oh the places we'll go...

It is 6:20am Alaska Standard Time (I think that’s what they call it) and I am lying in a bed in a motel next to a bed that has my mom and dad reluctantly waking up to my lovely serenade of “Pumped up Kicks” by Foster the People.

Oh yea, can’t forget the two canines that are strategically placed in either bed.

There are three gigantic suitcases that look like they have projectile vomited clothes everywhere.

There is a blueberry muffin and some OJ in the mini fridge.

  A sauce pan on the floor being used as a water bowl for the pups and two cereal bowls for their food. 

And two dog crates that have more stickers on them than a 1960’s van.

Its 33 degrees outside and still dark (its only 6:20…).

I can’t help but think, if I hadn’t decided, oh say, 9 months ago to move to Alaska, what would my Wednesday be like today?

Well, for starters it would be 10:20am Eastern Standard Time and I would have gotten off of night shift this morning.

So I would more than likely be sleeping in my bed in Morrisville, gassing up for night 3/3 at Duke, preparing for my future 8 days off.

I would have probably spent the night prior administering chemo, giving antibiotics, doing fever work ups all while laughing and being ridiculous with some of my favorite co workers.

Most, or a lot of, people who you hear about making such an enormous change in their lives do so out of survival; they are in a situation that needs to change drastically and the only way to make that possible is to physically move yourself from it.

I can’t say that I am one of those most or many.

If I was sleeping in my bed, resting for the nightshift so I can see my friends and patients again, I would be perfectly content.

I have a wonderful life in North Carolina.

Friends and family that love me, things to do, progress to make, dogs to walk.

So the $1,000,000 question?

Why move 4000 miles away from something good?

My best answer is to make it great.

My good life in NC has prepared me, readied me, and equipped me with the strength and drive to make changes like this.

To challenge myself, grow, learn, and make new and lasting experiences.

A patient once told me “After you move and have this experience, NO ONE can take it from you.”

And she’s right, this time in my life will undoubtedly help shape the rest of it and be a catalyst of growth and sheer living for me.

Enough banter about growing and such, now onto the logistics of moving your entire life 48 states away that everyone keeps asking me about.

It has consisted of:

·

Shipping 10 cardboard boxes thru FedEx

·

Toting 3 suitcases, 2 bookbags, 1 purse to the airport and on the plane to Chicago and then Anchorage

·

Shipping 2 dog kennels by checking them as luggage and having them stowed in the (supposed) temperature regulated cargo area with the other luggage

Phew.

Now that those three things have been accomplished and safely arriving in Alaska (sans Lexi’s breakfast which she seemed to have lost en route), what else do you do?

You pick up the rental car and drive to the valley where I will be living.

The fall leaves are still on the trees as we leave Anchorage.

Every time I come to Alaska, the mountains are a different color.

December-white.

June- green.

October- golden brown.

Gives me a good feeling that I will consistently be amazed and humbled by the beauty of this place.

We arrived at our quaint motel, rest for 2.5 seconds and then go to Chilis (Yes, they have Chilis!) to get some alcohol, and some food.

At over $60 for the bill, we are quickly reminded that the cost of living is slightly higher than our usual down south fare.

But, nevertheless, full and happy.

Now onto the townhouse!

I was so pleased, my friends did a great job of picking the perfect place!

It’s a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car (HEATED!!!) garage place. With a big open living area and nice updated kitchen.

The backyard is beyond perfect for my dogs to romp around in ( I cannot WAIT until they stumble upon a moose).

So needless to say, I was very satisfied and put at ease to know I will have a wonderful place to come and relax.

Day 2.

Sign lease. Open bank account.

Get approved for car loan.

Buy car.

Wait what???

Well, I got all of those but the last accomplished.

But I did pick a car and will go back today and make the purchase.

I love having my dad here for innumerable reasons, but being my buffer to the sleazy car salesmen was one of the bigger perks.

So glad he is here to help in so many ways.

  His planning and organization surpasses mine, but I'd like to think I've gotten some of it over the years. 

Along with my mom, she is incredible.

People say I’m strong and whatnot for doing this, and I say, well, look at who raised me?

If only ¼ of her bravery and perseverance rubs on to me by proxy of being around her for 25 years, then I am set.

  for life. 

Now that Day 3 is starting up, it is time to get many more things accomplished.

Sorry for the long first entry, this is a new thing to me, but I will do my best to keep those who care to know up to date and close to my heart.

This is truly the scariest thing I’ve ever done and I know it cannot be done without the support of those who love me dearly.

“This place has the potential to be very…very…cold.” –dad

 -Steph