Welcome 2010!

Wow. 2009 has come and gone, and it was a whirlwind of a year for me. I went from studying broadcast engineering to working on social media projects with fellow enthusiasts in the Twins, from possibly getting my masters in communication theory to hopefully starting an MBA program in a year and a half... Obviously, I've changed and learned different things about myself, like how your passions can change.

I learned so much about myself in 2009, most if it is because of the friends I've made and the ones I've maintained.

I've made personal and professional resolutions this year. While I feel that it's important to bring them together, I think for this year I will be keeping some separate.


My personal resolutions have to do with my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. They will remain a top priority this year. With that in mind, understand that some of these resolutions will require a lifestyle change- which is never easy.

• Drop the pop. I don't drink much now, but this cuts the corn syrup off. No soda, coke, sugar water- whatever. None. Zip. 
• Read one new book a month. This doesn't sound like much, but I've gotten out of the habit for leisure. Since I stare at a computer all day, a hardbound book would be a great change of pace. Also, I have new because I can sometimes reread books for months...
• YOGA 4 times a week- for sure. Right now, I go back and forth. I'm trying to establish healthy habits here... and I LOVE yoga, so I need to make time.
• Increase my serving size awareness.  This means no more stuffing crap in my mouth. Nope, time to check and see how much I should be eating.
• Maintain all volunteer activities. This means that I will always finish what I start and I will continue to request support when needed. I love to volunteer, I shouldn't bite off more than I can chew.
• Have 30 minutes of 'free association time' a day. This means that I will have a half hour to myself to brainstorm, create or clear my head before, during or after work. This will help me keep a clear mind and focus (not to be confused with yoga time). 

Most of these resolutions require me to take more time for myself. I've noticed when I allow myself to stop, everyone wins! I'm happier, healthier and overall easier to be around (sorry boyfriend)...

What are your New Year's resolutions?

With relaxation comes realization

What have I been doing for the holidays? I didn't head to Texas and I wasn't able to jump back to North Carolina- I stayed in Minnesota. Before you feel bad that I was away from friends and family this Christmas and New Years,  I just want to let you know that staying was one of the best choices I could have made.

I've been relaxing, reading and blogging. Yes, I'm all over the 'interwebs' as one of my coworkers says. I have found some great passions this 2009. I started out working toward a certificate in Broadcast Engineering with the hopes for graduate school to study communications theory. Now, heading into 2010, I'm looking into

• MBA programs to study business communications
• Create a social media plan for a non-profit and for profit
• increase my consultative sales experince

All of these things would have never been on my list 7-10 months ago. I know that God has been leading me in a direction that I not only enjoy, but I thrive in. Stay tuned for my list of new years resolutions sometime after the new year. I have some projects that might be completed the first week of the new year. So, I feel like it would be cheating to complete some things on January 2nd and have them on my new year list. 

Does anyone have resolutions they would like to share? Or, perhaps some suggestions? 

Community

Every Thursday we have game night. Some of us get together to forget about work (or try to), seminary shenanigans (or try to), the plummeting temperatures and the overall stress of life. For two to three glorious hours we bask in the glow of community, a little beer and some wonderfully awkward and sometimes confusing board games. Last night we played what some just call 'the awkward game', I don't even know the real title of this cardboard square that makes so many of us giggle. Frankly, I don't mind that so much. It's about spending time with people. I may not remember the games or who won, but I know that I left energized and full.

This has been a fabulous blessing. When I'm having a tough time with work, life and being away from family and friends, a since of belonging is sometimes all I need to get through the remainder of the week.

I'm also incredibly fulfilled with my community of strong women around me. They range from coworkers, mentors, fellow church members, encouraging seminary wives and friends that I can just bum around with on Saturday night. It's been a long year and three months in Minnesota, but things have really perked up the last five months, and for that I'm left blessed and thankful.

 'People won't remember what you did for them, but they will remember how you made them feel.'

A cat, snow & the loss of leaves

With the beauty of fall comes the loss and stillness of winter, and winter is finally here in all it's Minnesota glory. I've been mentally preparing for the cold for about a month, and now that it's here and I know what to expect when I go outside again, so it's a little easier to bare.

I know that my cat isn't as big of a fan of the snow, not as much to look at out the window. I adopted her and I'm pretty sure she was a 'wild' cat. My apartment isn't as interesting as the wild outdoors apparently.

I have been working with my church St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church for the past few months on the Communications/Outreach Commission. It's been pretty amazing actually. I'm in there with people that love their faith, the church and communications. Pretty awesome. It's been an amazing experince, I'm actually in charge of some of their social media efforts. I created and currently maintain their Facebook fan page, and it's been loads of fun. I also 'tweet' and maintain a Facebook page for Suka-Rama Boutique in the Park. This shop is located in St. Anthony Park, MN, and it's where I've been working off and on since I got to Minnesota.

I will be staying in the Land of 10,000 Lakes this Christmas, but it will be nice since I have a few days off between. I have some tasks around the cities that I need to take care of, so this will be a great time to get some things done.

I've also been dealing with death this week. A great mentor and friend, John Hipp, died this past weekend. He was hit by a drunk driver and was killed. It's been an intense time for the Lenoir-Rhyne communications community. Also, my black lab, Sadie, had to be put down this week. Sometimes life deals you a hard deck to deal, but you just have to keep playing. I know my buddy John wouldn't want me to be shutting down. He was a strong and passionate person to have in my life during college. I'm blessed to of had him in my life.

If you are on Facebook or Twitter, connect with me! My Twitter name is Kristina_e.

Radio waves & pumpkins

I went to a movie last night and saw ZOMBIELAND. It was completely American, gory, mindless entertainment, which I needed. However, my boyfriend and I realized that we had not been to a movie in months, and came to the conclusion that it was because of the Minnesota summer. No more bar-b-ques, camping in 70 degrees, sitting at the lake without a fleece... Nope, the next few months will have more inside activities. Which, luckily, are also abundant in Minnesota. This brings me to my latest inside venture...

I have an espresso machine. Now, I've only used it a handful of times, but through some coaching, with a friend of mine, I have now learned how to make a mocha... So now, I wouldn't say that I'm a skilled barista, but, I sure can steam milk and sprinkle cinnamon like it is no ones business... It's been added to the winter project list.

Friends and family often ask me how I stand the cold, darkness and the isolation that we experience in the winter. Even in a metropolis like the Twins, isolation can be a tough one. It's -15 degrees and snow and ice are covering the streets and sidewalks, making a milk run a death trap. What is one to do?

Well, all of these little projects and activities help me keep sane and socialized over the winter. I'm a reader, knitter, cook, snowshoe-er, radio volunteer, perpetual communications nerd, and now a writer for the Minneapolis Examiner.

Thankfully, it's October and we can ease into cold-er weather. So thankfully, October means pumpkins, Halloween and parties! Now, for some friends of mine, Halloween is the best time of year and they throw amazing Halloween parties. I'm not quite sure what I'll be this year. Last year I was Sarah Palin, I'm all about timeliness. I'll keep you posted.

Currently, my Halloween spirit rests in my newly carved pumpkin sitting in my apartment window.

Moving into the MN Fall

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dro- oh, wait. It's been 80 something here the past few days. Well, the leaves are changing, and the morning air seems, crisper.

It's that time of year to unpack some jackets and find my scarves once again. This year I feel more prepared. As I reflect on when I arrived in the Twin Cities I have really grown to love and adore this area. There are countless opportunities for volunteering, community and continuous learning. It was difficult to find what I wanted and needed. However, I feel confidant about this year and it's upcoming activities.

Back in August I wrote about 'winter projects' and I'm happy to report that I have a few good ones that have popped up.

Since I started looking into writing for the Minneapolis Examiner covering Generation Y, I've rekindled my love for various communication outlets. I'm able to join my passion for technology, culture and explaining why some of the people in my generation behave the way we do. I'm not claiming to be a behavioral analyst, just an observer and participant. I must say, that I've been searching for books, articles and even podcasts on the subject, and I'm learning an incredible amount about myself. I think I'm getting a better grip on how to work with my managers, fellow (wh)Yers (as I like to call us), and even get a better grip on the imporatance of social media not only in the current, but for years to come.

I've also jumped right into volunteering at KFAI, Radio Without Boundries in Minneapolis. I've been volunteering once a week with the 'Cart Crew' which records PSAs and other various spots for airing. I think it really gives me a nice broadcasting fix.

I've taken a dive right into learning more about how Facebook, Twitter and other various online tools are used for branding, for personal or business. I must say that it makes me think about getting an MBA in Communication Studies versus a MA in Communications. We'll see!

In the mean time, check me out on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaproctor

MN State Fair on a stick

I attended the fair this past Tuesday and did enjoy several things! I did have some fantastic foods along the way:
- nice vanilla shake from the U of M dairy barn
- fried cheese curds
- Tornado Potato... and yes, it was delightful. I had some spicy seasoning on it as well.
- corn on the cob dipped in butter (I'm in the mid-west)
- Sweet Martha's Cookies... mmmmm.

... I'm sure there is something I'm missing. I did see some rather interesting things on a stick. You'll have to see to believe. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera.

The fair is not all food, rides and shows however. If grease and Garrison Keillor are not your thing, there are several things other things that can keep you busy. For instance, we visited the 'Miracle of Life Birthing Center.' Here you can see animals, you guessed it, being born. I'm not talking about TVs just broadcasting births. I'm talking, if there is a cow about to have a calf, into the birthing center they go. This place has bleachers and monitors for all to enjoy. When we strolled through, we saw a 3 hour old calf in the middle pin and piglets nursing in another. Pretty cool actually.

We also walked through the cow, swine and horse barns. I don't get to see these things in the middle of a metropolis too often. So, when I can, I jump on the chance.

If you are a media junkie, or fancy a certain weatherman (Sven), then the fair is good for that as well. See, all major TV news and radio stations are present at the fair. You can again, sit in bleachers, and be an active participant in the broadcast, see the anchors and camera operators at work and the interns running about.

There is also an art exhibit and a 'green' expo. I now see why people can spend days attending the fair. It's rather difficult to absorb everything in one visit, especially if you are seeing a show or want to be on a live Newscast.

I didn't get to visit the beer garden or attend a show this year, but I'm looking forward to the 2010 fair and this one's not even over yet.

The Great MN Get Together!

Well summer is really winding down in the land of 10,000 lakes. You can feel the crisp air in the morning. I've been watching more people reach for sweaters and close-toed shoes. I must say that I'm excited.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Changing leaves, football, students heading back to the books, and people here begin devising 'winter projects'.

With more months of below freezing than above, many people pick up their 'inside' hobbies once again. For instance, I have learned to knit in the winter months, along with getting back into American Sign Language, French, (a little) German and baking is even attempted.

But I'm not quite prepared to dwell on Old Man Winter just yet...

For now, I'm going to focus on what is currently holding the attention of every Minnesotan. The State Fair! I breathe the fair every day. Seriously, I live across the street from heart attack on a stick. While I was tempted to pass this year, I'm looking forward to the adventure this week. See, last year I worked everyday of the fair. I had just moved up to Minnesota and was looking for work and was placed in the two week position of soda spiller, bee killer, hot dog fetcher and beer tapper. I'm not sure if it was the 13 hour days in the heat, the thousands of people I served or the lack of funds to enjoy my breaks, but I didn't have a great first experience. Fortunately, from the help of locals, they have turned my pessimism for the fair into an event that I now look forward to.

My plans are to head there during the work week in hopes to hit a less massive crowd.

And yes, there are a few things I'm looking forward to trying out. Like, the Tornado Potato! That is the picture that I have in this post. I mean, who wouldn't look forward to eating this?!

Bookstores, visits from friends and GPS

So, I have started reading Marshall McLuhan again. McLuhan was the one that first coined the terms 'global village' and the famous 'medium is the message'. This guy is my media analyst that I run to for support and understanding in the web world we live in. However, as I search for his books, I realize that I am wildly unsuccessful at typical bookstores. I have ventured to Barnes & Nobles, used book stores and several others. No Luck.

Yes, I'm aware that I could venture online, where I do everything else, but there is something about finding the book I desire. I need the challenge. So, by recommendation, I am venturing to a place called Midtown Used and Rare Books. I looked on their site and they do have some McLuhan, but the one I found was $205, first edition. Oh. My checkbook will not like that.

This whole issue started a few weeks ago when a friend of mine ventured through the Twins from Colorado on her way back to North Carolina. No, I don't think she has a good map, but she does have a GPS which she refers to as 'Ms. Magellan.' I'm not sure how much they paid for 'her', but she isn't helping women in the fight against the stereotype of being directionally challenged. I should know, I get lost in J.C. Penny's.

My friend, we'll call her Marsha, is a law student and therefore loves books. On Sunday she wanted to go to a bookstore that she found online. So, I volunteered to drive. Mistake 1. So five of us got into my Jeep and accepted the adventure to Minneapolis. Mistake 2. Now, you must remember that 1) I don't have a sense of direction and 2) I have had car in the Twins for about 3 weeks. Therefore, I'm not used to the highways and city drivers yet.

Ok, so Marsha, her boyfriend, a friend of Marsha's boyfriend, myself and my boyfriend all got into the Jeep. Well, lets just say the trip form Roseville to Minneapolis was filled with Ms. Magellan directing me, Marsha translating, and me missing every possible turn. Honestly.

When we finally got the book store, I told everyone to get out. Sounds harsh? I don't think so. The last thing anyone wants to have are people telling you were all the parking spots are.

Now, my beef with bookstores. My boyfriend has a deep passion for theology and religious text, Marsha was seeking out cook books, I on the other hand, dig journalism, media, radio and communication theory. When they gets 5 bookcases, I have 2 shelves. Ugh.

That is what sparked my search for McLuhan. I thought 'there has to be a bookstore that has his books or books about him.' To that bookstore's defense, they did have one book titled 'Everyman's McLuhan'. I suppose that will have to keep me busy til my mission is completed.

My Increased Carbon Footprint

I now have a vehicle in the Twin Cities!

It has been one long year, and I really have not gotten you an update. Well, here is some information in a nutshell:

1. I ended up not working for AmeriCorps, but an education company focused on connecting students to their future.
2. I now have my own apartment, conveniently, between St. Paul and Minneapolis.
3. I recently bought a Jeep. Now, I know this is not the most efficient vehicle, but in the words of my parents 'You can move yourself next time... and pull a trailer so we don't have to mail 15 boxes.' I suppose they no longer want to participate in my moving.

I have really grown to love the Twin Cities. I have gone camping just 20 minutes outside the cities, visited museums and I love the libraries here. The downtown library in Minneapolis is a site to behold and an experience.

I also work at a small boutique in St. Paul on the weekends, so that is a nice break in between my communications with educators during the week.

I have also started volunteering at KFAI, a community radio station in Minneapolis. What can I say? I can't get radio out of my head. In that realm, I'm also working toward a certificate in broadcast engineering.

I am sad that this amazing Minnesota summer is coming to an end.

I will be more diligent about my posts this next year. Make sure to shoot me an email or give me a call if you are going to be in the Twins, I would love to show you around.

I now have my own apartment & soon... a vehicle.

Twin Cities... What a great metro!

I am now in the land of 10,000 lakes! Minnesota is my next home for at least the next year as I serve in AmeriCorps. However, since I do not start work until mid-September I have been biding my time with some exploration.

The first week I bought a 'Go-To' bus card that has a declining balance and went all over the Twin Cities. I have gone to visit the St. Paul libraries, coffee shops, historical markers and roamed the streets. I have also ventured to Minneapolis, just over the river along with the infamous Mall of America. I am not a shopping person, but it sure was a sight to be seen!

St. Paul is a city of roughly 270,000 people but holds a small town charm, which I attribute to the heavy European influence. This part of the Twins metro has a history of German immigrants, at least according to my research. There is no shortage of Lutheran and Catholic Churchs here! I think that I have seen one Baptist church in the Twins so far.

While I only spent a few hours in Minneapolis, I felt a more youthful and urban vibe. That could be due to the University of Minnesota campus that is right on the river... or any of the dozen other colleges in the area.

As everyone knows the unemployment rate right now is the highest it has been in over 20 years, so part-time work has been hard to come by. So, in turn I have not been too sucessful in finding a part time job. I have however been hired to work the 12 days of the state fair! It is the 2nd largest state fair in the nation, second only to Texas! I will be working in the Grand Stand concessions area where all of the concerts will be, so I will be hearing some great music while serving beer, hot dogs and soda.

If you are in the Twins please don't hesitate to call me or email me! I would love to see a friendly face!

Two Worlds, Same Country.

I have now been in the Lower 48 for a few weeks and it has been nothing short of overwhelming. The readjustment has been steady. I believe that the constant bombardment of options is the most challenging, well that in conjunction with heat and crowds. So, between those three things my mind has been busy.

Having so many options and choices down here puts things in perspective. The consumer does rule, I knew this, but when you are in a place of isolation, with limited options, you get used to soft tomatoes and milk that expires in two days... Here, consumers demand the best constantly, thus tons of waste, something I am having to readjust to.

They really are two different worlds.

I went to Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. with my friend Christine for the 4th of July weekend. I have never been to either city and after being in Nome for a year it was a breath of fresh air, well as fresh as a hot city can get.

For the 4th we walked around Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore, had beer and chips overlooking the harbor at a place called Kahuna, went to an Orioles game and later went to an outside symphony that had choreographed fireworks, unfortunately it was raining so the colors were slightly anticlimactic. However, by the 1812 Overture they had the cannons, so that was frightening!

July 5th we drove down to D.C. and parked by the Jefferson Memorial. I had forgotten what an amazing writer Jefferson was. Most amazing authors are simple in their words and straight forward with their message. I know what to look for during my next library trip!

Besides Mr. Jefferson we went to one of the Smithsonian Museums, The Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. It is so great to see grass and open space in such a large city. The short time I spent in Europe the big cities are stores, apartments and cement. However, there is not the infectious urban sprawl that we see in the states.

I am currently in Texas traveling around in hopes to see as much of my family as possible before I leave for St. Paul, MN. I must admit I am nothing short of excited!

No Way In & No Way Out... of Nome.

I was due back in the Lower 48 by 8:40 pm Monday, June 16th. However, due to intense fog and low cloud ceiling I have been grounded in Nome for three extra days.

From Sunday June 15th to Wednesday 18 no flights for Alaska Air, or Bush flights for that matter, landed or took off from the Gold Rush City. Nine flights stright were cancelled, which may not sound like many but when you only have three a day, your city takes a hit. No mail, produce, tourists, you name it, everyone is stranded.

Finally the Wednesday morning (June 18) and afternoon flights landed and took off from Nome. Unfortunately, I was not on any of them. I anticipate leaving this evening but it seems that the fog has rolled back in and the ceiling once again has dropped to 100 feet, and it needs to at least be 300 according to the National Weather Service.

It has been a rough past few days going back and forth to the airport, saying goodbye again and again and checking and recheking my bags. I went to open one of my checked bags and three TSA search flyers fell out onto the dust road of Nome. I couldn't help but laugh.

Slowly but surely the grocery store shelves became bare and when we went out to eat our server, Bruce, said that if we had one more day without flights they would be running out of almost everything. Scary to think right? No way in, and no way out.

Ice Free

It is a bit odd to glance out my second story window and see blue ocean roll in. Just a few days ago there were still some orphan icebergs bobbing in the water... giving me a different understanding of 'ice cold'. There is a feeling of liberation with the snow gone and the ice disappearing. A new found freedom. I am released from the grips of winter.

The surrounding mountains still have snowcapped tops, but that is changing daily. I can see more and more brown as each day passes, reminding me that snowshoeing season might be gone but hiking and camping is right around the corner. Nome has peaked 45 degrees recently, and if you told me it was 60 I would have believed you. It is amazing how your standards of 'warm' change in just a year.

I have a little less than a month left, which is a bitter sweet feeling. I am excited about my placement in St. Paul, MN but Nome has been my home for the past year. This is not going to be an easy departure.

Late April and early May is by far the hardest time I experienced in the sub-arctic. Cabin fever ran high, patience ran low and spirits dwindled. High energy gave way to restlessness and I had to remind myself that 'this too shall pass.' Easier said then done.

We are moving into 20 hours of daylight and that is a complete turn around from winter's darkness. It seems that it creeps up on you. One day you are rising in darkness and now I wake up and it is light and go to sleep when it looks like 4 'clock in the afternoon.

I will be departing the Gold Rush City June 15th and will be heading straight to North Carolina to attend weddings. I will be back in Texas the beginning of July. I am looking forward to seeing everyone from NC to Texas.

Snow and Slush

It was only last week that the temperatures were dipping below zero. Today we are up to almost 40 degrees. It is insanely warm! I admit that it feels great, but it does bring it's share of problems.

So far this year I think we rank in the top 10 snowiest years on record. Lucky us! We have gotten over 100 inches of snow this year. This means that the 4 feet piled up next to my house has got to go somewhere! Everyone says late April and May are the worst months here because of the break-up of all the snow and ice. I need to buy some break up boots, which basically means I need rain boots that come to my knees. I might just invest in some waiters.

One of KNOM's engineers came up from his home in Palmer, Alaska for a few days in March and I was fortunate enough to hang out with him and get an introduction to broadcast engineering. I have always enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of electronics. I am looking into broadcast engineering programs online. The FCC does not require certification any longer, so it is all about experience. So now all I would have to do is get the education, find a station to apply my new skills and practice!

I can see myself coming back to Nome, in the not too distant future. This is a place that really values community. It is something that is sacred, it has to be, since it is so isolated from the rest of the world. It will be hard to leave.

My next move in life? Well, I have been accepted into an AmeriCorps program called CTEP, Community Technology Empowerment Program. The paperwork is still underway, and when things are more official I will get back to you on my placement.

I am set to head out of Nome sometime in mid-June, when I will fly to North Carolina to attend weddings and see college friends. After that I will be Texas bound where I will be getting my wisdom teeth removed. How exciting right?

Back on track

There was a day when the temperature reached 33 above zero. The ice on the road melted and throughout the day it would snow then rain then snow again. I have to say it was peculiar to see rain again. After all, everything outside has been frozen for months.

Since January KNOM has been covering snowmachine and sled dog races, and now it is all coming to an end. Now, I can try to get back into a regular schedule writing educational spots on the government, fire safety, and even spots on flannel, Scrabble, and soon- Legos.

I officially told KNOM that I would not be returning for a second service year with the station. I have really loved my radio experience at this one-of-a-kind station, but I know it is time to move on and try something new.

As for what is next, well, your guess is as good as mine. I am looking to volunteer for another year, in a new state. My current thought is that I am going to be a professional volunteer with a Masters in the area by the time I am 25. That should bring in the money.

Nome’s great darkness has subsided, which is fantastic for my snowshoeing excursions. The sun rises sometime during the 7 am and sets around 10 pm. It is so weird to have all of this light after so much darkness.

Iditarod 36- 2008

We are still calling in mushers, but here are some pictures of some of the dog teams.



The Finish line before Lance Mackey arrived.

Sled Dogs, Dehydration & Purple Toes

Iditarod is underway! The dogs are headed to the Gold rush city. You can see the progression of the race on www.iditarod.com.
From there you can learn all about the race, mushers, dogs and how everything is done. It really is truly remarkable how the Last Frontier comes together to complete the Last Great Race.
I have been learning about the check points, villages, sled terminology and how everything comes together on the radio side of things. You never really know what all is involved until you are trying to figure out what you are about to broadcast.

I recently made a great purchase... SNOWSHOES! Yes, this Texas/North Carolinian has a new favorite activity involving venturing out into the cold.

I have been trying to go out at least once a week. Each time hiking farther and farther outside of town. When you have been here for months you realize your world is a 4 block radius- if you are lucky. So, hiking 3 miles outside of town is a real retreat and exhilarating.

I take my backpack with extra weight, my portable FM headset to check the weather on KNOM, snacks, water and get dressed- which takes about 20 minutes.

One Friday afternoon, with blessing of more light, I took a trip to the tundra after work. All day it had been above zero so I was excited to get out.

As soon as I got to the point outside of town where I could put on my snowshoes I took off my gloves and felt that it had dropped below zero. So, I kept on my heavy duty gloves and broke out the hand warmers just in case, and I began my 4 mile round trip adventure out of town.

Over the course of my mini trip I fell into drifts that were 4 feet deep, and being 5'2'' that complicated things, ran into hares, snowmachiners and lost all feeling in my toes. The overall trip took about 2 1/2 hours from when I left to house til I returned.

Upon my return I took off boot and wool socks and saw nothing but red and white toes- obviously a bad sign. I did what I had learned about frostbite and immersed them in warm water. Funny thing, when the toes turn white and blood begins to circulate again everything turns purple and blue! Needless to say I was a little nervous when my pinky toes turned blue. I still have all ten toes!

However...
Now, my toes are extremely sensitive to the cold and even when I am in the house if I am just in socks they will turn white. Ahh, frostnip! I will forever be reminded of my time in Alaska...

The next day I felt sick. I realized that I had about 8 oz. of water over the course of the 2 1/2 hour trek and that meant that my body was dehydrated. It felt like I was hit by a train. So, needless to say I learned from my mistakes and since then I have gone on 2 trips and not made those mistakes!

Thank you for all the prayers that you are all sending my way! They are greatly appreciated! It truly helps to know that people in the lower 48 care.

Have a great day and follow the Iditarod!

Iron Dog 2008

KNOM Covered a 2,000 mile snowmachine race from Wassilla, Alaska to Nome to Fairbanks. Their snowmachines had to endure snow, -40 to -50 degrees with wind chills, and go insanely fast.



Some racers waiting to leave Nome after their 36 hour layover.