learning learning — November Blue

I’ve been in Alaska for two weeks and one day. I have learned a lot so far, but still have so much to learn…

1. New round-abouts require a pamphlet for this small town to understand such traffic signs

2. Pajamas are acceptable outside of the bedroom and seemed to be encouraged at places like Wal-Mart and the Brown Jug (AK’s ABC store equivalent)

3. Hand sanitizer is a gel form and soap is a foam as opposed to Duke having foam sanitizer and gel soap (sounds like a simple concept but those who know me, know I have been fooled on more than one occasion so far)

4. Heated garages do for a North Carolinian in Alaska as a heated blanket does for a febrile Leukemic- truly amazing and always appreciated

5. I still need my daddy to help me set up my cable and internet

6. I still need my daddy to help me buy a car

7. I still need my daddy for a lot of things

8. I still need my momma for just about everything else

9. Floor heaters make a lot of creaking sounds as opposed to vents. Very. Scary.

10. Being a non-Alaskan is not very alarming to anyone since no one is from here

11. Being a non-military, non-married 25 year old, null parity, non-Alaskan woman is very alarming. To everyone.

12. In order to be a doctor in Alaska you must have a gnarly beard. I feel that they require proof of facial hair on the application.

13. My new Jeep Grand Cherokee is very cool

14. Dance floors in Alaska are just as fun as dance floors in NC

15. No one was as excited as I was about the first ‘snow’, it didn’t stick around, but still was kind of thrilling. Need to get my snow tires soon

16. Living 3 minutes from work is emmaculate

17. Being the new kid at work still sucks as much as being, well, the new kid at work, but I'm getting there

18. I still know how to start IVs (cheers to all my future patients...)

I have enjoyed being here for the most part, organizing my room and bathroom is always fun although tiring. DIY night with my roommate has proven to be lots of fun and we’ve only had two sessions. Looking forward to all the other crafty things I can create (with her help of course). The pups seem to be acclimating just fine to Alaska, watching them slide into the back door due to the deck being frozen will never get old.

Still got a long road to go, but I feel this adventure got off on the right foot. My family here with me to help support and lend advice and some great friends to keep me busy and give me tips on living the ‘Alaskan way’. Also my friends and family back home, 4000 miles away, supporting me every step of the way and there to make me smile when I need it most.

Happy birthday BFF :o)

Hatcher's Pass