So the secret is out: Travel & Leisure mag rated Anchorage, Alaska the worst dressed city in the USA.
Oh my, now everyone will know why I really live in Alaska....
So, why is being in the worst dressed city actually a good thing?? I'll tell you why:
1- Anyone can look good amongst the worst. I mean don't put any duct tape patches on your parka and scrape that dog poop off your heel and you are good to go! Everyone is sexy and they know it.
2- The financial savings. I can't believe how much money I have saved in Alaska by never having to update my wardrobe. Anyone who actually buys new clothes is mocked until the habit of shopping simply fades away and dies...
3- The simplicity. No giant closets to worry about or fashion magazines to read. Just grab something non-stinky (stinky in the Valley is ok) wipe the dog hair off your socks, and you are dressed.
I will say that now and then, the blood splattered coveralls at the grocery store, or flannel shirts in nice restaurants do bother be. But I guess it's a small price to pay, in order to march around all day as an Alaskan fashion diva - look at me-- I put on clean pants this morning!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Alaska, More Socialist Than Europe?
I just read an article about Europe fighting to keep a few 'socialist' traditions amongst angry calls for austerity measures. It actually made me chuckle, as I recognized some of these so called 'socialist' ideas are alive and well in fiercely conservative Alaska.
Most people in the Lower 48 probably assume that Alaska is as "red state Republican" as they come, and maybe so on election day. But secretly there are no other Americans (besides Hawaiins) that value "work / life balance" over all else.
For example, the Europeans are known for enjoying long weekends around Holiday times. Well every Friday in Alaska is considered an unofficial Holiday. Everyone here knows that all Alaska state employees take every other Friday off, my dentist never works Fridays (or Mondays for that matter) , I know accountants, lawyers, office clerks, etc.. who all follow the "Friday is for fun" rule. And if it's sunny and warm out, be glad if you can even get a cashier at the grocery store.
Another fun fact: Alaskans don't pay state taxes. Why is that so? Because we tax the evil oil companies instead. And who voted to increase taxes on big oil?? Well the Tea Party sweet heart, Mrs. Sarah Palin. Heck, just for some more socialist fun, when Sarah was governor, she gave every Alaskan a few extra thousand dollars (from the oil companies), on top of the annual Alaskan dividend check-- take that Chavez--you capitalistic goon!
Profits for profits sake, are also strongly discouraged. After over 10 years in Alaska, we still get annoyed when the store associates scold us for wanting to spend money. A typical exchange: I am looking to install hardwood floors". An Alaskan answer: "what would you want to do that for?" They are much more expensive and won't hold up as well as laminate or vinyl".
I could go on and on with the secret socialism alive and well here, but I just don't want to give it all away, and cause somekind of mass exodus to Alaska, putting us into austerity mode too!
Most people in the Lower 48 probably assume that Alaska is as "red state Republican" as they come, and maybe so on election day. But secretly there are no other Americans (besides Hawaiins) that value "work / life balance" over all else.
For example, the Europeans are known for enjoying long weekends around Holiday times. Well every Friday in Alaska is considered an unofficial Holiday. Everyone here knows that all Alaska state employees take every other Friday off, my dentist never works Fridays (or Mondays for that matter) , I know accountants, lawyers, office clerks, etc.. who all follow the "Friday is for fun" rule. And if it's sunny and warm out, be glad if you can even get a cashier at the grocery store.
Another fun fact: Alaskans don't pay state taxes. Why is that so? Because we tax the evil oil companies instead. And who voted to increase taxes on big oil?? Well the Tea Party sweet heart, Mrs. Sarah Palin. Heck, just for some more socialist fun, when Sarah was governor, she gave every Alaskan a few extra thousand dollars (from the oil companies), on top of the annual Alaskan dividend check-- take that Chavez--you capitalistic goon!
Profits for profits sake, are also strongly discouraged. After over 10 years in Alaska, we still get annoyed when the store associates scold us for wanting to spend money. A typical exchange: I am looking to install hardwood floors". An Alaskan answer: "what would you want to do that for?" They are much more expensive and won't hold up as well as laminate or vinyl".
I could go on and on with the secret socialism alive and well here, but I just don't want to give it all away, and cause somekind of mass exodus to Alaska, putting us into austerity mode too!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Truth Abouth Skinny People
I always enjoy writing posts about 'truth' or what I perceive it to be--so here's another one.
A few years back, my husband and I lost quite a bit of weight. His secret was a drastic dietary change, mostly gluten free, replaced by lean protein. Icy Jane on the other hand, went on her infamous "Bitch and Moan" diet, which is really very simple. I'll share the recipe here:
Wake up and eat a grapefruit and 4 cups of coffee for breakfast, allow one cup of yogurt for lunch, followed by an average dinner. Continue for 10-14 days. You will be dizzy and cranky. Spend time on the couch bitching and moaning, as exercising (at least for me) just makes me hungrier and destroys all dietary progress. Do not operate heavy machinery.
In about 14 days: it's a miracle--20 pounds are shed.
So here's the truth part: losing the weight was easy, keeping it off harder (as if you haven't heard that before). You will have to drastically reduce the portions, snacks and meals you are used to eating. Then accept that you will feel hungry all the time. Get used to it. The feeling in your belly gets a bit better --(it's been over a year now for me), but sometimes I can't even remember if I ate lunch or not--because the feeling is the same.
My husband has a slower metabolism, so he barely eats at all. No joke. Black tea, yogurt, fruit and nuts as snacks, and a gluten free dinner--and he exercises like crazy--six hours per week. Poor thing.
The other truth--we are always cold. Now it doesn't help that we reside in friggin Alaska, but Eskimos know best--fat is good in the arctic! Without the extra layer of insulation, it is soooo cold.
You need to have a certain amount of vanity to put up with constant hunger and shivering just to have a good body. Although personally, we feel it was worth it--at least it saves money on the grocery bill!
A few years back, my husband and I lost quite a bit of weight. His secret was a drastic dietary change, mostly gluten free, replaced by lean protein. Icy Jane on the other hand, went on her infamous "Bitch and Moan" diet, which is really very simple. I'll share the recipe here:
Wake up and eat a grapefruit and 4 cups of coffee for breakfast, allow one cup of yogurt for lunch, followed by an average dinner. Continue for 10-14 days. You will be dizzy and cranky. Spend time on the couch bitching and moaning, as exercising (at least for me) just makes me hungrier and destroys all dietary progress. Do not operate heavy machinery.
In about 14 days: it's a miracle--20 pounds are shed.
So here's the truth part: losing the weight was easy, keeping it off harder (as if you haven't heard that before). You will have to drastically reduce the portions, snacks and meals you are used to eating. Then accept that you will feel hungry all the time. Get used to it. The feeling in your belly gets a bit better --(it's been over a year now for me), but sometimes I can't even remember if I ate lunch or not--because the feeling is the same.
My husband has a slower metabolism, so he barely eats at all. No joke. Black tea, yogurt, fruit and nuts as snacks, and a gluten free dinner--and he exercises like crazy--six hours per week. Poor thing.
The other truth--we are always cold. Now it doesn't help that we reside in friggin Alaska, but Eskimos know best--fat is good in the arctic! Without the extra layer of insulation, it is soooo cold.
You need to have a certain amount of vanity to put up with constant hunger and shivering just to have a good body. Although personally, we feel it was worth it--at least it saves money on the grocery bill!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
