Response to 7th graders at Shelton School

I guess instead of reviewing for finals like normal 7th graders should be doing, my mom encouraged all of her students to come up with questions to ask me about Alaska. They are hilarious. Here are some of the questions with my response:

1. Are the smelly Alaskan men too smelly to date?
So far, there are not too many smelly men. My flight from Seattle to Anchorage was full of bearded men in flannels traveling to Anchorage to work construction for 4 months. Many of these guys work in Alaska for 4-6 months in construction for decent salaries and then take off the other 6 months of the year. Because it is so snowy and icy the rest of the time, construction is impossible, which I am learning now as the snow melts off of the roads. It is pot hole city. So, to answer your question, if you like the outdoor, "I haven't shaved in 2 years", flannel shirt, adventure type, the are many men for you to date. I suggest you get online and meet them. Just kidding about the online part!

2. The boys asked if I would be up for a Jackass type dare that they came up with?
I think peeing in a polar bear track was pretty good, but if you can think of something else, let me know. I will either really do it or tell you I really did it so you think I am cool. The beach is starting to melt a little as it is warming to 10-15 degrees. Initiation into polar bear club is scheduled for next Sunday morning.

On a separate note, the lingo up here in Alaska is far behind. For example, they still say "not" and "dweeb." I mean, dweeb is soooooo 1996. I'm working on "whatev" and "obvi" The first time one of my Eskimo assistants uses the phrase "obvi," I will definitely laugh out loud.

PS Still REALLY sunny up here. I don't know what I miss more.....the darkness or my dog Biggie who is currently enrolled in the Mike Rosellini Boot camp for dogs in Dallas. Evidently, being able to run/sprint 5 miles a night is important for a small white dog and a pug named Moose.