Milestones

Today marks the one year anniversary of when we hitched the camper (with paint still drying) to our car and set out on our 18,000-mile road adventure. But really, that day was just one of many milestones on our journey. There was September 1, 2021 when we boarded a plane from Sitka to Michigan with no real idea of when we would return. Or there is June 12, 2022 when the first cuts of wood for the Bettie Mobile frame were made. Or maybe we go all the way back to summer of 2017 when Kayla and Matthew first hatched their “four year plan” that led to this whole adventure in the first place.

We are now settling in to our new home in Juneau for the next three or four (or more?) months in Juneau, staying with dear friends who have a house right in the heart of the Capital City. Matthew has begun his new job as legislative staff to Representative Andrew Gray. In Alaska, the state legislature only meets for a few months, so Juneau, the capital, is inundated with politicians and their staff while the laws are being made. The actual number of days of legislative session varies. The law (optimistically) states that the work of the session will be done in 90 calendar days. But in actuality, that never happens. The legislature will vote to extend the session to 120 days. And if the legislative branch doesn’t pass a budget that pleases the governor, then session will continue to be extended until one passes.

Matthew’s job is only for the duration of the session. And, since he has been a government employee in the past, the days worked here will go towards vestment in the state system. We’ll get into the nitty gritty of his work once he understands a little better what it is – this is all completely new to him and promises to be a BIG learning curve.

The work will be hard – there are really no weekends or holidays for legislative workers – but hopefully rewarding. AND, when session is over, Matthew and Kayla should have enough money saved up for another round of adventures in the Lower 48!

We’ve really been looking forward to this time in Juneau. We have a number of lovely friends here, and we’re excited to spend time with them. Kayla is on the prowl for a second job to keep herself busy 3-4 evenings/week and to further bolster our bank account. We’re right downtown so everything we need is within walking distance (except for Costco, but there is a car available for an occasional big shopping trip). Plus, one of the perks of Matthew’s job is a reduced-rate membership for both of us to the downtown gym! It will be good to do all that walking and maintain a fitness routine (and they have a sauna at the gym, too!).

Juneau is currently a marshmallow world! We’re heading out now for a snowy walk to the gym, then coming back to make a fish pie and have a cozy evening with Rhonda and Reed. But as we settle into this new routine, we’re also reflecting on the amazing year we’ve had, and starting to make travel plans for this summer & fall.