Today I’m a bit sad. One of my favorite people in Baton
Rouge is moving away. And is she choosing to move to somewhere I might be able
to visit? Of course not! She’s moving to Barrow, Alaska!! It is the 9th northernmost city in the world and is the northernmost city in the United
States of America. Geez, if she wanted to see snow, couldn’t she
have just moved to Chicago or someplace like that!
Why is she
moving? Well she was one of the lucky
people (I’m being sarcastic) who got laid off on the same day as myself so I
guess she needs a job. All kidding
aside, I’m really happy for her. She is single with 3 grown children so why not
take this adventure? Other then the fact that she is going to freeze her little
toosh off, the city only has a total of 21 square miles, there is no way in and
out except by plane, temperatures remain below freezing from early October
through late May. The high temperature is above freezing on an average of only
120 days per year, and there are temperatures at or below 0 °F (−18 °C) on an
average of 160 days per year. Freezing temperatures, and snowfall, can occur
during any month of the year. But hey… why not!!??
Actually the
company she is going to work for is offering her a really great salary,
fantastic benefits which include 6 wks vacation right off the bat, and they
will even let her keep her doctors here in Baton Rouge and fly her back for
doctor visits twice a year.
But is she still
nuts for moving to the middle of nowhere land? Heck no, she will just be a hop,
skip, and a jump away from Santa Claus! I wonder if she’ll get to meet Rudolph?
I’ve been to
Alaska and it is a beautiful state. There is almost nothing more lovely than seeing
mountains with snow on them all around you.
Surprisingly, my
friend has always dreamed of moving to Alaska so this is really a big
thrill for her. She is ready and willing for this new adventure in her life and
although I’m being selfish in not wanting her to go, I still wish her all the luck in the world.
How about you? Is there a place you have dreamed about all
your life moving to? Me, I have no specific place I’ve dreamed about, however I
do dream about walking out my back door to a white sandy beach, some type of
waterfall, or a gorgeous mountain view. Sounds like heaven to me!
Your friend sounds awesome. I bet she hearts you!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, Mari. Better get ready to freeze your you know what off!
DeleteGezz that girls does sound amazing and what a amazing friend you are for writing about her.. I sure do feel the love. I wish I had friends that loved me like that. :-)
DeleteI wish you did too, Susan. Ha ha!! I'll deal with you later... BSF
DeleteOh Wow! I've lived in Alaska, and to me it's the most beautiful place on earth. But Barrow? The tundra, snow, and ice 365 days a year would be too much for me! Barrow is the land of the 'polar night', where the sun sets in November and doesn't rise again until late January, so you're either in total darkness or dim twilight. Then there's the 'midnight sun,' where the sun rises in May and doesn't set again until August! I have a picture of our backyard garden, full of strawberry rows, covered with snow, but taken in June at midnight, and with the sun shining. However, this was in Seward, not Barrow! I wish her the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteYep, she is going to need lots of luck... and warm clothing!! But she's ready so that's what's important.Plus she's just crazy enough to really love it there. LOL
DeleteThat actually sounds amazing to me. A grand adventure. Is there a place I have always dreamed of visiting? Yes, anywhere in Europe that's very old. Living? Nah. I'll stick in good ole Alabama :)
ReplyDeleteWell if there is anyone who's ready for an adventure, it's her so...
DeleteBest of luck to your friend. It will be an adventure, and I hope it's a great one for her and her children.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly. I'll tell her that.
DeleteAdventure or not, that is a COLD place to be! Woo not my cup of tea, but I hope she has a wonderful time. I know you will miss her, but you are also a wonderful penpal so I think you will still be able to chat with her one way or another. Heck, learn to skype.
ReplyDeletectny
Yah, I'm freezing just thinking about it! And I do skype my family so skyping her would be a good idea too.
DeleteO I forgot I always dreamed of living in Louisana where you look out your window and you see nothing but trees and alot of swampy grass. :-) Runner up would be Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI know, how could she even think about leaving us here in alligator, roach, and gecko land!
ReplyDeleteAllyn, I have known Mari for many years and yes you are right....she is just crazy enough that she will love it in Alaska!! Mari and I lived in neighboring towns back in ND but we were best lake buddies every weekend and sometimes during the week!! We managed to get into a bit of mischief along the way but shared alot of great times! We have drifted apart over the years but have kept in touch the past few years via facebook...thank goodness! She is a great friend and so funny always makes you smile!
ReplyDeleteJane
Jane,
ReplyDeleteYou are sooooo right about Mari and she is definitely nuts enough to like it up there! I agree, she is a great friend and makes me laugh every her mouth opens! Thanks for commenting.
Your friend is about to step out into a dream of hers. How blessed! And to have a friend who feels so strongly about her and excitment for her...doubly blessed! Have a great adventure, Allyn's friend. My daughter lived in Alaska for over a year and loved it..almost took a full time position. I told her she wouldn't see her dad and me fly up there--even though we love her. Her dad can't handle cold and I "brrrr" don't like it. I'm a sand & surf girl myself. Praise God, she settled down 5 years ago in northern California. Luck for us.
ReplyDeleteAllyn- you are a dear person. Tell your friend to have fun.