taking it day by day

That's about all I can do at this point. I've been meaning to get on and blog away for a week, but circumstances prevailing, I had too much going on to even think about spilling my brain droppings onto the screen. Now that life has somewhat mellowed out, I'll be able to get more updates in as the weeks go by. At least, that's what I'm hoping. This is my primary record of my move and stay in Alaska, except for the bits that were written on the train ride here.

Things have been going as well as they can be. My move to Alaska was sketchy financially, and I have had to do some very creative budgeting (and begging, as the case may be) in order to manage my cost of living without receiving my scholarship/grant/loan overage. I got an email yesterday saying that my check is ready to pick up, which makes me immensely happy only to a point. That point will serve as the transition to all-out ecstatic when I actually have the blasted thing in the bank. The Student Financial Services at APU have been frustrating to no end, and after conversations with the department director I have found that others have had similar experiences with the personnel running the show down there. I was told before I moved up that my overage would be available, in hand, the first week of September. After that week and no money, they told me that it would be the 16th. When I called them on the 18th to ask for an explaination of my delayed funds, I was told that "the office is understaffed and overworked, and you should learn to be patient and budget better. [enter where she hung up on me]" The exchange had been pleasant up until I asked the status of my check and explained that I had been told three clear dates on which I would receive said funds, and she snapped. Curtis and I discussed it that night, and I called back the next morning and asked to speak to her supervisor, who patiently and kindly explained to me that they'd had an increase in the number of checks being cut, and that they would begin cutting them twice a week to ensure the rest of us poor schmucks got our money before we had to move home.

I finalized the purchase of my truck last night. It is so good to have my own transportation again, and with my seven weeks of not having my own vehicle, I have learned what I can accomplish without it. Carpooling and limited trips will be definite factors in my vehicle plan up here, and aside from becoming a hyper-miler (which I doubt I could achieve in the beast anyway) I will do my part to ensure that my budget and the earth won't suffer now that I have a mode of transportation. It's a beast to drive, but I'm glad I picked something that requires effort to make trips in; maybe my limited trips are more out of sheer intimidation than my actual green-ness. The folks down at State Farm have been absolute dreams in transferring my insurance policy up here. I have not only truck insurance, but also life and renters at an incredibly decent premium. It pays to be able to acquire all of those delicious discounts for being a good driver and a good student.

Having a vehicle also facilitates finding a job. Craiglist has posts everyday searching for baristas, and with my credentials in the service industry I'm not worried about my ability to get hired. Even if I make $50 a week, that still pays more than my monthly insurance amount, or half my rent.

Teaching has been going well, if not keeping me extremely busy. This week was insane, with not only my grad classes but also a mandatory instructor training, a play&learn day out at the farm for Snowshoe Elementary's 3rd graders, and the FarmSchool class that I help with on Fridays. The students are all fantastic, as are my coworkers. To say that I'm blissed out would be an overstatement at this point, but I am comfortable and happy. Living, learning and working in such an intentional, sustainable community gives me hope and heart.

Unfortunately, not health. Another factor of my blogless week has been my nasty, ishy cold. It still has yet to pass but at least I'm able to work and play within its limits.

and of course, I'm missing a boy I left behind in southwestern Minnesota. somehow emails, calls, texts, care packages and instant messaging just aren't as fulfilling as I had hoped before getting on the train. but we're making this work and he's a constant source of love and support, which I need above all else.

Our first frost was last Monday! It is such an omnious feeling to see winter approaching as the snow creeps its way down the surrounding mountains. The chill in the air is lively and appreciated during a good long hike.

and on a sad, sad note...I went outside this morning to play with my truck, and noticed that Keeper, our dog, wasn't in his kennel. I ran inside to ask Curtis if he knew where he was, and Curtis gravely informed me that his beloved pet had passed away sometime yesterday. My jaw dropped and I teared up. Keeper was old and arthritic, but he was so good. He'll be buried on a pretty hill just a little ways away from the house.

I guess the whole point of my blog is that the honeymoon phase is definitely over. I had to grow up and get my stuff together fast...insurance, vehicle business, class registration, financial worries. Now that the newness has worn off (not my joy and amazement of waking up in such an incredible place; that has yet to fade) I have a lot to deal with in terms of making my committment work up here. I still am head-over-heels in love with my life, but now is that critical point to make sure I can sustain my happy existence up here.

love to all, pictures again soon.