIVERSITY! 

Here I am, at my usual dojo... hoops :) filling out job apps to become a wildland firefighter. I could not give one shit less if it is for the USFS or a private contractor... just know i will never work for NPS or DNR. This job has opened my eyeballs, they are sooooo bullshit. Its so funny to think back, I used to wish for those two agencies to be my employer however after having first had experience with them I wish to never be that. Working for CCM Americorps has woken my 3rd eye aka my butthole. This butthole says no way. 

In other news, I am being shipped off, if you will, to North Carolina as disaster relief for the hurricane that hit. I will be leaving within the next week and will be gone for 30 str8 days without a break... that means no beer for 30 days.... this is REHAB! FUCK! Im supz sad about it, however these people need help. Im preparing to eat MRE’s and nt have laundry or a shower for at least half of it so this shall be fun. However these people need serious help. I am happy to hear that this hurricane went from a cat4 to a cat2, so  its mostly flood damage. 

That being said, I needed a haircut. I went to Ulta instead of my usual suspect, Uranz salon, and got a haircut from a lady that has less than a year experience. She was young and wild so i figured she knew the “in” style, as i do not, and cut my hair like a man. LOL. Its okay though, everytime I get a haircut it usually takes a few days to grow into. Im okay with it. These cute pixie cuts never turn out the way I expect them to. Lets face it, I do not dress very sexy/femme anyways so its my own fault.

Tuesday i am planning to go home. I have no idea when we are being sent to NC, which makes things difficult. i only get a 4 days off in one year for this job. Ive taken two days off this week which happens t possibly be the week that we leave. I am going to assume that Im good to go... i do not wanna pass this up since i already took the days off and they are irredeemable, however if i get a call and im 12 hours away in MI, i have to speed back to duluth to fufill my commitment.. cheers.

I need to get out of this joint, get cigs and walk home. More words to come! 

Olivejuice,