"Wow, where is your accent from?"

After my first full week of work in the ED, a few things are clear. One, I don't sound like anyone else, except a fellow southern travel nurse I work with that went to Auburn. Also I am not a day shift/morning person, and find it difficult to get up at 5am. It makes it a little easier that Kip also gets up early but still not what I enjoy. I was excited to learn my schedule will be a mix of 3 evening shifts (2pm-2am) and 3 night shifts (6:30pm-6:30am). I have yet to work on a night shift but really hope the same trend of cool, awesome, entertaining and crazy people also decide to work night shift in this ED.

After a long week that included, code blues, ski accidents and many alcohol incidences, we had a fun filled weekend with friends. I first met some of the girls out at revolving sushi and I could kick myself for not taking pictures because it was amazing, few pieces served on a revolving belt, tons of new rolls I had never had. On Saturday we attended a friends wedding on the air force base on a beautiful day in Alaska, everything was so sweet and beautiful.

View on Elmendorf air force base, driving to the wedding.

Amazing view on a clear day!

The wedding was held in a chalet on base that Kips unit kept up. So happy for the couple and glad we could share their day.

 The boys after the wedding in their dress blues.

The girls after the wedding!

We also attended a Engineer banquet later that night but I forgot to take pictures haha :(

On Sunday I was starting to feel sad about not being able to be around my friends and Kip was super busy with school work so I decided to head out and find something to keep busy. I was so happy to find this gem and will def be back to purchase some amazing gifts and super cute home items.

Looking forward to getting the last few days of orientation out of the way and getting back in the ED at the end of this week. Also looking forward to the Super bowl with friends this weekend even if the Ravens aren't playing. Excited to have some fun as the temp gets out of the negatives. :)

Susie Homemaker in Alaska!

After moving in with Kip in Alaska, it was safe to say he was living the bachelor life. The only things in his fridge included a package of hot dogs and a bottle of champagne (man after my own heart). Was really excited to have my own kitchen and have someone to cook for. Had a few recipes I wanted to try out, and Kip really didn't seem to mind. I still have a ton on pintrest that I really can't wait to make and I'm thinking Superbowl might be the perfect time!

Homemade Mac&Cheese

Italian Chicken

Sooooo good, and Kip got seconds!

Baked Spaghetti

After running a few errands today I found a few more reasons to love Alaska:

1: When having a bad hair day, super easy to throw on a cute hat and still stay warm!!!!!!

2: Snow boots can also be cute and keep your feet warm and toasty, best thing I have bought in Alaska!

3: When driving home from errands you never know what you will see in your neighborhood. The wildlife is EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!

Baby moose (not so small)

Almost walked up the stairs, amazing hahaha 

Excuse me......do you sell Dukes Mayonnaise?

The answer is .....NO.... also you can not find Texas Pete.... sad day since I put that stuff on everything!
After a long week of orientation at work and Kip being back at the office, we decided to go out with friends this weekend. There are only a few things to do in the middle of winter in Alaska and we did all of them!
Friday:
-Go out to eat: surprisingly there are tons of great places to eat in Anchorage! Mexican, Thai, Italian and Asian just to name a few.
-Go to the movies- we decided to see Red Tails.....HUGE mistake...too long, bad acting and very disappointing, really wish it was made better. (Kip fell asleep during it and I stuck Swedish fish in his open mouth, bringing the whole group to tears laughing so hard)

Saturday:

-Go to a Hockey game- Alaska Aces are the local double AA team

Josh excited about the hockey game!

-Go Bowling- Everyone loves bowling in Alaska.......and I am amazing, thanks to my Dad for taking me a lot when I was younger. I beat Kip and most of the people we went with! Maybe I will fit in here :)

Sad that I beat him in both games! (his response, "I was working on my spin")

The girls after bowling.

- And playing in the snow .....but only for a few minutes! haha made Kip take these after the Ravens loss....my first Alaska snow fall!

Still tons of snow and still neg temps, but I still cant get over how beautiful Alaska is, even in the middle of winter. These are just a few views from my hosp and the mountains that surround Anchorage.



BBBuurrrrrr....Welcome to Alaska...

First, my name is Christina Livingston and I recently moved to Alaska from Winston-Salem, NC. I have never lived outside of North or South Carolina. I decided to start this blog to keep track of my Alaska adventure and help update family and friends. I am a ED RN and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009. I LOVE the south and everything that comes with it, and actually never really thought I would leave. Surprise ... love was a small factor (or a big one!). My boyfriend Kip is currently in the AF in Anchorage Alaska and is a Civil Engineer. Over the last year or so I have been visiting Alaska and have really enjoyed everything it had to offer. Also was beyond excited to live in the same city as my boyfriend after starting our relationship while he was over seas and continuing a long distance relationship for almost 2 years.

After leaving NC, I knew it would be cold, I knew there would be snow, and I knew it would be a change. Everyone kept giving advice.....on cars... clothes....activities ....living ....weight loss plan (for when I put on the pounds).....

Here are a few things I've learned after being in Alaska for almost a week......
1. Its cold
2. There is a lot of snow.... a lot....more than I have ever seen.. and you better have a shovel

3. If you leave your clothes on the floor, they will be nice and warm when you put them on from the floor heating. :)
4. If you have a remote start......you are in the cool club and will make tons of friends at your new job.

5. Fashion can still happen in neg temps.
6. Always wear gloves....ALWAYS
7. I am Alaska lucky and have seen 2 moose in 3 days...my moose ratio 2/3
8. Target still sells bathing suits all year long.... even in Alaska

9. Life is much easier (and safer) if your amazing boyfriend gets you a very safe car.

10. Everything is beautiful ..... even the snow.

My drive home

The entrance to our apartment complex

Ice off the side of our building

Can't wait for whats in store next.......