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)

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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

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