We're Doing the Rondy

it's official; the family is truly Alaskan. Like Seattlites who will participate in local events in the pouring rain, claiming all one needs to enjoy the day is good raingear, folks in Alaska would likely say similar for celebrating Fur Rendezvous in the middle of winter.

Our day at the 74th annual Fur Rondy celebration began way too early with our departure for the Frostbite Footrace. At a distance of 2.5k or 5k, the Frosty is a testament to the hardiness of Alaskan runners who, despite a snowstorm pounding in their faces, trotted dilligently around downtown towards the Glacier Brewhouse, where a roaring fire and many pints of beer were waiting.

As costumes were encouraged, Bear dressed up in his Christmas play skunk get-up, and won many judges over with his cute mug. He managed once again to run the entire distance with us, and did a brief breakaway at the end to cross the finish line by himself and collect his "I did it!" medal, of which he is justifiably proud.

We joined some friends at the Brewhouse post-race for lunch and to view the Grand Parade passing by outside.

Right now the youngest runner is crashed on the couch. I am preparing to head outdoors yet again for a preview sleigh ride for some AKontheGO research. Somebody's gotta do it.

Update from the Wolf Den: Grace, Interrupted

There seems to be a lot of grace floating around in the cyber-blog world this week.

So where is mine? I wrote in that '25 Random Things About Me' Facebook note a while ago that I spend a portion of every day trying to figure out the meaning of the word 'Grace'. I have known a number of people named 'Grace', I have heard the term mentioned in the context of God and love and doing the right thing.

I had to look it up. Bear with me as I list what I found out.

"Kindness that we don't deserve"
"..for everyone, it is universal..."
"...is relational, a reflection of God's character"
"Grace is self-giving, unconditional, liberating love"

Oh boy. So if I am to live my life as the parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome, who always will face adversity, difficulty, and obscurity; if I am to provide support, clean laundry, and gift cards to Barnes and Noble, I must have grace.

I must give away the utter despair, anguish, and anger that has crippled us as a family and walk towards the open gate of healing and wholeness and transformation that ultimately will allow us to transition from "us against him" to "we're all in this together".

A lot to think about, a lot to work on.

Tough love.

Taaa Daaa: The Grand Launching of AKontheGO!

Welcome my fellow bloggers, lurkers, family and friends, to the unveiling of my newest writing adventure, AKontheGO.com!

After three years of living in and writing about our current state of residence, and answering questions about such, I decided to give in to the urging of my editor at Coast Magazine here in Anchorage (kudos to you, Justin, for such a grand design) and fill a needed gap.

People love visiting Alaska. Families love visiting Alaska. Kids love Alaska because we are wild, different, and have big animals to brag to their friends about back home. It can be difficult, however, to arrange the trip of a lifetime when weather, attractions, transportation, and even those animals don't exactly cooperate like at Disney World. We're a motley bunch, we Alaskans, and our vacation planning shows it. But by God, we love to show off our state.

In the interest of family vacation-harmony, do hit the
link here or at the right, now at the top of my Blog List, and check out all there is to do in the 49th state. Summer's coming, and I'm already dancing with glee at the fun we're going to have. Fishing, hiking, some gold panning, horseback riding, clamming, (so much to do, such a short season)......and some groovy pictures that will make you want to book your ticket today, the heck with economic crises.
Travel, baby, travel! Oh wait, someone else already coined something similar. No matter, we'll show you her, too.

A huge 'thank you' to those who have encouraged, pushed, and put up with my travel obsessions and deadlines. I will put you on the 'A' List for the local bear viewing. The repellant is complimentary.

What are you waiting for; get linking, and tell your friends to visit, too.

Travel on!

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Sunlight, warm temperatures, and no agenda.

It has been a long time since I could say that my criteria for an exceptional day in Alaska was met.

With daylight hours extending until well past 6 p.m. and sunrises peeking over the Chugach range shortly after 8 a.m., our family is well on its way to pre-spring bliss.

Weather forcasts called for sunshine and temperatures in the high 20's to low 30's, enough of a reason for Yukon and I to pack up kid and kaboodle (dog, harness, leashes, water, etc.) and truck a few miles south and east to a lovely section of BLM land. Our mission was actually threefold; one, get the child with a cold out of the house for some fresh air; two, work the dog on his skijoring practice, at which he did very well, (pat self on back); and three, investigate appropriate sites for our upcoming "Idita-Party" on March 7th when Yukon's sister and brother-in-law will be visiting from Portland for the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog race.

All accomplished, plus bonus ski time for Bear. It was a delightful day, full of warm fingers and feelings and a release from the events of the past week. A day that was meant for sitting in the warmth of the sun enjoying life.

With a cold beer, of course.

Dang, but I love it here.

Update From the Wolf Den: Debriefing

After four days of intense meetings that led to a therapist change and a new sense of Mission from all staff involved in Wolf's treatment, I am home. I attended the monthly care plan conference that reviews all treatment, education, progress or lack thereof. It was the first time I had been on the opposite side of one such meeting, having been the "reviewer" instead of the "reviewee". Another interesting aspect our journey with Wolf; this whole "I get it now" concept after 15 years in long-term-care.

I went directly from my last meeting with the very kind and extremely smart Director of Clinical Care, who orchestrated the new therapist switch and a new plan to get Wolf on the right track to going home, to the airport. Wolf was almost glad to be done, I think, although he was sad about my leaving for another few months. We worked hard; feelings were our main theme, and there was no escape from talking about and reminiscing on those six feelings that are a part of our every waking moment.

When asked how the visit went, I can honestly say that it was pretty darned good. "Two thumbs up" in my boys' terminology. I approached this visit differently, seeing Wolf through a new set of eyes, and although I heard some difficult things and witnessed some unsettling behavior, there is the underlying concept that this child is where he needs to be, doing what he needs to do.

As a parent looking into the inner workings of a school with outside views, I cannnot express enough once more my thanks and utter trust in their mission to help my son. I breathed Thank God's more than once on this trip.

Between the Team of Us, we'll give him every chance with every tool at our disposal. Of this I have no doubt.

Update From the Wolf Den: On Site

Day two found Wolf and I exploring the intricate nature of clothing. Or, growing out of clothing, to be specific.

After almost seven months, a few extra inches of ankle is now visible, much to his adolescent embarrassment. This afternoon I spent some time in his room, emptying out the drawers of his dresser. Actually, nothing fit, from the inside out, if you know what I mean. Bad mom. I accumulated quite a pile, and the photo above is but half of it. The rest I donated back to CHYC for kids who don't have the resources to buy clothes.

Old Navy provided me with a sale and some "cool" clothes that won't cause any further humiliation. Wolf was quite pleased with his new swim trunks.

We spent a quiet evening together reading the funny papers, sharing school lasagna, and watching the latest Indiana Jones movie. The photo here shows Wolf enjoying a grapefruit while perusing the comics. He loves grapefruit; I was glad to be able to bring him one from our Farm Share box at home.

Tomorrow is a day of care planning meetings, goal-setting, and re-evaluating progress. Probably the heaviest of all days.

Update From the Wolf Den; On Site

Suffice it to say, Wolf was shocked to walk into the therapist's office and see me.

Physically, he looks fantastic. A bit taller, close to 5'10" now. It was nice to see him paying attention to himself; kudos to staff for making him stick to it.

On the not-so-good side, he has not earned a trip outside the grounds due to continued inappropriate behavior. Bummer for him, as the Director and I are going to make this trip less about Mom bearing gifts and more about "what could have been". Tough, but necessary.

I did some preliminary shopping for t-shirts, socks, and new sweatpants; found some writing paper and note cards. Wolf and I spent some quality time together writing letters to family and friends. No marathon Scrabble games for this guy; we'll be working...

The weather in Salt Lake was gorgeous today; sunny and warmish at about 42 degrees.

I'm settled in for the night; catching up on writing assignments and posting photos. Oh, and eating my favorite Chinese food.

Tomorrow I have to go through Wolf's clothing to see what else I have to buy him. It'll be an early on though, the red-eye is catching up with me.

So far, so good. One day at a time...