So this is me officially committing to routine blogging. That's right folks, it is happening! :) You can expect posts from me at least once every two weeks. Any less than that, and I expect uproarious pestering on your behalf. I have every intention to keep you all informed of my goings-on, but it is incredibly difficult at times to set aside living to write about living. (What a conundrum!) Blogging is a time commitment, and I appreaciate your patience with me as I have acclimated myself to my new home and routines. I think I saw my last post was October, now that is just downright shameful!
Where to begin, oh boy! I arrived back in White Mountain yesterday after a quick vacation to Iowa for the holidays. It was great to catch up with so many friends and family members. I became an auntie of three since I last visited Iowa and was able to meet both step-nephews of ages 1 and 3, and a newborn niece! What a blessing! Here is a photo of me with best friend's darling new daughter. Another dear friend is due to have a baby as well.
And another of my brother's girlfriend's kids decorating a gingerbread
house with me. :)
I also caught my friend in town from South Korea that I
had not seen since she left more than two years ago! The picture is kind of blurry, but it is the only one I got of just me and her.
Before I left White Mountain for vacation I was thinking to myself how badly I missed eating out at certain food places and seeing people I had known for so long on a whim. I longed to be able to make a midnight run to to the store, stop at a friend's house just to say hello, or swing by for some fast food on the way home because I didn't feel like making dinner. There are so many conveniences that life in populated areas can afford that don't quite reach the Alaskan wilderness I call home. But at the same time, there is so much to gain through isolation. I feel like since I have moved out here I have become much more aware of what is important to me. I do not find myself distracted as easily by things that I do not need. Certainly, I miss my friends and family fiercely, but I think this move has provided me with a lot of insight into my own priorities. I do not waste nearly as much money impulsively buying things I do not need. There are plenty of things I do not get in White Mountain that I can do without.... My visit home to Iowa only made me more grateful to be where I am. :)
Here are some photos I have waited months to post, but have finally found the patience to upload them. Enjoy! And feel free to post questions and comments. I will happily answer any questions I can. Haven't heard a dumb question yet! ;)
Here is a photo from my first week in AK. A group of us went exploring south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, toward Girdwood, stopping at overlooks such as this one.
Another photo from the overlook. :) Braved some rock-climbing for some pretty beautiful photos.
This one is from Flat Top Mountain. I went hiking with a couple other teachers when I missed my flight out of Anchorage.
What a foggy day on Flat Top! Glad it cleared enough to catch some photos such as this one.
Me and the counselor went berry-picking and were so proud of ourselves. Our first White Mountain blueberry harvest. :)
This is what our airport looks like for those who are curious. It is situated upon a hill northwest of town.
And here is the view of town looking east from the airport. Our tiny little White Mountain paradise. :)
And now I am going to post these before I run out of luck and make some additional posts with more pictures. :)
Namaste,
Kelly Rae
Love. :)
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