As I pack my bags to head home for a week, I thought I would reflect on 10 things I’ve learned in Alaska after living here for 10 weeks.
10. When at a stoplight, if the light turns green and the person in front of you doesn’t go, it is not appropriate to honk. I didn’t learn this until I had been up here a few weeks and was laying on my horn in true LA fashion and the person next to me looked at me appalled. Then I started to take notice that people just do not honk up here, even if they are sitting at the light through 2 green lights, nothing.
9. Do not schedule appointments during moose hunting season. I was trying to get my car serviced and apparently the only technician working was booked for three months since all the other technicians were hunting. I wish I was joking.
8. On that note, moose is offered on a menu more frequently than chicken. Moose chili, moose burgers, moose on a stick. I have yet to try it.
7. Apparently 20 degrees and -20 degrees feel a lot different. Everyone is telling me “Oh, you think THIS is cold, just wait until winter comes.” Um, isn’t this winter?
6. When it snows, you can no longer wear your cute flats anymore. Or your super cute “rain boots” from Steve Madden that have no traction. Snow boots it is.
5. Snow is fun for the first few days. You go out, play around, take pictures and then you realize that it isn’t going away for the next 8 months. Seriously, snow is on the ground 8 months of the year here.
4. Hockey is very popular. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that you can’t play sports outside for 8 months of the year or what, but it’s a big deal. Q and I are big little league hockey followers.
3. The summers make up for the winters. Summer is GORGEOUS, it’s green, light out until 2AM, warm, it is truly gorgeous. Winters are dark for 2/3 of the day, snowy and cold. But hey, I can say I lived in Alaska for a year.
2. Driving in snow is treacherous. This little Prius is trying its hardest, but I do slip slid on the roads. Also, you need to give yourself 10 yards to come to a stop and NEVER step on the gas while making a turn…
1. That stuff on your windshield that looks like snow is actually ice. And you need to take an ice scraper to get it off your windshield. Do not just try to use your wipers over and over again. When in need, use your best girl voice and politely say to the man next to you “Am I doing this right?” while using the wrong side of the ice scraper. Works every time.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this.. love your experiencing it all.
A little tip when you get out of car pull up your wipers for the nite so they dont freeze to windshield when you start car to defrost windows Wipers will never be icy.. another thing cover window at nite if you can it will not frost as bad.. unless of course the snow is really wet. 
& oh wait till 40 below hits.. lol hope you got a command start so your not running out to start vechicle.. 
Enjoy your week in Cali!!!!!!
Thank you as always for the tips!!
haha my favorite tip is the last one. I’m all “I’m a grown ass woman, I can do this for myself” until it gets too cold and then I’m like “I can’t get the scraper thing to work, husband”
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HAHAHA love it!
I love this post! I’m from Canada so I can relate! Winter sucks!!! Especially driving in it!
I’m learning! It’s been an experience haha!
i’m living vicariously through your Alaska adventures (especially your summertime posts – my fave was the one about your camping trip!)
(i’m a SoCal girl too, now in Phoenix.) i watched Grizzly Man last night, and though it was definitely disturbing, it just reinforced my desire to visit Alaska!! have a great trip home!
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Hahaha! Love that you are living vicariously through me. I am jealous of your hot weather about now!
fun post, what an adventure! i am loving the fall weather but have to admit…your photos keep making me want snow. (let’s talk again when it has been cold and grey in DC for 5 months, but still).
I remember thinking when I first moved from CA “this whole winter thing is going to be entertaining as an anomaly for approximately 1 month…”
hehe. I was telling my Alaskan friend about your trip and she said “an LA girl in Fairbanks? She’s going to freeze up there!” (she’s from Anchorage). haha I told her that you were badass and could handle it — sounds like I’m right. Just keep remembering that, like you said, you can always say you lived in Alaska for a year. I’ve always wanted to visit, so I’m loving your pics!
Megan – Newlywife recently posted..Foodbuzz 2012: Day 1
Woah…that’s life changing for sure!! Everyone’s hunting?? And those moose thingies look like chestnuts. hahaha
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