It's About Time

Well folks, just in time for the new year my favorite Fairbanks politician decided to make good on a promise he made the people of Alaska.  When Murkowski began her history-making write-in bid, Joe Miller confidently promised that if Lisa won he would not challenge her victory and lock the Alaskan courts into a long and drawn out battle.  Liar, liar, pants on fire...until today.

About an hour ago the associated press reported that finally Mr. Miller has opted to do the sensible thing and return to relative anonymity.  Thank you, Joe.  Actually, scratch that.  Thank you, Lisa, for ignoring your party's nonsensical line on the repeal of DADT and voting to allow our LGBT troops to serve the country they love openly and proudly.  Clearly we elected the person with better sense.

Read more at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2010-12-31-alaska-senate-miller_N.htm?csp=outbrain&csp=obnetwork.

Me vs. The Cold

Well team it has officially started. Fall is finally over and here comes winter. Luckily, I've gotten on a production kick. See the beauty of winter is you can never have enough hats, mittens, or scarfs. Since such items are lost so quickly, the quality is never really and issue. It is all about quantity at -40. Let me describe the items needed to ski at such a temperature. First you start off with your socks. They need to be thick, but not so thick as to cut off or reduce circulation to your feet. I prefer the knee high ones, because they insulate the lower legs also. After the socks we at the spandex shorts (for extra insulation around the bum region) and fleece pants. Moving up, I layer up with three long john tops. For the outer layers it is the windproof fleece jacket and ski pants. Also added is the neoprene cover that goes over my ski boots. I then move onto the earmuffs and hat. This then is followed up by a scarf tied around my face so that it covers my nose and ears. The final touch is the liner mitts followed by my old army issue over mitts. I love those because they cover almost up to my elbows. Finally, I am ready to do battle with the cold. If only I had remembered to pee first... Too bad I am not wearing a wetsuit...

Our First Hanukkah

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. (Amein)

Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. (Amen)

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This year I decided to embrace the Jewish part of my completely mish-mashed heritage and observe the festival of lights. It was a nice addition to the holiday season. Kari and I agreed that the spread out nature of Hanukkah is much less stressful than Christmas. The Jews are on to something here.

For those who are unaware, about two years ago it was discovered that my grandmother's family are in fact Sephardic Jews who presumably saw the Spanish Inquisition coming and headed for the New World. What can I say? I come from intelligent stock.

Finding a menorah in Fairbanks was near impossible. While procuring shabbos candles I ran into another lady who told me she legit had to duct tape some candle holders together and call her monster creation a menorah. This is why I have to simultaneously love and hate Fairbanks.

Home to Krameria Street

Faithful Readers,

I promise some epic blogging during the break.  Things at school have been hectic and though Kari and I have had many adventures, there has been little time to document.

Sometime today or tomorrow you can expect another photo montage detailing our attempts at celebrating Hanukkah, hanging Christmas stockings, constructing an impromptu Christmas wreath (with supplies from Kari's friend Indie and the local dump) and partying it up at Alyeska with Dave.   It has been a very busy December so far.

As for me, tonight at midnight I will be departing for the great State of Colorado!  My trip itinerary so far includes time with family, high school friends, and college buddies, a pedicure, the Denver Zoo, menudo and a trip to Colorado Springs.  It's going to be busy.  Stay tuned for excellent pictures.

Con Orgullo,
Elena