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.
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