Three incidents exemplifying the bright beginning of successful assimilation into Alaskan society:
- Can't take the "heat." I rolled my eyes at my younger brother as he complained of the heat to his phone. Oh please, you’re from Texas. It’s only 80 degrees. Not more than 10 minutes later I agreed that no, we could not eat at this patio restaurant because the tables available were in full, boiling, sun.
- Voted worst-dressed state in the U.S.A.
I wore my running gear and hiking boots to church on Sunday morning. Bemused by the glances of my family, I wondered why they would inconvenience themselves with church clothes for the next hour when our clear plan was to hike afterwards.
I decided not to tell them I hadn’t washed my hair since Thursday morning. - Insanely active.
Today, after a full day of work at the hotel, I ran for 8-10 miles out to Kincaid Park where I met the Church Ladies. Aunt Lyn brought a mountain bike for me. I tried to stretch among the mosquitos, swigged some water, jumped on the bike, and rode 8 miles of trails for the next hour. The crazy part? Some of them thought I was going to run back home too.
Over the past few days, I have seen major progress in my move towards becoming an Alaskan.
The true test will come with winter.
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| The after church excursion in Girdwood, 50 minutes south of Anchorage. |
Remembering Girdwood made my heart ache again! I want some more of those wild blueberries! Minus the bugs.
ReplyDeletethe BUGS! The mosquitos are incredibly horrible. I couldn't even stretch after my run or pause during the bike ride because they would immediately attack in swarms.
DeleteHaha "worst-dressed state in the U.S.A." I remember Owen describing an Alaskan mechanic to me as "tall, lanky, scruffy, sleepy, and wearing-a-hat; in short, a normal Alaskan."
ReplyDeleteI love that description! especially the sleepy part. I disagree slightly with "tall and lanky." They fall more along "lean," "sturdy," and "brawny."
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