One Day More

I leave tomorrow for Alaska. I leave Milwaukee at 12:45 pm and get to Anchorage at 10:50 pm. Long day of travel (even taking into account the time difference).

Save travels, food!

This past week I have been packing and getting ready to go. I sent some packages of food up to Golovin so I won't have to worry about getting groceries in Anchorage.

Wow, it looks just like a suitcase full of stuff.

I'm not really nervous about travelling or anything yet. That will probably kick in tomorrow once I'm on the first plane. I am fairly certain I have everything I will need. If not, oh well! I'm sure if I haven't thought have packing it I don't actually need it. The things I really need I can't pack anyway - family, friends, and pets.

Javerna is ready for her Alaskan journey.

I am excited to get to Golovin and start meeting everyone. It should be an amazing two months!

Tis a Fortnight til Golovin

I have about two more weeks until I leave! I am finishing up my student teaching, and then it is off to Oostburg to pack. I still have no idea how many clothes to bring, but it should be fun figuring it out back home. I am excited to see my family before I go.

This past weekend I went and visited my boyfriend, Kyle, for the last time before I leave. We went to all of my favorite places - Half Price Books, Cosetta's, Barnes & Noble... 

Kyle hugging my jacket

It was hard to say goodbye, but it is only for two months which makes it a little better.

BTW, in the picture is my new jacket. I like it very much. However, it is super huge and makes me feel like a marshmallow. At least it is warm! It has been nice for the cold days we have had here in Wisconsin.

Merry Christmas! - One more month

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season! I have made my first Alaska purchases from Ecology Outfitters in Sheboygan using some of my Christmas money. It was an excellent deal and I am excited!

The eyes on that package are terrifying.

It actually isn't my first purchase, I have a better coat than my current one coming in the mail - but these are the first purchases I have touched.

My mom modeled for me.

I am actually quite excited because I will be able to use anything I buy now when I get back from Alaska. Even though I live in Wisconsin I am actually not that prepared for our winters, so it is good I have a reason to invest in some nice winter clothes now. This internship is already preparing me for my future!

I don't know why that side is so furry.

The Journey Begins - 34ish days until Alaska

My name is Kirsten, and on January 25, 2014 I will be flying off to Alaska for a two month teaching internship. I will be working in Golovin, Alaska which is a small village waaay north from my dinky hometown in Wisconsin.

Thank you internet for this picture.

ALSO: I graduated on Saturday!

I am now almost legal to teach your children.

Even though I walked across the stage yesterday, it still does not feel like I actually graduated. I still have to finish up my student teaching in January. However, I do feel that graduating is my first step towards Alaska. Although I am not at all ready to leave Wisconsin yet. Even though I come from a land of harsh winters, I am going to a land of even harsher winters so I need to get real snow gear. 

Trying on snow pants not in the middle of a store.

The above pants were not a hit. I will most likely be getting snow gear designed for men, because all of the "girl gear" as I call it does not look like it could withstand a small breeze. I did find a nice thick jacket that I am waiting to get at an outlet mall, so hopefully I will be able to find more gear that a poor college gal like myself can afford.

There was a lot of snow today, so to prepare myself for Alaska I went outside and played in it with my dog, Henry. He was very happy, but even more so to come inside and cuddle afterwards.

He may have missed me while I was at school.

This week I will most likely be spending hundreds of dollars on snow gear and panicking about what else I should pack. It should be a very relaxing Christmas.