June 5, 2009 - July 7, 2009

• The high school is next to my father's inn. Its mascot is a vicious crimson bear. I imagine the crimson being blood.
• What I really like about Juneau: an infinite number of dandelions, fields of them, rows and rows of them, especially along sidewalks.
• The roads are pretty ridiculous. What looks to be a one-way street is intended for cars heading in both directions. Sometimes one driver will have to move as much to the side as possible, and even then it's still a tight fit.
  • A bumper sticker on a truck: If you want more roads, move down south.
• My sense of direction is better when I'm on foot.
• There are only two bookstores downtown. Both are small, and one has creaking floorboards.
  • I found a third one, though it's a bit farther from the heart of downtown.
• It seems every shop I step into has no air conditioning. I'm actually surprised to find I've needed it!
  • That is typical of the older buildings, including this inn.
• Perfect weather.
• The sun rises at around 4 a.m. I keep waking at 5.
• At 9 p.m., it is still quite bright out. The sun doesn't set till 10!
• I find myself having little to no appetite, even when I'm hungry. Homesick, maybe?
• My father is more interested in Juneau itself than managing the inn. Makes me wonder why he bought it, a financial parasite, in the first place.
• Though Juneau is very scenic, I couldn't see myself living here.
• Most of the locals look worn. Smoking and getting drunk seem to be the only ways to pass the time.
• The Breakwater Inn's fries are crispy perfection.
  • My father leased the restaurant to a former employee. It is now called Troxel's. Tried them only once, but Andy's steak is the best I've ever eaten.
• Many people live on their boats.
• Vacations should be fun and relaxing, but they only bring out the worst in my family.
• Since my mother left, I have spoken to her on the phone at least twice a day. I can't imagine how she'll handle college.
• Eshaun (ay-shawn) is "poor baby" in Tlingit. I am going to start using this.
• Life is especially tough here.
• Silverbow Bakery & Cafe: a great place to eat. I love the plain bagel with cinnamon raisin walnut spread. They really slather on the cream cheese. Their desserts look positively mouth-watering.
• Everything's bigger in Texas?
• You really get your money's worth at restaurants. Servings are huge.
• I've experienced Juneau more as a local than as a tourist.
• Oh my goodness, chocolate chip caramel pecan cookies at A&P are hands down the best cookies ever.
• Alaska Fudge Co. Remember this place. Their truffles are big and fat and good.
• My father isn't a very good employer. He's too thickheaded and lets personal matters interfere with business. He fired one of his best employees on the suspicion that we were out together and then gave all these bogus excuses to defend the decision. Many of his decisions are made in haste with often no notice to his employees, leading to disorganization and frustration. It's no wonder the employee turnover is unusually high here.
• The weather turned gloomy, chilly, and overcast for a few weeks. But it was coincidentally perfect for Fourth of July fireworks.
• My younger sister can do the craziest things and still gets spoiled, whereas if I get caught lying a couple of times, my mother threatens not to pay for college. It is downright unfair and outrageous.
• Really, I've never felt more disdain for my parents.
• The Sandpiper Cafe is another favorite. Berries and creme stuffed French toast—what sounds better?
• Despite all the shit that's happened here, I see myself coming back.