My husband accepted a teaching position in Alaska.
We're moving to Alaska.
I'm cold just thinking about it.
And if you could see the wheels spinning in my head right now, you would get dizzy. I just ate an entire box of Milk Duds in 7 minutes. That's what happens when I get stressed. Don't look up to me. That was not healthy. On the plus side, I gained four pounds from it and Lord knows I'll need to extra layer to keep me warm at the North Pole.
I don't know a thing about Alaska except 1) It's cold. 2) It's cold 3) It snows 4) It's light 5) It's cold 6) It's pretty 7) It's cold 8) It's dark 9) It snows 10) It's cold
I think we have a lot to learn.
I think we have a lot to learn.
My husband had a job interview last Wednesday - a week ago. On Monday, two days ago, they called and offered him the job! His first day of teaching starts December 30th. We are leaving Oregon and flying to Anchorage the day after Thanksgiving. This means we have to be completely packed and cleaned out of the house we're in now by November 24th. That gives us two weeks.
As you can imagine, we have a lot to do in the next couple weeks. We are still trying to find a house to rent in Anchorage- it's much more expensive than Oregon! We have to get our cars ready, pack, clean, do everything people do when they move to another state. I'm stressed, excited, anxious, nervous and all of the above.
A job is an answer to prayer. We trust God's plan for us and we are excited about our new adventure, but sometimes I think really?? Alaska?! And in two weeks? Are you for real? It hardly gives us enough time to get ready let alone say goodbye to all of our family and friends.
But. Whatever.
A job is an answer to prayer. We trust God's plan for us and we are excited about our new adventure, but sometimes I think really?? Alaska?! And in two weeks? Are you for real? It hardly gives us enough time to get ready let alone say goodbye to all of our family and friends.
But. Whatever.
I suppose this means I should buy a coat. Maybe gloves too.
I should probably get some ski pants? Perhaps a good glove and hat set for my son?
I have so many questions. Can I run outside in Alaska? What about running with Lucas and the BOB. I have to buy a gym membership. Do I need to shovel my own snow? How far is it to see Santa Clause? Somebody told me that you can buy studded running shoes. Is that true? If so I am all over that. I wonder if the studs glow in the dark so you can see where you're running?
I'm excited to share our adventure with you and I will try to keep you updated as best I can! Advice, tips, thoughts and prayers are appreciated!! I will also accept mittens, snow shovels and ski pants.
And supplies to build an igloo.
And supplies to build an igloo.
51 comments:
oh, I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences. The husband would love to move up there, but like you, I'm all, Hello, cold much??
He claims it's not THAT bad, except for some parts.
Oh my goodness Samantha! I can't even begin to imagine how much work this is going to be to be ready to go in TWO WEEKS!
But ALASKA?! That is SO AWESOME! It's a dream of mine to go there.
I'm kind of jealous and kind of feel sorry for you. Does that make sense? I look forward to hearing your experiences, too. I am kind of sad you're moving, though. I was kind of hoping some day I'd get out there to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin (They live in Monroe) and meet up with you! Maybe I'll have to come to Alaska instead! ;)
Just read this...WOW you have a lot on your plate right now! My cousin Luke moved to Juneau, AK for a HS teaching position with his wife and daugher. They come back to visit family in MO a few times a year. He had lived in the midwest all his life before moving there. They love it though! I'm sure he has tips. Brrr...that would be sooo cold! Hope your move goes smoothly!
Meredith @EmbraceHealthyU
It will all work out wonderfully, as you know God has led you there. Try not to stress (easy for me to say!). Think of it as an adventure (also easy for me to say). =)
Wow! That is exciting and scary all in one! I so look forward to hearing all about your new adventure!!!
Hey, Old Navy's having 50% off their winter wear! I was looking at buying a snow bib for M because we're going skiing early next year. I bet they have some that would fit your son!
Oh my, Alaska. My head spins when I think about moving to another TOWN. Let alone another state. Let alone a state that's just kind of hanging out there off of Canada. Of course, we have a lot of family here in town, so that's a big factor for us.
I'm sure everything will be wonderful. Just think of all the neat things you'll be able to teach the little one!
Crazy and awesome at the same time! Fun journey, that's for sure!
P.S. I'm diggin' your new blog background :-)
I lived in Yellowknife (star at far right http://www.yukoninfo.com/images/alaska.gif) for 4 years. It was great. You are going to need long winter coats, mitts, scarves, toques, warm boots....Should wait til you're there to buy them, clothes there might be more appropriate.
I would *not* recommend running outside in the winter. Very hard on your lungs & probably too slippery. Shoveling snow depends on the laws, but even if not required, it is polite.
And if your cars don't have one you might want to look into a block heater.
WHAT!?!? You can't leave yet!
Shoot :(
I'm very excited for you and the family though. It's a great opportunity and an experience that you son will later be able to talk about!
Hugs to you and keep us updated on all the details #oregongirl!
What an exciting place the Lord is taking you! Just think you can take your son sledding everyday!! There's a little workout right there! Hang in there!
I hope things work out for you guys, things seem tough but you may like it there. I have had to move WAY MORE than any person should so I wish yu luck and hope things arrive just as they were packed. You would be surprised how much stuff gets lost in a move. We lost the screws to our crib in the last move. Kind of important. But I am keeping you in my thoughts.
Wow, Alaska? And a teaching job? Maybe I need to go do some research, I'm desperately searching, unsuccessfully for a teaching job.
I just read a post by someone else joking that they were moving to the Virgin Islands because there is no H1N1 there. So when I saw your post, I thought maybe yours was a similar joke.
I'm so glad to hear that God has provided a job for your husband. You can be sure He will provide the grace and strength for the move too! :)
Once you establish residency there, you get paid annually by the government for living there! It's revenue from oil. So that's a nice perk!
And Anchorage has EVERYTHING. It's Alaska's biggest city. So don't worry too too much about needing to pack things, because you can buy everything you need when you get there.
Oh wow -Alaska! I have some family that moved up there. I still don't know much about it either except like you it is cold! And then there's that whole half light/half dark thing. My aunt said once that when it's light some people literally mow their yard at 11 at night -I can't even imagine! Definitely buy some warm clothes for you and your family -Good Luck!
WOW! How exciting! That's a huge move, but such an amazing opportunity! Can't wait to read more. You should already have gloves and ski pants after the snow we had last year! ;o)
Good luck, hon!
*HUGS*
Wow, what an announcement! I know that where God leads, he will grant you the grace you need. What an adventure!
what an exciting time! I love things like this.. last minute, rushed, hectic, but they change everything and you can totally tell that its God's plans! so cool.
Omg that is so so ... Gosh I don't know so wonderful...what a great adventure!! I mean think about it...how often to people get to pick up their lives and start again in a new town with a new plan.. lol I wish you all the luck in the world... and can't wait to read all about your adventure!!
tell me if you want help packing - i've had lots of experience :) plus, i wouldn't mind getting to see you guys and soak you in before you go.-- jess
Good luck!!
Alaska! Wow! You're brave. I'm Canadian and I don't think I could go that far North.
You have good timing, though. The winter gear is just coming out at the stores here so you should be able to pick up some good snow gear. Cabela's is a great outdoor equipment company that is US based. They might ship to Alaska.
Yes, you can get traction things for your runners. I've seen them!
You will need:
-good lined winter boots
-a good, warm, winter coat
-snowsuits are great for the kids
-hats for the family
-gloves (a few pairs each preferably, and not just light fabric ones. Good ski-ish ones are best)
-neck tubes are awesome.
-long underwear
-wool socks
:) Keep warm! We'll be thinking of you.
Wow, Alaska! Sounds like an adventure! I'm sure the Lord will keep you warm up there! :)
Good Luck! My husband's aunt lives part time in Alaska and it is a very beautiful place. I'll have to ask her about the running business :)
Alaska? Seriously? I don't even know you and I was shocked to read this! Good for you guys for following the Lord and being willing to go wherever he might lead... including Alaska! My uncle moved to Alaska and absolutely fell in love with it. And my husband's parents lived in Alaska for several years and enjoyed it. So who knows maybe you'll fall in love with it too! Thinking of you and praying for you tonight. Moving is tough. Moving with a baby is tougher. Moving to Alaska might be the toughest! :)
Oh my goodness! Good luck! I bet you will grow to love Alaska, it is beautiful.
BTW this is Ana Lee @ Newlyidentified blogging from work :) newlyidentified.blogspot.com
I love your new blog design!! Did you do it yourself? WOW! Let me know when you have a new button, I'll update my current one.
Wow, alaska? My mom lived there as a child and my grandma speaks only fond things of it. But yeah, I am not envious of you at all....I am so not a winter girl!
I lived in Anchorage when I was in Kindergarten (went to Muldoon Elementary) and those were the first memories I had...ice-skating on the rinks at the school, sledding, playing in the piles of shoveled snow, and getting fresh salmon from our native Alaskan neighbors. My parents moved us there from southern Florida (wow), and my younger sister was only 8 months at the time. It was an adventure for them, and it has provided my sisters and me with gobs of stories to tell our friends after we moved. This will be the time of your life! Blessings!
well, congrats!! i guess! I feel your pain. we up and moved in less than 4 weeks too. it's tough, it's crazy. are you selling the house? can you keep some stuff there and come back and get the rest at a later date?
if you feel totally stressed, please feel free to email me! I know how you feel. we just moved 6 weeks ago!!
good luck!
oh. my. gosh.
wow, girl.
This is kindof a big deal and you seem to be handling it ever so well.
I wish I could help you in some way. I am an excellent packer. But I'm still here in FL so that would be kinda hard to do.
I will be praying for your sanity!
But seriously, what an opportunity and blessing from the Lord. I know you've been praying for a good job for him. I have friends in Kodiak and they love it.
I'm looking forward to seeing some beautiful blog pics! (I like the new blog look, btw.)
I've been reading your posts in Google Reader--nice new look.
What an adventure! My sister moved to a remote village in AK but spent some time with distant relatives in Anchorage. Sounded like an interesting, expensive place to live. I can wait to read about your impressions.
I do have a college friend that lives there with his family. I can connect you if you want.
Wow! I'm excited for you and maybe a little envious?!?! I have always been fascinated by Alaska. When we were homeschooling the younger kids, we always did a month long winter/Alaska study during Iditarod time. I hope you can write about that (with photos) next March....
Good luck to you and most importantly, God's blessings~
Lisa @
All That and a Box of Rocks
OMG ALASKA?! My hubby and I have been wanting to move there...dont ask me why?!?!?! lol Well, Good luck and hope the move goes smoothly!
Ps Im from Oregon too!!!!!
HOLY SHIT! I get cold just thinking about it! What a journey!
Oh my goodness mama- we have been trying to find a way to move to Hawaii for the past year so I simply cannot fathom moving to Alaska! You poor thing! Keep your chilled head high and keep us posted on all your new adventures!
Welcome! I live in Anchorage...it just snowed a ton, it's windy and cold right now. Ugh, not my favorite, but this week was pretty much the first snowfall, and that's pretty late.. Definitely need all that winter gear, lots of gloves, hats, snowpants, warm coats, boots. You can get great kids' gear at places like once upon a child and kid 2 kid. We just got our 2nd target, the first opened up last year. But we do have a lot of other stores that the lower 48 has :).
Lots of people run up here, even through the winter. You can get studded shoes, and many people run w/their chariots/BOBs. You can get/make ski attachments for them, too. Gym memberships-- quite a few people use the Alaska club, they're all over, but pricey. Check out a few gyms before committing; you might find something cheaper (all the others are) that works well for you. I wouldn't join the Alaska club, because I think it's ridiculously expensive, but again, lots of people do like it.
Prices are MUCH more expensive up here, and Anchorage is probably the cheapest city in the state. I think Fred Meyer is the best for groceries, and I'm sure the new Wal-mart supercenter is, but Wal-mart is not my favorite place...Carrs is expensive. We do lots of Costco shopping. Gas is always more expensive up here, usually higher than anywhere else in the US...maybe Hawaii is more, but not always (been there twice this year, it's close!)
It's true that you do get $ for living here, but you need a full calendar year of residence before you can apply. It's called the PFD, or dividend. So since you're coming this month, you'll be able to apply for the 2011 dividend, and by then, it could be very low. Each member of your household gets one, this year it was $1300 each (you get the $ in October). It dropped quite a bit from last year, and it likely will the next few years, so don't think about that as income. They were even saying it could be at little as $25...and gas/electric costs are high (we paid over $600 some months last winter, but last winter was COLD), so ours usually helps with that. The money is nice, but a lot of people say we get paid to live here, and don't realize how expensive it really is...
There are lots of great things about Anchorage! Beautiful city, friendly people, great places to eat (Mooses Tooth/Bears Tooth is great). I saw you have a young son, you should check out the cuddlers group at Providence hospital. It's a free support group for parents, and meets 3 times/week, and you just show up with your baby. It's a great way to meet people w/kids your age (it's for birth-9ish months, then cruisers is for 9-15 month olds...call the hospital or google it for more info.) You can also see more of what's going on around town through those groups.
Where is your husband teaching?? What part of town are you looking to live?? Some are better than others, like all cities.
You can e-mail me back at piccarah@yahoo.com if you'd like. Again, welcome!
good luck to you, what an adventure! From what I've heard, Anchorage is a great city.
Wow! That's a big move, exciting & I'm sure a little nerve racking (OK, probably a lot). But I'm excited for you guys & looking forward to reading more about your new adventure in Alaska. My Hubby & I are toying with moving--not to Alaska though.
wow lots of busy things going on with your family!!>...
By the way , I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEE your new blog layout and header!!!!!!!!!! did I mention I LOVE IT??
Best to you and your family in your travels,
Becca
Samantha! That is so excited! I'm so happy for you guys - sounds like an adventure!
Wow, ALASKA! I'm shivering just thinking about it!
Love your new header! And the layout - it's very "you" and friendly on the eyes!
OK. First: LOVE the new layout. LOVE IT.
Second: You're going to be even farther north than me! @_@ You know from the day we decided to move to Canada from the day we crossed the border was two weeks. So, I've been there + immigration hassle. You have my sympathy. It's a pain. But it's also an exciting adventure! Best of luck and congrats to your man on the job!
Wow, that's big news! Good luck to you in the move. I'll be looking forward to reading your posts!
How exciting! I love following your blog and hope to hear all the good & bad adventures you have moving. I got cold just reading it :) Definitely need a jacket, hat and mittens for everyone!
Exciting! My wife is a teacher and I am sure that she would move anywhere to teach. ( Well, probably somewhere warm as we live in Canada already!) Good luck... It will be an adventure for sure.
Shane
Holy smokes! That is a big move.
Best of luck to you! How exciting! (and scary! eeeks)
I know you are going to be crazy busy for awhile, but I bet it will be a great adventure! I'm in FLorida, so sorry I've got no winter gear to send ya ;)!
Hey, you're moving to my town. : ) Just wanted to add my two cents. I've called Alaska home for over 15 years now. We love it here. I second everything that the above Anchorage-ite said (and learned some things too). What Lisa from Yellowknife said was good advice for living in Fairbanks (or the Yukon), but in Anchorage things are slightly more temperate because we are on the ocean and surrounded by mountains. We usually have one to three weeks a year (usually in January/Februaray) where things get really cold and stay below zero. Usually people just stay home and keep warm (and take precautions with vehicles, wear longjohns in everyday activities, and such), but normally, the temperatures are more moderate in the teens and 20's. So good cold weather gear is important, but extreme gear (unless you plan to be outside for a long time) isn't necessary. Being from Oregon, you probably have most of the gear you need already.
Winters are very bearable and kind of relaxing after a long summer of go-go-go while the sun shines. : ) It helps to have a good community of friends. We've been blessed with a warm and supportive church family, and we are constantly in each other's homes and celebrate much of the holidays together. But those sorts of things make the winters pass comfortably and the summers are wonderful!
This is my first year of being a mama, though. Even I am not sure how best to get my nine month old through the winter appropriately. Snowsuits? But will she be too hot in the car? A coat? But will her legs get cold? Both? But what size 12 mo? 18? : ) Guess there's more to learn about a cold climate.
Best wishes. I'll be thinking of you as you make your big move. Contact me if I can help answer any specific questions!
-Andrea
Hello! I followes your twitter over here. I am friends with Amanda (anjyldream) and she sent you to my Twitter. I live in Wasilla, which is about 36 miles from Anchorage, and I really like this town and was glad we settled here instead of Anchorage/ Eagle River, But i like Smaller towns having lived in one my entire life. A good gym to use is Body Renew. BR's Anchorage Location is Off of O'Malley Rd. You have 24 hour access to the gym for a pretty decent price. There are a bunch of different packages that they have. you can run outside, but I really wouldn't if it's any less than 30 degrees. a lot of the time we tend to be a bit more windy being so close to the ocean/Knik River. so the wind chill makes it colder than it really is. A lot of people think it's pitch dark here all the time. which isn't true. We have Daylight from about 9am to 4:40 PM right now. the darkest day of the year is 12/21. I'd explain the whole gaining minutes of sunlight per day thing but it's confusing even to myself. Vitamin D is a good thing to stock yourself up on during the winter months. You can hire someone to Plow your driveway. I don't know what the rates are because we've always shoveled our driveway. There is a Santa clause house on Santa Clause Lane in North Pole, AK. We really do have a town called North Pole here. it's about 20-25 minutes from Fairbanks and about a 5 1/2- 6 hour drive from Anchorage. I know Mrs. Clause passed away last year. :(. As far as housing is concerned, when we had decided to live here instead of Nenana, we decided to buy a house because it was essentially cheaper for us. Houses in Anchorage/Eagle River are going to be Expensive because it's close to the City. In Wasilla, we bought a 3bed 2bath house with 1240 Sq.Ft on nearly an acre of land for 170k. (The town of Nenana is what most people think of when they think of alaska, which is not true) Wasilla has a Target, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Safeway and many other outdoor stores, Like sportsmans Warehouse and Sports Authority.
I can't really think of much else, but if you have anymore questions. shoot me an email: akwildtree@yahoo.com
It's nice here, really. :)
How exciting!! I look forward to reading all about your new life!
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