Totally Comprehensible Randomness

When you move as often as I have (until this last long stay of 5 years, I move an average every 3 years), you tend to hold things loosely.  My husband is not quite used to this particular trait, and tends to keep things which then get covered over by other kept things.  Sometimes he does know about all these things, but other times they become a surprise when we move and purge. 

I would call this spilled lump of lead a propitious sign, but I don't normally believe in such things!  Notice the shape of it?  Interesting...  Pat has been known to cast bullets from random lead items (wheel weights, fishing weights, etc.), and at one time it took a spill, only to cool in this shape.  It weighs about 20 pounds, or maybe not, but it's heavy.  Appropriate.

In other news, I have effectively garage-sold most of what I can live without.  I have truly enjoyed the dispersal of my belongings, due in part to the fact that I purchased many of these items second-hand and was able to recoup my costs, if not profit!  My hourly income of these sales works out pretty well, which is nice since the company for which I supposedly work, won't work me.  But that's another trail that really doesn't matter anymore.  I'm not bitter.  Annoyed, but...OK, I'm a little bitter, but let's not let that ruin our fun!

On a brighter note, I am feeling such confirmation on leaving Alaska after enduring what felt like an eternal winter, and now a "summer" of wearing long-johns.  Seriously.  I'm wearing long-johns.  I even mowed the lawn in them last Saturday.  Granted, I had to take them off half-way, but still.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly bemoaning the lack of triple-digit heat, but I miss seasons.  See the irony here?  I'm moving from a land of 3 seasons to a land of 1 with a possible sub-season consisting of wet and dry.  I plan on making up the loss of all the summers in one full stretch.  Not before I go through all the super-swings of weather in Kansas, though.  I like to take baby steps.  

Perhaps that is enough to keep all you avid readers engaged for now.  I have a tendency to be long-winded.  Just ask any of my high school classmates that had to suffer through an oral book report.   See my train of thought?  Of course you can't see it.  Or rather, you can.  Weird.  Yep, on that note, I'll confirm the jumbled mess I am that is likely to be the norm for a while.  I'm just fine with it.  As long as I keep my checklist on the 'fridge, I'll have some direction for my days!    

Random Stuff

 Rowdy missed us while we were gone.
Actually, that's probably a lie.  He was taken very good care of in our absence.
I think Pat missed Rowdy though.  They've had some nice cuddle time since we've been home.

 One thing I had forgotten to post, pre-cruise that is, was our fun with the equinox!  We were so amazed at the broom standing up, we had to try it with our kitchen stool, and it worked!!

 Pat had spent the last year, more off than on, coordinating the work for this recognition wall for our local food bank.  We were finally able to get it installed and now are only waiting on the glass that goes in front to protect it.  Pat did a LOT of work on this project and we are glad it's almost completed.

 We also have been back on task to spruce things up to sell the house.  I am hopeful once again.  Surely third time will be the charm?!  We have had fun redoing the bathroom a little.  I had wanted to redo the floor and tub area, but we weren't sure we wanted to invest that much in time or money.

Yes, after I cleaned the house today, I have the feeling of really liking this house.  I just wish it was about 3800 miles south-east from here.  Since it is not, I will have no problem whatsoever in handing the keys to another owner.  Until then, I'll just have to suffer in a beautiful home in a gorgeous setting while my husband works at his well-paying job and we hang out with great friends.

In a week, we will be boarding this:

 to go out and do things like this:

 in tropical locations like this:

 Even on board we will get to see and experience this:

 And unfortunately this:

 And though this is not our room:

 We are excited to stay in this:

 We'll probably go to dinner here:

 but we have absolutely no desire to go here:

 I imagine we'll be up for exercise like this:

 and like the plague, I will avoid this:

 I can see spending some fun time here:

 and most assuredly here:

 And how fun will this be?:

But with all the activities, I'm mostly looking forward to walking along this:

 And relaxing with my amazing husband of 10 years (almost) here:

And since I don't plan on posting at all when we are gone, this is all you'll get until the mass onslaught of pictures upon our return.  That is, unless I am in them.  Then there will be substantially less.  Maybe I'll use these again...

Air Mail!

Yep.  We just spent the last few minutes watching this helicopter sling-load this airplane around to our neighbor's house.  He has a runway, so the plane made sense.  This just isn't the usual way we see him fly around!

It began like this...

I should have picked up on the eerie, foreboding weather, but there was nothing that was going to keep me from making it to Kansas.  I was on a mission.  My sister had called me on a Tuesday morning with news of their final trip to Ethiopia, so I secured my flights before my last two days of work. This particular week had been rough for me with illness and a major tooth infection.  The weather had been extremely foggy, more than I had ever seen and lasting most of the day.  This trip out could be interesting.  I had no idea.

My friend Tami offered to take me to the airport in Kenai that Wednesday evening, so I took her up on it.  She gave me some warning that other friends of hers had not been able to fly out due to the fog.  All that day I hoped the fog would lift, and in Soldotna, it had by late afternoon.  I was excited until I drove home to this:

I was still hopeful.  It only took 15 minutes or so for the fog to completely overtake my home and my hopes.  As Tami took me to the airport, we discussed my options.  Sure enough, the flights were grounded and we had to decide quickly which option I would take.  Tami suggested I check out the one-way rentals.  There was one available (an S.U.V. naturally) that would cost me about $300 to take and leave in Anchorage.  Super.  I called my superman husband for advice.  After discussing the none-too-great options, we opted for the rental.  As I was shelling out the big bucks, I also discovered that the drop-off for the car was not at the airport, or even close.  Another fabulous development.  As my trip was not turning out too smooth, I wrote down about 5 different cab company phone numbers to call once I got close to Anchorage.  This was going to be an expensive trip!

I don't know what I would have done without Tami, as she also suggested I look for someone to split the fare and ride with me.  I saw a nice-looking gentleman come into the airport and offered a shared ride.  He double checked his canceled flight and we loaded up his gear in the back of our Expedition.  Tami took down all his information (seriously a good friend!) and we took off!  I was fortunate to discover that Bill and I were to become friends and it all went well - on the drive.  He called a couple cab companies for me (glad I had several since a couple were not available), and I got him to the airport before I took off to find the drop off for the car.

We had made good time, and I wasn't late for my flight at all, but the fog was getting thicker in Anchorage now and I was unable to find the rental company.  The cab driver called me to let me know he was there, and after driving around unsuccessfully, I called him back for directions.  Finally, I saw the dimly lit sign, pulled in, and we got everything taken care of!  Off to the airport I go!

I was a bit frazzled after all of this unplanned activity, so I was thrilled to have no line in front of the check-in desk.  I checked my one bag, got through security and sat down at my gate with an hour to spare.  Whew!

Then it happened.

"Will Melissa Teakell please come to the Continental check in desk, outside of security!"

What?!!!!

"Will Melissa Teakell please come to the Continental check in desk, outside of security!"

Oh no.  What happened?  I began to run, literally, back out to the check in - outside of security.  About halfway there, it dawned on me: I forgot to declare the firearm I had in my luggage.  Oh, this is bad.  (For all those who are against personal firearms, you will enjoy this story, but please respect my constitutional right to carry.  As much as you may be able to change my mind, you won't change my husband's, and he's more important to me, thus my decision to carry!)  I had completely forgotten about this little item with all the fluster and I had no idea what would happen to me next. I made it to the desk, the clerk asked if I had a firearm, I said yes, and he sent me to the TSA station.  When I arrived there, they seemed confused by my presence until the clerk came over to verify the situation.

Then it got worse.

I remembered that this certain item had other certain items included in it.  I shared this information with the TSA agents immediately.  They gave me a look that said, "Are you serious?!" and proceeded to tell me that I'd have to talk to the police about that.  After the longest 3 minutes of my life passed, the police officer came over.

Is this really happening?   Yup.

The officer began by speaking to the TSA agents, rather brusquely, and after a photo of my license and boarding pass I was walking with the officer to his office.  I wasn't remotely tempted to cry.  I didn't want to give any impression of manipulation, and I wanted to be extremely compliant and remorseful, which I was.  I was intensely nervous and scared, and then the officer asked me when my flight left.  I told him 12:30 AM (it was about 11:45), and he said that he'd try to get me on my flight.

Really?!   I almost hugged him.  Almost.

Again the minutes lasted hours as he printed out the paper that said that he was transferring possession back to me, without the other 6 items.  He then took me quickly back to the check in counter where we filled out the declaration form, and then this amazing officer escorted me up to the front of the security line, but only after he had the front counter call the gate to make sure they didn't leave without me!  I walked up to the gate as the last 20 people or so were boarding.

I didn't think I could be any more relieved or happy!  I was wrong again!

As I stepped into the plane, I turned right to find my seat and realized that the numbers were too big for my seat assignment.

Oh, this could NOT be!  IT WAS!  I was in a first-class seat!  I quickly turned and acted as though I knew exactly where I was supposed to go as I took my large and cushy seat!  For the first time, I actually looked at my boarding tickets and saw my seat assignments.  Oh yes, I had first class the entire way down!  No wonder my tickets were so expensive!  I really hadn't cared or looked until now!

As I relaxed into my chair, I almost cried!  Almost.  The flight attendant was bringing me my drink after all, and I needed to be receptive!  I also tried not to exclaim in delight when they brought me my breakfast on a real plate with real silverware after they draped my tray table in a white cloth napkin.  Now it makes sense that I didn't have to pay for my luggage in the beginning...!

After 3 flights, and being checked on by my new friend Bill on occasion, I finally landed in Wichita!  This was not the drama I had desired, but for every hurdle I faced, the Lord helped me find a way through it so I could be there to help when my sister and her husband traveled to Africa to bring back their son!

Randomness in Pictures

A couple weeks ago, Pat and I took a little overnighter to Homer.  We wanted to take a little time away and we always have such good talks when we drive!  It was a nice trip and we were able to visit a garage sale and pick up some pex tubing for our future house project!  It was evidently a great place to curl up for a nap!

Last weekend, Pat and I worked in the shop together.  He, being a gifted teacher, has been working with me on my welding.  I worked myself up to TIG welding, and I have to say I like it.  It is very clean, quiet and pretty. My only gaff was that I got the fire a bit too close to my pinky and shrunk my glove with a burn!  Oops!  I have a way to go to master it, but I'm getting the feel.

We decided we needed a couple more plant hangers for the front of the house.  We drew them out, torched them out, ground them down and had them up in no time!  It was a great project for me to practice some of the steps.  I've done some torch work on more of the Alaska to Africa crosses, and now I can grind a bit.  With my welding, I'm about set to do my own projects!  I must admit, it's kinda fun.  Plus, it's a fun way to spend time together.

Viola!

Pat's working on another project that we'll be presenting in a couple more days...this was a fun one!

These yolks were from a client who brought them from Africa.  They were teak oxen yolks that we made into plant hangers.  I'll have better pictures soon, but they are too cool not to share!  These provided the income to purchase a much needed air compressor (and more)!

I've not had a moose shot in a while!  These guys have been seen in the neighborhood quite a bit.  Cute little bugger!  I'm just not sure who it was who ate my snap peas and Ashleaf Spirea, but if it was this little cutie, I guess I can't be too mad.

Pushing too Hard?

We've been a little bit on busy side with home improvement projects.  In fact, it seems to have had an effect on Pat.  He went out and successfully shot a can to death.  He was proud and I took a photo of his "kill" but I have to admit, I was a little concerned.  He didn't help my anxieties by recently pulling his overalls on backward.  I know we all pull our pants on one leg at a time, but they are usually in the same direction.  I think the home improvement push has been a bit strained.

On that note, we have had a couple calls regarding our house, and one sounds like there may be potential interest.  We know from our past experience of 150 showings with no buyer not to hold our breath, but it is encouraging to know it's being seen.  Speaking of being seen, we took our profile off for now and if you'd like to see our house blog, it's here.  If you have any suggestions, let me know on this blog or email or facebook.  I try to check these things out on occasion!

Crazy

A crazy idea hit us in recent weeks.

It really began about a month ago when we first began to receive unemployment checks. There seemed to be a small amount of stress at this time, and I'm not being sarcastic. It wasn't a lot of stress, just a little. Our budget tightened and we began our typical use of our reserves that are saved for just such an occasion. This was when our focus also shifted from our own finances to helping my sister and her family with adoption expenses. That was a fabulous distraction that helped to teach us that we would like to be able to use our talents/time/treasures to help others more often.

Here it comes!

We are seriously considering selling our beloved home to live much more simply. The idea of using our finances to help others instead of paying our bankers is much more appealing. The plan is to sell our home and use the profits (no loans) to purchase land and build a small cabin. Eventually, we could build a house and shop again, but only as our cash on hand allows. We've also considered that we may like the simple cabin life and choose to spend the money saved elsewhere on others.

The reasons for this endeavor are many. One is the type of work which Pat is involved is seasonal construction. It is a "feast or famine" industry. By owning our own home from day one, we would avoid any stresses to make our mortgage payment when times are slim. Those slim work days may also allow for more travel when we are not strapped to our banker. We may eventually be able to spend much more time, especially during the holidays, visiting family and friends. This potential freedom may also allow for more extensive travel if that is where we are called. Another major reason is the massive amount of interest one pays during the life of a loan. After 2 years of paying roughly $1000/month, we have only paid down (with extra principle payments) $5000 of our principle. That is a huge amount of money simply given to the bank. Think of what we could have done with that much! Nevermind, don't. It makes us a bit queasy. We also feel that this is something that God is calling us to do. We have the potential to live completely debt free and free from the enslaving payments! We like that idea of freedom. It also frees us from relying on economic situations to protect our assets. If we own it all, it doesn't matter as much what the selling price could be. Oh, and last but not not least, Pat has always wanted to build himself a little cabin! Seriously. You know how he is.

I'm a bit surprised at how on-board I am with all of this. I truly love the idea of not making payments to anyone. Think of how much more we could do with all that interest money! I'm a huge numbers person, so I'll be excited to see that build in the bank accounts and see interest GIVEN to me, not taken! I won't lie and say I'm loving the idea of leaving our home. I love it here. I love our views and the opportunity to walk across the lake in winter and canoe it with the dogs in summer. It's a gorgeous park-like setting, but I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm also a little concerned how I'll do in a small cabin. I like those for camping and such, but for years? It could be interesting. I'll be sure to chronicle it all for those interested in seeing one who is a bit claustrophobic and has a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder to survive such circumstances! Happy thoughts, happy thoughts (big numbers, big numbers...)!

We are a ways from implementing this plan, as we still have projects yet to be completed on the house in which we currently live. We are just in the beginning phases and are researching cabins and vacant lots and acreages. I also need to research the housing market up here and prepare for that daunting task.

Crazy? Possibly. Insane? Not as insane as all that interest and stress. Simple? Yep. Easy? Not likely! Worth it? I'd bet on it.

Can I just take my stove?

Pat's Roadkill

At 7:10 AM, I received a call. It went approximately as follows:

P: Hi Babe.
M: (groggily) Hey, what's up?
P: (calmly) I hit a tree.
M: (deciphering if he's serious or not) Are you serious?
P: (seriously) Yeah. I'm serious.
M: (concerned) Are you O.K.? Do you need me to come get you?
P: No. I'm alright. I just drove over it.
M: (relieved and annoyed) What?
P: A tree fell over by Charlie's place. I didn't see it in time and I drove over it.
M: Ah. Is the car O.K.?
P: Yeah. It was only about 4" in diameter. You'll see it on your walk today.
The remnant of the roadkill spruce Pat hit this morning. It seems that Charlie worked early to clear the carcass. Perils of living in Alaska.

Toooomorow!

It's only a day away!
If you couldn't tell, I'm referring to the song in Annie.
I'm just a bit anxious for Pat to get home. I've missed him a little.
I'll be picking him up from the airport in Anchorage tomorrow afternoon. I tend to have the romanticized images of how he will come down the aisle and I'll greet him. I don't think that image has ever materialized, though it came close when he came home from Dutch Harbor. I guess I'm getting jaded. Probably for the best. At least for the other people in the airport.

Relationship Insights

I got this email from a friend of mine and after reading it to Pat, I had to share. It cracked us up! The parenthetical extras were there and not written by me, though I do agree with them! Enjoy a random post!

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure?)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10 (isn't he ready for the world of dating?)

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED ?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8 (I like this kid)

And the #1 Favorite is ...

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10 (He'll be married forever)