Well, it is with great difficulty that I announce that my oldest son is leaving my home. After a great deal of consideration and tears, Sgt Dad and I feel that the best thing for Oldest Son is to allow him to go. He will move back to NY to finish out his Senior year of high school. He will live with Sgt Dad's Mom. I will surely miss him but think it's better that he be happy. I think he'll get more out of school if he isn't completely miserable. Time will tell if we made the right decision or not. It is probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. It will be a very different life for him than he is used to. He will have to take alot of repsonsibility for himself- laundry, cooking for himself, etc. I guess it will be like leaving for college a year early. I knew this day would come but thought I had another year or at least a few more months.
On the lighter side, the younger two boys have already called dibs on his room! I may let them change rooms around but Oldest son is always welcome home (and encouraged to come back!!!)
That's all the news and all I can handle as well!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Flat Top Mountain
Today we attempted to climb to the crest of Flat Top. I'm so mad at myself- I couldn't make it. It was a very tough climb and yet there were children 7 years old making the climb! The view from the crest I did reach was magnificent! I could see forever! We picked a nice, clear day to climb and were well rewarded for it. I would like to train up and try again. The website describing the hike was accurate I guess. It said it was moderate with some difficult areas. I would describe it as strenuous with some very difficult areas. I guess it all depends on what kind of fitness level you have attained. I would say, if you aren't a regular hiker my description is accurate. If you are a regular hiker, or someone who regularly partakes in sporting or vigorous excercise, then the website was accurate. I got some great pictures of the view!
We didn't see any wildlife. I think this trail is too well travelled. We got within a mile or less of the crest and I had to quit. My legs were so fatigued and shaky! I was concerned that if I kept pushing, I'd have to call for rescue to get back down! The hardest part was yet to come as well. The remainder of the hike was largely involving quasi rock climbing. Meaning the trail was quite steep and often you are grabbing rocks and pulling yourself up! I'd love to go back another time for a sunset (and only climb high enough for a good view!).I did snap a nice pic of the sunset from my front porch. I'm exhausted but I earned it!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Alaska's Lessons
Today, three things happened that made me appreciate the beauty of Alaska and it's people.
Firstly, upon leaving the gym this morning the sun had crested the mountains and was shining on the lifting fog from the valley. It was so bright and I was just struck by the beauty of that scene! I wish I could have captured it. I started to think about how many of us in the lower 48 rush around so much that we miss the beauty all around us.
Secondly, after work I was already on my way home and my mind was running through the day and what needed to get done after arriving at home. I was totally distracted and not paying attention to anything other than my thoughts while sitting at a red light. Just as the light turned green, something grabbed my attention. Off to my right was a HUGE cow moose just grazing away next to the road and I had totally missed it because I was not taking the time to look around myself. I was so tuned into my inner thoughts. I realized at that moment that Alaskans really have it right. They don't rush around, there's no honking, bird throwing, no worrying about being fashionable. Really, what does all the stress we pile on ourselves get us? Things get done, everything works out, do your best and let it go. It's a great philosophy. I love it!
The final thing that happened today was while Sgt Dad and I were taking our boys for new sneakers for school. We saw twin moose calves! They were just wandering around, chasing each other, and licking the stoops of some empty houses (they like the salt). Their mother was no where to be seen (and I hope she's not injured or dead). I captured video with my cell phone (darn me for not having my camera on me!) but I have not been able to figure out how to get it from the phone to my computer to share it.
At any rate, my thought today is to take a look at the beauty all around you and the next time you're feeling rushed and stressed- chill. You can only do what you can and the rest will just have to wait.
*HUGS* to all!
Firstly, upon leaving the gym this morning the sun had crested the mountains and was shining on the lifting fog from the valley. It was so bright and I was just struck by the beauty of that scene! I wish I could have captured it. I started to think about how many of us in the lower 48 rush around so much that we miss the beauty all around us.
Secondly, after work I was already on my way home and my mind was running through the day and what needed to get done after arriving at home. I was totally distracted and not paying attention to anything other than my thoughts while sitting at a red light. Just as the light turned green, something grabbed my attention. Off to my right was a HUGE cow moose just grazing away next to the road and I had totally missed it because I was not taking the time to look around myself. I was so tuned into my inner thoughts. I realized at that moment that Alaskans really have it right. They don't rush around, there's no honking, bird throwing, no worrying about being fashionable. Really, what does all the stress we pile on ourselves get us? Things get done, everything works out, do your best and let it go. It's a great philosophy. I love it!
The final thing that happened today was while Sgt Dad and I were taking our boys for new sneakers for school. We saw twin moose calves! They were just wandering around, chasing each other, and licking the stoops of some empty houses (they like the salt). Their mother was no where to be seen (and I hope she's not injured or dead). I captured video with my cell phone (darn me for not having my camera on me!) but I have not been able to figure out how to get it from the phone to my computer to share it.
At any rate, my thought today is to take a look at the beauty all around you and the next time you're feeling rushed and stressed- chill. You can only do what you can and the rest will just have to wait.
*HUGS* to all!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Commercial Madness
Every place I've ever lived has had a commercial that struck me as being either very annoying or odd or something to really stick in my mind. In Rochester the winner would have to be, "HUGE ROCHESTER, HUGE". Those of you reading my blog from there will know immediately which commercial I'm referring to because it's not only annoying but it plays CONSTANTLY. The hands down winner in Alaska has to be the Mattress Ranch commercial. It's on way too often and is just insane. Where did this guy learn to dance?? I wonder how on earth they talked him into actually airing these commercials....
Anyway, enjoy the diversion.......
Anyway, enjoy the diversion.......
Friday, August 17, 2007
Fish Beware!
Well, I am planning on attempting to fish again this weekend. I'm gonna get those fish! Sgt Dad bought waders and we aren't leaving until we have caught a fish. I'll be happy even if we don't get a keeper. I think they have to be 20" to keep. I will have to check the book again.
Alaska has quite a few regulations for fishing and restrictions on where to do it. It's kind of complicated. I'll post a picture of any fish caught.
It's just about 11 pm and it's dark! I guess that isn't a good thing since it means that the days are noticeably shorter already. It will be dark most of the day all too soon. This is going to be quite an experience. I wonder where they sell those "day" lights..........
Alaska has quite a few regulations for fishing and restrictions on where to do it. It's kind of complicated. I'll post a picture of any fish caught.
It's just about 11 pm and it's dark! I guess that isn't a good thing since it means that the days are noticeably shorter already. It will be dark most of the day all too soon. This is going to be quite an experience. I wonder where they sell those "day" lights..........
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
School Lunch
To expound a bit on my diatribe regarding the cost of living here I would like to mention what I paid for school lunch in the past:
In NY state I paid $2.25.
In SC I paid $1.75.
So you can see how since 2005 my school lunch costs have skyrocketed! They have literally doubled in 2 years! There is a very good chance my boys will be welcomed to the world of packing their own lunches.
However, I do think they'd get a healthier lunch by eating at school. The way oldest son eats I'd probably go through a loaf of bread daily. Oh well.
This morning traffic was snarled by a Moose standing at the edge of the road. Unfortunately, I had just passed the intersection when he arrived. I heard about it on the radio. Apparently he wandered out of the woods and just stood at the edge of the road.
I went grocery shopping this evening and went over budget by $100. I am in trouble with Sgt Dad. However, it is cheaper to go over and eat at home than to stick rigidly to a budget and eat out because all the food in the house is gone. I've noticed that even shopping at the commissary food it about 20% more expensive here than the lower 48.
Which reminds me- I transferred our vehicle insurance to AK and that went up to $4000 a year. *SIGH* It's all adding up- that cola allowance doesn't seem so generous anymore!
At least I don't have to worry about the gas/electric bill this year! That's probably the best benefit of government housing.
Well, it's getting late here so I'm going to bed!
In NY state I paid $2.25.
In SC I paid $1.75.
So you can see how since 2005 my school lunch costs have skyrocketed! They have literally doubled in 2 years! There is a very good chance my boys will be welcomed to the world of packing their own lunches.
However, I do think they'd get a healthier lunch by eating at school. The way oldest son eats I'd probably go through a loaf of bread daily. Oh well.
This morning traffic was snarled by a Moose standing at the edge of the road. Unfortunately, I had just passed the intersection when he arrived. I heard about it on the radio. Apparently he wandered out of the woods and just stood at the edge of the road.
I went grocery shopping this evening and went over budget by $100. I am in trouble with Sgt Dad. However, it is cheaper to go over and eat at home than to stick rigidly to a budget and eat out because all the food in the house is gone. I've noticed that even shopping at the commissary food it about 20% more expensive here than the lower 48.
Which reminds me- I transferred our vehicle insurance to AK and that went up to $4000 a year. *SIGH* It's all adding up- that cola allowance doesn't seem so generous anymore!
At least I don't have to worry about the gas/electric bill this year! That's probably the best benefit of government housing.
Well, it's getting late here so I'm going to bed!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sticker Shock!
Well, I looked up the school website today to find out the cost of school lunch. I about fell off the couch! $3.50 per kid, per day!!!! That's $10.50 a day in school lunch. I hate to make my kids the dorks who have to pack but TEN - FIFTY per day!!!! Why can't all that oil money provide FREE lunch for all?!?! I have a feeling that there will be quite a few kids who pack. That's just crazy. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I only had one or two kids but for all three.... ack!
I also stopped by the shoppette today (it's the equivalent of 7-11 on the base) to pick up a 12 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper- it was $4.69. I said, "never mind" and bought a 2 liter instead.
I never mentioned that when I signed up Oldest Son for football I had to pay a "sport fee" of $160.
So, we don't pay taxes but we still get hit! I guess gas is about the same here as NY- $2.92 last I saw. Of course that is the price w/o any state taxes- if we had state taxes it would be significantly higher I suppose.
Yes, life in Alaska is a bit of a change from the lower 48.
I guess we had been in Alaska for about 2-3 weeks when we got hit with a rock from the road and got a nice little "hole" in the windshield. I was frustrated and was going to get the glass replaced but Sgt Dad informed me that they use gravel along with the salt up here. He said those kinds of things are pretty common. That's when it occurred to me that I had noticed quite a few cracked windshields around town- and not just on old clunkers. In fact, just a few miles down the road a beautiful Lexus SUV passed us with a crack 2/3 of the was across his windshield. So, since my little rock didn't crack the glass all the way through I'll wait until it does or until I get several "pings" on the glass.
In other news, yesterday was Youngest Son's 14th birthday. Wow does time fly! I'll have to post pictures when I can use my laptop again (more on that later). He was very happy to receive an Ipod nano. He had a pancake breakfast, peanut butter and honey lunch, and spaghetti dinner- all his faves! Then cake and cookies and cream ice cream for dessert. All-in-all a nice day. We missed having all the extended family around; it was so nice having everyone come over for the past year. Youngest Son was so funny when he opened his gift. He picked it up and told Middle Son, "See this? Don't touch it- ever!" Middle Son is notorious for losing, dropping, breaking things! Sgt Dad and I had the best laugh in weeks!
Back to why I'm not on my own laptop and posting pics. For the past few days I had noticed this high-pitched chirping noise. I figured it was some new sound of the house. Unfortunately, it was coming from the power brick on the power cord of my laptop. Apparently, it has gone back a
nd does not provide a charge to my laptop. So, until I can replace it (tomorrow is payday- yeah!) I'll have to use Sgt Dad's laptop. If it's not one thing, it's another,eh?
Current time is 9:52pm and I am seeing the prettiest purple-blue sunset. It's still light enough that elementary age children are playing outside (I can hear them through my windows).
I'm off to bed, I have to get used to working full time and retrain my family into helping.
I also stopped by the shoppette today (it's the equivalent of 7-11 on the base) to pick up a 12 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper- it was $4.69. I said, "never mind" and bought a 2 liter instead.
I never mentioned that when I signed up Oldest Son for football I had to pay a "sport fee" of $160.
So, we don't pay taxes but we still get hit! I guess gas is about the same here as NY- $2.92 last I saw. Of course that is the price w/o any state taxes- if we had state taxes it would be significantly higher I suppose.
Yes, life in Alaska is a bit of a change from the lower 48.
I guess we had been in Alaska for about 2-3 weeks when we got hit with a rock from the road and got a nice little "hole" in the windshield. I was frustrated and was going to get the glass replaced but Sgt Dad informed me that they use gravel along with the salt up here. He said those kinds of things are pretty common. That's when it occurred to me that I had noticed quite a few cracked windshields around town- and not just on old clunkers. In fact, just a few miles down the road a beautiful Lexus SUV passed us with a crack 2/3 of the was across his windshield. So, since my little rock didn't crack the glass all the way through I'll wait until it does or until I get several "pings" on the glass.
In other news, yesterday was Youngest Son's 14th birthday. Wow does time fly! I'll have to post pictures when I can use my laptop again (more on that later). He was very happy to receive an Ipod nano. He had a pancake breakfast, peanut butter and honey lunch, and spaghetti dinner- all his faves! Then cake and cookies and cream ice cream for dessert. All-in-all a nice day. We missed having all the extended family around; it was so nice having everyone come over for the past year. Youngest Son was so funny when he opened his gift. He picked it up and told Middle Son, "See this? Don't touch it- ever!" Middle Son is notorious for losing, dropping, breaking things! Sgt Dad and I had the best laugh in weeks!
Back to why I'm not on my own laptop and posting pics. For the past few days I had noticed this high-pitched chirping noise. I figured it was some new sound of the house. Unfortunately, it was coming from the power brick on the power cord of my laptop. Apparently, it has gone back a
nd does not provide a charge to my laptop. So, until I can replace it (tomorrow is payday- yeah!) I'll have to use Sgt Dad's laptop. If it's not one thing, it's another,eh?Current time is 9:52pm and I am seeing the prettiest purple-blue sunset. It's still light enough that elementary age children are playing outside (I can hear them through my windows).
I'm off to bed, I have to get used to working full time and retrain my family into helping.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Check it out- boxes and all
Ok here are the pictures I've been promising. Don't mind the mess. Some of it is moving mess and some of it from the boys being home all day with us parents working. This is my living room, dining room, kitchen and garage. If you look carefully at the garage picture, you'll see my van parked outside through the windows. After I work up the energy I'll get back to work getting this place in order. When I get it all done, I'll post pictures of it all set up and sparkling clean!
FOOTBALL
Hey- check out the Eagle River Football Team's Website and see my "baby", number 86! http://www.erwolvesfootball.com/
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Moving Day III
It's the end of my third day off for moving. I am probably about 1/2 way done. I'm not sure why this is taking me so long. It seems like last year I got through much quicker...... hmmmm..... what could be the differing factor from a year ago? I guess I can't blame it all on Sgt Dad. I have had alot of other mitigating factors this year.
I spent the majority of today going with the boys through their school to get lockers, pictures, schedules, etc. I found out they have to get a shot- Hepatitis A. They had all had B but not A; my guess is that it is more common here.
After going through the school I took Oldest Son to the ER because of his hamstring pull. This morning he noticed significant bruising and showed it to me. It was then I realized that he had a groin pull and that it needed to be examined. The ER doc said he actually tore ligaments at the pelvic bone and he is not to play football until August 19th. He is to stay off of it and use crutches. At least it's not the end of his football season but it will have a major impact I'm sure.
My poor Blackie is having such a hard time with the kitchen. We are trying so hard to get him used to the linoleum floors. Today I have tempted him across the kitchen with leftover pork chops. He has a very hard time with the stairs out the back too. We'll try giving him analgesics to alleviate some of his discomfort but I'm starting to believe that his time is growing very short. It's not very often that I cry but last night it really hit me that Blackie won't be around forever.
Still no pictures. I know I've been teasing for days now but my camera is in the car (I keep it there at all times since I never know when I'll spot wildlife around here and don't want to miss an opportunity) and I'm too tired to go retrieve it.
We finally came up with a furniture configuration for our bedroom. It's ok but I'm not thrilled with it. At least I can finally unpack my suitcase. I'll probably get through the rest of my boxes this weekend- if not it will have to wait for next week.
Back to work tomorrow! I think it will actually be a nice break from moving. I'm hoping they have my employee number so I can be official. All the faculty will be returning next week so I expect to become very busy! Yeah! I love to work hard! For real- it makes the day just fly by!
That's all the news from the Land Up North!
I spent the majority of today going with the boys through their school to get lockers, pictures, schedules, etc. I found out they have to get a shot- Hepatitis A. They had all had B but not A; my guess is that it is more common here.
After going through the school I took Oldest Son to the ER because of his hamstring pull. This morning he noticed significant bruising and showed it to me. It was then I realized that he had a groin pull and that it needed to be examined. The ER doc said he actually tore ligaments at the pelvic bone and he is not to play football until August 19th. He is to stay off of it and use crutches. At least it's not the end of his football season but it will have a major impact I'm sure.
My poor Blackie is having such a hard time with the kitchen. We are trying so hard to get him used to the linoleum floors. Today I have tempted him across the kitchen with leftover pork chops. He has a very hard time with the stairs out the back too. We'll try giving him analgesics to alleviate some of his discomfort but I'm starting to believe that his time is growing very short. It's not very often that I cry but last night it really hit me that Blackie won't be around forever.
Still no pictures. I know I've been teasing for days now but my camera is in the car (I keep it there at all times since I never know when I'll spot wildlife around here and don't want to miss an opportunity) and I'm too tired to go retrieve it.
We finally came up with a furniture configuration for our bedroom. It's ok but I'm not thrilled with it. At least I can finally unpack my suitcase. I'll probably get through the rest of my boxes this weekend- if not it will have to wait for next week.
Back to work tomorrow! I think it will actually be a nice break from moving. I'm hoping they have my employee number so I can be official. All the faculty will be returning next week so I expect to become very busy! Yeah! I love to work hard! For real- it makes the day just fly by!
That's all the news from the Land Up North!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
What is that??
The movers arrived yesterday about 8:30 and had all 11,000 pounds of my STUFF unloaded by 3pm. There were only two of them so I was amazed! There was a small, young man who was able to carry my big TV all by himself! That thing has to weigh around 200 lbs! The two of them carried my piano off the truck, up the garage stairs, over the landing and into my living room. They at least struggled with that. I was beginning to think they were superhuman or something! My TV stand did not survive the trip unfortunately. We went out to replace it last night so we didn't have to worry about our TV falling over. We had some hardware missing from furniture too. Other than that, so far anyway, everything seemed to arrive ok. We had a total of 245 boxes and furniture pieces. I managed to get through 8 boxes of kitchen items yesterday. Yikes! That is not a good rate! Of course I wasn't able to get started until 3pm. Clothes boxes will go alot faster anyway.
Blackie does not like to walk through our kitchen which is a problem because he has to in order to go outside for the bathroom. We are trying to coax him with food but he's too smart for us and high-tails it to his kennel whenever we attempt to get him in there. I'm not sure what we're going to do about this. Then he gets scared and nervous if we try to pick him up or pull him which leads to dribbles on the carpet. Poor old man. I feel sorry for him.
I didn't post last night because the internet wasn't up when I was ready to sit and relax. The cable company is coming today to fix us up right! I can't wait.
I'll try to post this evening with pictures.
See ya later!
Blackie does not like to walk through our kitchen which is a problem because he has to in order to go outside for the bathroom. We are trying to coax him with food but he's too smart for us and high-tails it to his kennel whenever we attempt to get him in there. I'm not sure what we're going to do about this. Then he gets scared and nervous if we try to pick him up or pull him which leads to dribbles on the carpet. Poor old man. I feel sorry for him.
I didn't post last night because the internet wasn't up when I was ready to sit and relax. The cable company is coming today to fix us up right! I can't wait.
I'll try to post this evening with pictures.
See ya later!
Monday, August 6, 2007
It's Going to Be a Long Week!
Today Sgt Dad and I both had to work and the boys were on their own for the day. Sgt Dad works across the street- literally! He was able to come home for lunch. Ha ha! I didn't have to make it- I can imagine what went on here with all of them fending for themselves. I work about 20 minutes away so it's not feasible for me to come home. Once I get it together, I'll begin packing my lunch and following Atkins again. My plan is to go work out in the morning before work. Sgt Dad should be around to make sure that all the boys actually go to school and don't kill each other in the process of getting ready each day.
Tomorrow our main shipment arrives and the real work for us begins! I am looking forward to my bed but not to unpacking and finding places for all my STUFF! I have the next three days off to get organized and whatever isn't done I'll have to do in the evenings and weekends.
We had cable tv and internet hooked up Saturday evening. The tv is working great but the internet is not. We can connect for about an hour and then it goes down for random amounts of time. According to tech support we are not getting enough strong signal- so we have to wait until Wednesday for a trouble call to find out how to boost our signal. The phone service won't be active for another week. I have to admit that sporadic service, though very frustrating, is better than none at all.
Work is good so far. It seems like alot of general office work. Ordering supplies, filling out purchase orders, labels, updating student records, and on and on. The tempo is pretty laid back. I've even seen dogs (not service dogs) in the building! Maybe over time I'll get comfortable enough to bring in my little Lexi. She'd love sitting on my lap all day. Although, I do alot of running around and my lap wouldn't be constantly available.......
You can check out my department's website:
http://coe.uaa.alaska.edu
That's about it. I'll post at least a blurb tomorrow and maybe a picture of my house full of boxes.
Tomorrow our main shipment arrives and the real work for us begins! I am looking forward to my bed but not to unpacking and finding places for all my STUFF! I have the next three days off to get organized and whatever isn't done I'll have to do in the evenings and weekends.
We had cable tv and internet hooked up Saturday evening. The tv is working great but the internet is not. We can connect for about an hour and then it goes down for random amounts of time. According to tech support we are not getting enough strong signal- so we have to wait until Wednesday for a trouble call to find out how to boost our signal. The phone service won't be active for another week. I have to admit that sporadic service, though very frustrating, is better than none at all.
Work is good so far. It seems like alot of general office work. Ordering supplies, filling out purchase orders, labels, updating student records, and on and on. The tempo is pretty laid back. I've even seen dogs (not service dogs) in the building! Maybe over time I'll get comfortable enough to bring in my little Lexi. She'd love sitting on my lap all day. Although, I do alot of running around and my lap wouldn't be constantly available.......
You can check out my department's website:
http://coe.uaa.alaska.edu
That's about it. I'll post at least a blurb tomorrow and maybe a picture of my house full of boxes.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Dining in Alaska
Today I am posting a review of restaurants in Alaska. Recently four of our family dined at Golden Corral. It was $60 for the four of us! The food was what we expected and our waitress stopped by frequently enough. The place was packed! I think that this restaurant was in the main tourist area. I doubt we'll go again as I think it was too pricey for "ok" food. Maybe if it's just Sgt Dad and myself. A few days ago just Sgt and I ate at a place called Sorrento's on Fireweed. I did not order a beverage and we spent about $40 for the two of us. Not bad for a good restaurant. We both ordered a spicy penne dish and it was excellent. It came with salad and garlic bread. We will definitely return there. The kids ate Burger King that night- lol. They didn't want to go out furniture shopping. Another night when it was just Sgt and me we tried City Diner on Minnesota. It was GOOD! We spent $35 for the two of us. Sgt Dad ordered a cheeseburger (he never orders cheeseburgers- that is such a lie- he rarely orders anything else). It was HUGE! He even commented that he couldn't believe they also have double cheeseburgers. I ordered the fish (Halibut) and chips. We shared an order of onion rings and had soda. My fish fry was light and not greasy- yummy! I liked that when our sodas were served they were brought to us in a cute little pitcher- no waiting for a refill! We will definitely go back there. It's cheap enough we can take the kids without taking out a loan!
There you go- my first restaurant review. If you ever come to Alaska I have now recommended two local restaurants and dissed a national chain! It's hard when you go to a new place to find the good places to eat. It's always a crap shoot when trying a local restaurant. We tried Sorrento's because we were starving, Italian sounded good, and the parking lot was pretty full. We tried City Diner because it smelled SO good! So far- local restaurants 2, national chains 0.
I'll post as we try more places....
There you go- my first restaurant review. If you ever come to Alaska I have now recommended two local restaurants and dissed a national chain! It's hard when you go to a new place to find the good places to eat. It's always a crap shoot when trying a local restaurant. We tried Sorrento's because we were starving, Italian sounded good, and the parking lot was pretty full. We tried City Diner because it smelled SO good! So far- local restaurants 2, national chains 0.
I'll post as we try more places....
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Home
Well, since I last posted we FINALLY signed for and took possession of our home! We FINALLY checked out of lodging for the last time! And we got the first of our two shipments! Our main shipment, the items from our home in NY, will arrive on Tuesday. Finally we'll be Alaskans- and no, we are not given $1000 upon entering the state as the Simpson's movie implies- too bad, we would certainly enjoy spending that!
I have also started my new job as admin assistant to the Department of Teaching and Learning at UAA! So far I think I'll really enjoy the job. It will be great being among so many smartie-pants! (to use a "big" word, lol) From what I've read, the benefits are pretty good also and I think I'll finally be able to earn a PAID vacation! Whoo hoo! I don't think I've ever had one....
Today Oldest Son had his first scrimmange and unfortunately could not play. He pulled his left hamstring at practice last night. It was cold and rainy all day today with a high of 59. My poor boy had to stand with his injured muscle in the cold rain from 10-3. He was soaked and stiff and hungry, of course!
Meanwhile, we thought we'd go pick up the sofa and love seat we had picked out and return to watch most of the scrimmages. Well, we had an adventure instead. First of all, our debit cards expired at the end of July so we can't use them at all any more. So, we found a member credit union and went in there to withdraw the cash from our account to pay for the furniture we wanted. Well, our credit union only allows $500 per day to withdraw. So, we asked if we could cash a check and we have the same limit for check cashing- apparently. GRRR! So we thought maybe the furniture store would accept an out-of-state check from us since we are military (many businesses will waive that rule for military). They would not So we decided to see if the local bank with which we have opened an account would cash a check for us- and they did. Yeah! All of this took from 10 am to 12-ish. We went back to the furniture store and after getting there couldn't decide on which of the two sets we wanted. So, we walked around the store and ended up buying a totally different set. We are now the proud owners of a reclining sofa & love seat with a matching recliner- in dark burgundy leather. Ooh la la- fancy schmancy! Now all five of us can choose a reclining seat! So, we had brought our trailer along to carry the furniture back with us, only there wasn't enough room and we had to take the sofa and recliner home and go all the way back across town- again to pick up the love seat. In case you've lost track, that's three trips back and forth across town. Finally, we got all the furniture (we had grabbed Wendy's drive through on the first trip back with furniture) and it was 3pm and we had missed all of Oldest Son's scrimmages. So, Sgt. Dad dropped me off at the field (Oldest Son had driven just in case) to ride home with Oldest Son and he went on home with the younger two. We were in a hurry to get home since the telecommunications company was due at 4pm to install our internet and cable. Can you believe we got an appointment time and not a time frame?????? He was only and hour late too!
So, after a long day we not have internet access, TV and some place nice to sit. Still no home phone but we have our cell phones, so it's no big deal! Sgt Dad and I are sleeping in our favorite recliners- more comfy than the air mattress!
Sgt Dad is set to quit smoking- for good- on Monday. Tomorrow is my last day with a smoker! We are all excited and ready to be supportive! Whoohoo! Good for Sgt Dad!
I almost forgot- we saw our first Bull Moose today. He was young and his horns were just forming- they looked like little hands off the top of his head. He just took his time crossing the street while Sgt Dad sat gawking and I was frantically trying to grab my camera from the back seat. I didn't make it in time to snap a shot unfortunately. At least I finally spotted one though.
Till next time!
I have also started my new job as admin assistant to the Department of Teaching and Learning at UAA! So far I think I'll really enjoy the job. It will be great being among so many smartie-pants! (to use a "big" word, lol) From what I've read, the benefits are pretty good also and I think I'll finally be able to earn a PAID vacation! Whoo hoo! I don't think I've ever had one....
Today Oldest Son had his first scrimmange and unfortunately could not play. He pulled his left hamstring at practice last night. It was cold and rainy all day today with a high of 59. My poor boy had to stand with his injured muscle in the cold rain from 10-3. He was soaked and stiff and hungry, of course!
Meanwhile, we thought we'd go pick up the sofa and love seat we had picked out and return to watch most of the scrimmages. Well, we had an adventure instead. First of all, our debit cards expired at the end of July so we can't use them at all any more. So, we found a member credit union and went in there to withdraw the cash from our account to pay for the furniture we wanted. Well, our credit union only allows $500 per day to withdraw. So, we asked if we could cash a check and we have the same limit for check cashing- apparently. GRRR! So we thought maybe the furniture store would accept an out-of-state check from us since we are military (many businesses will waive that rule for military). They would not So we decided to see if the local bank with which we have opened an account would cash a check for us- and they did. Yeah! All of this took from 10 am to 12-ish. We went back to the furniture store and after getting there couldn't decide on which of the two sets we wanted. So, we walked around the store and ended up buying a totally different set. We are now the proud owners of a reclining sofa & love seat with a matching recliner- in dark burgundy leather. Ooh la la- fancy schmancy! Now all five of us can choose a reclining seat! So, we had brought our trailer along to carry the furniture back with us, only there wasn't enough room and we had to take the sofa and recliner home and go all the way back across town- again to pick up the love seat. In case you've lost track, that's three trips back and forth across town. Finally, we got all the furniture (we had grabbed Wendy's drive through on the first trip back with furniture) and it was 3pm and we had missed all of Oldest Son's scrimmages. So, Sgt. Dad dropped me off at the field (Oldest Son had driven just in case) to ride home with Oldest Son and he went on home with the younger two. We were in a hurry to get home since the telecommunications company was due at 4pm to install our internet and cable. Can you believe we got an appointment time and not a time frame?????? He was only and hour late too!
So, after a long day we not have internet access, TV and some place nice to sit. Still no home phone but we have our cell phones, so it's no big deal! Sgt Dad and I are sleeping in our favorite recliners- more comfy than the air mattress!
Sgt Dad is set to quit smoking- for good- on Monday. Tomorrow is my last day with a smoker! We are all excited and ready to be supportive! Whoohoo! Good for Sgt Dad!
I almost forgot- we saw our first Bull Moose today. He was young and his horns were just forming- they looked like little hands off the top of his head. He just took his time crossing the street while Sgt Dad sat gawking and I was frantically trying to grab my camera from the back seat. I didn't make it in time to snap a shot unfortunately. At least I finally spotted one though.
Till next time!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Gutter Ball, Spare, Gutter Ball, Strike!
My title describes the day using bowling analogies. We started off today by going to the housing office. We got the keys to see the house and Ken was not happy. He doesn't like the dining room. It's a very small square at the very front of the house. It's not very practical. Then he was very unhappy with the master bedroom layout. It's a long "L" shape and, again, not very practical. He couldn't figure out furniture placement for that all important bedroom TV. So, he was considering declining those and waiting for something else. However, all the four bedrooms are the same, so there is no point. (gutter ball) In addition, we would lose our TLA benefits (that means the Army would no longer pay for our hotel and daily meals). Therefore, we accepted those quarters. (Spare) So, we are set to actually sign for the quarters but they aren't ready paperwork-wise to be transferred to us. (gutter ball) We were told to come back later in the day to see if they are ready. In the mean time, we have had to check out of the hotel and now have no place to stay for the night, all the kids and dogs and STUFF are in the van. (double gutter ball) So, we go have lunch. Sgt Dad goes back to work. I go to get Youngest Son's military ID renewed- I need power of attorney and it's not on me. (gutter ball) It IS in the van and I find it. (Spare) So I got that renewed, stopped by the housing office (it's in the same building) and am told the paper work should be done by 3 and to come back then. (SPARE) I stopped by the lodging/hotel office (same building) and they DO have a room for us for tonight. (STRIKE) It's not clean yet (gutter ball), so we went bowling.(Spare) At three we went to housing, the paperwork was ready but we can't officially sign for and take possession until tomorrow. (gutter ball then spare)Finally it was time for Oldest Son's football practice so we checked into lodging and he went off to practice. Now I'm decompressing and can't wait to get moved in. The movers are coming on Tuesday, so we'll be camping out in the house for a few days. I'm just glad to have some space to spread out! I'm not sure how quickly we'll be able to get internet and phones so my posting may become sporadic. I guess you'll have to wait and see.
Oh and the biggest STRIKE- I got the job at UAA. I'm so happy! I can't wait to get started! It's such a relief to have that settled. No more interviews!!!!!
-Till next time.
Oh and the biggest STRIKE- I got the job at UAA. I'm so happy! I can't wait to get started! It's such a relief to have that settled. No more interviews!!!!!
-Till next time.
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