Moving to Alaska, the importance of routine -

When you make a move like we have, there are many differences you will find. You must adapt to some,
but others you must get yourself back into your routines so you are comfortable. God created us as
adaptable creatures, unlike fish who, when they experience a 2-degree rapid rise in water temperature,
die. We humans just take off our sweaters! You may think a three hour difference in time is no big deal,
but it will affect your life. Take that into consideration with the sun never really setting and you will
find it requires you to make major adjustments. We have witnessed beautiful sunsets in many different
locations. In Alaska in the summer, it is still light at 10:00 p.m. As you wait for that beautiful sunset,
well, it really never comes. The sun just hangs on just below the horizon and you realize you are
in a really bad Tommy Lee Jones movie.
I have adjusted to it by going to bed a little earlier and getting up a little earlier. If you are tired, you
will sleep regardless of the darkness (or light). I never close the shades all the way, but still find I get a
good night’s sleep. Take advantage of Skype to stay in touch with family and friends. You will probably
find that you talk more now that you are farther away than when you were minutes away from them.
Each day you must take two little steps in adjusting to your new life. One step will be finding a new
routine; the other is modifying an existing routine. Every day you must wake up like a child on Christmas
morning, and not act like Mr. Grinch. Be positive, you can do this!  Talk soon - Bill