I haven't posted anything for several weeks, but life has been simply non-stop! It's been a good month though, although very much busier than May was.
I've pretty much been working 60 hours a week, six days a week, with Saturday being my typical day off. I do enjoy taking Saturday and exploring Juneau.
Several weeks ago I determined that I needed to set a bit of money aside from my tips and make Alaska the adventure it is supposed to be. I started renting a car on the weekends, and it has been a great investment. I pick the car up Friday night after work, and return it Monday morning. This allows me the freedom to do things on my day off, as well as Friday evening (since I don't have to work Saturday) Sunday evening and Monday morning.
I've done a bit of hiking - tried hiking My. Roberts but wasn't really prepared for how strenuous it was, so I didn't summit, but made it part way up and will be better prepared next time. I've been whale watching and got to see a pod of humpback whales bubble feed, which is amazing! I've also done a fair bit of hiking out at the glacier. This weekend I'm planing on hiking on some old mine trails above town and going to the Alaska State museum.
A couple weeks ago I didn't think I would be able to make it here for the entire time. I found myself so incredibly lonely and missing home, that I actually told Larry not to book his ticket to come up, because I wasn't convinced I would have the determination to stay. Larry, being wise and knowing me better than any one just listened and told me he would do whatever I needed him to do. The next day I felt a bit better (I was really tired and quite discouraged the day this happened) and he has now booked a flight to come visit for 10 days in July. It will be wonderful to spend some time together in this amazing place.
I have learned quite a bit about myself through this experience. One of the things I've really come to realize is what a unique opportunity it is to be here. It's not very often a person has the opportunity to live outside of a daily family unit after being in one for so many years. It's easy to get comfortable with the way things are, and not reach outside one's comfort zone.
Even though I have daily contact with my family, I'm in a very different position here. It gives me time for reflection and focus on who I am as an individual, rather than just as a family member. I'm rediscovering strength I forgot I had, as well as realizing areas of opportunity I maybe wouldn't have recognized with the strength of my family around.
The one thing I've realized more and more each day is that I married the exact right person for who I am. I don't know how on earth I got so lucky to have Larry as my companion and friend, but I do know that I am t he most blessed woman on the planet because of his presence in my life.
Pictures of Alaska coming soon!
TTFN
Miriam
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