6 February 2017 Stoked

Stoked. Its a great word. The most familiar use of the word is of course in reference to stirring up or feeding a fire or a furnace. Then there is the Spicoli Stoked. The reference to the character Jeff Spicoli's (Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982) "almost zen-like enthusiastic or exhilarated state". The Urban Dictionary points out: "Scholars maintain there is no level of stoked greater or bearing more gravitas than Spicoli Stoked."

I am somewhere in between. Stoked because I have arrived and am starting an interesting new chapter in the life as a teacher. Stoked because some new ideas are stirring in my 54 year old brain. Stoked because I am surrounded by my people-other nerdy science educator types who are really into being nerdy science educator types. Stoked because the possibilities are not only there but seem endless.

Sunrise over Fairbanks Alaska at 2017 PolarTREC Orientation from 5th floor of the IARC building University of Alaska Fairbanks

Gotta admit I have a sense of mild trepidation about being stoked. There are the unknowns. Will the boat leave on time or will the trip get pushed back? Will the Orange One and his minions in the White House do the unthinkable? Will my family handle it all? Did I bite off more than I could chew?

The great thing about being stoked is it becomes abundantly clear that there is risk to be had. Risk and reward go hand in hand. Its well known, its well understood. Cant have one without the other. So the stoke elevates the senses. Blind risk becomes managed risk. The journey starts with a single step and continues by putting one foot in front of the other. I'm stoked.