I'm Famous!

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to be included as a guest on Kids These Days, a public radio show here in Alaska.  The topic was adoption, and since that's what I do, I had a lot to offer!

It's an hour long show, but I hope you check it out!

A Visit to the Anchorage Museum

I must say, I had put off visiting the museum here in Anchorage... Honestly, museums sometimes bore me to tears and it seems quite often that if you've seen one, you've seen them all.  I initially decided to plan a visit after I realized that I was desperately under-educated in the culture of Alaska Natives.  When you're a social worker in Alaska, you can't get away with that for too long.  I decided the Anchorage Museum was my best place to turn for information (after realizing that the Alaska Native Heritage Center Museum was closed for the season).

I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out the museum's website, and realized that the entire museum is actually the history of Alaska - even the artwork is either of Alaska or from Alaskan artists.

We first checked out the art and there were a couple paintings I fell in love with - my gauge for great artwork is usually anything that makes me think "oh man, I wish I could paint!" when I look at it.

After checking out the art side, we headed into the history area.  Unfortunately we went through it backwards, although I don't think I missed out on too much.  Anyone else feel like museums should have arrows on the floor like IKEA?  Anyway, there was obviously lots of history about the discovery of oil and the subsequent building of the pipeline.  Here's a model of how massive the pipeline really is:

Alaska was a territory of the US for almost 47 years before it became a state.  The museum also displayed the front page of the Anchorage Daily News announcing Alaska's statehood:

This half cracked me up and half made a bit misty eyed - the battle to be included in this country seems a lot more real when it happened just over 50 years ago, compared to growing up in one of the 13 original colonies.

Finally, we made it to the history and culture of the Alaska Natives (remember how I said we went backwards?).  The museum had some beautifully done dioramas to illustrate typical Native life in a few of the cultures.

Eskimo:

Contrary to popular belief, not every Alaska Native is an Eskimo.  Eskimos primarily live in the western half of Alaska, with the Inuit dominating the northern half and the Yup'ik residing in the southern half.  This diorama depicted an Eskimo whaling community.

Aleut:

The Aleut (not surprisingly) inhabit the Aleutian Islands.  Self named 'Unangan,' Russian explorers gave these natives the name 'Aleut.'  While the Aleutian Islands themselves didn't offer as much in the way of resources, the ocean offered everything necessary to sustain life.  Nikolsi, an island in the mid-Aleutians, is actually one of the longest continuously inhabited places on earth, at 4000 years.

Athabascan:

Athabascans cover one of the largest land areas in the state, and have villages throughout all of interior Alaska.  The culture of this community focused much more on hunting and gathering, and tribes were somewhat nomadic.

Tlingit & Haida:

The Tlingit and Haida (as well as the Tsimshian) people inhabit Southeast Alaska.  They had a hunter & gatherer culture, but also utilized the resources that the nearby sea had to offer.

As if the museum itself didn't give you enough of Alaska, all you had to do was check out the view from the fourth floor.  Can you see the snow capping the nearby mountains?  Winter's coming!

One thing I really liked about this museum was that it's not overwhelmingly large.  I don't have the longest attention span for museums, and we were easily able to see everything within a couple hours.  I also picked up a great map in the gift shop outlining Native cultures and villages, and I plan to tack it up over my desk tomorrow!  I also found an awesome children's book, but the gift shop was out... It's not available on Amazon so I may have to check back because I have a certain little cousin in mind... or two little cousins!

Creating a new routine is tough!

I feel somewhat guilty in my rather sporadic posting lately - I blame it on the massive changes in the last couple of weeks that wreak havoc on my usual orderly schedule.  Karl and I have both started working again, which is doing wonders for both of our mental states.  I love being able to interact with my coworkers each day and I'm so grateful that they welcomed me into their group so easily.  I haven't really met anyone else in Alaska yet (it seems like 99% of all advertised get-togethers and clubs are focused on people with kids), so I'm enjoying feeling a bit more welcomed into the state.  Karl appears to be having a similar experience at his new job, so we're both in pretty good spirits.

Adjusting to us both having regular workday schedules is quite the feat.  In addition to figuring out Karl's video game time, there are so many other things I didn't realize that we would need to adjust.  Firstly, I would usually go to bed hours before Karl because he didn't usually have to be up early for work.  This allowed me to sprawl out all over the bed to fall asleep, a habit I've basically had my entire life.  Now I am resigned to my little half, which is made even smaller because Willow usually sleeps on my side.

We also have to get used to eating dinner every night.  I embarrassed to admit how many nights I ate cereal for dinner, because I just didn't have the motivation to make anything else if Karl was working that evening.  I can barely figure out how to grocery shop for more than one dinner a week!  Good thing we both like mac 'n cheese and ramen...

On top of all of this, we're also trying to get the last of our things unpacked, purchase a few more items we're in desperate need of, and finish sewing curtains.  So, my blogging has been a big lacking...  I can partially say it's because I'm spending less time sitting around feeling sorry for myself, but the real culprit is that I still don't really feel settled enough to spend much time on my computer.  I set a goal to finish every last bit of the house this weekend so we can start next week fresh.  I hope to have pictures ready of the living room and kitchen - there's only a few finishing touches left in each room.

On a side note, can someone please come visit me?  I promise I'll take good care of you!

Home Sweet Home!

I apologize for being MIA the last few days, but at least my silence this time was due to some good news!  We were FINALLY able to move into our rental house in Anchorage last Friday, so we've been frantically getting things cleaned up and moved in.  We finally told the management agency that we were willing to sign a lease before the work around the place was finished, and that we'd handle the painting ourselves.  We just couldn't wait any longer for them to get it done on their own.  The only frustrating thing now is that we could have decided to move in way back when we first looked at the place and it would have been the same amount of work!

I was a bit nervous about this house just because it looked a little rough around the edges when we came to check it out.  Karl assured me that a fresh coat of paint would do wonders and boy, was he right!  I chose a beautiful shade of blue to replace the Aquafresh toothpaste color that was previously on the walls.   I had to work throughout the weekend, so I left Karl in charge of painting when I headed to work Friday. Our hope was to finish the living room that day so we could start moving some things in over the weekend.  Karl worked like crazy and had the living room, bathroom, and bedroom all finished by the time I got home!  I finished up the kitchen that night, and we headed out to Wasilla on Saturday and Monday to get some of our things.  We also picked up a brand new mattress (which was heaven to sleep on!) and a couch over the weekend, so it's really starting to feel a bit like a home!  It's almost weird using the word 'home' because I've gotten so used to saying 'Karl's dad's house' and 'the motel' over the last few months.  It's such a wonderful feeling to be able to say 'let's go home' and not mean heading back to Pittsburgh!

Pictures will be coming shortly, but I've been too busy to even open my camera case - Actually, I'm not really even sure where it is right now!  We finally went grocery shopping today, so we can actually cook ourselves some food too!

In other exciting news, Karl got a job last week!  He'll be working at a bank, which is exactly what he was hoping to do here in Alaska.  He's pretty excited because he gets his own desk, which he's never had before!  He has a little photo of Willow set aside to take with him - how cute!

I'm so excited to be able to write a happy blog post again!

It's my birthday!

Happy birthday to me!  I told Karl that the pressure was really on because he's the only person within a few thousand miles that gives a crap about my birthday.  Unfortunately, it's a bit hard to celebrate from a hotel - that is, unless you're on a fabulous vacation somewhere.  Which I am not.  Hmm, maybe I'll get a cake once we're moved in somewhere...

In good news, I got a job for my birthday!  I'm finishing up my final paperwork today, and I'll start tomorrow.  Woohoo!  I am also desperately looking forward to interacting with people other than Karl. Is it being greedy to hope that I get a house to live in for my birthday, too?

It's so hard being away from all of my friends and family for my birthday and it makes me realize how miserable the holidays will be.  Perhaps I will be more adjusted by then?  I can only hope!

Hotels seem to be losing their allure...

Well here we are, back in a hotel - this time in Eagle River.  We opted to find a place closer to Anchorage as it is likely that I will be starting work before we will be able to move into the place we'll be renting.  Most of the inexpensive hotels in Anchorage seemed a bit too shady for my tastes, so staying about 30 minutes away is fine with me.  I am glad I had the last couple of months off of work, because now I am SO ready to go back.  I'm not sure I can handle watching any more television...  Of course, the time off would be so much easier if I was in my own space with my various projects and crafts.

I am so nervous that the house we plan to rent will fall through, but I don't really have any reason to believe that other than my paranoia that things won't actually improve.  We're waiting for it to be repainted and have a few minor cosmetic issues fixed, but we were told it will be ready at the end of the week.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I took this photo last night, which was our last night housesitting for Karl's cousin.  The moon seemed huge!  There's so much less light pollution up here that it really makes the night sky seem that much more brilliant.  It's also getting colder and colder at night, which usually means the clouds are starting to clear just a bit.  I can't wait until I get to take photos of the Northern Lights!  That will be the one thing to look forward to when we hit subzero temperatures!

I LOVE good news!!

After feeling pretty confident about my second interviews last Thursday, I didn't know how I was going to wait ALL the way until Monday to hear back.  Seriously, my patience is pretty lacking on a good day, and job interviews have transformed me into a 2 year old.  Good thing my new supervisor seems to be the same way - She called me Friday morning to tell me she had picked me for the position!  Still waiting for the official offer to come from HR along with the exact salary, but I have a job!!  I don't think I have ever been as excited about anything in my life - This is the first job where I really feel that I was selected over other applicants, and it's a job that I am incredibly excited about.

Needless to say, this made for a wonderful start to the weekend!  We were immediately able to hit Craigslist and start checking out places to rent.  Unfortunately, this put a bit of a damper on the mood...  It is so difficult to find a place that meets our specifications - allows dogs (big dogs... dogs that are pitty bulls...), and preferably has a fenced in yard.  We also decided that we'll be moving into Anchorage since that's where I'll be working - gives us lots more places to look at, but really limits the number of actual houses for rent.  Honestly, I don't think anyone in Alaska has even considered living anywhere other than a condo or a townhouse.  There's also some MAJOR sticker shock when looking at apartments here - the cost of housing is almost double what I'm used to in Pittsburgh.  That also limits our options a bit, because we need something we can afford temporarily on just my income (and that we'll be approved for), and can comfortably afford once Karl finds a job.

Against all odds, we were able to check out two houses on Saturday.  The one was probably too expensive, but the other was a perfectly adorable little house in what seemed to be a nice neighborhood.  The real clincher - it had a doggie door and it was just Willow's size!  We'll drop off the application on Tuesday when we're in Anchorage for another job interview for Karl, and cross our fingers!  I'm already decorating it in my head, so I hope we end up getting it!

I am SO excited to unpack my stuff - I told Karl that I think this may be the first time in the history of the world when unpacking a ton of boxes will be such a joyous occasion.  Karl, being the wonderfully generous person he is, told me that he would allow me to unpack everything just so I could be as happy as possible.  I, however, can also be generous, and would surely not keep it all to myself!

Things just might be looking up...

I'm finishing out this week on a pretty good note.  I had two second interviews yesterday and I am so hopeful that at least one of them will turn into a job offer.  My references were called about five minutes after I walked out of the office for one of my interviews, so I think that's a good sign!  After about two months off of work, I'm ready to get back into the swing of things.  Aside from being able to apartment hunt as soon as I have a source of income, I'm REALLY looking forward to getting to talk to people other than Karl!

Karl's had some luck with job interviews as well, and has several more coming up.  The direction he goes will really depend on whether I'm hired somewhere before him.  We've applied for jobs over a relatively large geographical region, and we'd like to work somewhat close together so we have more options in where to live.

We're currently housesitting for Karl's cousin, and it is so nice being in a place that feels so home-y and welcoming.  Pictures on the wall, knick knacks all around, a big fuzzy blanket on the couch - These things were sorely missing at Karl's dad's house and I never realized what an impact that can have on your mental well being.  I cannot wait to decorate my own place!

I had a friend ask me whether I enjoyed living in Alaska.  I had trouble answering, because it still doesn't really feel like I LIVE here.  I don't think I'll really know until I feel like I've been able to settle in.  Here's hoping that's sooner rather than later!

Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend - Keep your fingers crossed for me!

The Luck of Labor Day?

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!  Hopefully the spirit of Labor Day will bring luck and Karl and I will have employment in the very near future!  I start at my part time job on Wednesday, and I'm hoping I didn't waste our luck on getting on job offer on a minimum wage, 10 hour a week job.  All of our interviews went really well on Friday, and we're both crossing our fingers that we'll hear something positive in the next week.  The wait is absolutely killing me, and I'm frustrated because I really think I've run out of places to apply if these organizations don't work out.

In any case, we've made a pretty good temporary plan and are doing alright up here.  I know my friends and family are thinking of us, and I certainly don't want anyone worrying!  The stress is pretty difficult, but we're getting our basic needs met just fine.  Keep up the good thoughts though - I'm sure the positive energy will make a difference!

This is some SERIOUSLY simple living!

Today was actually a really good day, and I'm so grateful for the support I've gotten from friends and family in such a difficult time.  Times like these really make you realize who is there to support you and who you better not rely on.  I'm not one to ask for help much, but the kind words and good thoughts are so helpful!

To make a long and upsetting story short, Karl and I were no longer able to stay at his dad's house as of a couple days ago.  He wanted us to put Willow to sleep if we wanted to continue staying at his house.  Those of you that know Karl and I know that Willow is basically our entire life and we couldn't possibly get rid of such a loving pet.  Willow is basically my shoulder to cry on every time I'm upset or homesick, so I couldn't possibly imagine handing this move without her.

No sooner were the words out of his dad's mouth when we both said we wouldn't be coming back that night.  We headed out to take care of a few errands and came back a few hours later to pack some overnight bags.  We didn't want to waste any money, so we planned to camp for the night.  We headed down the Palmer Hay Flats, which is basically a parking lot for the hunting trails.  Camping is permitted, however, so we thought it was a good choice.  Because it wasn't an actual campground, we decided against setting up the tent and instead set up our sleeping bags in the back of my car.  In hindsight, this was a really bad idea for my emotional health.  Waking up the back of my car made me feel like I was truly homeless and made me want to crawl back in my sleeping bag and cry.

We decided to get a hotel last night so we could get showers and use the free wifi to crank out some serious job applications.  We both felt like we'd applied for just about every job we were qualified for and went to bed hoping that today would be a day of phone calls.  We were pretty successful and Karl has interviews on Thursday and Friday, and I have two on Friday.  I am so hopeful that of these four interviews we'll walk away with at least one job offer!

I'm also feeling a lot better about the potential living situation.  We are housesitting for a cousin of Karl's for about ten days starting next week, and have two low cost options for afterward.  We are meeting a guy about a one room cabin available on a month to month basis tomorrow night, and have also located a hotel with a VERY reasonable monthly rate.  These are both options we could afford with the part time job I'm 99% sure I've secured, and would only require us to dip into our savings a bit.

For now, we're staying in the hotel again so we can be pretty for our job interviews.  We'll likely camp over Labor Day weekend, because hotel rates are likely to be a bit more expensive and even a cheap nightly rate tends to add up!  I've learned my lesson though, and we'll be staying at a campground with a fire pit and we will be purchasing hot dogs and the fixings for s'mores!

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures to add - we had amazing views at the Hay Flats and this hotel is directly on the lake, but I haven't been in the mood to even take my camera out for the last few days.  Thank you for reading my sob story, and thank you for your well wishes!  I'm convinced that your prayers are what have made things start looking up!

Worst. Day. Ever.

In short, because I am completely ready to climb into bed and never get out again, this was definitely one of the worst days ever.  Without question, it was my worst worked related day.

I have an infant on my caseload on life support due to physical maltreatment.  I don't know what to say other than that...  Please think good thoughts for this little cutie pie?  I'm so upset I've been perpetually nauseous since I found out.  I've unfortunately had to deal with lots of injured kids in my time in child welfare, but never has something like this ever happened on an open case of mine.  I'm so upset I've been perpetually nauseous since I found out.

It's final!

I put in my resignation at work today - it seems very surreal!  Makes me realize how quickly these next couple weeks will pass.  It seems like just a day or two ago when I was counting from 19 weeks til the move.  It's still a bit early to do final preparations for transfer on my cases, but that will really be when it hits me that I'm leaving and not coming back (at least not planning on it!)

Oopsies!

Well, I kind of made a rather large boo-boo.  I was planning on transferring to the Michaels in Wasilla when we moved, so I'd have some guaranteed income right off the bat.  Great idea, Sarah - too bad the Michaels you're thinking of is in ANCHORAGE.  That threw me for a major loop today.  I'm sure I'll be able to find something relatively easily, but I was so hopeful that something would be go smoothly!

In other news, I made a special batch of soap for my Dad tonight.  I had taken my entire collection of fragrances over to my Dad and let him pick which one he would like me to make.  He actually made my brother smell them all and narrow it down to a select few to choose from.  I figured they would pick the cotton fragrance, maybe baby powder, or perhaps peppermint.  Nope, they went for hibiscus passion.  Seriously, probably the strongest floral I have.  Go figure... I'll probably snag a few from his batch and put them up on Etsy for everyone else.  I've been doing some serious listing the last couple days and I've added probably 16 items.  I still have a bunch more to go before I'll have my entire line available for online purchase!

For your viewing pleasure

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Family Video.

Hopefully Karl will get compensated for all of the crap he had to do, and won't get fired as soon as they hear he joined the suit!