Heading home

I have officially completed another school year in Noorvik.  While I will always appreciate my time in the Arctic, I am excited to be heading back to the interior.  I have given it my all and then some trying to be the best influence to the community of Noorvik.  These two years have been some of the most challenging, amazing, and eye opening.  I have gained a much greater appreciation of our state and the challenges many youth face.  I leave this village knowing I gave it my all.  I truly have no regrets and feel lucky to have called it my home for even just this short time.

A summer plot...

and

Spring

So, spring is trying to come to Fairbanks. I never say spring is officially here until the grass is green, because this time of year is notorious for having surprise snowstorms to throw us back into the depths of winter. This month or so of transition between winter to summer is an odd one up north. First off, you have temperatures below freezing a night and above freezing during the day. What this means is early in the morning your driveway is an ice skating ring and by mid-afternoon it is a pond. This means any outdoor activity needs multiple back up plans. When planning an outside escape the back of my car is filled with skis, running gear, and bike gear. You just never know what activity the weather gods will allow one to partake in. This time of year we are gaining up to seven minutes of daylight a day. This really can make your internal clock confused. Most people turn into insomniacs. The trick is not to turn into a zombie due to lack of sleep. People have gone to all sorts of extreme measures to conduce sleeping in the daylight. There is always the covering of windows, putting bandanas around eyes, and taking sleeping pills. Honestly, the best way(and cheapest) is to close your eyes. I know it sounds ridiculous, but close your eyes and lie there. Eventually, you will fall asleep. Spring also means planting season. For those of us who start to dream of gardens, we rush out to the store and turn the inside of our houses into mini greenhouses. My favorite part of spring is watching people re-emerge. Honestly, the population seems to double. Everyone is out shopping for home improvement supplies. The number of bikers and runners on the side of the road gets dangerous on Sunday afternoons. The best part is watching the people who are walking across the parking lot in tank tops and shorts, despite the 40 F temps. I blame this erratic behavior on too much sunlight exposure after a long winter. Honestly, it is a good thing that we ease into spring up here. Just imagine what would happen if we jumped from the cold of winter directly to the furry of the summer mosquitoes.

The Little Things...

This morning I woke up to news of a horrific earthquake in Japan. This is just weeks after a devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. My heart was still recovering after seeing pictures of a town that was almost like a second home for a few years in total devastation. While Japan admittedly doesn't mean as much to me, my heart goes out to everyone touched by the earthquake. It is amazing to see how quickly life can go from the mundane, everyday struggles, to all the sudden something more. While I'd never wish a horrific event to be thrust upon anyone, it really shows what is important. It is the little moments that we often forget, or don't take time to truly appreciate. It is when the student who has given me tons of headaches throughout the year, turns around and gives me a carrot cookies. So, just a friendly reminder out there to everyone, look around and appreciate the little things in life, because some day they may suddenly be gone.

Happy 2011!

Well, it is a new year and one of my resolutions is to keep this blog more up to date. This year has started with a bang and is going fast and furious. For the first time, in my memory at least, Anchorage area residents were allowed to legally set off fireworks. The ban hadn't stopped people much before, but at least now you didn't feel guilty doing it. I feel like it takes some of the fun out of it when it is legal. You'd think people would go overboard, but considering the closest place to purchase fireworks is a good hour and a half drive on icy roads, there wasn't a huge increase in the fireworks set off. After the fireworks it was back to work up north. It always is rough getting back into the swing of things. This fact becomes even more obvious when dealing with youth. There were a lot of tired faces at the end of the first day, but it was good to see everyone again. The most exciting news that happened over the Christmas break was that Interior Alaska finally broke free of the cold spell that had settled for a few weeks. I left Fairbanks at -40 F and returned at +30 F. This VERY rarely happens. I was almost so confused that I stopped to make sure I was indeed traveling north when I was returning. Lucky for us, we should be returning back to the normal weather in a week or so. Afterall, we wouldn't want to start the year off too different. It is hard enough remembering to date everything 2011.

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)

___________________________________

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

Time for What? A Holiday Montage!!!

I would like to present the following photo montage to fill you all in on the past month.  Enjoy.

"So a pirate and a bumble bee walk into a bar..." Halloween '10

Birthday Dinner at the Turtle Club

Exquisite Two-Layer Birthday Cake

Thanksgiving Ski Expedition

Operation Impromptu Snowman

Cora Winking at Her Fans

Kiddo Joins Up in Girdwood

Death by Skiing

Future Dictators of America

NOT OKAY, KARI!

Karma Takes Kari's Ski

A Long Overdue Update

Dear Admiring Public,
We are so sorry that we have been neglecting you recently. As a reconciliation we are posting a pile of photos for you. Speaking of reconciliation prizes, the past week has been interesting to say the least. The entire state of Alaska(except for Eagle, Eek, and Point Hope) was hit by the "Great Freezing Rainstorm of 2010." School districts across the state decided it would be an excellent opportunity to test out the transportation skills of students, parents, and bus drivers. We were all sent out to brave the hazardous driving conditions on a Monday morning and see how well we could drive across an ice rink. To say the least, the common consensus was that the coefficient of friction was not nearly large enough to even attempt to travel unless you were a professional Zamboni driver. As a result the school districts decided to close the schools for Tuesday and Wednesday as reconciliation for risking our lives. So, for the first time ever Alaska celebrated Thanksgiving for a whole week.
For Thanksgiving we made the annual pilgrimage down to Anchorage. The food and friends were a plenty. A snowstorm even stopped by, making skiing conditions excellent. We hope you enjoy these fine photos, they will become national treasures someday.

Murkowski claims victory in Alaska Senate race; Miller not conceding

While Lisa claims a "miracle" victory, our dear friend Joe Miller-who promised not to drag Alaska through painful drawn out lawsuits and indecision-has yet to concede. Who shall prevail?  The papers seem eager to call it for Murkowski, and the general mood here in the Great North echoes that.  Forget Sarah, it looks like Lisa is going to be the true Alaskan maverick.

Speaking of Mama Grizzly, I wonder if Sarah Palin is frustrated by the fact that she can't even throw around enough political weight in her home state to get her tea party homeboy elected?  What might that suggest to a nation apparently full of gung-ho tea partiers?

Read more from our gloriously biased local paper: http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/10352213/article-Murkowski-claims-victory-in-Alaska-Senate-race--Miller-not-conceding?instance=home_lead_story

Historical Figure I Would Be Most Likely to Take to Lunch

And the winner is... C.S. Lewis. 

What can I say?  A little revisit to The Horse and His Boy this weekend left me wondering what Mr. Lewis would have to say to the children of post-modernism.  I wonder if his message would change drastically, if at all.  Though, I am sure he would be disappointed with the lack of critical thinking our society encourages these days.

One of the greatest things about C.S. Lewis, as far as I am concerned, was his ability to be a man of intelligence and faith.  He was defined by both, and neither identity seemed to diminish the other.  I only wish I could be such a person.


 

Countdown to a Fully Developed Frontal Lobe

There are but 19 days left until my 25th birthday. As many people are aware, the human frontal lobe is not fully developed until 25 years of age. The frontal lobe-of course-largely affects decision-making and impulse control. In essence after November 20, 2010 I am out of excuses and heading toward responsibility.

In honor of the 19 days I have left to celebrate my foolhardy youth I will be staging "The Final Countdown to Elena's 25th." I will kick it off now with a very appropriate music video:

Født med ski på biena

The day finally has arrived. After missing two ski seasons I strapped on by boards and cruised around Birch Hill. Now Birch Hill isn't the best cross country ski area in the world, but for Fairbanks it is the top. The key to surviving in Fairbanks is all about lowering your expectations and laughing at the situation. The trails here are very windy, so much so that most turns are step turns. They even have a few padded light poles. That is a scary sight when you come around a corner and realize that enough people have run into a particular object that the groomers have taken the time to put padding on it. They are also very hilly, which is good for the legs and lungs. Not so good for the beginning skier. My favorite aspect about all the trails in Fairbanks is they have a very gentle up and down feel that has been created by years of snowmachine grooming. The trails in Anchorage are just flat as a pancake with their professional snowcat grooming machines. The crazy thing about skiing is that after the first two glides it all came back. The gliding, the frozen fingers, the cold air, and of course all those bad habits my ski coaches tried to break me of. I guess skiing is my version of riding a bike. It's something that I was born to do or as the Norwegians say, "Born with a ski on the foot."

Trollops, Strumpets and Floosies! Oh My!

When faced with this...I decided to make my own.

This weekend when a girlfriend proudly proclaimed that she was going to dress up for Halloween as a sexy zoo animal (no joke), I could only laugh inwardly.  Friends, it seems that yours truly has crossed another one of those check points on the way to being a grown up.  I no longer feel the need to bare skin on Halloween.

I respect a woman's choice to attract attention with plunging neck lines and shorter hem lines.  However, I have realized that is not what it is about for me.  This year I am going out to the bars dressed up as a Spelling Bee.  Yes, I, Elena Herron, will run around Fairbanks dressed in a home-made bee costume that will be appropriate for the 20 - 15 degree weather we will no doubt be experiencing here in Fairbanks.  I will hang an ABC sign from my neck and voila, a cute slightly punny little costume will be born!

I don't need people to appreciate my body on Halloween; I would rather them appreciate my sense of humor and fun.  I still look forward to dusting my cheeks with glitter and taking lots of adorable photos with Kari (who is going to be one fearsome pirate).  Most of all, I am excited to hang out with a group of friends who have been using their creative powers to piece together costumes that will make me laugh and appreciate them for their quirky individuality.

While cruising the internet this weekend, I found a lovely article about Halloween in the post-feminist age.  Read the article and the commentary for some interesting and varied opinions on the female psyche and the need to bare it all on All Hallows Eve.

Domesticity

This week I bought my first bedroom set (pictured above).  Now, I am completely freaking out.  Feels like I am coming down with some ridiculous nesting syndrome.  Before you know it, I'll be registering for some fine china.

I never thought I would actually want matching dishes or tasteful decorative pillows.  Please someone suggest an awesome life-changing adventure that will cure this temporary insanity...

AFN

This is a big weekend in the Golden Heart City. We are hosting the Alaska Federation of Natives. This is basically a huge conference held annually for all the Native Alaskan Corporations. I think the Alaska Natives (aka. white people born in AK like me) should start our own corporations. That way we could spend millions paying people to push paper, invest our money, and fly to the ends of the earth. Unfortunately, I don't think we would get too many government grants. Honestly, why to the freckled people not get many free hand outs? Oh well. This conference is all going to a good cause. Leaders get together, pour money in to the Fairbanks economy, and the people from the bush get a long weekend of fun in Fairbanks. The only trouble is sometimes people go a little crazy in the "big city." At least it is something different going on this weekend. Check out their fancy website www.nativefederation.org/.

I Want You

This story is brought to you by my distaste for a military recruiter in my office loudly jawing about how awkward it will be to have openly homosexual members of the US armed forces.  To the brave men and women who have served in silence, I thank you.  Follow the link below to a CNN story you may find enlightening.

Military recruiters told they can accept openly gay applicants

An Unopened Letter From Frida

M’ija, you stink of privilege.  Your Spanish words are clumsy now, like hail stones bouncing off your sweet abuelita’s tin roof.  You live in the polished districts of sedate happiness and complacency.

You ascended, went to a fancy school and shed your west side accent.  Was it hard to put all that distance between your roots and your future? You, ruca, who drives the lesbo Subaru and stuffs onion bagels into her mouth, you are a mystery now. 

And your poor sweet mother, the way her proud strong hands stunk of onions, dirt and labor, struggled so that you might have better.  What have you given back to them, those sloe-eyed ancestors who dared to dream?  Do you still talk to them in your sleep?

How easily you forget.  When do you come home to remember the hours over the comal?  Do you see your old friends, tus primas, with children hanging off their hips and the sweat of commonness on their brows?  Do you think you made a fortunate escape?

La Virgen help you, querida. We don’t know you anymore.