The boys are proud of the new table they made out of a cable wheel. You should have seen the chairs they made out of oil drums and saw horses. After they had the chairs around the table, they had beers and Pringles passed around.
Tonight I had a revelation about life in comparison to a jigsaw puzzle. While I thought I had everything figured out when I graduated high school, college, first heart-break, etc., slowly but surely, I've gained another piece to change the few pieces I had accumulated from a single tone to somewhat of a pointalismic (not sure if that's even a word) masterpiece, with the current product a pixilated version of what it might become. And although I believe I have about a million pieces left to fulfill what most would consider a lifetime, I can honestly say if tomorrow were to never come, I'd die a happy girl with the beautiful picture life has pieced together for me.
This lifestyle seems to highlight the good parts of life; at least to me anyway. When you'd think we'd have time to think about all of the things we're missing out on in terms of a social life or even grocery stores, we're usually busy relaxing, fishing, hiking, walking, hunting or mapping out what we might want for dinner based on what's in the cupboard. And while most dread the idea of cooking from scratch, ironically we've saved time by being creative instead of hauling to Wal-mart for the quick dinner fix from the frozen food section. We've been careful about what we have and what we use, as we now know that ordering groceries in is about a month-long process. But even that kind of frugality and patience has had its pay off. There's a sense of accomplishment I get out here over the littlest things, whether it's making pot-pies from scratch, or feeling like I could feed an army at the drop of a dime, and still have food left in the cupboard. It makes me feel like I'm at least near the same wavelength of my mother, and she, herself, is someone I strive to be like on a daily basis.
I'm proud that Brandon and I have been here just shy of two months, and we have yet to eat canned soup or Chef-Boyardee for one meal. And most nights, start to finish, I've made most things from scratch. I never knew how willing
We went to the post office today and picked up what we thought was our Bass Pro Shop package. Sadly, it was our neighbor’s package so we’ll have to wait until Monday to check again. While waiting for service, a number of little kids were gallivanting up and down the ramp playing tag. Amidst the commotion, they thought Brandon and I should play, too. A slap on the butt, and I was “it” by a little 5 or 6 year old girl. We played a little bit with them and remembered how much we love little kids and are missing our nieces and nephews. We’re excited to play more with the little ones out here, as they seem to have enough spunk to make up for the high schoolers that loathe the sight of us “kassaks” who make them work in the classroom.
People in town continue to be welcoming and interested in getting to know us. That acceptance is crucial to me, as I’ve always been somewhat of a people pleaser. And if I can’t win over some of the high schoolers, at least I feel like there’s hope with their parents. The people here love Bingo which is where I’ve met a few of them passing through; and while I love the game too, I want to stay within their good-graces by leaving the pot for them to win. They get into the games and in one night alone, the fundraising event can bring in over a thousand dollars. Scratch the magazine and pizza sales, this fundraiser, paired with a cake walk or two is where the money really is. My assistant principal asked if I’d be interested in calling numbers, but I also left that task to the professionals. I’m enjoying the spectator view from here.
I’m starting to realize what distance does to the heart, despite its ineffectiveness on me in past circumstances. While I miss and love everyone at home and my heart has truly grown fonder of those of you in the lower 48, I haven’t hit the homesick stage where I feel like I need to be there to enjoy the relationships of those I care about. The phone calls, emails and Skype sessions have been a God-send in making me feel like I’m in the loop in spite of our being what seems like a million miles away. A special thanks to Annie H. for the beautiful picture she sent me. I have it posted on my filing cabinet at work and think of her every time I look at it!
We’re going to be getting our grocery supply on Friday, with any hope in the Bypass Mail Service functioning on schedule. We’ve noticed it’s taking about a week for priority boxes and mail from the lower forty-eight to reach our doorstep, but that’s weather dependent. And as for parcel post, that can be anywhere from two weeks, to two months, depending upon how much room is on the plane that comes out. Amazon.com has become our best friend, being one of the only websites that offers free shipping to all 50 states with most items. And Alaska Air has come in a close second with the bonuses it offers with its credit card. We’ll be flying home for Christmas at half the cost of what it’d typically cost us without those bonus miles and companion fare and every dollar we spend is a mile we accumulate; three miles per dollar if it’s a flight purchased through Alaska Air. I have a feeling we’ll be flying more with incentives like those. If you have the slightest interest in visiting
Anyway, before I begin sounding like a walking billboard, I’ll close with this: we’re doing fine and enjoying life up here. And while we miss you all very much, it’s beginning to feel more and more like home as we settle in. Routines have developed both at school and at home, and our ability to get involved with the people around us increases on a daily basis. We might be purchasing a snow-mobile or 4-wheeler soon if we find the right deal, so that’s something we’re looking forward to. We’re also looking forward to visiting any and everyone interested in seeing us over Christmas.
Keep in touch.
Love,
Brie
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