So, ummm....we are moving to Alaska! Yep, we are leavin'...and totally not on a jet plane. CB, CCB, and I are modern day Beverly Hillbillian' it up there to Alaska in the biggest U-HAUL they make with a vehicle in tow. Our labradoodle, My Friend, will be there with us...somewhere...possibly crammed in the floorboard. We haven't figured that one out yet. There is a lot to be figured and right this second I am not intimidated by it at all. We'll see how it goes.

The town is Delta Junction and the population is around 900. Delta Junction is located in interior Alaska (A.K.A. the really cold part).

We've already broken the news to most of the family and they, likely (and very quickly) told the rest of the family so a little of the pressure is off.

Here are the opinions so far...
Mom tends to be either really supportive or really, really against it. I've seen her worry a lot lately which consists of her being really mad at me, then crying because she is going to miss us, then admitting that based on her continual research that she believes I will really love the place. That's Mama. She is a good Mama.

Dad says, "I'd rather live in Iraq under a bridge than live in Alaska.
Me: "Dad you would not rather live in Iraq under a bridge than live in Alaska."
Dad: "Yeah, I would too."

Also Dad said, "That Alabama sign will never look better" when we give up and come on home.

And last but not least, "Well, you're bound to come back with a whole lot a character, cause they say, adversity builds character."

Dad is really funny...even when he doesn't mean to be. He is really worried with a touch of angry, though he denies this.

Sister says, well a lot. "I can only imagine the things that ya'll aren't equipped for that you won't know you're not equipped for until you're in whatever situation that turns out to be (God forbid it's a bad one)."

Worries we should consider according to sister: It's a dangerous place for people who've never lived there and for people with a very small kid, driving in ice and snow, getting the right tires ($$$), chains, tire socks, etc. (and knowing when and how to use them), walking on ice, having to salt and shovel a path to your car everyday, not being able to go outside as often (which you HATED this past summer in Alabama-because of the heat), the nearest town being far away, the nearest town being a tiny fraction of even Gadsden's population, not knowing anyone to help you in any way if you need it, the fact that this little city in Alaska almost couldn't be farther away from anyone you know in the world unless you were actually in a foreign country.. I mean, you have to go through a foreign country to get there."

Bottom line: Sister thinks we should consider other options, particularly options in California with her. Another bottom line: She loves us very much.

Step-dad: Hasn't said much of anything directly to me about the move since we made the decision to go. I know this means he disapproves. He worries and thinks it isn't too smart.

Mother-in-Law: Disbelief and irritation.

Sister and Bro-in-law: Shocked and supportive. After the initial phone call, there was much worry and research.

Friend: "Why?"
Another Friend: Sad disappointment but understanding.
Another Friend: Thinks it is great and she is super supportive. She is a great, though short term, friend. There is some hope that she and her family will visit so maybe we can become long term, long distance friends.
Another Friend: Understanding

There have been many conversations with aunts and uncles who are both supportive and shocked. It seems no one believes we will be there for the long haul. We see this as an adventure. If our adventure leads us back here in a few years, then we will roll with that.

My take on all this? I have got to take a risk in this life. I'll be so ashamed of myself if I don't. I will miss my family deeply...and painfully. I don't fully enjoy life in Gadsden as I should. I want to fully enjoy life. I wasn't created to live in this box of a house. My property stops about 20 feet into the woods. I don't venture too deep past that so as not to rouse the neighbors. I have to go beyond those 20 feet.