Hola, 2009!

As many people look toward a "fresh start" from a bumpy year, my immediate concern is for a clear nose. I seemed to have brought back "little people" germs from Nome, which has blown into (pun intended) a full-out cold. But I've made it to work all week (sorry to my co-workers)! Luckily for Andy, he's congested and sounding funny as well. Let's hope we stay awake 'till midnight tonight and don't pay the price in a health-setback tomorrow!

Our plans include staying in Anchorage at the wonderful Captain Cook hotel downtown, for a change of scenery. Today, after work at 4pm, I'll make my way to the hotel and indulge in a steam and a work-out (cold begone!) before getting ready for the night. Andy will join me once he's done with work and drives in from the Valley.

From there, our friends, Jodi & Graham, are hosting their famous Hot Pot on a many-person scale. It will be delicious and tons of fun! I'm hoping the special Hot Pot spices clear our heads. The City of Anchorage offers great fireworks at midnight, and I'm crossing my fingers that the hotel room will be aimed toward the view, to forgo standing in the cold...it's a cold snap all week: -22 degrees near home this morning! A cold during a cold--oh, the torture!!

Resolutions for 2009? Dunno--probably exploring more of Alaska with Andy: two things I love.

Happy New Year to you!

*Amy

Agency Party

I've been at my new job for less than three months but I joined the Xmas party committee to get involved and meet other employees. I basically met 2 more because only 3 of us planned the event for over one-hundred people! Before Christmas, we hosted the family-friendly shindig at Kincaid Park & Chalet, on the outskirts of Anchorage.It was a great location and Andy joined me as it was his regularly scheduled day off. Out of the entire agency, an equally small group decided to sing carols for the crowd. I miss singing and will take any opportunity I can get. The "Twelve Days of Christmas, in Alaska" was a hit ("...and a ptarmigan in a spruce tree..."), especially with the younger crowd:Apparently when you're paid to work with youth, you're asked to entertain them while the "grown-ups" play their silly games:Of course Andy got to meet my new co-workers and they-him. Here he chats it up with Charlie, who also commutes daily from the Valley:The party already feels like ages ago but I think the many calories are sticking around! It's pretty jolly (and decorated) around RurAL CAP!

*Amy

Ho Ho Ho

(kinda dark and kinda short, and very dorky...you get the point...)

From our Grand Fir to yours. 

Be back after a Christmas in Nome!

Jolly Time of Year

We're not posting much at the moment (but not for a lack of content!) given this busy time of year. Besides working, our days are filled with wrapping and shipping presents, baking cookies (Amy), avoiding moose along the roadsides, avoiding shoveling the driveway, greeting friends passing through Anchorage, walking under the full moon and cooking for Xmas parties. Needless to say we're exhausted by the end of the day (who isn't?) and Amy has (surprise, surprise) bouts of night-time crabbiness.

By the way, we'll leave our perfect real tree "On the Ridge" for another Christmas spent with G2 and fam in NOME. I guess there's No Place Like Nome for the Holidays, or I'll be Nome For Christmas. Should be Merry!

Tougher in Alaska?

Since moving from Nome I've been internally evaluating and comparing many aspects of Alaskan life. I held pretty high regard about the tough nature, lifestyle and mentality required of living in the Alaskan bush. Even when Andy would describe or tell me about something around Wasilla, I could come back with how it's bigger or harder to deal with in Nome.

Now that I've lost the distinction of living in bush Alaska I'm learning that many of my preconceptions about the 49th state's urbanites are kinda off. Today was a great case in point. For all the nasty weather Nome endures and the resiliency of residents to push through the coastal winds and blizzards, Alaskans in the Valley or Anchorage are pretty darn tough too. 

Earlier this week we enjoyed coastal-like winds with 40mph gusting against the house, and especially hitting the side of the RAV4 as I danced upon miles and miles of black glare ice. Today, though, snow fell to cover and disguise that nasty ice (but it's still there). 

My commute home this evening took 2 hrs. & 15 minutes. That's double than usual. Total commute time today was 3 hrs. 25 minutes. Thankfully, I only drove about 25 minutes of it. I've been meaning to blog about the Ride Share/vanpool I joined but I forget my camera on the days the studded-tire van is clean (a stipulation of our driver!). So I hunkered  down in the van's back bench seat, occupied with my laptop, a magazine or sleeping. The traffic was terribly slow going on the Glenn Highway and at one point we all watched a car slide sideways on the other side, until it thankfully righted itself and was given wide berth by fellow drivers.

When we "landed" at our meeting spot in the back of Wasilla's Wal Mart, another surprise awaited my day--a good snow covering on and around the RAV4. About 4 inches has fallen since last night. And I was wearing heels, sunk into the new snow as I cleared my car. Fun stuff. Tough?

Maybe it was just simple in Nome--less driving, less traffic and mukluks, not high heels. But the attitudes and toughness I see around here (especially the driving) has started to melt my previous ideas. Alaskans are just cool, go with it and adapt kind-of-people no matter where we're at. 

Some of us just need to get a little smarter and switch out the heels back in the office before venturing outside to the wilds of the city.

*Amy

Winter Wonderland?

Winter has descended on us and for the next 5 months the ground will be covered with snow.  Amy and I have yet to bust out the snowshoes but my new schedule, good weather, and fresh snow can quickly change that.  Maybe we'll test out the trail next to our house for a good early season snowshoe hike.  I wouldn't want to start out too strenuous, I learned my lesson last year after hiking to the middle of Eklutna Lake at -5 F.  Not a good decision, but it was good exercise!

Some fresh snow followed by some very cold weather covered all of our trees with 'hoarfrost'.  It is now mostly gone as the winds came and are gusting about 40 mph as I write this.  No need to go outside in that....hopefully.  Here is some of the back yard tree tops, at least for the time being.

Hopefully the winds don't blow down the little house that could.  Just in case the wind prevails, here is a quick peak at the winter homestead.

More winter pics to come, the season is just getting started!

Before & Aft #1

Andy & I worked on some home projects this fall and wrapped them up just in time for the holidays.

Project One: paint the master bath from a harsh white to a subtle Brown Bread; switch out shower curtain, shower head, basic hardware, and mirror to a vanity

To Do: replace regular ceiling vent with a light/vent

Bonus Points! Where's Waldo? Let us know if you find Andy somewhere above.

*Amy

Meet the Brown's

Les and Paula have been part of my Alaskan life since day...two, I'd say. Les was the retired, part-time engineer of KNOM when I arrived as a cheechako. He humorously speculated whether I'd make it through my volunteer year or not. Well, we've been Alaskan family members for 6 1/2 years now. In that time they moved back for awhile to their old haunt of California, where I was able to make a visit, and now they're ultimately settled in Palmer, AK. That's great because now that I live in Wasilla, we're practically neighbors! 

The Matunska-Susitna Valley (Mat-Su, or just the "Valley") is primarily made up of Wasilla & Palmer. Many people appreciate Palmer for its actual downtown based in its frontier, homesteading roots. Wasilla is fine, but spread-out with box stores and dealerships lining the highway. It's probably an average 20 minute drive between our homes.

Well, the Brown's always sniff out adventures and good times so I knew I should take their invitation to join them for a fireworks display this holiday weekend. The owner of a Palmer hair salon pumps mucho money (like $15-20K we guessed) into an annual kaboom fest that begins every year on the minute he's born (11/29 at 7:19pm)! The neat part was the Winter Weather Advisory we experienced, so gobs of movie-quality snow blanketed the Valley.

Gobs of people also gathered at the City Centre and I swear to goodness it was a wholesome American hour. Families started snow fights under the old train station's platform. Kids were dressed to the gills in snow gear. Kids also threw themselves every which way into the snow. Laughter was heard all around and dogs danced in their leashes among the semi-plowed streets. We cleared an area around the statue of the famous sled dog, Balto.

Out of nowhere an ambitious 18-month old boy decided to try walking through snow nearly as high as him. He squealed, "DAAA!" with delight as he eyed Balto and decided to get to the statue no matter what. 

Once he got there, with the help of mom, Les kept watch that he'd maintain his upright stance.

Then the fireworks began! Fireworks during an Alaskan winter are really enjoyed since we can't have a normal 4th of July display, on account of the daylight. This show was well worth it! 

People cheered and whistled throughout the 1/2 hour pyro show. Afterward, my mukluks took me through the fresh powder and families gathered to go home. Snowmen appeared out of nowhere. The warm temps., a lack of wind, and good, familiar company made it a perfect outdoor night.

*Amy

Many Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving from Wasilla. We are grateful for your long-distance support with wonderful messages, cards, letters, phone calls and especially visits. The love is felt all the way "on the Ridge."As the snow continues to accumulate our way we'll spend a nice holiday at Jodi & Graham's new Anchorage home, along with Lola, Zoe & Kenna (cats & dog!), and others. Remember to save room for pie and coffee, and browse those sale ads after dinner!

We're Steamin'

When you visit us, one of the amenities you'll enjoy is the outdoor, but enclosed hot tub. Woo boy, is that thing sweet to have! 

It's especially enjoyable when the temps. are just above-zero and its snowing, but the tub is a constant 102-degrees. That was the case Friday night when we had a good steam.

Andy is the master mixologist and chemist when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the tub. It's always ready to go and we're always ready to lend you a towel for a moment of relaxation. Tonight I shoveled quite a bit of new snow off the gazebo so I think we're going in after dinner.

*Amy

The family was in Anchorage for a brief stay before continuing the journey from Nome to Wisconsin.  Tony, Angie, Cole, and Taylor needed a place for dinner.  I recommended the family friendly Chuck E. Cheese's.  The discussion was lengthy as to the effect it would have on the kids.  Nonetheless, Amy and I joined in on the family fun and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese's.  Cole enjoyed the games and had a bit of sensory overload.  It was his first experience at the Cheese, what kid wouldn't be a bit overwhelmed.

G4 catching some butterflies with Mom.

Taylor just kind of hung out.  She's catching a ride with some stranger here.  It might be time for Tony and Ang to have a talk with Taylor about the dangers of strangers and hitchhiking.

Of course, the grown ups also plugged tokens into any game in sight.  Tony and I enjoyed the racing games.   Cole has seemingly conned the old man out of the driver's seat in this photo.  The boy couldn't shake my focus as I continued on in my race.  Keep your eyes on the road Cole.

The favorite game probably went to Skee-Ball.  Amy and I spent many a token trying to earn those magic tickets.  Skee-Ball is a classic for all ages.  I think I proved to be a superior Skee-Baller to my opponents, but they will most likely disagree.  Cole needs to grow a few inches before he can hone his Skee-Ball skills.  The bowling aspect wasn't quite working with his height and he tended to kind of chuck the ball.  Until next time.

Withdrawal Timeline

A pondering I'm facing is what to do with the Obama sign taped to the back window of the RAV4.

It's been there since August--and I'm not one for signage, bumper stickers, so that was a big leap for me--and now he's been elected. I don't want to pull my support so quickly post-election but I'm not contributing anymore tiny campaign efforts either. In fact, it's like a celebration sign at this point. (In the parking lot of a Wasilla grocery store last week some guy asked where he could get my sign. He wants one for Victory. I was glad to help out a fellow Wasilla-ite.)

But it also slightly obstructs my rearview vision. I'm used to it, but it hides some road coverage. I may wait for the Inauguration to withdrawal my show of support. Does that sound reasonable?

*Amy

Weekend

I'm in the middle of a 3 day weekend.  This may not seem like a big deal but I'm finding that 3 days off in a row is actually enough time to wind down from the grind of work.  Beginning December 1 this will be reality every week as I change schedules yet again.  AST is going to try (4) ten hour days and since I'm coming off the DUI Team I get to enjoy the schedule change.  Hopefully this works out and I can get more time with Amy, family, and friends.  We'll see.  

In other news.....it snowed in Wasilla today (~4")......anybody want to shovel the driveway?

Colorful Discovery

Andy said awhile ago, "When you move to Wasilla, think about painting the rooms or changing whatever you want in the house." So Amy thought about the possibilities and decided the harsh white in the main bath, master bedroom and spare bedroom could use some help. She chose a light tan called Brown Bread for the bathroom, and so they gutted that room one weekend and slabbed the Bread around. 

Together, they chose a sage color for the main bedroom and a darker green as an accent wall. A more subtle & softer Cottage White was chosen for the other room. Amy suggested, "Before more new bedroom furniture is delivered, let's paint soon and get it over with." Over the weekend this pair tackled the greens. For awhile Amy painted alone and thought, "This is great--a productive project, instant improvements and relaxing too. Painting is fun, especially with good tunes." But during the second coat, Andy said aloud, "Painting blows. I'm pretty frustrated." 

Amy is planning to tackle the third and final project alone next weekend. Both agree that things are looking great, though.

$2.749

That's what I paid per gallon for a tank of gas this morning. How sweet is that?! But, that price reflects a one-time fuel discount I earned from my grocery shopping "club card." That's the cheapest I've paid since I can remember. And, as pumps are probably reflecting around the country, the dollar amount continues to fall around Anchorage.

But I think about Nome. To fill up the RAV4 there would have cost me $22 more. They're fixed at $5.29 gallon for this year because an entire year's supply is purchased, barged in and used. Their fuel was purchased before the price of oil began dropping. So they can't enjoy the pocketbook break the rest of us are experiencing. It's nearly a 2:1 ratio right now. It was a bittersweet celebration at the pump in Eagle River, Alaska.

*Amy

Popular Palin?

A lot of the questions I have regarding Sarah Palin's return to Alaska have been written quite well in this article by today's Anchorage Daily News. It's the kind of story that I suspect was written in advance of the election, in case she did lose. Check out it if you're curious about her future and want to learn more about the Alaskan climate she's returning to (it's colder than Arizona!). Reading about the buzz of her vote in Wasilla and seeing her stand next to McCain during his concession speech, I couldn't help but feel proud of her. I didn't vote for that ticket but she worked her butt off regardless. Someone I know well :) who saw her yesterday said she probably weighs just a buck-five. Markedly smaller than when she was last in Alaska. What a ride for that family. For the sake of our state, I hope all goes well and justified in future proceedings. I strongly believe she wasn't fit for a VP but I want the best for all our leaders because I'm the peon under them.

Andy's final (we think!) Dignitary Duty is today. She's coming home. Maybe I'll bump into her while getting coffee around Wasilla. And for the record, I've always cheered for Todd in the Irondog Snowmachine Race...I hope he wins in '09!

*Amy

I voted today.  The wait at Snowshoe Elementary was short, and so was the ballot.  In and out in 5 minutes.  Even though Alaska doesn't have a significant impact on the Presidential outcome, there is a close race for the House and Senate seats.  Which way did I vote.  I'll leave it for you to decide. 

I'd imagine that my vote was slightly different than Amy's!

Early Election Action

Although Alaska lags time-wise in voting activities, our day started early. Andy was back on "Dignitary Duty" around one am. "According to" an Anchorage Daily News reporter, a horde of secret service agents and troopers (Andy) were at the Ted Stevens International Airport waiting for our Governor's arrival. She wore jeans and a black fleece and was whisked into the motorcade returning her to Wasilla. As her polling place opened, she cast her ballot and now Andy & Crew will bring her back to the airport where she'll head for Arizona. Andy took great care of his car, uniform, etc. last night for this responsibility.

On my commute into Anchorage I watched ongoing traffic intensely for a glimpse of the convoy but I think we missed each other on the highway by 15 minutes or less.

I had some early morning election action myself! On the curvy, light less several mile drive from the house (my driving is an entirely different blog post!), the brights on the RAV4 spooked an antler less moose (slight build) who hopped around but barely stayed in the brush lining my side of the road. Whew! Glad it wasn't any closer to the pavement!

Today is simply amazing. Call me sappy but I get tears in my eyes thinking about this historic day. Listening to NPR, I heard a woman working a Lower 48 polling place excitedly describe the high number of young, first-time voters buzzing with their opportunity! Isn't that amazing?!

In Alaska we get a double-dose of importance. Not only the presidential campaign, the fate of Palin, but our 30-year plus congressional delegation may never return to Congress because of corruption. Anyone who would share their voting behavior with me has said they will not return Ted Stevens to D.C. But the guy's support is visible. Even this morning I'm seeing more of his 2008 billboard prominently displayed. Many people have roped down the large Ted Billboard in the bed of their truck and drive around or park it around high traffic areas. The supporters are loyal. 

With my move to Wasilla, I have returned to commercial radio and TV (I had no hook up in Nome), and therefore, exposure to gazillions of political ads. If you're the guy trying to take over the longest serving U.S. Senator who's recently been convicted, you gotta play a smart and tight campaign. I think Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich has done it brilliantly. The more aggressive ads against Stevens have come from the Alaska Democratic Party, I think, rather than Begich (but he never denounced them either). I respect what Marky Mark has accomplished this season. It will not be easy to vote against Ted (because I've voted for him since moving to AK), but this guy is a good person to turn the tide. We'll also see how Representative Don Young fares (hopefully not well).

Anyway, I'm electrified for Elections and the Alaska polls have been open for a half hour. Andy and I will respectfully enjoy our political differences tonight and I'll make an online video-audio Skype call to my Party supporters gathered in Nome. Can't wait to see the excitement at the Old Discovery! Maybe today is the end of Andy's Palin escort service. Who knows? If so, he'll get to drink beer again (no longer on call)!

Remember, vote and get free coffee at Starbucks! 

May the best candidates win.

*Amy

Happy Hauntings

from the Wailing Wasilla Witches

Gathering Place

Last week, Anchorage hosted the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention, the largest gathering of Alaska Natives. It's a well-anticipated event, reunion and productive time for Alaska's First People. I covered the convention for the radio the last 4 years and it felt a bit odd not spending every waking moment in the mix of things. I also felt the release and anticipation of enjoying the social side with many friends in town. So last weekend I went "AFNing," which is apparently a verb for associated activities! I packed up and left Andy in Wasilla for the weekend. It was great to spend time again with well-known characters--thanks guys! 

I didn't stop there, though. I traveled further to gorgeous Girdwood (yes, the town where Senator Stevens' illegally renovated home is located), a true ski and snowboarding town. The reason was something I looked forward to for months...quality girl time with Nikki and Beth.

I say months because it was this summer that we ladies agreed to meet at the Alyeska Ski Resort where Nikki would attend an event. Beth since moved to Soldotna and me to Wasilla so this was a reunion after a few months apart. Funny thing is that two years ago the three of us traveled to Anchorage (and stayed at Andy's condo before I even met him!) and went skiing at Alyeska. That is a crazy story so ask me if you want to here more! It seemed appropriate that we-three would go back together, but from all different directions.

You can't beat great company, dinner at the Double Musky, awesome scenery and a plush hotel. Thanks ladies--I miss you all the time!

Alaska's a big state but as many of us will tell you, it's a small world around here (small population helps). (point proven: I just learned that one of the other new employees at work graduated from the same high school as me, but four years later! Small world.)

If you fly, drive, mush or snowmachine anywhere near South Central, I'll do all I can to meet you for a quality visit.

It was strange to be away from Andy again so we reverted to our old behaviors of phone calls and text messages. I was pretty happy driving home again Sunday afternoon.

*Amy

Fall Treat

This is something yummy my family mixes around Fall Time (especially Aunt Diane)...Equal parts peanuts (I use dry-roasted) and candy corn.

It tastes like an old fashioned Salted Nut Roll!

It also disappears around here pretty good so Andy must like it.

Other family Fall foods include getting Chinese on Halloween. It's a tradition that includes parents, grandparents, cousins, sibling and grandkids. Yum! Now I gotta find the perfect place in Anchorage  to get my Halloween dinner.

*Amy

Friends

Now that I'm nearly settled in Wasilla and all my "pieces" are getting in order, I'm also getting a bit restless for other key life items. I just need some patience and good things will come. What I struggle with during times I'm alone is a lack of quality friends...or friends at all. 

Don't get me wrong, I have dear friends down here. But they're in Anchorage. Jodi and I still marvel that after knowing each other for many years that we can now meet for lunch during the week. Other former Nomeites are relocated to South Central. That's great. And of course being with Andy is amazing and fun. But he works different hours than me and when he's unavailable, I don't have someone to grab and go to live music playing at the local book store. Going alone isn't always fun. I know I was spoiled when I lived with Nikki and we weaved our life's activities and company! 

I fully realize that friends will come in time, and I'm striving to meet people in social settings, but sometimes I flat-out feel a bit lonely. Good news is that being in Wasilla means I see people I normally wouldn't, or I can visit with Nome friends traveling through. Such was the case earlier this month:

This is Heather and we were freshmen year roommates in college (MN)! We saw each other for the first time in over six years during the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University-Alaska Alum dinner this month. Great story...I had moved to Nome in 2002 and about six months later I was given a message to call Heather at a 907-area code phone number. I called right away and said, "Heather! Where in Alaska are you??" She and her husband, Dylan, had just moved to Dillingham in the Southwest. At the time she began working at rural radio station, KDLG, as I was in my first year at KNOM. We marveled at our paths that led to the same college with the same degrees and then in Alaska doing a similar thing. It wasn't planned. Well, many years later, they're still in Dillingham teaching and I just moved from Nome. 

Did I mention that my former Nome roommate, Nikki, roomed with my first-year college roommate for six weeks one summer in Fairbanks? Yep! It was for their Masters in Education program. Nikki has seen more of Heather over the years than me! Anyway, she has a great laugh and a better spirit and I'm glad for the chance to reconnect...in person.

I have kindred spirits (an Anne of Green Gables reference) all over Alaska, but none in the neighborhood or across town...for now.

*Amy

Bulls Eye!

The wonderful, Midwest-based retail store, Target, arrived in Alaska a week ago, and YES, I've been there twice. It was glorious. I grew up going to Target for back-to-school, outfitting my first dorm room, last minute Christmas gifts, wedding registries, or just browsing aimlessly with friends while eating a soft pretzel. It's like a little home whenever I walk through a store's front, automatic doors. And that's just the feeling I got when I entered the brand-new Wasilla branch.A few years ago it was learned through Target HQ in Minneapolis (I may have some friends who work there...) that the store wanted to expand to the 49th state. Later, it was announced that Alaska would get two stores: one in Anchorage and one in the Valley. I couldn't have timed my move from Nome any better! I even kept a shopping list of items I would wait to buy from the store with the catchy Bulls Eye (new shower caddy, bathroom clock, etc.). According to Target's website, they built the sidewalks around Alaska's stores with heated concrete so the ice and snow can melt easier. Brilliant! Good for the environment?

The "soft" opening was last Wednesday and both parking lots have been packed to the gills ever since. My first shopping trip was Saturday with former Nome friend, Beth. I went BACK for the Grand Opening Sunday. The weather was less than inviting, but the "See Spot Save" aisle in front was mighty inviting for spending!

A couple of observations and criticisms, however. When looking at a shirt, Beth pointed out the price sticker on the tag. Peel the sticker off and you reveal a printed price around $3 cheaper! Alaska is getting a mark-up of around 20-25% for all purchases! Now, I realize shipping costs are factored into everything Up here, but the Target prices were a bit high and may even dissuade me from frequent visits (sigh). The Target I always knew and loved did not sell a pair of dress socks for $7.10.

Second, no special promotions or events were offered during the Grand Opening! I was bummed about that because I had to navigate serious traffic among newly-designed plastic carts. With all the money I, and others, spent, you'd think Target could have sprung for free stickers, a scary clown or anything noteworthy.

So what's a conscientious shopper to do with Fred Meyer, Super Wal*Mart and now Target all at her disposal (not to mention Carrs-Safeway and Sears)?? Well, I can shop based on corporate and social policies. But I may have go to Wal*Mart when I truly want the bottom deal, Fred's for when I have a combo list of groceries and household items, and Target for special durables and a nice selection of decorative or apparel needs.

What silly thoughts I have since moving from a town where only Subway never disappointed! 

*Amy

Family Vacation Pt. 3: The Badger State

The last stop on the trip was to WI for even more family time.  Before we ventured to Cliff & Kay's house we needed to sneak in a quick Brewer game in Milwaukee.We settled in for a bit of tailgating with a couple of longtime friends, Mike and Rick, prior to watching the Brewer's defeat the Cubs in the 161st game of the season.  Miller Park did not disappoint and the weather allowed for an open roof.  Nice.

Next stop was Gorn's Grandview for some Cliff and Kay time.  I hadn't been to WI in quite some time.  Catching up with the parents was nice and included some relaxing down time and yet more good eats.  Amy seemed to enjoy getting acquainted with the Grandview horses.

The rolling hills of Wisconsin were nice but I have to say that it was a bit strange not seeing mountains on the horizon for 3 weeks.  The warm weather and sunsets were welcomed though.

I also had a chance to catch up with all sorts of old friends at a couple of local J-Town establishments.  It was fun gentlemen.  

Thanks again to the parents for having us.  Next time you're coming to Alaska.

Family Vacation Pt.2: Up at the U-P

After leaving MN last month, Andy & I joined his mom and step-dad, Judy & Tom, to their comfortable cabin on the Chain of Lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.The goals were quality time with each other, relaxation and enjoyment of nice scenery. I think we easily accomplished the agenda. We also managed to fish quite a bit from the pontoon boat and caught everything from Judy's baby Bass (partial stripe observed):To many Blue Gills and Sun Fish:To  "Australian Bass" (Tom) and Andy's real 18 inch Bass!He caught it right off the dock. Judy can vouch for the great angling as she was there:

I'd like to mention that all fish featured in this blog were safely caught and released.

While baiting the hooks, we absorbed the start of beautiful fall colors. Andy captured some of the serenity as we traveled the Chain:

We began a critter count and tagged Bambi & her entire extended family, raccoons, loons and this guy, who flew right over us:

Ever hear of the eerie Paulding Light? I hadn't either, but Tom took us all there and now we're witnesses to this unexplained mystery! Andy and I also took advantage of walks in the woods, the paddle boat and four-wheelers. It was an awesome four days Up North. 

"How Yous All Doin'?"

We didn't think about unpacking back home and our jobs (or lack of at the time). The only concern was how many calories we were packing on and if the Brewers won their games at night. Ahh, to go back now...

*Amy

Yes, We Can!

My Nome friend, Carol, flew down to attend an Obama rally in downtown Anchorage on Saturday. I had to join her! 

I'm not intending to push my agenda here, but rather, I want to show how great it is to get involved with the (political) process whatever you stance(s).

We had so much fun and I left inspired. The local NBC-affiliate reported 1200 people gathered for Obama and 300 gathered for a McCain-Palin rally with Todd and Piper. That's a lot of people motivated to create a host of creative, witty and poignant signs, although it felt a little like preaching to the choir. 

 

Our friend, Tom, took many photos of the supporters milling about. Check them out forstimulation or amusement (they satisfy both). Besides our participation, it was nice to spend the day with Carol. We even grooved to a live performance by Alaska award-winning group, Pamyua. Our Russian-themed messages garnered smiles and some attention (the backside of my poster said, "Nome to Russia: Been There, Done That") and my Wasilla sign attracted random media. I was interviewed by press in Holland, CNN-Spain and a few others. I prefer asking the questions rather than answering, but it was fun to consider "Who's Joe-Six Pack and does he live in Wasilla?"

Again, the point is to get inspired by what you believe, respect the opinions of others, but get proactive at such an important time. The weather was chilly here this weekend (and included sleet and snow) but I felt fired up! And that's really cool. Thanks for posting the pics, Bunger!

 

By the way, Carol also clued me in to Skype. Do you have a web cam and microphone? Then download the application and we can talk for free while hearing and looking at each other with the computer (I have a MacBook). It's so cool! We test drove its use (thanks Jim) and I would love to chat with others (FOR FREE) this way. Let me know if you Skype-it and you can give me kudos or a hard-time for my rally behavior!

*Amy

Employed!

Breaking news! I have a job! It took one month from leaving Nome and going on two Lower 48 trips, but I'll be working again as of Monday afternoon.

I am the Youth Program Coordinator for RurAL CAP, based in Anchorage. It's a brand-new position for the state's largest private, non-profit organization, Rural Alaska Community Action Program. It's a different line of work for me, but one that also strives to benefit the people of Alaska's smallest communities.

I'll be working with ten AmeriCorps sites that benefit the local youth. In facilitating these programs, coordinating their training and managing their volunteer involvement, I'll get to make site visits throughout a program's calendar year. Who knows where my Alaskan travels will continue to take me?? There are other responsibilities to the job, which is based in RurAL CAP's Community Development Division. 

I believe it's a great fit considering I came to Alaska as a two-year AmeriCorps member, have rural travel & knowledge under my belt and experience with youth in my three years part-time at Nome's Youth Facility.

I found the job posting just before the Midwest vacation and actually held a phone interview while enjoying Michigan's UP. This week when I returned to Alaska, I met with the interviewers in person. That's the reason I dressed up the other day:

Andy got back into work after a long hiatus too. He only partially dressed up to drop in at his Trooper post. What a poser!So I gotta make the Valley to City commute. Without traffic it's 45 mins. one-way. Compare that to the three minutes I biked to work in Nome. Luckily, the job is downtown with easy access in and out of the city for my straight shot home. I may look into a Ride Share program too. My cousins wisely suggested audio books!

Soon I will be a contributing member to society again. I'll let you know how it goes!

Btw-when I make a paycheck again I'll become a contributor to KNOM, in addition to a friend of the mission. Consider doing the same!

*Amy

Family Vacation Pt.1: MN Wedding

One word summarizes our two-week journey from Alaska: STUFFED! 

We enjoyed endless good food with even better people. I think Andy and I will go on a rabbit diet for awhile after much beef, cheese and beer (Leinenkugels...)!

The impetus for the trip was the marriage of my only brother, Kyle to my new sister-in-law, Stephanie. Additionally, Andy met all my family and a few friends leading up to the wedding or at its reception. That happened to also be his 30th Birthday! What a gift and what a guy to have fun with it all.

Most of my time as a bridesmaid was spent reconnecting with family and friends. I wish I could have had more time to chat with everyone. We fit in fun before the wedding as well, including many Irish brews at great St. Paul Irish locales. It was a Grand time with my Grandparents at Tavern On Grand:

September 20th was an awesome day for the Flaherty's. It was also beautifully warm. Thank goodness Andy took some photos because the rest of us were too busy to think about cameras. I'll include just a few...

Doesn't he look handsome (and a bit bored?? ha!)? The blissful couple with their beagle, Bailey. Kyle and Stephanie have been together for a number of years. I'm thrilled for them!Where's Waldo? Here's me and Kyle with some of the wedding party. Colors were pink and purple. It got hot outside with that black attire!

The new and improved Flaherty's: Kyle; Stephanie; my Mom, Cathy and Dad, Joe. Some humorous highlights include a relative bringing a large map of Alaska to the reception and asking Andy & I to point out Wasilla...my Dad claiming Andy as his bodyguard (a bit of a size difference between them)...and Andy dancing crazily with me to the Beatles' "birthday song" I had dedicated to him. He may have even danced to more than that...shocking!

Again, my Congratulations to the new couple, just returned from their honeymoon in Aruba!

*Amy