Fortieth Stop: California Bound

     As I pack my bags and get everything ready to head back to California,  I wonder what it will be like to back in my old stomping grounds.  I have had so many wonderful memories in Fresno and Carlsbad; and some that are not so good.  They all have helped shape me into the person I am today.  Being away from that life is something I miss, but I am really curious to see if it is the life style I miss, or the people?

I have become accustom to the simple life I have for myself here in Alaska.  I never sit in traffic.  I never am around more than about 70 people at any given time.  I rarely have to wait in line for anything.... Therefore,  I am really curious to see how everything will go down with my return back to California.  I truly think it will be a great reminder as to why I have started this adventure... or it will leave me with the feeling I had when I left back in August-the uneasy feeling and unsureness of what lies ahead.

Thirty Ninth Stop: Last Friday...

As I have mentioned before, I have not been trained to be a teacher, but I have been working really hard trying to find ways to make my kiddo enjoy reading and learning more entertaining and applicable. Putting Ms. Renee's brain power and mine together, we came up with the idea of researching famous Deaf individuals...hoping to develop a sense of belonging and endless possibilities.

     From what I have been told, being Deaf can very isolating. Being Deaf and living in a bush village in Alaska multiplies that to the 100th power.  So, by her reading and learning about other Deaf individuals, we thought 
                                                         would help her not feel so isolated.    

      The person we researched was Heidi Zimmer.  She is a famous mountaineer, in attempt to conquer all 7 summits of the world...accomplishing some of them already.  She also, along with a group of 35 other women, engaged in a cross-country biking expedition dedicated to celebrating and promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health of girls ages 9-18 for "Women on the Move".     

     Trying to expand our kiddo's perspective even more, we were able to email Heidi Zimmer, herself.   I figured she was a busy lady, but she got back to us right a way.  Watching my kiddo read Heidi Zimmer's response Friday morning melted my heart.  She was so excited and was jumping around telling everyone.     

These are the moments that I think every teacher lives for.  This interpreter had that moment and I am so blessed!!

Thirty Seventh Stop: Mama's Birthday!

 Today is the day that a very special lady was brought into this world, my Mama.  My Mama is one of the strongest, hardest working, devoted, intelligent, inspiring, and loving women I will ever know. She has a heart of gold and patience of a saint. Has always been there as my #1 fan... even if the idea took persuading. I have been so blessed to be able to call you my Mama, Ma, Mom.

     You may not agree on every adventure, and often times think I am crazy, but I am your daughter and want to  

                                          wish you a BIG ALASKAN Happy Birthday, Mama!   

I love you to the moon and back, times infinity, and hope you have the best day to start off the best year yet to come! Love you Mama, Happy Birthday, and see you soon!!

          

Thirty Sixth Stop: Mama Kim's Birthday

Mama Kim ( my editor):  you have to read this and stay neutral as always, but feel free to add how awesome you are.   (editors note..... It's easy to love you, Ryan, you are a gift to me.)

                                                 I Want to dedicate this blog to Mama Kim.  

     Today is her birthday and she deserves to have the best day to start off this wonderful year.    

      She is like another Mom to me, Aunt, editor of this blog, and major supporter through every single decision I have made in my life.  I would not be here, where I am today, with out her.     

     Thank you, Mama Kim, for everything.  There are no words to truly express how much I appreciate you.     

Happy Birthday!

Thirty Fifth Stop: God's Will

Sometimes it is the little things in life that get answered that make you a stronger believer.  For those of you who do not believe in God, this blog will be one you will probably skip over...but that is ok.  My believes and my faith are not meant to make anyone else happy, but me.

     This next week I will be traveling to Fresno to watch my best friend marry the love of his life.  This was also the probable/possible weekend for my Solstice girl to graduate from Guide Dogs for the Blind.  I was going to have to miss my girl's graduation to make sure I was there for my friends.  I have been praying on this...hoping for her to not give up because she is going to make an amazing guide dog, but to wait so I could be there.  With her will and all the help from God above, she has waited and will not be graduating on the 18th.     

     Some may say that it just what happens... or it was luck... and that it is, too, but I could not have done it without all the stars/ powers aligning, and God's will to make it happen. 

Thirty Fourth Stop: PFD

     When I first heard of "PFD", I thought of Personal Flotation Device, I was quickly corrected and told that it stands for Permanent Fund Dividend.  The dividend comes from Alaska oil royalties.  This money is set aside into a special fund, which topped $50 billion this summer.  This year was the 33rd dividend issued since the program began in 1982.  That check came out to $1,000.  The largest payout people have received thus far was in 2008 for  $2,069, but in 1984 they received the smallest monetary amount to date totaling $331.29. 

     An Alaskan that has received every dividend will have collected a total of $37,027.41.  Over its lifespan, the fund has paid out an estimated $22 billion.  The amount is based on a five-year average of Permanent Fund investments.  People who have lived in Alaska for more than one calendar year and plan to stay in the state are eligible to receive the PFD check.  The oldest recipient of the dividend this year is 109 years old and the youngest individuals are 26 infants born on Dec. 31, 2013.  (That date being the deadline to be eligible for the PFD.) 

 

The basic eligibility requirements are: 

     To qualify for a 2014 Permanent Fund Dividend you must be able to answer yes to all of the following statements. 

      I was a resident of Alaska during all of calendar year 2013; 

     On the date I apply for the 2014 Permanent Fund.                         

     Dividend, I have the intent to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely; 

            I have not claimed residency in any other state or country or obtained a benefit as a result of a claim of residency in another state or country at any time since December 31, 2012.     

          I was not sentenced as a result of a felony conviction during 2013;  Incarcerated at any time during 2013 as the result of a felony conviction;Incarcerated at any time during 2013 as the result of a misdemeanor conviction in Alaska if convicted of a prior felony or two or more prior misdemeanors since January 1, 1997. 

         If absent from Alaska for more than 180 days, I was absent on an allowable absence; I was physically present in Alaska for at least 72 consecutive hours at some time during 2012 or 2013.

Information was gathered from The Alaska Department of Revenue Permanent Fund Dividend Division. 

Thirty Third Stop: Joy Flying

     This weekend I made another trip back to Homer.  I am so blessed that I have the opportunity for a mini get-away.  Had some very interesting adventures this trip that took my breath away.

     I had the opportunity this Saturday to tag along with my amazing friend, TC, as he flew out Dad, two sons, and their chocolate lab (yes,I fell in love).  We went out to this beautiful open area, known as Bradley Lake, that was full of trees changing colors from green to gold, the lake so peaceful it looked like glass, and the fresh air that filled my lungs and reminded me that it truly cannot get better than this.

     Once the hunters were on the move, we took off and I was proven wrong... it did get better.  We did some joy flying over the Harding Ice Field that is 19,000 acres in size.  It was so overwhelming.  As we were flying over,  it looked like a perfect ice rink ~ till we got closer.  Then you could see the thick, uneven texture and imperfections of the glacier.

     As we continued through the mountains, we followed a river through the mountains.  Going from ice to this beautiful river flowing steadily surrounded by changing brush.  Even saw a few goats running around.  Think that they would be fun to add to my zoo.

     Coming back around to the mountain, we ended up at the base of the Grewingk Glacier.  You can see this glacier from Homer, but to be "up close and personal" is unbelievable!  How perfect it looks as it twists around the mountain.  Looks so strong and yet fragile.  It is truly breath taking to be so close to something that this California girl could only imagine from pictures and stories.

Bradley Lake from the air and on the ground:

Following the River around the mountain

Flying over 19,000 acres of glaciers in Harding Ice Field:

Grewingk Glacier. From a distance and up close: 

Seat belts were a must for this stop. BIG thank you again to Mr. TC for taking me on this adventure. This is on for the books. Best flight I have ever had.