Boston Marathon
April 18th, 2013
Luckily for Eric Mauricette and I, we were not in the city when the explosions occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. All of our friends and their families were also safe and sound, although some had some very close calls. Before going on with this post, I would like to ask that your thoughts go out to those who were not as fortunate as us and were severely impacted by the events of Patriot’s Day in Boston.
Eric finished the marathon before said events occurred. He completed the 26.2 miles in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 13 seconds- a personal best by over 2 minutes for him!
As a spectator, I can honestly say that the crowd where I was spectating was absolutely electric! We were staying at a hotel in Framingham, which is about 20 miles outside Boston. The T (train) was located nearby, so it was very easy to hop on the train and go from point to point along the marathon course. I spent a large portion of my time sitting at the mile 17 marker, where there was a large crowd amassed along the sides of the road. I found that spectating outside the city is much nicer because you get a prime seat to take pictures and hardly anyone is in your way. As you can see by the photos below, I got some great pictures of the elite men & women’s wheelchair division, elite women, and elite men competitors, as well as some people of interest such as the man running with his son (who was wheelchair bound), the man dressed completely in pink, and the man running the whole race completely barefoot. Unfortunately, I did not manage to find Eric in the crowd of faces 
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Arnold Arboretum
April 18th, 2013
While visiting Boston this previous weekend, Eric and I decided to travel to a fantastic recreational and educational area called Arnold Arboretum. The arboretum has over 7 miles of recreational trails and an amazing collection of different plant and tree species. Unfortunately due to the the time of year, many of the flowers were only just starting to come out. The magnolias were the only trees in full bloom. For some more information, you can view the description below, as well as visit the website below…
“The Arnold Arboretum occupies 281 acres of land in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston. It is administered as an allied institution within the central administration of Harvard University. As of April 2013, the living collections consisted of some 15,156 accessioned plants representing 3,930 botanical and horticultural taxa, with particular emphasis on the woody species of North America and eastern Asia and an especially comprehensive representation of Fagus (beech), Lonicera (honeysuckle), Magnolia, Malus (crabapple), Quercus (oak), Rhododendron, and Syringa (lilac). Collections of historical interest include the plants introduced from eastern Asia by C. S. Sargent, Ernest Henry Wilson, William Purdom, and Joseph Rock. In addition to its living collections the Arboretum holds a herbarium collection in excess of 5 million specimens and library holdings in excess of 40,000 volumes, some of which are located in Jamaica Plain and some in Cambridge at the Harvard University Herbaria. The Arboretum also maintains an extensive photographic archive in Jamaica Plain, along with archival collections relating to its own history and to the history of botany and horticulture in North America.”
http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/
Among the many types of trees in the Arboretum, we were especially impressed with the collections of maple, redwood, hemlock, willow, magnolia, cedar and many others.
As a side note, while visiting the Boston Common, we were astonished to find an innoculated American Elm that was over 4 feet in diameter.
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Jobs…
January 29th, 2013
I now have a job!
I am happy to say that I have received confirmation of a job with Prentiss & Carlisle for this coming summer with the potential to become a permanent employee.
It is an honor to be considered before actually graduating from college for a job with a company as prestigious as Prentiss & Carlisle. In fact, I’ve been asked to begin working during spring break also.
The moral of this story…INITIATIVE! I started applying for specific jobs (posted jobs) back in December. Needless to say, I received quite a few rejection letters or emails telling me to contact companies later, such as in February and March. I thought the saying, “the early bird catches the worm” might come in handy, but apparently not…until…
Eventually, I got so desperate that I didn’t care if companies were hiring or not- I started sending out emails and letters to management companies that included a cover letter, resume, and transcripts regardless of if they were posting for jobs or not. Literally one day after mailing a letter to Prentiss & Carlisle, I received a call from the chief forester, David Dow, asking for an interview. The following week, I was interviewed. Four hours after being interviewed, I received a call for a job offer. The following week, I met to discuss logistics. I mentioned to Dave that I was sending out letters to take initiative and try to get job security for after graduation. Dave specifically told me that one of the main reasons for Prentiss & Carlisle hiring me was because I took initiative- it’s something the company likes in their employees and future employees. Even though they had no job postings, I took the initiative to send in my information anyway.
My advice to any people looking for either permanent or temporary employment is to TAKE INITIATIVE. Show companies that you don’t care if they are posting or not. Show them that your main focus in sending information is to get a foot in the door, to get your information on file, in hopes that they consider you either now or in the future. It never hurts to get your name out in the world.
Good luck to all of you looking for employment and take the initiative!
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SFR Website Focus Group
January 29th, 2013
Within the next few weeks, students will be contacted and asked to participate in a focus group to discuss the current School of Forest Resources website. Pizza and refreshments will be provided to those who participate.
The focus group will hopefully consist of 8-12 students from a variety of backgrounds including both graduate and undergraduate students (both residential and non-residential) from multiple majors in the School of Forest Resources. The discussion will address issues with the website such as organization, images, recommendations for bettering the website, as well as some other topics.
The meeting will likely be held on a Wednesday from 12pm-1pm in February. If you are interested in participating, please contact Rob Lilieholm, Steve Shaler, or me and we will be happy to add you to our list of participants.
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Winter Fun
January 29th, 2013
Now that the snow has finally fallen, there have been many activities that I’ve partaken in this year. On top of school and working, I’ve also been able to get out and enjoy snowshoeing, dogsledding, hiking, and race training, and racing.
A few weeks ago, my fiancé, Eric, and I traveled to Vermont to stay in a cabin that his uncle co-owns with some of his friends on a 100 acre woodlot. The cabin lies atop a mountain in East Haven. When snow is on the ground, it is near impossible to travel up the mountain; therefore, we must park at the head of a snowmobile trail and snowshoe-hike to the secluded cabin. While traveling up the mountain, we must pack-in and pack-out everything including trash, food, clothes, etc. Because Eric and I were both carrying our hiking packs, we got our dog Loki to bring up all the food. He’s a work dog- he absolutely loves having a job, especially one that entails pulling anything. During the days, we would go snowshoeing and dogsledding on the snowmobile trails. Nights were very relaxing curling up next to the woodstove and listening to big band on the radio.
Last weekend, Eric and I ran the Great Pond Mountain 5 mile Snowshoe Run. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough snow at the summit to warrant using snowshoes, so they were prohibited. We ended up running up and down the mountain in about 4-6” of partially melted snow (it was that really warm Sunday that was about 40 degrees) in running sneakers. We were soaked by the end, but it was totally worth it. It was a very fun experience.
On top of the 5 miler, I have also been training for the Chamberlain half marathon (13.1 miles) in Brewer on March 9th . In fact, I actually ran an 8 miler on the treadmill (or dreadmill as I call it) today. My goal is to run 2:10 in the coming race. Wish me luck!
http://www.chamberlainmarch.com/
http://www.chamberlainmarch.com/
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Xi Sigma Pi Winter Semi Formal and Christmas Tree Sales
December 2nd, 2012
Hey everybody!
just letting everyone know about upcoming events…
Christmas trees are being sold just outside of Nutting Hall on weekdays from 3-6pm and on weekends from 10-4pm I believe. As of now, we are currently out of 5 foot trees, but we do have 4, 6, 7, and 8 foot trees left. 4 foot trees are balsam firs, and 6, 7, and 8 foot trees are Fraser firs (the Frasers tend to hold their needles longer). All proceeds go to scholarships for the School of Forest Resources.
Also, the Xi Sigma Pi honor society is hosting is annual Winter Semi Formal on December 15th from 6-9pm in the Nutting Hall lobby. Couples are $5, singles $3. All proceeds will go to scholarships for the School of Forest Resources. Food and drinks will be provided, and we also plan to have a live band so put on your dancing shoes and come on over to Nutting!
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Still Alive…
October 26th, 2012
Well, it’s been quite a long time since my last post. Just wanted everyone to know I’m still alive! It’s been a busy semester what with school, races, weddings, etc.
September went by in a blur. I had a 12 mile trail race one weekend which was a crazy adventure. The race was a Bradbury State Park in Pownal, ME. After finishing the race, I received my sweatshirt (which I’ve mentioned in previous blogs) that says “Bradbury Badass.” I’m totally planning to sign up again next year, it was a great series!
Later that month, I attended a bachelorette party for my future sister-in-law, Shannon. There were only four of us so it was pretty low key- hung out, ate food, watched “Snow White & the Huntsman”, then went out to a nice dinner in Bath.
October has been the busiest month I can remember. It seemed like every weekend we had something going on!
- The first week in October consisted of a bridal shower (again, for Shannon).
-The second weekend was the MDI marathon, which I had to drop out of at 16 miles, unfortunately. It was the rainy Sunday we had and I was so cold and wet I didn’t want to risk an injury or get sick .
-Last weekend was my brother Dustin’s wedding (which I was a bridesmaid in). Talk about chaos…catering your own wedding is terrible! I thought my mother would have a stroke due to stress. BUT, luckily, everything went off without a terrible hitch. The ceremony was beautiful, the food was great, the people were great, and the dancing was fun!
-This weekend, I’m hoping to get some good, quality R&R. Looking forward to not having a bunch of homework or anything I’m required to be at or look pretty for- hopefully I can enjoy my weekend and maybe even do something fun! 
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The Garden!!!
August 16th, 2012
It’s that time of year where the birds are singing, the weather is hot, the sun is shining, and, best of all, gardens are ripening for harvest!
As a poor college student, it is imperative to save money. My landlord, being the great guy that he is, offered to share his garden space with us [my fiancé, Eric, and I] last year, as well as this year. Unfortunately, last year’s crop was not too great since I got my vegetables in the ground late (mid- July). This year, however, has been fantastic so far.
My garden consists of the following vegetables: 6 cucumber plants, 2 zucchini plants, 2 buttercup squash plants, and 4 tomato plants (each a different species). It is a fun hobby, and I can honestly say that I enjoy fresh grown veggies compared to store-bought. Canning is also a fun way to preserve your vegetables.
I first began canning last year when I was given an apple butter recipe. Canning was a fun activity and I fully enjoyed using the jam throughout the winter months without having to buy it at the grocery store. Realizing how long I could make a few half-pints of jam last, I decided I should attempt to can or freeze my vegetables and make some fruit jams for the coming winter months. So far this year, I’ve canned about 20 quarts of dill pickles from my cucumbers, and made blueberry and raspberry jams (with fruit bought at farmer’s market in Orono). Once my tomatoes begin reddening, I also plan to make salsa and various versions of tomato sauce to use for pasta and pizza throughout the year. Once apples are ripe in the fall, I intend to go to an orchard and pick my own apples to make apple butter again too.
The zucchinis in the garden have taken off at an alarming rate! Once day, I will see a 6 or 7 inch zucchini- if we don’t pick it that day, by the next day, it seems like it’s mutated into a 12 or 13 incher! My landlord was shocked when he measured one of our zucchinis that we’d let go a little too long- it measured in at a whopping 16 inches long! Unfortunately, when they get that big, they are not as tender to cook in a pan or grill. Mostly, they are good for making bread. Eric has made ten 10 loaves of zucchini bread, with about 10 loaves worth of more zucchini in our freezer! We also try to pick the small ones to sautee in a pan or grill for dinners. We’re at the point where we’re almost sick of zucchinis. Haha!
Altogether, gardening for me, is a great hobby with benefits. It’s amazing seeing how a garden transforms from some small seedlings into a thriving, food producing area. Canning saves money (it also makes for great holiday gifts). In a sense, you also feel proud of yourself for being able to produce your own food and make it last. I encourage many young people to do the same thing I’ve done. Even if you only have a small space, make the most of it. You can get small raised beds for just outside your door, even plant pots and a light to grow herbs or small veggies in your apartment or house. If you’re willing to try it, I can tell you that you’ll most likely enjoy it- you might even find your thumb turning green!
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Summer Training…
August 14th, 2012
Hi Folks,
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! I know mine has passed me by and September is fast approaching. Between work and training for races, there’s been little down time in my life.
My summer began in June with the Tour Du Lac in Bucksport. The race was honestly the hardest I’ve ever done (included my first marathon- 26.2 miles- last year). Hill after brutal hill destroyed any hope I could have of running the whole race. The temperature was about 75 degrees with 70+ % humidity! The best part of the race was the finish line, which ended at the Bucksport community pool (a great way to cool off!) haha!
Two weeks after Tour Du Lac, I completed my first sprint triathalon race ever. The race took place in Hope, Maine, and included a .25 mile open water swim at Hobble Pond, a 13 mile bike ride full of exceptionally hilly terrain (including Ragged Mountain), and a hilly 3.2 mile run. Though the experience was brutal, I can honestly say that it was an experience I’ll never forget, and I’d like to work hard to do more sprint tris in the future.
A week after the sprint tri, I started my first of 3 races at Bradbury State Park (near Freeport). For those of you who are not familiar with the Bradbury Trail Series, let me explain it quickly to you. The series includes 3 races- the 6 mile Bradbury Scuffle in July, the 9 mile Bradbury Bruiser in August, and the 12 mile Breaker in September. All are very hilly, technical trail races that include hills, mountains, gullies, roots, rocks, bridges, and so much more. For those brave individuals that sign up and complete all three races in one year, a sweatshirt with the words “Bradbury Badass” is presented. I, hopefully, will be presented with my sweatshirt after completing the 12 miler in September.
The first race, the Bradbury Scuffle, took place in July. The terrain was great and exciting, however, the weather was not. The first race started at a whopping 75 degrees at 9am. By the time I finished around 10:15, it was about 83 degrees with close to 80% humidity (definitely not the best weather for running). The race took about 1:15 (one hour, fifteen minutes) for me.
After a three week reprieve from racing, I completed the Bradbury Bruiser. The Bruiser was a 9 mile trail race that weaves up and down the mountain twice (2, 4.5 mile loops). Aside from the full mountain descent at miles 4 and 8, the race was a great series of single track trails that required lots of technical movement (jumping over and navigating roots, rocks, etc.). In an interesting turn of events, I actually began running with a man who, as it turns out, is Al Kimball’s brother-in-law! What a small world! Haha! He was also running with another woman who, I found out, will be running the MDI marathon this year. We exchanged info and decided we should meet up and run the MDI marathon together since we both run about the same pace. What luck!
My next race will be the Bradbury Breaker, which is a 12 mile race on single track trails that includes mass amounts of switchbacks (running back and forth along weaving trails). I am excited to run it, and can’t wait to earn my sweatshirt
After the Breaker, I intend to complete the Black Bear Triathalon at the University of Maine in late September. The Black Bear Tri includes a 600 yard swim in the Memorial Gym pool, a 12.5 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run.
Though I haven’t decided yet, I am considering running the Portland Half Marathon in the beginning of October. I’ve done this race in previous years, and hope to use it as a training run for the MDI marathon.
The Mt. Desert Island Marathon will take place in mid October. It is a 26.2 mile race around the Island that begins in Bar Harbor and ends in Southwest harbor. The MDI marathon last year was my first marathon race. It took 4 hours and 55 minutes. I’m hoping to improve my time by 25 minutes this year (4 hours, 30 minutes).
PHEEEEW! That was a lot of races to describe! If anyone would like a running partner, please let me know. It’s always nice to go out and meet new people who like to run. I’d also be happy to send the links for any of the races I’ve mentioned if you are interested.
Hope everyone is having a terrific summer, and good luck in the coming fall term!
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Woodsmen’s Meet 3/31/2012
April 12th, 2012
Just thought everyone might like to take a look at the great pictures from the woodsmen’s meet that recently took place. Unfortunately, the video clips were too large to upload to the sight. If anyone would like to view them, please email me at brittany.ross@maine.edu and I”ll be happy to send them to you. Enjoy!
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