Ashar Edith

God Bless Alaska!

I know I said I was going to post from “The Last Frontier” but the truth is that I’ve been having too much fun. PLUS Internet isn’t reliable here in Fairbanks… here’s a note you see in every computer in the hotel I’m staying: “Welcome to The Last Frontier! Where 73% of the town has indoor plumbing and 0% has reliable Internet. We apologize for any Internet downtime. (At least you don’t have to worry about the plumbing!)” Doesn’t it say something!? JA!
I’ve been to many REALLY fun places… I’ve seen Bears, Dall Sheeps, Bald Eagles, and lots of other animals… up close and personal in the wild. No fence protecting me. I hiked in a Glacier down in Valdez… I’ve eaten the best food ever… Fresh Halibut and Salmon are yummy! Man I LOVE ALASKA… at least during the summer. I don’t know if I would stand the -50 degree weather in winter, though. Well Internet time is up. Got to go hike in the woods. And later I’m going to eat fresh King Crab. Bye!

Alaska

In about 18 hours I’ll be flying to Alaska to visit DM… Woohoo!!! I’m keeping my cool… Not having any negative thoughts… Flying is the safest way of transportation available! Right?

As any good traveler I did my research on the place I’m going… FAIRBANKS, ALASKA.

Population: 30,970 in the City of Fairbanks, 87,560 including the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the City of North Pole.

Location: Located centrally in the heart of Alaska, Fairbanks is the gateway for travel to the Brooks Range and Arctic Coastal Plain and to communities such as Fort Yukon, Coldfoot, Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass and Nome. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is easily accessible by small plane, and the famous Dalton Highway, also known as the North Slope Haul Road, can be traveled by those with a thirst for adventure.

Access: Fairbanks is easily accessed by plane, rail or road. Daily jet service is available from many US cities and offers scheduled or charter service to Europe and Asia. Japan Airlines offers 3 direct winter flights, and Frankfurt-based Condor Airlines offers weekly direct flights during summer. The Alaska Railroad connects Fairbanks to Denali National Park, Anchorage, Whittier and Seward. The Alaska Highway offers road access via Canada, and the George Parks Highway links Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Accommodations: There are approximately 3,300 rooms available in Fairbanks and the surrounding area.

Map:

I thought there was nothing to do up there in Fairbanks, Alaska but, acording to www.travelalaska.com Fairbanks is the gateway to your authentic Alaska adventure.
In their own words…

“Come be energized in summer’s land of midnight sun. See award-winning exhibits of Alaska’s cultural and natural history. Shop for exquisite Alaska Native crafts. Celebrate our Gold Rush past and be enthralled by winter’s unsurpassed display of northern lights. Go mushing with a dog team or view the artistry of larger-than-life-sized ice sculptures. From our riverfront location, a variety of tours transport you to the edge of the Last Frontier, Denali and the Arctic wilderness.

The frontier spirit that helped create Fairbanks is still strong today and is part of what makes Alaska’s second largest city such a thriving community. Many of the local events and attractions can provide access to the rich natural and cultural history of the Interior. Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, newly expanded and recognized as one of the state’s best museums.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks also provides opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife at the Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station and at the Georgeson Botanical Gardens.

Pioneer Park, an historic themed park, allows visitors to literally stroll into the past. Cabins and other buildings, including the first Episcopal Church and the home of Judge James Wickersham were relocated to create the feeling of a turn of the century town. You may also tour the historic sternwheeler Nenana, try your hand at gold-panning, shop or just stroll through town.

You can take ride on a still-in-service sternwheeler too and experience for yourself how the rivers were Alaska’s original highway system.

Fairbanks is also host to many species of migrating birds and Creamers Field Migratory Bird Refuge offers an excellent place to catch a glimpse of our feathered commuters. The Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in the fall offers another spectacular viewing opportunity.

Winter provides a wealth of activities and sights to see from snowmobiling and cross-country skiing to dog mushing and ice fishing. The aurora borealis, nature’s light show, illuminates the nights and is generally visible from September until the beginning of April.

Alaskan huskies love to run and Fairbanks offers many mushing races for them to compete in. The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, known as the world’s toughest, takes place in February. The Open North American Championship occurs in March as does the Limited North American Championship, which attracts top sprint mushers from North America and beyond.

Also in March, ice sculptors from all over the world come to compete in the World Ice Art Championships. Teams turn blocks of crystal clear ice, “The Arctic Diamond,” into beautiful creations from the traditional to the abstract.

There are also many opportunities to experience the Interior’s rich Native Cultural heritage including the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in July. This traditional competition brings participants from around the world to test their skill in a variety of events, all based on proficiency in skills that are needed for day-to-day life in rural Alaska. The Olympics is considered a time to gather, dance, compete, tell stories and renew friendships. The Festival of
Native Arts in March offers three days of traditional Alaska Native singing, dancing and crafts displays.

Other events and attractions of note — Golden Days in July celebrates the discovery of gold in the Interior; Midnight Sun Festival celebrating the longest day of the year; Midnight Sun Baseball Game played at 10:30 p.m. without artificial lighting.

There are great places to camp, hike and explore. Even with the sun up for 21 1/2 hours, you will run out of daylight before you run out of things to do.

Info Taken From: www.travelalaska.com

4 plus 2 makes 6…

Since school is over in Puerto Rico, I’m back to my lazy little life. Thanks God I’m going on vacation this year! Wooohoo! It’s being a while since I last had vacations so I deserve it… BIG TIME. Indeed, I have more than vacations. I’ll be six weeks out in the States… Well, kind off. In two days I’m leaving to Alaska to visit DM… I’ll be there four weeks, ’til July then two days later I’ll be going to Orlando, Florida with DH… Yes we’re still together. Battling the same old problems… I’m still overweight… and I’m still trying to loose it to have babies. I know… It sucks! Anyhow… we will be up there for two weeks… Staying in a new house mom is buying on Friday. DH and will I be the first ones to stay there! So, my summer will be nice… I mean REALLY NICE!

School Year in CAIC went really well. My students were really nice… considering their age. My Team Teachers were really nice as well… But the end was kind of a bitter sweet experience. Many students left the school so they will be reducing personnel. I REALLY HOPE they keep me ’cause I liked very much working there. Mmmm…

Me gusta muuuucho ser maestra. Creo que mi grupo es el mejor… Nada compara los niños de quinto y sexto… Bueno séptimo me gusta también… Es una edad cool! Uf! que profundas mis razones. jejeje Just look at this guys!!! They are cool… They are fun… They are my students… GOD I MISS THEM!!!!

Me siento muy agradecida a Dios por la oportunidad de trabajar donde trabajé este último año académico. Excelentes compañeros de labores… Uf! Dejamos el pellejo, pero logramos nuestras metas!

Since there’s not much to do in Alaska than just relaxing, I’ll try to post a few picture from there… That way I can empty my SD Card and keep you informed of what I’ve been up to… It will be a whole new story when I get to Orlando… First I won’t have a computer there, and most important, I’ll be to busy having fun to sit to upload photos… Those I’ll post when I come back from my six weeks of pure joy and relaxation.

Opportunity to grow

[Don’t like when I get mushy? Go to the last paragragh.]

The day mom was deployed to Alaska we got up really early. It was five am, maybe earlier. Mom, dad & I faking happy faces, saying nice things, trying to stay relax… making lemonade from lemons. I was like paparazzi following her everywhere taking pictures of the most insignificant move. But almost all of it came out wrong because of her teary eyes. At six o clock we where already at the airport… luggage checked in and all… We where just waiting, making funny comments to keep our spirits up. Mom hugged dad many times… Shared a cup of coffe. Their last until 18 months. I was too emotional to eat. At seven o clock she decided it was time to say goodbye. She hug dad trying to keep a smile on her face. Then she hugged me. We didn’t cry. She started walking away and then I said I wanted another hug. I walked to her. She hugged me really hard and cried. I cried too. Looking directly to my eyes she said: "Remember the way you will make me happy" All the private conversations we had the previous days came to my mind in that instant. I looked at her trying to smile, inhaled really deep few times. Tried to smile again and hugged her. I couldn’t say a word. Then she walked away. This time she was crying… And every person seeing us at the airport was crying as well. It seemed like the time had stopped for a few minutes and we where the center of everything. After she walked thought security I stayed watching her walk away, recording every step in silence. At that moment I promised myself that I will take control of my life. I won’t let others rule my life any longer. Somehow at that very moment something clicked in my mind. This is the time for a new beginning. It’s time to stop feeling sorry about myself and start taking care of things. I’m young. My life isn’t over because I failed in one area of my life. It is over when I decide it’s over. In the meantime I have to keep trying to follow my dreams. Find and pursue my purpose in life no matter whom or what get in the middle. Failures aren’t a signal that you are a looser. Failures, difficulties and problems are opportunities to grow.

The day after mom left was my 34th birthday. Instead of being sad all day, I celebrated.

Here’s Me, Mayra, Edwardo, Enid, Stephany, and Gioeniliz celebrating my birthday. I HAVE THE BEST FAMILY IN THE WHOLE WORLD. Although I don’t see them very often, they are always with me when when I need them most. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Here’s a closeup of Stephany’s new smile. Does she looks cute or what?

DON’T COPY ANY OF THESE PICTURES! Only family members are authorized. If I see any of my pictures published elsewhere, I’ll hunt you down!

15 free fun things to do… in a department store

It’s mid summer and you are bored out of your mind. You are going to the movies few times a week. The security guard at the beach/lake/river already know you by name. You are reading all the books you had in schedule. And you are drinking like there’s no tomorrow. But, for some reason, you feel extremely bored… don’t know what else to do.

Here’s 15 fun free things to do… in a department store.
[Translated to English from a post Shery made last October. Spanish version is in italic.]

1. Take 24 boxes of condoms and throw them to chance in the carts of others.
Toma 24 cajas de condones y echarlas al azar en los carritos de otros.

2. Set up all the alarm clocks in the Home Department to sound in 5 minutes intérvals from each other.
Pon todos los relojes despertadores del departamento de enseres del hogar a sonar a intérvalos de 5 minutos.

3. Leave a trail of tomato juice on a corridor leading to the bath.
Deja un rastro de jugo de tomate por todo el pasillo hasta el baño.

4. Go to the Customer Service Counter with an M&M package to put it in ‘lay away’.
Ve al departamento de servicio al cliente de con un paquete de M&M para ponerlos en ‘lay away’.

5. Move the ‘Caution Wet Floors’ sign to a carpeted area.
Mueve el letrero de ‘Resbala Mojado’ a un área alfombrada.

6. Open a tent in the Sports Department and invite other clients, as long as they bring their own pillows from the Linen Department.
Abre una tienda de acampar en el área de deportes e invita a otros clientes, siempre y cuando traigan sus almohadas del departamento de ropa del hogar.

7. Walk to an employee and say in a very serious tone ‘Code 3 in the Home Appliances Department", just to see what happens.
Camina hasta donde un empleado y dile en tono muy oficial “Clave 3 en Enseres”, a ver que sucede.

8. When an employee asks: ‘How can I help you?’, start crying and shouting like a crazy person ‘WHY DON’T YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!
Cuando un empleado te pregunte ‘¿Lo puedo ayudar?’ empieza a llorar y a gritar como un loco ‘¡¡¡¡POR QUE NO ME DEJAN EN PAZZZZZZ!!!!’.

9. Look directly to the security camera as if you used it as mirror while you remove snots.
Mira directamente a la cámara de seguridad como si la usaras de espejo mientras te sacas los mocos.

10. While you examine a weapon in the Sports Department ask to the employee where are the antidepressants.
Mientras examinas un arma en el departamento de deportes, pregúntale al dependiente donde están los anti-depresivos.

11. Run suspiciously by the store from one side to another while you whistle the song of ‘Mission Impossible ‘.
Corre por la tienda sospechosamente de un lado a otro mientras silbas la canción de ‘Misión Imposible’.

12. In the Automotives Department use two funnels as brassiere to practice your ‘Madonna look’.
En el departamento de autos utiliza dos embudos como brassiere y practica tu ‘look’ de Madonna.

13. Hide in a rack of clothes waiting quietly. When somebody approach the rack looking for something wisper: ‘Take me home’.
Escóndete en un rack de ropa muy cayado. Cuando alguien se acerque para buscar algo, susurra: ‘LLEVAME’.

14. Jump to the floor when you hear an announcement by the intercom, assume fetal position and shouts ‘GOD!!!!, I AM HEARING THE VOICES AGAIN!!’.
Cuando haya un anuncio por el ‘intercom’ tirate al piso, asume posición fetal y grita ‘¡¡¡¡DIOS MIO!!!!, ¡¡ESTOY OYENDO LAS VOCES OTRA VEZ!!’.

15. Enter a Fitting Room and shout from inside… ‘Hey…..Someone hey!!!… The toilet paper was finished here.’
Entra a un probador de ropa y grita desde adentro ‘¡¡¡Oigan…..Oigan!!!… ¡¡Se terminó el papel de inodoro aquí!!’.

Prepare to be alone the rest of the summer. Who of your friends would want to go shopping with you after you do all this? LOL

My obituary

Ok… I’ll admit it. I’m bored. Here’s another useless, senseless self-test.

‘What will your obituary say?’ at QuizGalaxy.com

Ice Cream

Your Icecream Flavour is… Cookies ‘n Cream!

Smooth and creamy with a few rough bits mixed in, you are a real treat! You are probably very popular amongst your friends. Remember too much of a good thing is not always good! Don’t lay it on too thick!

What is your Icecream Flavour?
Find out at Go Quiz

—

Last night I dreamed I was eating homemade ice cream… Suddenly I was eating at a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor… Then I found myself walking towards the past (everything was black and beige). It wasn’t my past, but I was in the 1800’s in other body. For some reason, I felt like I’ve been in that place before. Suddenly I woke up with these really weird feeling… and wanting to eat homemade ice cream. Arg! Why is it that when you start a diet temptation comes your way as if you were calling it?

Well… After almost six months of really bad/unhealthy eating habits, I’m finally on Nutri System again. I’m not a 100% yet, but a 75% ‘back on track’ because Mr. Period, Mrs. Migraine & Mr. Depression paid me a visit these week. I eat few meals off program out off sadness, cravings, and frustration. But I’m starting to get back in control. It only takes a little bit of discipline and commitment. Easier said that done, but I try my best during these rough time. As Mom’s deploying date gets closer, I spend more time crying like a stupid over something I can do anything about. But I know I’ll get over it in a few weeks. I made a promise to myself that I’ll do my best to lose weight while she is on duty. That way when she comes back she will see a difference. Just trying to turn the bad into something good for me.

I already went for a walk this morning and exercised a bit, but I still want that homemade ice cream I dreamed about. So guess what, I’m doing it! I’ll share the Ben & Jerry’s recipe just in case you want to make your own ice cream.

Vanilla Oreo (pg.88, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book)
Ingredients:
1 cup coarsely chopped Oreo cookies
Sweet Cream Base
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:
1. Place the cookies in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Sweet Cream Base, adding the vanilla extract with the cream. Transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. After the ice cream stiffens (about 2 minutes before it is done), add the cookies, then continue freezing until the ice cream is ready. Makes a generous 1 quart.

Don’t have the Sweet Cream Base recipe? Here it is.

Sweet Cream Base (pg.28, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book)
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy or whipping cream
1 cup milk

Process:
Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more. Pour in the cream and the milk and whisk to blend. Makes 1 quart.

This is Ben & Jerry’s most popular base. Has creamy texture, medium body, and a subtle, understated taste. It’s especially good as a background for fruit, cookies, and candy.

Don’t have an ice cream making machine? Me either. LOL…
I guess we can use these method.