Reunion Time

December 22, 2014

A far cry from Alaska, tonight I'm in Central Alabama for a long-awaited evening with my wonderful (and gorgeous!) friend, Stormy, who flew in from San Diego, and our close friends and mentors Audrey and Eduardo. Wish I lived closer to these three.

Funny story: in 2008, Stormy and I were visiting Audrey and Eduardo in their kitchen. The topic of my moving to Alaska came up, and I expressed my hesitancy. Audrey responded without missing a beat:

"What do you have to lose? It will change your life. You'll probably have the adventure of a lifetime, too."

For whatever reason, Audrey's statement flipped a switch in my mind.

Later that evening, I literally saw the sign - a magnet on Audrey's fridge, which read:

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do."

Remember this inspiring advice, my friends. Remember it. Always.

O is for Oosik

December 20, 2014

A cache of oosiks for sale in Anchorage.  You know you're a real Alaskan when you have one of these on your bookshelf. — A cache of oosiks for sale in Anchorage. You know you're a real Alaskan when you have one of these on your bookshelf.

ODE TO AN OOSIK

Strange things have been done in the Midnight Sun,
and the story books are full---
But the strangest tale concerns the male,
magnificent walrus bull!

I know it's rude, quite common and crude,
Perhaps it is grossly unkind;
But with first glance at least, this bewhiskered beast,
is as ugly in front as behind.

Look once again, take a second look -- then
you'll see he's not ugly or vile --
There's a hint of a grin, in that blubbery chin --
and the eyes have a shy secret smile.

How can this be, this clandestine glee
that exudes from the walrus like music?
He knows, there inside, beneath blubber and hide
lies a splendid contrivance -- the Oosik!

"Oosik" you say -- and quite well you may,
I'll explain if you keep it between us;
In the simplest truth, though rather uncouth
"Oosik" is, in fact, his penis!

Now the size alone of this walrus bone,
would indeed arouse envious thinking --
It is also a fact, documented and backed,
There is never a softening or shrinking!

This, then, is why the smile is so sly,
the walrus is rightfully proud.
Though the climate is frigid, the walrus is rigid,
Pray, why, is not man so endowed?

Added to this, is a smile you might miss ---
Though the bull is entitled to bow --
The one to out-smile our bull by a mile
is the satisfied walrus cow!

(Anonymous)

Bama Bound

December 16, 2014

It took four flights and 26 hours to get back to Bama. It cost just shy of a thousand dollars, plus an overnight on a bench in the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. It took all this and more to finally get back to the Heart of Dixie, back to my Momma’s arms.

I’ve lived in Alaska for “only” six years, but whenever I venture back to the Lower 48, it's still sometimes overwhelming. Don't get me wrong - I love the travel and hustle and bustle of big cities. But I’m comfortable in Alaska now. Comfy with the community and low crime and no traffic. Relaxed in the simplicity and minimalism of the Last Frontier.

Yet on Sunday, I found myself navigating Chicago O’Hare International Airport – and it was an assault on the senses. Crowds rushing everywhere. The smell in the air of fried chicken and gyros and bubble tea. Florescent lights reflecting on slick tile floors. Beeps, thuds, and foreign languages around every corner.

There was the Swabian family, worried they weren't going to make their connecting flight to Frankfurt. And the couple from Minsk, beyond excited about spending their holiday in Vegas.

And then there was me, just a happy and anxious Alaskan, wide-eyed with wonder... and thrilled to be going home for the holidays.