A look back

I don't know that I can call this a regret, but I wish that when I came to Alaska I'd gone somewhere closer/with more access to some of the more published or stereotypical Alaskan views. The expense here is so great that its really cost prohibitive to travel and view more of the Alaskan landscape on my salary and while I'm trying to pay off my student loans.

When I leave here I won't want to move to another part of Alaska more than likely because I want to be closer to the rest of the country but at the same time I do wish I'd spent time in Denali or exploring Juneau or Fairbanks or Kodiak, anywhere really.  I'm jealous of people I know who are based out of Anchorage and have gone and spent weekends hiking, climbing, etc. but I have also learned so much being here I can't find it to regret this move. If I had to do it all over again I might have selected a different place to live.

It's too bad current cost of living information is so hard to find.

Sensory Overload

Since I've been back in Virginia, I've been out tagging along with Christmas shopping. I can tell the pace of life is MUCH different. Now, keep in mind I'm in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. This is not Boston, NYC or anything big. First off, driving at highway speeds took a little getting used to. It was a bit dizzying. Then I get to the stores... you know what effect in TVs and movies where the world starts moving, almost like a psychedelic thing. Well, that's what happened to me in both of the stores I went to on Sat. I had to go to a part of the store that no one was in - purses.

I'm braving the mall tonight- wish me luck.