GoldenTote December 2014

I am not good at shopping. I get overwhelmed. Too much to stimulation. Too many choices. I also have no fashion sense, so my closet is full of the same things. I have been using another clothing subscription service and liked it, but it has the potential to be pricey. 

I heard about GoldenTote and thought I would give it a try. It's not quite as personalized as other services, but you do have the opportunity for a limited style profile. Size, colors you will never wear, items you never wear, certain preferences. There are also 2 options for a tote. The $49 tote allows you to select one item and they will send 1-2 additional items. The $149 tote allows you to select 2 items and they send 2-4 additional items. Shipping is additional. The additional items might be clothes or accessories and aren't usually items that you can choose from. You can return the tote if you don't like it, but it's all or nothing. Return everything or keep everything. Another different feature is that you aren't automatically charged each month. You have to go in and select your items to be charged, so it's easy to skip a month, or select different totes if you want less or more from one month to another. The items to choose from come out early each month and I hear that some sizes sell out, so it's worth keeping an eye on the site if you know you want something.

This is from their site: Golden Tote is the ultimate 'Surprise Grab Bag' filled with clothing and accessories for women. Working with carefully selected fashion brands and designing our own fashion favorites, we curate an eclectic assortment of treasures and package them all up in a custom tote bag for one amazing price. Think of us as your personal shoppers, stylists, and designers that are scoring you some major fashion finds for an incredible price.

Each month, there is also a boutique where you can purchase past items ... either "choosable" items that weren't chosen, or surprise items that weren't shipped. On Cyber Monday, they were running a special for an "extra" item in every tote. I took the plunge.

I forgot to mention, each "tote" comes in a "tote" that is reusable. I didn't take a picture, but it will go nicely with my reusable grocery bag collection.

My first "chosen" item was this peacoat. I ordered a size up because if I want layers in winter, I want a coat that can accomodate the layers. I love this coat. I've worn it and received compliments. I'm trying to get out of my basic black color scheme, so a burgundy coat with faux leather trimming was perfect. It's lightweight for a coat, but perfect for layering. Very happy with my choice. 

My  second "chosen" item was the holiday sweater. I am not really a horizontal stripe girl, but I liked the shimmer. It won't be just a holiday item for me. The fabric itself is not very soft and cozy, but it's not terrible. It is semi-sheer and has an attached black camisole layered underneath. It's attached and I haven't seen a way to separate it, so with the two layers it can be a little tricky putting it on and off. The camisole adds some length, which is nice as the sweater itself is not long. I like the 3/4 sleeve length.

Now for my surprise items: 

My very favorite item in the entire tote was this very cozy wrap cardigan. I love the different patterns. I love the way it wraps around. I have gotten compliments on it every time I have worn it, and I am wearing it a lot. 

Next was a dress that I find a little short for my preference. However, it seems that dresses are all thigh-length (i.e. mini) these days. It does fit nicely and I love the geometric design with it. I'm wearing it as a tunic with black leggings. It's really comfortable. Last night I was told I looked very "go-go" in it ... maybe it was the boots I also wore. I don't mind a funky 70's look.

And, I love the long-sleeve shirt. It's soft. It fits me well. I love the faux elbow pads. I've been getting a lot of wear out of this also.

I don't know which item was my "extra" for Cyber Monday, but I don't care. The last item in my tote looks like a somewhat loose/baggy basic black sweater from the front, with a surprise in the back. I normally won't wear polka-dots, but I really love the flirty nature of this sweater. The polka-dot panel is sheer, so layering in cold weather is necessary. I just love the way it acts as a surprise when you are leaving. 

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 I didn't keep my receipt which tells me the brands of the items, but I do feel like I received my $$ worth and I'm pretty sold on GoldenTote. If you want to give it a try, please consider using my link.

Alaska...Part 2

I had been in Alaska for a month and we had only one snow. It was unseasonably warm still, with temperatures rarely reaching the low 20's. Flinnster and family were going for a drive down to get photos with Flat Sanley and invited me for a day of touring. Of course, I was game. We drove down Seward Highway, which is apparently the most dangerous road in the U.S. for winding curves and potential icey patches, rock slides and avalanches, and crazy drivers. I saw a cool area where spring water wells from the granite. Pure glacier water purified by thousands of years of filtering. Folks stop here and fill up their water bottles. Kind of neat. Beluga point had amazing views of the sound and we got a few pics. The days are getting shorter and shorter now ... losing about 3-5 minutes per day. We left around 130 in the afternoon. By 430, we had beautiful sunset views. 

The Musician came up the next weekend. He arrived Friday and Saturday, we flew to Fairbanks. It was dark when I arrived, so I didn't see the mountains coming in. I saw them leaving and they were spectacular. We flew over Denali, which was completely snow covered at the peaks. Landing in Fairbanks also had breathtaking views.  

Then it was a drive to Chena Hot Springs. This is supposed to be one of the best sites in the world for Northern Lights viewing. Cold and crisp and clear. The night before, the show was spectacular. 8 hours of dancing lights. We could hardly wait. Lights in hot springs.  Unfortunately, we had no luck. We woke up several times through the night and all we saw was a green hue in the distance. I never did see the lights. The best nights, I was working. And it was just never cold enough to get the clear nights. We did enjoy our time in the very hot natural springs. But, the gases ... OMG ... it is sulfer fed springs. We also had our tour of the ice sculpting museum. It was absolutely amazing what could be done with blocks of ice. You can sleep here ... if you don't mind the cold. They have 4 rooms for $600/night and they bring in piles of blankets for you. UMMM, no thanks? The Musician and I pretended to renew our vows at the wedding chapel. We sat at the bar and had our small, expensive, potent apple martini in our souvenir martini glass made of ice. UMMM ... can't really pack it with you, though. Still, have to do it once, right? 

Next morning, back to Fairbanks for the 12-hour train to Anchorage. 

We started in the dark and ended in the dark, but the views along the way were unbelievable. Mountains and rivers. Denali National Forest. Hurricane Bridge. We took hundreds of pictures along the way. Around every turn was another beautiful site that I just wanted to absorb and remember it all. They even had vegan pasta as an option for dinner. Yea!!

Unfortunately, for me, it's not all fun and games and I returned to work. The Musician also worked and made contacts to try to start some music programs at the VA and the PT/OT units at the military hospital.

On the days we had some time off, we tried to catch as much siteseeing as possible. Most of the tours run during the summer only, so we had to be creative. We heard there was an amazing display of Native works at the Alaska Native Medical Center. We weren't disappointed. In fact, we got an extra surprise. The day we went, they were having a special exhibit and craft sale. We watched native performers performing traditional music and dance. I don't mind free entertainment.

We also made the drive to Matanuska Glacier. This one is not receeding like many of the others. The drive itself was spectacular. We crossed Hatcher's Pass and had more breathtaking views. Might be nice to hike here one day. The park was closed and it was actually a little colder so we didn't take the short loop hike at the park.

Instead we drove to Long Rifle Lodge and enjoyed warm rhubarb pie and an awesome view of the glacier. The pie was so good, that I bought extra slices to take home for later. Pie alone is worth the trip. You can take a hike out onto the glacier, but the day was getting short already, so another time perhaps. You can also take a private 3-hour tour in an enclosed 4-wheeler if you schedule it far enough in advance. I considered trying to get a group together for one of my last weekends, but the weather just didn't hold.

On our wedding anniversary, it finally got COLD!!! At least by my standards ... in the teens. We drove up Skyline for a great view and then down to Eagle River Nature preserve for a hike.

By the end of the week, we  had SNOW!!! Finally. 

I wanted the Musician to see Turnagain Arm and the Seward Highway, so we headed that direction. It was dreary and cloud covered, but still beautiful. Just not the same views as last time. 

We thought about taking the lift at Aleyska, but they told us the views were all clouded in. Instead, we went further south to the Wildlife Conservation Center. It was hard to resist, but I did not pet the Caribou and Black Tailed Deer that poked their noses out at me. The poor eagle has been here since 1999 when he was rescued after being shot. He has only one wing, so he can't fly. I really like the rescue and conservation efforts they are doing. I can't remember when, but caribou and musk-ox population is expected to be reintroduced into the wild in 2015, I think. I hope the fox and lynx get more room and space. Maybe with rehabilitation, they can also be returned to the wild. I'm not sure of the plan, but that's my wish. 

We also saw a wild eagle near the black bear. Shouldn't he be hibernating? He was so cool to watch. For a good half-hour, he was pulling together grasses to make a nest right outside his cave. 

After the Musician returned home, it really was a whirlwind of long days and hard work. It was cold and it was getting time to start thinking about packing. I enjoyed time with my new friends and sometimes just enjoyed time looking at the beauty around me. I can't get enough of the frozen trees. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

I discoverd that JBER has a couple of rescued resident eagles. Notch and Jack can't fly anymore due to injuries ... sadly human inflicted. They have been here since the 1990s. People donate fresh fish and meat and volunteers care for them. They don't seem to pay any attention to people like me who try to get them to pose for pretty pictures.  

With the Chief and DD, I was introduced to Celtic Women performance. They were FANTASTIC!!! I highly recommend the show. WOW!!!

I even did something WAAAY out of my comfort zone. I was hungry and went to Middleway Cafe for a bite. The Colour's Tofu Stack is FREAKING AWESOME (A grilled patty of beets, carrots, zucchinis, and leeks coated with blue corn chips on a bed of home fries and ranchero sauce topped with blackened tofu, scallions, and vegan sour cream) The tables were all full, but there was a woman sitting at a table by the window by herself. Scary for me, but I asked if I could join her. I wish I had met her sooner. Such a really interesting woman. Not only is she in marketing for science types, she works additional as an improvisational comedian at Urban Yeti Improv and she used to have a recurring role on the original CSI. She invited me to a show, but alas, I am working that night. And leaving town in 2 days. It would be so very cool to have gone.

As my trip wound down, I thought I would point out some interesting Alaska signs.  These are just things that made me smile.

 This campground ... with the landfill AND correctional center. UMMM ... probably not my preferred campground spot.




The DFAC on post had this fun little sign. I took the Musician there to check it out. He saw this sign and said, "Look honey, they can't feed you." Isn't that sweet? Well, it turns out to be true. Not a single vegetarian, let alone vegan option in the entire place. Well, maybe lettuce at the salad bar. Even the vegetables on the hot bar were cooked with meat and butter. Sigh!!!

The roads and highways have lots of these signs. 

But alas, despite my best efforts, I didn't see any of these. Apparently, they do come by the hospital often, but I never saw them. 

Alas, the time came and went too quickly. I had a great time. It was good to be doing clinical work again instead of administrivia. My brain turned back on. I made great friends that will stick with me. I re-established old connections and friendships. I miss you all so much, and thanks for some of the parting gifts.

But, I'm glad to be warmer and have sunlight. During the time I was in Alaska, we lost over 5-hours/day of sunlight. I forgot what it looked like. I'm also happy to be home with the Musician and my pups.

Jingle Bell Run Anchorage 2014

One last race in Alaska. This was my last weekend in Alaska and we had snow on the ground. Why not do a 5K to finish off my trip? The Jingle Bell 5K is a national event that raises funds for the Arthritis Foundation. I made a little contribution. Thursday night, I went down to Skinny Raven (I still think that's the coolest name for a running store) and signed up. Picked up my shirt and jingle bells for my shoes.

Headed out Saturday morning for the race. One thing you have to love about winter running in Alaska ... no 7 AM starts. I thought it was a 10AM start at UAA and I slept in and rushed, thinking I was running late. Nope, not late. 11AM start. That gave me plenty of time to park, walk through the skywalk and find the student union.Plenty of time to hang out indoors to stay warm. Plenty of time to admire the costumes ... santa, elves, christmas presents, reindeer, angels.Even a guy in a kilt with bagpipes. Took a selfie with some costumes in the background. I am not good at selfies. Is my nose really that long? Then, out to the start with just a few minutes before the start time. I put on my spikes and shook my hand warmers in my gloves to stay warm. It got really crowded just before the start

It got pretty crowded at the start line and I was near the back. Apparently, for me, even too far back,very unusual. For about a half mile, I was skipping around walkers, strollers, dogs, slower runners, groups of people chatting. I was glad I had spikes because it was slippery. Finally out of the soup and onto the Chester Creek Trail. I haven't run in almost a month and this was my first run in spikes and my first run in snow. Boy, is it different. The snow was soft and you really sink into it like running in sand. The spikes hold on to the snow. I could tell my legs were really working and in the cold, my lungs were really working.  

But, the views were COMPLETELY WORTH IT!!!! It feels like Christmas.

The course was an out and back and Rivera from the clinic met me at the final turn. She is a speed demon and very used to running in the snow. She and Sassy ran me to the finish. I was really looking forward to finding some warm coffee. Definitely not a time or pace to brag about, but it was still fun. Course was lovely. Support was great. I'm glad I got out there and I would do it again.