Newsflash

I’m going to miss the snow.
True story.

It’s Just So…Alaskan

I had dinner last night with a fellow Alaskan short-timer.  We talked for a brief moment about how different this place is.  And really…there was only one word we could find to describe this place.
It’s just so…Alaskan. 
I mean…duh.
But it’s true.  This place is different.  Special.  Hard.  Cold.  And until you have been here, it’s so [...]

Idita-Almost-Forget

Waaaayyyyy back in March I volunteered at the Anchorage start of the 2009 Iditarod.  It was even more fun than I anticipated…and now I’m going to share a few pictures with you!
I didn’t take many pictures…b/c I WAS WORKING.  As part of the “trail guard” I stood at an intersection and shoveled snow, directed foot [...]

Project 52 Weeks 4 and 5

For more info see this post.
This post is something that I’ve wanted to put together for a while.  People (mostly friends from TX) frequently ask me what life is really like here. 
And this post will illustrate one small piece of my life that I’ve come to appreciate.
My drive to work.
That sounds odd, right?  Does anyone [...]

Oh Sweet Goodness

My brother-in-law casually mentioned to me last night that Mt. Redoubt is about to erupt.  Let’s just say that I don’t take everything he says super seriously.  But I decided to do a little research on this one for myself. 
And I found this.
And this.
And even this.
Oh my word.
Let’s just say that the Alaskan welcoming committee [...]

Are You KIDDING ME?

So there I was…driving to Target and talking on the phone to my friend Angie.  I was telling her that it was finally over zero degrees for the first time in two weeks.  I was joking that the 1 degree weather almost felt warm. Joking.
And then I walked into Target.  And saw the new display [...]

I’m the Worst at Remembering Birthdays

That’s a fact. 
Yesterday Alaska had a birthday.  50 great years of statehood.  There was a big celebration downtown complete with some sort of parade and fireworks.  I didn’t go.  I WANTED to go…but you see…it was -20 and I’m battling a bit of a cough.  Apparently there was also some kind of cauldron lighting.  Hate [...]

The Anatomy of a Winter

Although winter does not technically start for a few weeks, the season is alive and well here in Alaska.  In fact, when I talk to folks from the lower 48 (typically Texans), their first questions to me are almost always about the weather, the snow, or the driving conditions. 
My mom (EVERYTIME I TALK TO HER) [...]

Baby It’s Cold Outside

6 degrees to be precise.  It was 5 earlier but apparently it’s gotten a little warmer.
This morning when I left for work it was the first morning that it was cold enough for my nose to freeze when I walked outside.  Good times.
In other news…I’m cruising (to hopefully sunny Mexico) in less than three months [...]

Something Old, Something New

The trip to Texas this weekend “hit the spot”. It was just what I needed. The time spent with my family was perfect…and I had a great time during my limited hours in Dallas. For once…everything seemed to fall together. My flights all were uneventful…and I didn’t get sick! The weather in TX was beautiful [...]