This is sad....

....It's been a month since the last time I posted.
Here's the recap..(in no particular order)
I drove the Alcan Highway. It was amazing, some of the road was in terrible condition but the scenery was fantastic. On the drive I saw 1 moose, 3 bear, 4 buffalo, 1 caribou, 1 deer, 2 sheep, 6 elk,....and a partridge in a pear tree. Just kidding about the partridge. I would say the best part of the drive is from Fort Nelson, BC to Whitehorse, YT. I met some really friendly people. I was in awe of the beauty of everything. That drive should be on everyone's bucket list, seriously I mean it. On that drive I also drove on the scariest bridge I've ever been on and remembered that I dislike driving down steep, curvy downgrades behind people that ride their brakes. I made it back to Anchorage in one piece and I was ready to be back in Alaska.
Recently I drove down to Seward, which is about 130 miles from Anchorage, just for the heck of it. I got to Seward, filled the tank, and drove back. Another beautiful drive but sadly I didn't have my camera. I was very annoyed with myself that I didn't take it but I guess that just means I'm going to have to drive it again.
Going backwards a little to between the Alcan and the Seward highway excursions. I've hiked up Flat top mountain to the 2nd saddle, which isn't all the way to the top but there is always next time. I've walked from Pluto to Neptune and back on the Coastal trail. On that trail we saw a Bull Moose several feet from the trail, thankfully enjoying whatever he was eating and ignoring us. I've seen more than a dozen moose in a span of 3 days, including the smallest calf I've ever seen. Anthony figures that it was about 2-3 weeks old. It was so cute. That reminds me Anthony and I were at Village Inn the other day for lunch and a moose and her two calves walked right past the restaurant. It never ceases to amaze me when we see moose. Megan came up for the 4th and we went hiking up Flat top but the wind was gusting so bad that we only hiked Blueberry trail. It was still a 2 mile hike.
I bought a gun. I bought a Smith & Wesson .44 magnum revolver. I went shooting the other day with Anthony. I know, I know that's big gun. I've always wanted a gun and honestly I've always wanted a S&W .357 magnum double action revolver. I went to several guns stores and looked at lots of guns. I discussed what I was going to do with a gun and they recommended a .44. I'll admit it is a little much for home defense (or self defense) but it's a good size against bear. I have no intention on ever having to defend myself against a bear, but who really does plan on it. I can tell you one thing, that gun kicks like a mule. I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I fired it. It's really fun to shoot though. The same day I bought my gun, the gun store was selling a 12 gauge shot gun for $140 so....I also bought the shotgun. What can I say.
Other than all my outdoorsy adventures, I signed my contract with the Anchorage School District. I've been less than successful on finding a place to live, so I'm still sleeping on the couch at Bryan and Anthony's apartment. I've spent time in my classroom. I got a Costco membership. I've been to the restaurant supply store. And....I've spent time on my homework. I have also be the household taxi cab. While I was visiting Tasha in Wrangell (and catching the smallest halibut) Bryan's car broke down. The transmission is toast. So, it's a good thing I've got my car. I have to say running two guys to and from work and trying to get things done in my own life is exhausting. There are days that it's hard to get anything done for myself because of the shifts they work.
As of right now my life as I know it....Living out of a suitcase in a closet, sleeping on an uncomfortable futon in the living room, being exhausted all the time, but enjoying Anchorage.
I even got a box out of my storage unit yesterday because I wanted something of mine. I grabbed the box of spices. I know that sounds weird and it's an odd security blanket but it works.
Well I'm off to be the taxi driver and go to church.