Quirks

The hospital has been pretty slow this week with one of our surgeons on vacation, so I too, have been on vacation since Tuesday.  I’ve spent my free time mostly cleaning, working out, baking pumpkin flavored everything, and browsing the grocery store for any new sales. I’m an animal – right?

I’ve also had plenty of time on my hands to explore my surroundings. In doing so, I have been noticing some interesting little quirks about Alaska. Sure, we have modern conveniences like a movie theater, brewery, and a grocery store with affordable (and not expired) cereal, but things are still quite different here that in the lower 48. Here are a few examples:

 Nowhere else have I encountered more bear poop in my entire life.

Bears revenge for humans pooping in the woods

 Cars come with electrical cords, and parking lots have outlet posts – yet not a Prius in sight. Apparently it gets so cold, you have to plug your car in to keep it alive in the winter.

 Everything is moose themed. (Hey friends/family, guess what you’re getting this Christmas?!)

 This state is generally a little behind the times

A common public restroom situation. This was taken at a restaurant near our place.

No Redbox = Blockbuster still exists!

Log cabins. They're all the rage. Even the post office is a log cabin.

 Alaskans have their own language.

·         “Sourdough” = Alaskan old-timer

·         “Cheechako” = Alaskan newcomer (who has never spent a winter in Alaska)

·         “Outside” = the lower 48. As in “he came from the outside”

·         “PFD” = the annual oil check each Alaskan gets $$$$ (“permanent fund dividend”)

·         “Termination dust”” = first snow on the mountains, means summer work is done-zo

·         “Bear insurance” = .44 magnum or Pump 12 gauge shotgun

·         “2^nd bear insurance” = someone you can outrun

·         “Three dog night” = when it’s so cold, 2 dogs aren’t enough to keep you warm

·         “Dip netting” = stick your net in the river. wait for fish to swim in. success.