Across the water from Seattle is a place called Bremerton

We got in a little after lunch today. We had a nice ride over on the ferry. We got to the hotel and hung out with Uncle James, Grandma, Jay, and Nan. The Keany family is a hilarious group, I am very fortunate to be related to such a funny and life-loving family. Today was the day when Margot Grace Du Bey and Travis James Keany were to be wed. The wedding started around 6 p.m. with beautiful violin music. The ceremony was an interreligious one, with elements of both Christian and Jewish religions. It was very unique and very beautiful. The wedding ceremony was followed by some refreshments and then dinner and dancing. It was a wonderful time to get to sit and talk with relatives, who for my whole life I have only heard about. It was great to get to meet them in person. Now I can finally put faces with names, and I cannot wait for the next time that we all get together, be it another wedding or the next family reunion. Dad and I are waking up early to get some breakfast, say some final goodbyes, and catch the ferry back over, so that is all for now. Overall, I have had a fantastic day, full of celebration, fun, family, and plenty of laughter.

T.J. Martin

Bremerton, WA

www.tjmartin.org

Some walking in Canada, eh?

At first I let Dad read the map. We made a wrong turn, and then I took over as map man. Victoria is a beautiful city, and the Empress Hotel is very elegant. We walked downtown, visited the hotel, walked down Government Street, and stopped at a McDonalds. Just so I could say I’ve eatin at one in almost every country I’ve been to. The British Columbia parliament building is located in Victoria, and is lit up with lights at night, not sky lights, think more of like white Christmas lights around the Montgomery Capital Building and that would be a close resemblance. We got back on the ship and are headed back to Seattle for an early morning departure. We leave the ship around 8 a.m. and head over to Bremerton for the Keany & Du Bey wedding. This will be an amazing opportunity for me to meet family members who I have never met in person, and an opportunity to celebrate marriage. Off to bed, next stop is in Bremerton.

T.J. Martin

Victoria, British Columbia (Canada)

www.tjmartin.org

On a Boat, at sea

Another day at sea, we slept in today and enjoy the fine cuisine the ship has to offer. Tonight is formal night so we get to dress up in shirt and ties. Tonight we are also going to catch two shows. The first is the “So You Wanna Dance” production show and the other is an impressionist. On to another beautiful day on a boat!

T.J. Martin

On a boat, at sea, in some really cold water

www.tjmartin.org

Train Ride in the Mountains of Alaska (and a few feet of Canada)

Today we woke up in Skagway. Our excursion was a beautiful train ride into the mountains. The White Pass Scenic Railway was originally built as one of two routes to get to the Klondike Gold Fields. We were not in search of gold on our trip, but it was tremendous ride through this magnificent and historical mountains. If the mountains could only tell of what they had seen over time, they would have a great story to tell. This has been by far the greatest and most beautiful excursion of the trip. We technically were over the Canadian border for a few minutes as our train engine switched sides, but we didn't get off so there was no need to have passports.

The White Pass Railroad took us up a 20 mile ride up into the mountains. After getting back from our train ride, Dad decided he wanted to mail some postcards from Alaska. We had bought some earlier, but hadn’t had time to fill them out and mail them. All-A-Board was at 4:30 so we had less than 30 minutes to get on board or the boat would be leaving us. Thus at 4:00 p.m. Dad ran back into Skagway to put postcards in the mail. I nervously waited for him on the dock. It was a long way back into town, and the Post Office was on the other side of town. But, he successfully ran into town and back in time for us to board the ship at 4:25. I was afraid we wouldn’t make it, but we did, thank goodness!!

T.J. Martin
Skagway, AK
www.tjmartin.org

Juneau

Early Wednesday morning we pulled into Tracy Arm around 6 a.m. local time. Dad and I got up around 6:30 to go see. Tracy Arm is a location where, as recently as 400 years ago, a glacier once sat. The erosion of tides and currents have cut an inlet. Ships can now navigate into Tracy Arm where there are spectacular views, shear cliffs, waterfalls, small icebergs, and glacially polished rocks which create a stunning view.  After taking some pictures and eating some breakfast, I was ready to go back to sleep. 

Dad was awake so he went back up to check out the scenery. Around noon we went to the Trident Grill and had some burgers and grabbed a couple of ice cream cones. Next it was time to head to the pier for our second excursion of our trip. We were going sport fishing in Juneau and looking for the elusive King Salmon. Dad and I didn’t catch anything, but the other two on our excursion caught some Dolly Varden Trout. There are a ton of bald eagles living up here in Alaska, and there were times on our excursion when we saw two or three flying around. They are beautiful and majestic creatures. We headed back to the boat and had a late dinner at the Sante Fe Dining Room then Dad went back to the room and I went to watch The Blind Side. 

Overall, a very great day! Now on to Skagway.

T.J. Martin

Juneau, AK

www.tjmartin.org

I think I can in Ketchikan

Tuesday we pulled into Ketchikan. We woke up and had a morning breakfast to give us plenty of energy before beginning our first excursion. Our first excursion . . .bike riding. Our goal . . . not to pass out. The hills weren’t very tall, but still tough for an out-of-shape father and son. It left us chugging up those hills sayin “I think I can, I think I can.” We successfully made it to the end of the one highway in the city, and got to experience a short hike through the Tongas National Forrest. With beautiful greenery, this is actually a rain forest. Prior to the excursion my dad and I were wondering if we could make it on the Clover Pass Bike Tour. Now we know we can, in Ketchikan. Then we walked to downtown Ketchikan and looked around before heading back to our ship. Wednesday we are heading out to go fishing for the elusive King Salmon. 

T.J. Martin

Ketchikan, AK

www.tjmartin.org

I'm On A Boat!!

Today was our first full day on the boat. After a successful flight and check-in to our ship we enjoyed the Horizon Buffet for both lunch and dinner. I attempted to play some Texas Holdem, unsuccessfully. We woke up this morning and got a late lunch at the buffet. There was a Masons Get-Together at the Crooners Lounge today around noon. It was an opportunity to meet some freemasons from around the world with representations from Australia and Canada. I then went with my dad to an enrichment lecture called "From Ketchikan to Barrow" which taught us about local wildlife and activities. It was a terrific lecture and was very informational.

 

Dad and I then signed up for a Ping Pong Tournament. We both got beat in the first round. There are many international individuals who apparently live and breathe table tennis and are much better than us southerners. Dad's opponent was from Spokane, Washington and mine was a young guy from Maui here celebrating his brother's graduation from high school. We grabbed an ice cream cone from and then a snack from the Trident Grill before heading back to the room and taking a nap. We woke up in time to change in to our suits for formal night.

 

Tonight was one of the two nights when we had to dress up for the evening. We kept it simple and wore suit and ties, but some people were dressed to the nines in their tux's and evening gowns.  At dinner we ate with a father and son from Michigan and enjoyed the fine dining of the Pacific Moon Restaurant. Then we attended an amazing show called "Piano Man" which was a selection of performances of Billy Joel, Liberace, Barry Manilow, and Elton John.

 

Now we are heading to bed so we can wake up in Ketchikan and go on a bike tour. That's all. Oh, and I'm on a Boat!!!

 

T.J. Martin

On a Boat

www.tjmatin.org

Da Plane, Da Plane

We have just taken off from the Atlanta airport. Dad and I are across the isle from each other. The plane we are on has three seats on each side, and we both have the benefit of having a vacant seat between us and our other seat buddy.

Dad's seat buddy is a businessman from Atlanta who works in software training of somekind. They've been discussing their family and their travels. My seat buddy is Quinton Teal who recently signed to play football with the Seattle Seahawks. He is originally from Memphis and played college ball in Carolina. He starts practice tomorrow and is on his way out to Seattle to get to work for the upcoming pro season... so cool.

The plane has this free inflight internet which is awesome! I am flying high in the air and can still get online. We were just served our refreshments and I am about to start reading until I doze off. Sleeping always makes the flight shorter, and 5 hours isn't that bad of a flight, so we should be in Seattle before we know it. Seattle here we come!

T.J. Martin
Inflight on a plane somewhere over the US
www.tjmartin.org

The time has come. Alaska is almost here!!

I love traveling. If I could do it all the time, I would. I love driving, I love riding, and I love flying. If I could travel for the rest of my life I would. However, that should be saved for retirement. But for now I get the pleasure of taking a vacation to a faraway place. It has been many years since I have done any long distance flying. In 2004 I had the amazing experience to fly overseas to Europe a couple times, and more recently I attended a Circle K International Convention in Portland, Oregon. This time we are making our way to Alaska through Seattle, taking a cruise, and attending a family wedding.

 

Years ago my grandmother took me to Hawaii. I was in fourth grade. She made me keep a journal of all my thoughts and activities. I attribute that journal to being the reason why I remember so well that amazing trip. Every bit of this trip is exciting, and I am using this blog as a journal to document my experiences and thoughts.

 

I am unsure if I will have regular access to phone or email. Or how much I want to have access to phone or email, but I will do my best to keep blogging on my adventures. If all goes well, I will be blogging from Seattle by tomorrow.

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

Back to reality, for a short while

Despite the fact that we stayed up until the wee hours of the morning playing cards, we woke up this morning, cleaned up the cabin and began our trek back home to Alabama. Overall the trip to the mountains was an amazing time. This trip was filled with many adventures and spectacular views. Nothing can beat a respite away from reality with good friends. We stopped by to visit grandma today, had lunch, and continued on our way back home.

 

Now that I am home, I wish I was still up in the mountains. With beautiful scenery all around, it made even doing work-related things great.  Even though I told people I was on vacation, I can never take a real vacation from work. With our Team Focus summer leadership camp less than a month away, there is much to do to get ready, and I find it difficult not to at least accomplish something work-related to make sure we are ready for this camp.

 

So in a way, this trip to the mountains was a warm-up vacation. Due to my own OCD I was unable to escape work, however, my dad and I are about to fly out to the west coast for a serious vacation. I will do my best to blog, however, the point of a vacation is to escape and relax. I think our trip to Alaska and Seattle will be a great opportunity for the two of us to do just that. However, in the back of my mind I know that when we get back, I've got to hit the ground running to make sure our summer camp runs smoothly. But for now it is an opportunity for Dad and me to get away and enjoy the real last American frontier – Alaska. For now it is back to reality, at least for a short while.

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL

www.tjmartin.org

 

Tons of hiking and a great last day! (Update from N.C.)

Yesterday we spent an afternoon hiking around Bearwallow Mountain. At first we decided we wanted to trek to the creek, and that trek took us on an adventure down the mountain. We got back, showered, and headed over the river and through the woods to grandma's house. We had a great time, ate some great food, and had some great company. It was fun to be able to ride around Bonclarken and see the new family house there. We had fun, had some laughs and then headed back to Gerton.

 

Today we went for a beautiful visit to Chimney Rock State Park. We hiked up to Chimney Rock and then further on up to Exclamation Point. After a brief rest at the Sky Lounge while listening to a dulcimer musician play we hiked over to Hickory Nut Falls. After hiking for many hours we drove back up Hwy 74 and pulled over to put our feet in the ice cold river. The water was absolutely cold, but was soothing to our sore feet.

 

Wes cooked pizza and I cooked some vegetable stir-fry for dinner. We filled up, played a game of Clue, and then had a final night bonfire. Now I'm uploading some photos, we might play a little poker, and then it is bedtime. We have to be up early in the morning to pack, load up, clean up, and head back to Alabama. Our restful vacation is has been great while it lasted, but alas! All good things must come to an end.

 

T.J. Martin

Gerton, NC

www.tjmartin.org

 

A Day To Recoup

Yesterday we hiked up Big Glassy Mountain in Flat Rock. It was a beautiful hike and got us out in the fresh air and enjoying nature. I have hiked Big Glassy many times; however, it is always a different experience. It was a great opportunity to hike with good friends.

 

Last night was burger night. Wes cooked some burgers on the outside grill that were delicious. We enjoyed burgers, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, and baked beans. It was a great dinner, and was followed up by a friendly game of poker. Some of us stayed up until the early hours this morning talking and sharing stories, which combined with our aching joints and sore muscles from yesterday's hike has resulted in us staying around the cabin today. We were discussing possibly going to Chimney Rock or Dupont Forest; however, sore muscles have gotten the best of us.

 

I have spent the morning on a conference call and doing some work, although I may be on a brief vacation, there is too much to do with Team Focus to go too long without getting things done. As is typical with college students, everyone else is waking up here in time for lunch. The aroma of reheated burgers and Lucky Charms fills the air as guys wake up and can't decide whether they are in the lunch or breakfast mood. Some guys have talked about hiking down to the creek and we may go over to Flat Rock early and ride around. However, today is dedicated to recouping from our hike.

 

T.J. Martin

Gerton, NC

www.tjmartin.org

Up Above the Clouds (Update from N.C.)

The time has finally arrived. We are in the Great Smokey Mountains enjoying the crisp, cool air of North Carolina. The time has come for some much needed rest and relaxation. Throughout the past 9 years of my life, I have battled my freshman fifteen (more like fifty), sophomore slump, junior jinx, and bouts of senioritis in both high school and college. Having now moved on to the working world I am facing new challenges and obstacles. North Carolina is an opportunity to refresh mind, body and soul. We get into a habit of answering phone calls, sending emails, filling out paperwork, and forget to provide opportunities for true fellowship with friends and family. Throughout my life I have been truly blessed to have North Carolina as a place where I can retreat, refocus, and spend quality time with those I care about.

 

We are here in the hills of North Carolina for a vacation. We are a group comprised of college graduates, soon-to-be college graduates, siblings, and friends. With no video games to interrupt the enjoyment of the nature that surrounds us. The cabin has been filled with games like Othello, Poker, and Chess. As I sit on the sofa and look out at the view I am serenaded by the sounds of an acoustic guitar being played on the back porch, and the chatter of friendly discussions mixed with occasional laughter.

 

Yesterday the other group arrived in the morning; we relaxed at the cabin, took a hike up the road and enjoyed the sights of the beautiful green vegetation along the way. We had dinner at Hannah Flanagan's Irish Pub and went shopping at Sam's Club for some food for our stay. Today everyone took the opportunity to sleep in, while I took the opportunity to do some work. I was able to make some phone calls and go over some paperwork prior to having an early lunch. Those who are awake are spending their midday reading, writing, and enjoying the view. We were going to attempt to go to Chimney Rock, but might wait until more sunshine tomorrow. For right now we are enjoying the peaceful serenity that comes with being in the mountains, up above the clouds.

 

That is all for now, I'm off to take a walk.

 

T.J. Martin

Gerton, NC

www.tjmartin.org

 

 

Is there a simpler life?

So I have been thinking about our current society. We focus on politics, news, money, and all kinds of material possessions. We spend our days absorbed in all kinds of technology and media. Generation after generation is being conditioned to this fast-paced, technology-drenched, material-possessed living. Is it too much to ask for us to step away from these things for awhile?

I've been reflecting on where I am currently at in my life, and I have reached a conclusion. Most everyone in this society is after financial stability. We seek jobs that have great salaries, benefits, 401Ks but for what reason? We are seeking financial stability. Not just currently, but long term. We want to be able to make enough money to support a family, have money set aside so we can retire, and some people want to have enough to make a difference and help others. Currently in our society money is one main resource needed to do these things adequetly. Therefore we spend our lives on a quest for education, training, or whatever else we need to obtain a career that provides us with enough money.

However, if you had an opportunity to live where you could provide for your family, retire securely, and help others without requiring money, would you want to? Are there any places in this would where that is possible? Is it even possible in the world of today to go back and live a content life where a paycheck, stock portfolio, and retirement account are not necessary? I believe it is, and although I'm not risky enough to attempt to do so yet, I am interested in learning about the opportunities to do so. 

Some people take vacations to retreat from this fast-paced world we live in. What if we could escape it altogether and still live a successful and content life? How many people would we be willing to trade in our fast-paced, technology-drenched, material-possessed living to have more time to focus on the things that really matter in life?

Just another thought to consider.

T.J. Martin
Opelika, AL
www.tjmartin.org

I've hit a slump

Throughout my high school and college life I have been able to easily find the joy in life. However, at this point in time in my life I am finding it hard to be enthusiastic and passionate. I don't know why but I've lost my enthusiasm. With frustrations at home and frustrations at work, I have spent the past few weeks rather frustrated. After a quite emotional Fall 2009, I was looking forward to taking a break from class and focusing on work. I have many things to be thankful for. I try to thank God everyday for the people he has put in my path, the family he has given me, and the many blessings I have to be grateful for.

 

But nonetheless, I've lost my passion for writing and reading. I've fallen down when it comes to my daily scripture reading and prayer life. I don't enjoy waking up and don't enjoy sleeping. TV doesn't interest me. Food has lost its flavor, and I'm not extremely motivated about anything. I've hit a slump and don't know why.

 

It's not that I don't know how I need to feel, or what I should be doing, it's that I'm not motivated. When I was at college I was always around people. Even when I was in my room by myself, I knew there were people not far away. Currently, I'm not around a whole lot of people. Although I'm an only child, over the past nine years I have developed into more of a people person.

 

For whatever reason, I'm not feeling like myself. Perhaps a vacation is in order. Coming soon I will have the tremendous opportunity to visit Alaska and attend a family wedding in Washington. This summer will be filled with trips related to both work and pleasure. With friends getting married and friends graduating from college there are many reasons to celebrate and be joyful. However, I think I need some personal rest and relaxation before I'm prepared to get back to being myself. The time has come for me to refocus; hopefully a real vacation will help get me back on track.

 

I have recently discovered a song by Billy Dean called "Only Here For A Little While". The song has a great message and as I try to refocus on where I'm at in my life I feel this song sums up what I've got to put into action when it says:

 

"What's the hurry, why the runnin'?
I don't like what I'm becoming, gonna change my style
Take my time and not take it all for granted "
Cause we're only here for a little while

Let me love like I'll never see tomorrow
Treat each day as though it's borrowed
Like it's precious as a child
Whoa, take my hand
Let us reach out to each other
Cause we're only here for a little while

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
Cause we're only here for a little while

 

 

T.J. Martin

Opelika, AL