National Bridge Day

Today is National Bridge Day. I’m not sure if this is in celebration of bridge the game, or bridge the infrastructure, so I’m going to go with the latter…mostly because they’re more fun and produce way better pictures! So… 

Bridges are “a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle.” Interestingly, as Wikipedia brings up, the first bridges were a product of nature itself, as logs would often fall over a dip or stream. However, it was in the 13^th century BC that the Greeks began building these structures in order to provide a means for their chariots to cross whatever appeared to be preventing them from travelling in the first place. Nowadays there are plenty of manmade bridges all over the world. The largest known bridge is Beijing’s Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, measuring at a whopping 540 700 feet! 

Aside from the length of a particular bridge, and the variations of such, bridges can also be found in several different types! There are:

·      Beam

(Image found at:http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.html)

·      Truss

(Image found at:http://www.sci-experiments.com/BayBridgeTutorial/BayBridgeTutorial.html)

·      Cantilever

(Image found at: http://photoeverywhere.co.uk/britain/edinburgh/cantilever_bridge.jpg)

·      Arch

(Image found at: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/10-02/13-famous-bridges-around-the-world-that-you-can-climb-or-walk-across.html)

·      Tied Arch

(Image found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pitt_Bridge)

·      Suspension

(Image found at: http://www.nevworldwonders.com/2013/09/preview-golden-gate-bridge.html)

·      Cable-stayed

(Image found at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.html)

·      And my personal favourite:

(Image found at: http://fansided.com/2013/07/17/the-big-lebowski-and-jeff-bridges-best-movies/)

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National Evaluate Your Life Day

Happy National Evaluate Your Life Day! The purpose of today is to take a step back and look at where you are in life. For some, this may be difficult, for others this may be something you can smile at. Me? I think I’m at more of the second option.

If I'm going to properly evaluate my life, I would have to be fully honest with myself. Sure, I’m not anywhere near where I thought I’d be at my current age of 28, but really, who is? And, let’s face it, at this point in my life, I figured I would be some insanely famous musician travelling the world, making it a better place. I set myself to fail this one, as I neither play any instruments (at least well enough to make a career of it), nor have I ever actively tried to be in a band/make any attempt to become a famous musician…or even a not so famous one! The only time I am even remotely close to this rockstar “life plan” is when I’m alone…in my car…

I’m not afraid to state that I have failed significantly throughout my life thus far. In fact, I’ve experienced countless heartbreaks and disappointments, some of which I could have avoided, while others I could not. I’m nearly 10 years behind where I “should” be. But, at the end of the day, I think I’ve finally reached a point where I have come to realize I have it pretty good. It took me a long time to get to where I am, physically, mentally, geographically, etc. I am proud of who I am becoming. I am smart, funny, kind, compassionate, passionate, nurturing, friendly (sometimes), adventurous, creative, and driven. I am far from perfect, and that’s perfectly okay with me. I have failed immensely in the past, and am certain I will a bunch more in the years to come. But, I learn from each one. They make me stronger and I live with no regrets. For each mistake, failure, heartbreak, or disappointment has made more of an impact on shaping who I am today than any of the things that have “gone well” throughout my life. To be honest, they make me far more appreciative of what I have.

So, in fairness of today’s Day, my honest evaluation of my life is that I still have plenty to learn and experience. I have many places left to see and people to meet. I am on the path I know I’m meant to be on; a path I am creating for myself with a few choice people by my side to support and encourage me. If my life were to be given a score out of 100, I’d rate mine at least at a 95%. I have several reasons to complain, but know that does nothing to make my life any better, nor those who surround me. I am content with where I’m at and where I’m trying to get to. And I can’t wait to see what’s coming my way.

How about you? Vote on the Daily Poll today!

National Alaska Day/National Long Distance Day

Today is both National Alaska Day AND National Long Distance Day, which is funny because Alaska is a pretty long distance from where I am!

Alaska is the 49^th state in the United States. It is the 4^th least populated state. The Alaskan economy thrives of off “the oil, natural gas, and fishing industries,” as well as tourism. Within the state there are six regions: South Central, Southeast (where the capital, Juneau is located and where I spent the majority of my time while I visited Alaska!), Interior, Southwest, North Slope, and the Aleutian Islands.

Downtown Juneau and Douglas from Mt. Roberts

Stephen's Passage, Juneau

My train in Skagway

Me panning for gold, with my delightful tour guide, Justin. Does anyone know who exactly this guy is? He happens to be the only one from my trip that I didn't stay in contact with, and he was awesome!

Fun Alaska Fact: “Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska.” Meanwhile, there are approximately 100 000 glaciers within the state!

Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau

South Sawyer Glacier

Sawyer Glacier, with a little bit of calving!

Juneau Icefield

So there you have it! Alaska is fascinating. And, actually, I must say, I truly believe it is one place that everyone should go. It was the first vacation I ever took by myself, and it was incredible! Forget the distance (it was almost 24 hours of travel each way!)! Go for the experience. Alaska offers so much beauty and culture.

Don’t forget to vote on the Daily Poll! 

National Pasta Day

It’sa National Pasta Day! Apparently October is all about this starchy dish, because we’ve already celebrated National Noodle Day! For a month that ends in a creative way, October sure isn’t all that imaginative! So, I’m going to direct you to that post instead of me just repeating what was already there! 

BUT, there is a new Daily Poll question, so you’d better vote!

World Food Day

Awwwwwwww yeahhhh! It’s World Food Day! 

Now, I’m certain this means a celebration of food from around the world, but I’mma one up this and make it about just food. In general. Food is a-mazing! Just think about it for a minute. You wake up in the morning, tummy rumblin’, and what do you do…you eat food! Upset? Bad day? You know what makes everything better? Food! When you get sick and you just need that little bit of comfort, what makes you feel better? A nice warm bowl of soup! Food plays an important roll in all of our lives, no matter what our social status or financial circumstances. 

Those of us lucky enough to have an abundance of food should be thankful for every meal we get to consume, but we generally don’t. Think about how many people around the world go without food on a daily basis…or at least an adequate amount of food. That doesn’t mean goes without their favourite food, that means sometimes they consume no food! Imagine what that would be like. So today, celebrate the food choices you eat. Enjoy every mouthful. But, be mindful also to what the impact of your consumption may be, or how fortunate you are to be able to eat what it is you are! 

Finally, vote on the Daily Poll, won’t you?!