For months Scott and I pretty much only discuss one topic-Private Practice/ vs. AF. He found a dream practice in Denver, but then the AF offered him Alaska. He's always wanted to live there and for lots of other reasons we are taking that option. So I've been researching on the Internet to prepare for the big move. Here's what I've learned:
-Everyone loves it there (that's the first thing everyone says. I find this interesting, b/c no one says this if you are moving somewhere warm and sunny.)
-It is cheaper to fly to Hawaii than to Utah (it is also much warmer in Utah-so we make Scott's family meet us there)
-Delta has a direct Anchorage-SLC
-No one has a San Antonio direct flight (maybe my family can meet us in Hawaii too)
-Prime-time starts at 7:00. We haven't seen the end of a show in 2 years.
-Kindergarten is all day
-Both Land's End and LL Bean sell coats that say I can be comfortable in -35. While I doubt my comfort level at that temp no matter what I'm wearing, I'm so buying one of those coats.
-Housing rental rates seem even higher there then here
-If we become Alaska residents we can get $2000/family member-we might need to have a few more kids
-Eagle River is the place to be and the schools are AMAZING. I didn't see a school rated less then 8
-There is a great violin teacher
-They have year round swimming. They also have flag football, soccer, and basketball
-I finally decided to go back to school and get my Master of Library Science-but they don't have a program in the entire state (Hawaii has more programs than Texas for some reason)
-Elementary school is K-6
-the HS has release-time seminary
-We can take a 3 day ferry from Washington to Alaska. It doesn't sound as fancy as a cruise. Here's from the FAQ:
"Where can I sleep if there are no cabins? Many public areas also serve as sleeping space for those traveling without a cabin. Comfortable reclining chairs are found aboard all vessels for overnight rest. Often passengers choose to sleep in their own sleeping bags in the solarium's found aboard vessels making longer voyages."
-We will get a cabin.
-Those of you in my book club, know how much I enjoyed "Winterdance". If I want I can watch the start of the Idiotarod.
So much good stuff and then in the back of your mind all you can think about is how stinking cold it is. But I know you'll make the best of it and have a lot of fun! I'd be interested to see a moose...from a distance.
ReplyDeleteSo Alaska is for sure, for sure?
ReplyDeleteAnd when did you decide to get your Masters? That's awesome. Maybe you should just let your kids live with me and you can come and visit. :)
Did you enjoy Winterdance? It was my pick and I thought everyone hated it . . . are you being sarcastic?
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I'll miss you, and especially Riley!!!!! Darn!
What an adventure! Everyone does love it. And man, release time seminary, that is awesome. Graham is teaching early morning this year, and it is exhausting. Please take the ferry down to Seattle, that would be awesome too. I hope you are feeling stress relief to have made this choice!
ReplyDeleteYeah, you will all LOVE Alaska! I still get home sick for that beautiful place. The people are so awesome. I bet you are so happy to have a decision made. Start planning your summer adventure now, the camping spots go fast. We loved staying at the military resort in Seward. I will have to give you a call before midnight your time.
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