*windex freezing and turning into ice on your house windows before you even have a chance to wipe them down.
*your thermostat being set on close to 90 degrees and it only getting up to 70.
*not being able to touch a door without gloves b/c it can actually burn your skin. Not even kidding.
*exhaust and smog having nowhere to go b/c the air is too cold and thick so you literally drive in a constant almost white fog.
*and last but not least, wondering how on earth birds can survive here right now. believe it or not, there are STILL birds here and probably don't plan on leaving this late in the game but it makes me wonder how they do it...
Alaska is definitly a ONCE in a lifetime experience. Emphasizing on the ONCE :)
We're surviving but please take advantage of those cold, bitter days in the midwest for me b/c they're probably alot warmer than here! I NEED A WARM VACATION, lol! Going to see Gina in Florida might have to be on the "to do" list soon...
I always thought it would be neat to visit Alaska...but -62?!?!? Hmmm....
Sorry you're so cold! :( Yeah, I definitely appreciating the cold here! 2 reasons...I rather it be cold than than to have snow or ice on the ground and glad it's not as cold as Alaska.
Try to keep warm!! :)
What a cute picture!! I know Charlene from visiting in normal. They come to our gospel meetings a lot and we go to thiers. It's also a convenient place for us to worship when we're travelling to my parents house.
Sorry I've been so MIA for SO long but I'm back and full of updates!
So we've been on Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska for 7 months now and this place is definitly one of a kind to say the least. When we first got here, the summer was beautiful and very bright. Very bright all day to be exact :) but the start of the winter has unfortunitly already been a drag. :( Going from almost 24 hours of brightness to only three and -20 temps has been a bit stressful. And kinda cold. Ok I lied; REALLY cold. For instance, the other day we had a "warm front"..it was 16 out and I went with just a sweatshirt on. Lol, so rediculous the way your body can adjust so fast to a new climate. Hmm, lets see what else..We had our first snow at the end of September (which Hayleigh absolutely LOVED!!) and in the mean time have accumulated at least a few feet and probably 12 inches of solid ice on the streets. To be honest, I almost sort of forgot how to drive on the snow and ice after living in Mississippi for so long but I think I've got the hang of it again :) Although trying to make turns or accelerate at a stop sign in a mini-van is never easy. Or fun. A 4-wheel drive trade in might be a must for next winter..
Ok so enough with being a Debbie Downer about living here in the arctic and on to more exciting and happy news! Lol..
Hayleigh is growing so fast! She just had her third birthday November 2nd and it was so much fun! It was of course, none other than Disney Princess themed and couldn't have went more perfect! Oh, she also started Pre-school this month! Such a milestone! We're easing into though (yes, I said WE'RE because it's not easy sending your baby to school :)), so she only goes two days a week. From 8:30-11:30. It's really been great for the both of us though and she looks forward to going everytime! Jimmy loves the fire station he's working at now, which is always a plus and makes a move to a new place that much easier. He really enjoyed fishing this past summer but always kept an eye over his shoulder for the 1000's of moose that just walk around like nobody's business. No really, they're everywhere. And they're huge. I've met some really great people since moving here and am SO thankful for them. When your away from home, your friends really do become your family..One of my friends has a little girl who's 4 and has hit it off so well with Hayleigh! They'll also be stationed here for the next four years so it's comforting to know that not everyone you meet (and become close to) will dissapear overnight! I suppose when that does happen though, it's just part of being in the military..The girls are actually in class together at school which I'm sure they think is just so cool :)
Now for the bad news..
Jimmy's deploying sometime in January for 4-6 months..I think it's ironic that after four years of serving, they finally decide to send him on a deployment while we're in ALASKA. The coldest part of the year even. Ugh. I suppose the plus side to this (if any at all) is that the Air Force doesn't send they're troops out longer than 6 months at a time so we won't have to deal with anything crazy like 12-18 months. Hopefully me and Hay won't have to stick around here the entire time and can try to come back for a visit but it's awfully expensive to fly anywhere from Fairbanks so I guess we'll just have to see..
I'm sorry this post is SOO long but I suppose I had a lot of catching up to do. You know, as cold and far away as this place is, we really are trying to make the best of it just as you would anywhere. I guess it's just such a culture and weather shock that it's hard not to talk about all of the crazy and different things that go on here. Despite it all though, the three of us are doing well and are very healthy and of course can't wait for SUMMER! :)
Oh and if anyone knows my chihuahua and is wondering how he's dealing with the negitive temps..not very but he's surviving :) Poor dog can hardley scratch at the door when he's done so I have to watch for him to make sure he doesn't get left outside too long! Ah, the joys of Alaska.
P.S.
Here's a bit of a funny fact for anyone who's interested..it's so cold here now that when you walk outside with ANY kind of moisture inside your nose, your nose hairs freeze and poke at you until your back inside somewhere heated. No joke. Lol..
I'll be sure to post pictures soon! Happy Thanksgiving!
Dan & I were just talking about a trip to Alaska...definitely won't plan to be there in the winter. It's good that you guys are adjusting & making the best of it. If you're happy together you can be happy anywhere. Stinks that Jimmy will be deployed. A bunch of my friends are in, or have been in, the same situation...& they're doing fine (just staying really busy). Hope you have a good Thanksgiving. :-)
My aunt & uncle have lived up there for the last twenty years or so and I still don't know how they do it. The cold and the darkness would definitely get to me. Glad to hear you are being as positive as possible about it :) The moose ARE crazy! lol When my family went two years ago I got to hear ALL about them lol
I am like you still adjusting to being somewhere unfamiliar although not quite as extreme! It gets easier week by week. Jeremy will be done with school in 2010 and then it will be off to somewhere else new. I would much prefer the city vs. small southern IL college town. BUT we are happy, mostly healthy and that's all that really matters. Jeremy is working today so we will be spending this evening with his best friends family. This semester has been REALLY busy and we are hoping the next one will be more laid back.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw your name lit up. I'm so glad you posted! I've been wondering about you guys and how it's going up there. Sorry to hear about Jimmy. That really stinks. Yes, airfare is super pricey in and out of AK. We are going up there next summer and the airfare alone is way more than we uaually spen on an entire vacation. So crazy. Keep posting, it's great to hear from you. Happy Thanksgiving. Gobble Gobble!
So glad you have found a good friend, for you and Hayleigh. I've been wondering how things have been going way up there in Alaska. Sorry that Jimmy is being deployed, that will be hard, but I too am glad it is "only" 6 months. Can't wait to see pictures!
Happy to hear from you. Glad you are adjusting. Tell Jimmy he will be in our prayers as all of you are as well. Is there a congregation near you there? Be sure and take some pictures of the moose for us too.
I'm so glad you updated! It's funny... I had a dream last week that I was in Alaska on a secret mission with my co-workers. I think you were in it too... it was actually a pretty cool dream. I've very curious about Alaska now! Do you have any pics? I'm sorry Jimmy will be gone, but glad it won't be too long. Well, compared to 18 months. Still a huge bummer, though I know.
My mom's chihuahuas HATE the cold! It's kind of funny. They try to walk with only one foot on the ground at a time...
good for you on your orders to alaska! i lived there for three years when i was a kid. we were in fairbanks. people up there refer to the rest of the states as "the lower 48". when it gets cold (like today) here in the lower 48 i always remember that my family saw temps of -75 there! now that's COLD, folks!! i'll stay tuned to your blog to see how things progress for you......best wishes. enjoy it for me.
YES,we made it back to Joliet for xmas to see both my mom and dad plus Mark's mom. we had a very wonderful Christmas, it becomes more special when you have children. Great hearing from you!!!
Saw your comment on Jenni's blog...glad you weren't hurt in the storms last night. I imagine tornados must be EXTRA scary for you after what happened when you were growing up. Take care! We are supposed to get a foot of snow today. Joy!
Ahhh! That makes sense now :). I've been trying to figure out how I know you... actually, I think our sisters at least know each other, or something. Your last name sounds so familiar. I was Micah Sellers, and my sisters name is Hannah. I think she went to FC with Gina? Not really sure... Anyway, thanks for liking my stuff :)
Your daughter is the epitiome of adorable... just thought you oughtta know. ;) Morgan and I babysat her the other day.... SOOO sweet! You're doin a good job!
You are so sweet! We are down, mainly to the small things. Yay! Time seems to be moving right along. If time is moving this quickly for me, someone who is overly anxious for the future, is must be flying by for you. You brave girl. How amazing it is that you can say one of the nearest towns to you is North Pole! Life is certainly a bigger adventure than I ever gave it credit for. :) Hope you’re doing well.
I hear you are coming up to see Aunt Donna. Don't forget that we are here too. Let us know when you are in town and we will make it a point to see you. Look forward to meeting you and your little one... and of course, seeing Jimmy again. :)
we were thinking this september, but I told him that it was too quickly... we need some time to get settled first, so we're still talking about it. I'll try to let you know when I do :D
