Saturday, January 15, 2011

Reflecting...

I judge days in Alaska by several criteria. One is whether or not Mt McKinley is visible when I head in for the day. The other is whether or not I see a moose during the day. One of the two makes it a good day. Both on the same day makes it a great day. Yesterday, I experienced a PERFECT day in Alaska. As I sat in a dog sled riding through the woods I reflected a bit on my time in Alaska. This year is starting out differently and it looks to be moving in a much more positive direction than the last few years of my life.

The last year was a bit rough financially. I had some unexpected bumps and continued difficulty finding a renter/buyer for the house in Minnesota. To say things were tight might be an underestimation. I look from pay check to pay check and plan what I can and can't do/pay based on that. I now will be getting a bit extra each month due to an error in how I was paid over the last two years; I have not been getting pay for carrying the pager like I am contracted to. I only have been paid for the time I was called in. So in addition to a bit more on each pay periods check, I will be getting two years of back pay for time on call!

I have been talking with a new realtor/friend and she found someone that might be interested in renting the house in Rochester. There is also a pediatrician from here in Fairbanks who was accepted into the pediatric cardiology fellowship at Mayo. The Human Resources person at her clinic and I are good friends. The friend is going to put a bug in the doc's ear about a place to live in Rochester. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel and the home I love so much back in Minnesota will again be alive with activity.

Relationships over the last year have been interesting. Letting go of the relationships in the past has never been easy for me. On the other hand, I am sometimes too eager with new relationships. A few came and went over the last year. The year started with a very scary relationship and I am grateful to be out of it. I was never hit or struck but words and threats can leave deep marks. I was courageous enough this summer to do many outdoor activities alone but I have always wanted to have someone to share those adventures with. It's early but there is someone new in my life that is making those adventures more enjoyable with his company.

Yesterday I took a friend with to go mushing with another friend from church. It was -15 out, the sun was shining brightly, the mountain was visible all day, and I saw 5 moose throughout the day. I ended the evening with a group of girl friends I cherish to the core. As the new year starts I find there to be a bit more peace. As we neared the house yesterday with the sled, my friend let me take control of the dogs. Maybe it's a reflection on the year to come...I'm at the "reins" and if I need to put the breaks on I have the ability to do so but I think this might be the year to let the puppies run!


Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Rewrite...

This blog was initially created as a form of communication between myself and my friends spread miles across the country. For a while it became a venting tool. Then it became a log of new adventures in new parts of the country. Eventually, it became nearly abandoned other than my occasional HNT and my updated book list. Facebook, work, and travel all seemed to replace the outlet I had developed. I miss it. I miss writing. I miss the friends I communicate with mostly via an online media. I miss putting my thoughts to text. It's time to make a resolution and get back on track.

I do not know which track I will take. My motto for many years as been "I chose the one less traveled and that has made all the difference" along with "not all who wander are lost". With those words in mind, I'm sure it will end up a bit of this and some of that. Work is a bit off limits now that I'm a "federal" employee for the DoD. Alaska is becoming more of a lifestyle than just an adventure. I am still reading as much as I can get my hands on. There are some cobwebs to be dusted away and things that need aired out. I'll get to those too.

For now, I'm going to gradually work my way back into regular posts. I doubt I'll ever be a daily blogger but I going months without anything to share has not been enjoyable. I feel like something has been missing. Time to fill the void and find my voice again.