My Favorite: Lock De-Icer

photo: Bell Automotive

When we bought our car last year Mr. X excitedly grabbed the key-fob (i.e. clicker, keyless entry, etc.) from the manager, claiming it as his own and leaving me with a standard key. It probably was sensible since I have a sneeky feeling that Sarah+clicker=locksmith; I'm much safer practicing VW's idiot-proof locking method.

Well, Mr. X's exultant claim didn't bother me...until this fall, when struggling out the door with work bag, seminary bag, garment bag, purse and Mr. X's work bag, I found the locks frozen and my key completely useless. Some mornings I could grab Mr. X's key off his bookshelf, other mornings I found myself fishing through his pockets as he brushed his teeth, ate his oatmeal or tied his shoes.

After a week of this ridiculousness, I picked up a bottle (er, two) of lock de-icer and have been smiling ever since.

If you haven't given yet...

...and I hadn't.

"Our hearts are filled with sadness as we have watched the suffering in Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake. We turn to the example of Jesus Christ, who reached out to “lift up the hands which hang down” and “strengthen the feeble knees.” We are keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges caused by the recession. However, we are appealing to members to donate to Church Humanitarian Services as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Many have already contributed and others are anxious to do so.

Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water, and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue." ~ President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf

"Church members and others wishing to contribute to the aid efforts may do so by using the Donation Slip they normally use for Church donations or by logging onto lds.org and clicking on Humanitarian Services Emergency Response. " source: newsroom.lds.org

Project: Chilkoot Trail

Since our first Sunday in Juneau, I've wanted to hike the Chilkoot trail. A lovely old sourdough shared his experience hiking the trail that first day in Sunday School, and I was immediately entranced. Mr. X and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary recently and decided that hiking the trail would be our gift to each other.

From the Klondike Brochure: "When news of gold discoveries in the Yukon spread throughout the world, the Chilkoot became the most popular route to the gold fields. Between 1897 and1898, thousands of people of all genders, races and lifestyles stampeded across the trail. During the gold rush stampeders were required to carry sufficient supplies to ensure they could support themselves for a year in the remoteness of the Yukon. Outfits typically consisted of a ton of goods."

Luckily, we'll only be carrying 25 lbs (we can hope) and only traveling 33 miles. Some hikers take 3 days, most take 5 days. To get the timing to work right, we've planned 3.5 days.

As with any multiday hiking trip, there is quite the checklist to make it to the hike. Here's the start of ours.

• Passports
• Trail Pass Reservations
• Ferry Schedule and Reservations
• Train Schedule and Reservations
• Gear
• Reading & Research
• Physical Training

Because while planning this adventure, I've enjoyed reading others' experiences, I plan to share our experience with other potential hikers.

New Year's Day at the Glacier

I'm finally getting some pictures up...

On New Year's we grabbed our boots and neck gators, our sunglasses and yak-traks and headed out to the frozen Mendenhall Lake.

Everyone was out with their dogs and kids, skating and sledding and climbing on frozen ice bergs - reminding us of Fairbanks' ice festival.














We walked to the glacier over the ice and Mr. X took several pictures while laying next to it. The ice was creaking and groaning especially loudly so I put an end to his fun much too soon.

What a pleasant way to start the New Year.

Updated: Hold the Phone...

Redbox in Juneau?! As of Jan. 18th, there isn't a Redbox at our local FM. Grumble, grumble.

Did you notice the sales flier advertizing that Redbox is coming to Fred Meyer! I can't wait to find out if they're serious about Juneau being included!

Won't Mr. X be pleased.

I've already got my free DVD code for January.