Anticipation Station

I cannot contain my excitement any longer.

In less than 2 months I will be moving back to Idaho!

I will definitely miss Alaska's people, wildlife, scenery, my family, and my dog. 

I will probably not miss,the freezing cold, non-pack-able snow, and the lack of sunlight winter has brought though. 

Rexburg will be like a tropical vacation. 

Seriously.

I love my life of econ and friends. I love seeing a temple everyday. I love getting to run away to UT to see my Grandma, Grandpa, and extended family. I love only being 4 hours away from family get-togethers and parties. I love that I'll live less than 5 minutes from Ry. I love that we'll go to the same school. I love having parties for no reason at all. I love buying 10 pounds of potatoes for $5. I love hearing inspired words everyday. I love that I will still be able to visit Grandpa Jim regularly to talk, clean his grave, and leave happy things. I love hearing devotionals weekly. I love visiting teaching. I love moving. I love change. I love love.

BIG NEWS- I have decided to move. I love Davenport Apartments and all of the girls I have lived with, but am ready for a change. Frequent parties will still be held at my place... my new place. I plan to see you there.

<3 Living the Dream,

-MK

REMEMBER:  We don't quit playing because we grow old.... we grow old because we quit playing.

Novice Alaskan

We all know the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do...."

I have been blessed to be able to experience new and exciting things, people, places, and ways of life. I love trying new things. I feel like oftentimes we don't want to try in fear of failure and embarrassment. Stop thinking that! There is no shame in trying something new. Worst case scenario you don't enjoy it, who cares?! How else would you truly know? Be daring.

I realize that I have lived and loved many different places, it's true. I don't think there is anything wrong with enjoying experiencing different lifestyles. I love it! I am so grateful for it.
My life is incredible.

Let's talk about ALASKA- I love this place! I have been so blessed to be introduced to so many different people and lifestyles. I realize I have only been here a short while, but am grateful to have been welcomed with open arms. I want to especially shout out to the Taylor family. These people are wonderful, fun, loving, and will always be considered family to me. I love ya'll, thank you. <3

Today was my day off so I took the Alaskan drivers license test and passed with flying colors. 100%. Yeaya! You can all rest assured that I know the laws... whether or not I abide is a different story. While doing this I also registered as an Alaskan voter. Step 1 towards being Alaskan: Complete.

Bradley shot a massive caribou this weekend and I have been so excited about it. I got to go to the Taylor's and experience cutting the meat off of a dead beast. Awesome! Totally disgusting. Blood everywhere. I loved it! No joke, I had so much fun. I am so grateful the Taylor's let me join in. You are probably shocked that I cut meat off a dead animal and enjoyed it. I may be shocked as well. This gun-shy hippie had fun. Step 2 towards being Alaskan: Complete.

Yup, it's official, I am a novice Alaskan! Happy!

I love my life. I have the best family and friends that anyone could ask for. I am the luckiest person.


<3 Living the Dream,
-MK


REMEMBER:

My name means "luckiest person ever" in Egyptian.

"In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

I am so blessed.


There have been many awesome things in my life this week. 
Some highlights:

I have had multiple opportunities to spend time with wonderful people this week. I was able to have some goofy girl time and some crazy adventure time. I am grateful to be in Alaska. I love the people and am grateful for the opportunities here.

I should probably talk to ya'll about the dead moose parts I touched this week. Yup. I definitely did....and kind of liked it. Aside from the evil odor they were exuding it was awesome. I was reminded of the dissection portions of science classes. That was my favorite part, so I am excited to experience this more. I am grateful for the kind people of Alaska that have been letting me join in on their adventures and learn more about the dreamy Alaskan way of life. I love it. 

I had a big-fatty-massively-important prayer be answered this week. I know I am loved and that He believes in me because He prepared a way for me despite my imperfections.


Tuesday evening my mom told me that she had seen a 'help wanted' sign at the store in town. I hurriedly printed out a copy of my resume (which is probably unnecessary in Delta Junction, Alaska, but a formality I followed nonetheless,) and went to the store. I submitted an application and went home hoping to get an interview within the week. Ten minutes later I received a phone call. Ten minutes! No joke. I am the most blessed person I know. This phone call was Heaven-sent. The owner of the store told me that she had a full-time position available and would love to have me fill it. She told me that she would pay me 80% more than I had been previously making and that I would also receive tips. I was told I could wear whatever I wanted, could have Sundays off, and could start the next day if I wanted. YES! I definitely could oblige to that.

This is a great opportunity for me. While there are a few things I wouldn't mind changing about the job, I am so grateful to have it! Beggars can't be choosers, especially in a small town. I am making bank and am grateful to be able to save up enough money to get me through the school year without working. I have never done that and am excited to be able to spend even more time in my beloved econ lab. No, you are actually not sensing sarcasm in that statement. I love economics! I am hoping to return to those good grades I used to receive a scholarship for. I may even have the time to double major now. I have been wanting that for quite some time and may make that dream a reality. I have been working and going to school full-time ever since I was 15 years old and am grateful to get a little break soon. My life is wonderful. I am the luckiest person on the planet!

I have been thinking a lot about angels and miracles lately, and was so blessed to have those topics discussed in church today. While there are many doctrinal complexities I have yet to unravel, I am still grateful. I believe that gratitude is a key component to recognizing the miracles and angels in our lives. I believe that whatever we seek we shall find. If you believe the world is a horrible place then you will recognize all of its flaws before you see all the beauty it holds. I believe that there are angels among us that answer our prayers. I believe that if we follow God's plan we can be angels for other people. I am so grateful for the times that I have been able to help another soul and am so grateful for the incredible angels that work mighty miracles in my life. I believe that if we choose to, we can recognize miracles constantly in our lives. Nearly everything can be viewed as a miracle if we have gratitude in our hearts. 

I hope that we can all follow President Hinckley's counsel and try a little harder to be a little better.

I believe that this life is all about choices. I believe that we can choose what we want to be. I believe that happiness is a choice, and that gratitude is the quickest way to reach it.

These are just some random happy thoughts of today. 

Forgive me for my rambles. 

<3 Living the Dream,
-MK


REMEMBER: Faith precedes the miracle.

And so it goes.

Some happies of today...

Football opener today!!! Can't believe Satan prevailed against the Saints...lame. No more wins please, Cheeseheads!

I decided to make a Vikings blanket the other day. It's pretty bomb. I'm so ready to kick Packer trash this season. 

Funny story: I have been skipping the bread and only taking the water during the sacrament because, of course, I'm allergic. I was waiting for the Branch President to return from his travels to ask what he would prefer I do. My parents met him....and found out all of the sacrament bread is gluten-free because there is another little girl in the ward allergic as well. I was skipping it for nothing. Happy! No special 'weird' sacrament for me!

Had a job interview this morning...should know within a week. Dolla dolla bill ya'll.

On my mind:
I love my life. Alaska is beautiful, wonderful, and friendly. I am so glad I decided to stay, it was definitely the right decision. I still really want to go on a mission so we will see what happens. I got 4 months to make money before I head back to BYUI.

Congrats to Ry for scoring a a job today! Atta boy! He is the best big brother, I love him! I am grateful for all he does for me, and am thankful our chats. He never holds anything back and oftentimes I really need to hear what he has to say. I have the best family ever. I have the best friends ever. I am the luckiest / most blessed person I know! 

<3 Living the Dream,

-MK

REMEMBER: Never quit trying. You're gunna make it after all.

And...

I'm refunding the plane ticket and am going to stay and play in the other USA for a little bit longer,

because...

On my current agenda is to...

I will really miss all of my friends and family but feel like this is the best choice for me right now.

No worries though, I will be back in Idaho come January, ready for fun.

I love you all.

<3 Living the Dream,

-MK

REMEMBER:

In Alaska We....

I LOVE ALASKA! 

This place is so different. I often find a giggle and smile about how different it really is.

I thought I would share a few of the reasons with you...

1. I can see Russians from my house. (Pun intended. I can't see the country but we have plenty of the people.)

2. Eating caribou, moose, buffalo, and bear is commonly accepted. (I have eaten the caribou and moose so far...and I like it.)

3. People talk about how warm it is when it's 55 degrees. (and I'm wearing a coat.)

4. You don't need a permit to carry a gun. (Everyone is packing. We have no cops only troopers.)

5. The "Welcome to Delta" sign fell down the other day. (and is still down.)

6. While at a cute "stamping party," the topic of Rexburg's massive size, city factor, and pure intimidation were seriously discussed.

These are just some of the reasons why I love Alaska.

For those wanting to come: COME!

For those thinking we're nuts: Just keep on laughing.

 (^She is not one of my reasons. haha)

<3 Living the Dream,
-MK

REMEMBER: You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

The biggest question on my mind right now is whether or not to return to Idaho this weekend. I am off-track and don't start my next semester until January. I have a refundable plane ticket and have been praying hard about this. We will see whether I get a definitive answer or get the opportunity to exercise my faith and agency.

I am the type of person that goes more by intuition than reason, so I have decided to do a little pro/con action to help me rationalize....

ALASKA: 

I feel like I may have not fulfilled my purpose here... 

Cons:   1. I don't know many people...yet.

            2.  Dark winter months.

            3. No jobs that can help boost my resume.

Pros:    1. I feel like there is still a lot I have yet to
                   explore and discover here.

            2. I love our branch and would love to get to 

                   know everyone even better.

            3. It's gorgeous with plenty of places for

                   outdoor adventures.

            4. Get to drive the F150 and see gorgeous
                   tucks constantly... <3

            5. I love my family and get to be with my 

                   dog.

            6. This place forces me to slow down, and we all know I need to get better at that.

            7. Job prospects at Fort Greeley or I can always substitute teach= a job guaranteed.

            8. I'd make much more money here, jobs pay far better. Also, no rent!

            9. My momma has a sewing machine... meaning fab crafting possibilities.

IDAHO: 

I feel like it might be time to take the jump...

Cons:   1. Job uncertainty.

            2. Living expenses.

            3. Certain drama I wouldn't mind avoiding...

Pros:    1. Living with Ry and Kim.

            2. My car and independence.

            3. Have interviews lined up for jobs that can 

                  help my resume.

            4. Get to be in warm weather again.

            5. Grandpa Jim <3

            6. Much closer to my extended family.

            7. Friends.

            8. Friends.

            9. Did I say friends yet? I love so many 

                  people in Idaho.

            10. My possessions are in ID waiting for me...meaning less storage unit rent$.

            11. Idaho is beautiful and there are many adventures to be had.

            12. Football season, need I say more?

Hmmmm.....

The Clash: Should I Stay or Should I Go

<3 Living the Dream,

-MK

Remember: "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows." - Thomas S. Monson

Roadtrips & Changes

Hello friends!

Sorry about my lack of posts lately. This massive fatty should hopefully catch you up... 

 Last I blogged I was heading home to Minneapolis in the morning. I did that. I loved that. 

As per planned I only spent a short amount of time in MN. My days consisted of helping my family prepare to move, with the occasional sneak-away to see my lovelies. I can definitely say that Minnesota has a special place in my heart. I love it. 

I can't wait to return. ASAP!

 Due to some unexpected truck issues, we ended up heading out later than planned. We bid farewell to our cities August 7th, and opened a new chapter in our book of life. 

 I love road-trips. To me they are one of those little treasures wherein one can really, honestly, truly experience life and peace. 

The world is a wonderful place. 

Change is something I really like so this trip was fairly easy for me to enjoy. I am a very blessed girl. Other members of my lovely fam would like to kick 'change' in the face. Despite our ups and downs we made it alive. 

A success in my book.

Our route included going over to North Dakota then cutting up to Canada to drive the Alaskan Highway 1.

 Surprisingly enough the borders weren't too bad to cross. After reading horror stories online where people had to unload their trucks and pay officers $180 an hour to search all their belongings, we were all a bit worried about this endeavor. But, it was a breeze. Pull up to the window, give the man paperwork/passports, go inside to register guns, welcome to Canada / Alaska.

 BREAKING NEWS: Canada is magnificent!

Not only is the scenery spectacular, but the mass amounts of Ford trucks as well. I imagine Heaven could potentially be like this. : ) 

The 55 hours of driving we anticipated from Google.Maps was quite an underestimate.

Things that can slow one down when cruising: 

1. Two large moving trucks with trailers driving 45-60 mph.

2. Said trucks and trailers needing 6 tires replaced by the end of our little trip.

3. Huge storms day after day.

Breaks in the rain provided opportune moments of beauty. Don't dismay, we got plenty of time to take mass amounts of pictures.

(You were worried. I could tell.)

 Can I just say, I think the above picture of Katie is one of my very favorites.

Also, can I just say that I love my family.

Answer: Yes! 

It's my blog. I can say whatever I want. 

Word.

We drove, drove, and drove, and when we were tired of that and our bums were completely numb, guess what we did?....Kept on driving. haha

We made it to Delta Junction, Alaska, late Saturday afternoon, got the keys to our new party pad, and had mass amounts of happy Mormons to help unload the trucks.

For those of you who are counting that means 7 days of driving.

 This whole Alaskan experience is great....different but great.

There are a total of zero stoplights in our town, something completely foreign to us. Delta consists of a missile base, an automotive supply stores, a couple shelves worth of an overpriced grocery store, a library, coffee, and a couple gas stations that charge $4 a gallon....that's about it. 

We are only 2 hours from North Pole and Fairbanks though, so we get to sneak away to stoplights occasionally.

Great things about Alaska...

-Light. When we got here we had daylight until midnight, now we lose it about 10:30, still awesome.

-Trucks. Everywhere. Bomb.

-Scenery. Gorgeous. always.

-Wildlife. Birds, Caribou, Bison, and plenty of Moose (above pic).

 While I really like it here, I have decided to take a leap of faith and move back to Rexburg with my brother to get a big-kid job and be with friends.

My flight leaves next Friday, Sept 2nd, and I will be arriving back in Idaho on Saturday afternoon.

That's the plan for now. I'll let you know. 

: )

Here's to the longest post ever! Hurraaah!

(and sorry)

My final requests for now:

1. Come visit Alaska, the land where we have all of these wildflowers in our yard.

2. Love living that lovely life of yours.

<3 Living the Dream,

-MK

Remember: It's far easier to add chapters to our story than to subtract them.

Big News!

Big News Friends!

Friday I head home to the lovely heaven we call Minnesota. I am so excited to see the people and cities whom I love and adore. But... great opportunities await the Kilburn family in Alaska, so on August 4th we will begin loading the trucks for our next big adventure. 

After much prayer, my wonderful dad has received and accepted a fabulous job offer in Delta Junction, Alaska. I am so proud of him and am so excited for our family. 

As for me, concrete plans are still up in the air. I will be returning to Minnesota the end of the week and then will be accompanying my lovely fam-bam to the great white north the beginning of the month. I may return to Idaho in September or I may wait until January....for now I will wait and see where life takes me. :-)

Love your life!

<3 Living the dream,
-MK

Remember: Not all who wander are lost.