Sixty Eighth Stop: Fresno

Since this past July, I left my job and the life that I had made over the last 9 years.  I cannot believe that has already been 6 months.  Time is sure flying.  I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see my friends that are practically family.

Going back is never easy because it is always so hard to leave.

There are so many great memories that have been made and friendships that will truly last forever.

Thanks so much for such a great few days Fresno.  I will be back in a few months... Will get to play catch up again soon. 

Sixty Seventh Stop: Happiest Place on Earth

The happiest place on earth!!

I was able to spend 2 days in the Magic Kingdom with my best friend.  There is something that this place has to offer that no matter what your age is, you can still feel like a child.  You refer back to memories that you had from when you were a child in the park, while making so many new ones.

I mean you can only laugh at nothing at the same time...No explanation needed.

 Do have to say other than my all-time-favorite Space Mountain... 

California Adventures is close to my new favorite.  It has made major improvements from the first time I was there...Tower of Terror, Screaming California roller coaster, Toy Story ride (got my butt kicked every time), Goofy ride, and the Cars Race Ride.   So much fun!!

If you have not been to Disneyland in a while I suggest it!  Let your inner child break free and have a great time. 

Sixty Sixth Stop: Evolution for the New Year

Happy New Year.. OFFICIALLY!

With a new year upon us, we start to look forward to what the new year will bring and what changes we will make to welcome it.  They say, too, that if you write it down and or tell other people that you are more likely to follow through.   So... here is what I am working on so far.   I don't like to say it is resolutions, but more evolution to a better healthier me. 

- Travel.  Not only more of the beautiful state of Alaska, but the world too. 

- Take interpreting tests again... but this time I WILL pass. 

- Find a place to call my OWN! 

- Continue to learn how to be crafty.  Crocheting, sewing, and knitting...Have two nieces to make fun stuff for!  

- Focus on my health 

- Continue to grow spiritually  

- Be in the moment 

- Make a difference in one persons life everyday 

- Learn something new everyday 

- Get a puppy that I can call my own...To love, spoil, and rescue. 

What are some of your new years evolutions you will be working on? 

Sixty Fifth Stop: New Years Eve 2014

Happy New Year.. well almost...

I have touched down in California.  Ended up giving up my seat to Burbank because they were over booked.  Scored 300$ and a flight to Orange County which actually worked out way better due to a change of plans.

I am looking forward to a wonderful evening with my parental unit at Stone Brewery.  We will get to watch the Keg countdown till midnight while enjoying an amazing dinner.   I cannot wait!

If you ever have a chance to stop into Stone.. I suggest it.  It is so delicious!  Your inner fat kid will be so happy.

Sixty Fourth Stop: Californ-I-A

The time has come.  I  am packing and cleaning tonight.  Tomorrow is the big day to start a day of travel to head back to good ol Californ-I- A.  Just in time to ring in the New Year too.

I was a little worried when it came to the morning of the 30th because weather was not the best... there was threat that there would be a weather hold... which means that I would not get to fly out of the village.  I am very lucky, though, that I was allowed to leave the morning of the 30th on the first flight.  I was able to get out and on the Homer side. I did not want to chance it by waiting for a later flight because you never know what will happen later. Truly pays to have a one of your best friends be a pilot!

So here is to the next 25 hours worth of traveling.  Vacation.. I see you on the horizon!

Sixty Third Stop: Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hope everyone is enjoying their time with family and friends ~ celebrating the holiday season.

I got to come over to Homer on the 23rd and was able to spend this Christmas a little different than my traditional Christmas with the Zeuli familia.   This year, I spent it with some of my best friends up here in Alaska.

Traditions are what make my world go round... but every once and while you have to break away from traditions and make new ones.

Sixty Second Stop: St. Nicholas

  19th of December, 2014, is St. Nicholas Day here in the village.  It is a very important day that is celebrated.

     St. Nicholas was born sometime in 280 in Patara, Lycia, known today as Turkey.  Both of his parents passed away when St. Nicholas was very young.  It was documented that he used his inheritance to help those who were in need, who were poor,  and who were sick.  

     There are many legends about St. Nicholas of Myra.  One story goes on to tell us how a father was struggling to make ends meet. He was not able to provide for his family, which included his three daughters.  He could not provide their doweries and was going to have to sell to servitude in order to provide for them.   Three times St. Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and put a bag of money inside.  The father used the money so that one of his daughters could marry.  On the third visit, the man saw St. Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness.  He also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death.

Several sources state St. Nicholas is believed to have died on December 6, 343.  Over the years, stories of his miracles and work for those in need in all parts of the world have come to the surface.   He became known as the protector of children and sailors and was associated with gift-giving.

     The Dutch continued to celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas on December 6.  It was a common practice for children to put out their shoes the night before.  In the morning, they would discover the gifts that St. Nicholas had left there for them.  Dutch immigrants brought St. Nicholas, known to them as Saint Nicholas, and his gift-giving ways to America in the 1700s.

     In America, St. Nicholas went through many transformations and eventually  becoming Santa Claus.  Instead of giving gifts on December 6, he became a part of the Christmas holiday.  In a poem written in 1820, St. Nicholas' story was told in "An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore.   He was later described as a jolly, heavy man who comes down the chimney to leave presents for deserving children and drives a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.  This is where the idea was born.

Here in the village everyone gathered into the community room,  shared delicious foods and sang several songs about St. Nicholas. Then St. Nicholas would come for all the children to sit on his knee and answer the famous question, “Have you been good this year?”  Then each child, adult, and elder that took their turn to check in with St. Nicholas received a bag of an apple or orange and full shelled nuts.

Watching each child sit on his knee reminded me of all the times that we would go to see Santa.  Especially last year as Solstice got her picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Clause in Fresno...Such beautiful memories.

  

   I hope everyone has a truly beautiful Christmas with family, friends, and strangers...Continuing old traditions, and starting new ones.   I want to thank everyone again for all your help, not only for this Alaskan adventure, but for everything.  Being here and having time to reflect is just another reminder on how truly blessed I am to have all of you in my corner.