Hi All -
We have been in Darwin about 10 days. I'm getting use to the time zone change, but it is going to take a while to get use to the heat and humidity. After getting constant updates on the recent temps back home, I wouldn't dare complain.
For the longest time, I considered myself too "old school" to get onto FaceBook. FaceBook was for that generation that consumes those energy drinks instead of black coffee. To further explain where I'm coming from, as I finished a run yesterday and was getting back to the apartment, there were two big white parrots sitting in the tree, I thought that they looked just like Fred on Beretta! Now if you understand that, you understand why I didn't think FasceBook was for me. However, with the move it seemed like an easy way to stay in touch with a lot of people. The truth be told, I have enjoyed your posts and messages. It has been great to hear from everyone.
Things got pretty crazy towards the end before we left. When I left the Slope, contrary to popular belief, I did intend to come back for one more hitch. However, after seeing how much needed to be done at home before we left, the smart choice (not a path I'm accustomed to taking) was to get it taken care of. My decision was finalized after hearing stories from another recent expat about his wife having to come back to the States for medical treatment for issues related to the stress of their move. Consequently, I didn't get to talk to a lot of you before I left like I wanted to.
I love Alaska and my family, friends, and the lifestyle there. After 18 years on the Slope, I thought a change would be good. Because of several factors, things just sort of fell into place when the Darwin work came up. However, there were still mixed emotions in leaving. I enjoyed my job and the people I worked with are incredible. They are some of the best at what they do, and more importantly they know how to have fun doing it. Thanks for the friendships, laughs, and good times. I look forward to working and laughing with you again.
My Dad is now 78 and has lived in Alaska for 76 of those years. He said that the old timers (not realizing he is one of "them" now) never use to say "good-bye". Times were tough back then and "good-bye" was too final. So this isn't good-bye, but take care of yourselves until we get to see each other again and enjoy a beer, a few laughs, and swap stories (they don't all have to be true).
Thanksgiving isn't a real big deal over here. The idea of a few pilgrims washing up on a beach on the east coast of North America just doesn't carry a lot of significance to them here. However, it was still an opportunity to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for. My health, a beautiful loving wife, healthy active kids, family, and so many incredible people in my life that I consider friends. I hope that you all had a great day yesterday with friends and co-workers on the Slope or with friends and family at home.
Keep the messages and posts coming. It is great to hear from you and about your lives. We always enjoy hearing about home and the tempertures or the latest hunt or whatever. I want you to know that we miss you all and look forward to seeing you again. Take care, Paul
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