Finding My Aloha: Finding my way in the Last Frontier...

Monday, July 26, 2010

Finding my way in the Last Frontier...

I found out last Thursday that we are officially moving. My husband is a pilot for the USAF. We were given a heads up a few months ago that we would be up for reassignment soon. We made our list of preferences and of course Hawaii was right at the top. Well, we got assigned to a non contiguous state alright, just not the warm one! That's right...we are moving to ALASKA! We move in January. Yes, we are moving to Alaska in the DEAD of winter! What an adventure this is going to be! Both my husband and I are from Colorado so we will appreciate the alpine surroundings but I have to admit I am nervous about the darkness in the winter. I am trying to stay positive and get excited, so here are some pictures of my new home and things I am excited to see...

It's supposed to be stunningly beautiful. I look forward to visiting Denali National Park.

I have always wanted to go to Kodiak Island and see the bears!

It will be awesome to see the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis in its full glory!

I know that contrary to some beliefs, most Alaskans don't mush to work, but I am looking forward to some recreational dog sledding. We did this in Whistler, BC when we were up there this winter for the Olympics and it was thrilling!

Anchorage doesn't look so bad does it? You are going to laugh, but one of the first things I did when I found out we were moving there was I looked up if it had a Target store. I was relieved to find out it does, its actually has two! Whew! ;) We are hoping to do a house hunting trip up there sometime this fall before it gets too wintry.

Nothing can give you better motivation to finish a quilt than learning you are moving to Alaska! I think I might add some extra batting in there for good measure! Here is some of the progress I have made since my last update.

Have any of you lovely readers visited or lived in Alaska? Any advice? Lord knows, I'm gonna need it! :)

The life of a military spouse is filled with change and we just have to find the best way to "let go and let God". I am taking comfort in these words from Isaiah 43: 18-19:

¹⁸ "Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Reminder: Be sure to enter my April Cornell giveaway while you are here! Ends July 28th.

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Stacey · 767 weeks ago

ALASKA??? My husband and his brother are both pilots too, but thankfully we just have to live in a 2 hour radius from the Toronto Pearson Airport. My brother in law though, he was in Yellowknife for 3 years. They really enjoyed the time up there, but were thrilled to get out. What a life changing adventure you're on! Just think of all the new things you'll learn. The Northern Lights are incredible! I'm jealous that you have two targets!!! Aloha Alaska.

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

You are right AlooooHA Alaska! I will work hard to bring a little bit of aloha to the last frontier!

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Cindy · 767 weeks ago

what?! ALASKA? and you didn't call me? :( sad face :( i'm totally excited for you tho! my dad's family lived there for a few years. the only place my grandma DIDN'T want to go was there, and when my grandpa came home with orders to there she just cried and cried (according to my dad). turns out that was her favorite out of ALL their assignments....and they even spent a few years at Hickam! you're going to have a blast! and ironically, i think we might be planning our next vacation for next summer there!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

Ill trust Grandma then! Thanks for sharing her story! If you do decide to vacation in AK, you have a place to visit! I just hope we can afford a big enough house to keep our guest room. I had no idea how astronomically expense AK is!

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Kindra · 767 weeks ago

Alaska! What a fun adventure that will be! All the pics you shared are just beautiful! My hubby's 2nd cousins lived up there for most of their lives and just loved it!

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

Thanks! I hope we love it too! :)

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jamieg · 767 weeks ago

Just stumbled upon your blog, and love it! We just returned from a vacation in Alaska a week ago. I must say, I think I left part of my heart there. It was the most beautiful place I've ever seen. So raw and natural. I felt a peace there that I haven't felt in a long time. I told my husband that I could completely picture moving there and being happy. If only we could convince all of our HUGE family to move with us.... :) What an adventure you get to go on, enjoy!

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

That is so encouraging! Thank you for sharing! That makes me feel so much better. Im glad you found my blog! I love your site! Your story is very touching. My heart is with you.

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Laura · 767 weeks ago

Aww Emily, what a beautiful way to comfort yourself with the word of God. There is nothing better that you could be doing right now. You're having a positive outlook right from the start, putting it in God's hands, and standing on His word.

I know it might be a bit nerve-racking, but I'm sure it will turn out to be such an adventure for your family! I also hear that Alaska is beautiful.

Well, lucky us! We're going to start getting a bunch of new posts come January, right?! Can't wait to see some of the pictures you'll be posting then.

I promise to keep your family in prayer over all of this...for peace, reassurance, comfort, and happiness over your new home. Hope you have a lovely Monday, Emily!

Lots of love always,
Laura

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

Thanks Laura! I cherish your encouraging words! You are right, Alaska is going to make for some astounding photos and posts! A whole new trove of inspiration. I am trying to be excited. Everyone I have talked to loves it there and when and how else in my life would I have this opportunity? Thank you for the prayers! It is so overwhelming and we have alot to deal with (renting out our house here, finding a new house there, selling off extra furniture and my hubbys car as it wont stand the extreme cold, etc)

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Erin · 767 weeks ago

Oh Emily, I think Alaska will be a great adventure!

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Melissa · 767 weeks ago

Wow, Alaska! I love your perspective on the move. I've heard that Alaska is such a beautiful place.

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

Thanks Melissa! I have a bit of practice but it never gets easier. The whole process has really taught me to just let go when it gets too tough.

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Nadia · 767 weeks ago

Alaska, huh? Wow! I've only heard good things from people who've been stationed there, and at least it's only temporary!
I love the quilt you're working on - I'm assuming you bought the fabric in Hawaii - do you remember which stores?

1 reply · active 767 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 767 weeks ago

Hi Nadia! Actually I didn't buy the fabric in the islands. It would be easy to find most of it at a nicer fabric store though and even online. Most of it is vintage reproduction from the 1930's. I just picked out vibrant colors that made me happy and reminded me of Hawaii. I have been pretty much quilting any textile that I love and makes me happy. The embroidered pineapple is actually a kitchen towel from Anthropologie. The red pineapple fabric is $1.50/yd from Walmart. It feels like a sarong too! I love looking in antique stores for linens and handkerchiefs to quilt too. Inspiration is everywhere! :)

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Carrie · 766 weeks ago

Hi! I also stumbled upon your blog from Fingerprints on the Fridge! I'm loving all your great ideas! I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I CHOSE to go to Alaska for our honeymoon and it was FABULOUS! We went ziplining, whale watching, biking down mountains, and so much more. I think you will love it. It's truly breathtaking! Enjoy. I look forward to reading about all your adventures!

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Laurel · 766 weeks ago

Oh my word, I'm STILL laughing over the Google for Targets!!! I swear, you're a girl after my own heart! I can say this, my cousin was a nurse in Alaska and loved it there! And (Zachs Aunt) Maria went on a cruise there last year, I think. She LOVED it! You ought to ask her about it. I think she said she wanted to go back sometime without the cruise ship (ha!) so you'll probably get to see them at some point.

I've said this since the beginning, you guys are the most adventurous kids I know. Your life is so exciting and I envy your energy, your zest for life, and your love for the great outdoors. All that spells ALASKA if you ask me. And then, who knows where life will take you. All I know, is I can't WAIT to see the pictures!

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Jessica · 759 weeks ago

I stumbled upon your blog through One Pretty Thing (love it!)...and I live in Anchorage, Alaska! My husband and I moved here to get involved in mission aviation and we love it (that's saying a lot since I am native Californian!). Blessings to you and the fam as you make the move!!

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Nikky · 729 weeks ago

I just came across your blog through Vintage Wanna Bee and had to comment about you living in AK. My dad was in the Army while I was growing up and we lived in Anchorage for 3 years. I loved it! Of course, I was a kid though and so all that snow was exciting! ha ha. I hope you are enjoying your time there! I do miss seeing the Northern Lights.

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Aloha! I love to hear from you. You can also email me at findingmyaloha@gmail.com Mahalo!

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