Big Wigs on the Tundra

Hubby has a special assignment to escort the Governor of the great state of Alaska today. He will be leading the motorcade as Governor Sarah Palin attempts to gain support for the newest gas pipeline plan from local work force and community officials here in Barrow.
The pipeline would provide lots of jobs and income for Alaskans, but the construction and operation of such a project would have an impact on tundra life. Litterally millions of dollars have been spent on reasearching the environmental impact on natural wildlife, fisheries and the villages that depend on them for subsistence, but it is hard to know what information is valid when it comes to political interests and big money.
Being an avid outdors woman, I am an advocate for protecting the environment. But the biggest concern that I have is what will be done with the money that this project would bring into the state. Who will get it, how will it be used and will THAT be good for the people of Alaska. After seeing first hand what the oil money did, I am not all that hopeful. I think it is irresponsible to just hand out "free money" to people who don't understand from where it comes, and it creates a false sense of entitlement and dependency that will eventually expire with the exhaustion of resources.
I have heard some really strong views both for and against, but I am not totally convinced one way or the other. I've seen the tundra, I've seen large stretches of the already existing oil line and the impact it has had on wildlife and subsistence. I think that if BOTH the gas line AND the money it generates are responsibly managed, many of the environmental pitfalls of the oil line can be avoided, and it's positive impact will far outweigh the negative. But really, I am most concerned with what the state plans to do with the money generated from the project.
I think there is a way to make it a win-win for Alaskan society, economy and enviornment. I'm not sure what it is, and am glad that it is not on my shoulders to make it happen, but I support the efforts to continue exploring the impact and feasability of the project.
What do you think?

Wild Alaska

As if it wasn't expensive enough to get groceries and supplies up here in the Arctic, the expected rise in postage / shipping will raise our prices by 30%. That will bring our milk up to $10.39 a gallon! Hubby and I can go without, but Kaia will have a really hard time. She goes through 2 gallons a week; that is $80 / month. And the milk isn't the worst of it. Produce is a killer and we literally ate $1000 our first month. I am beginning to doubt that we will be able to save up for a house within the year.

So, I am looking for alternative options for survival up here. I think I will just move down to the lower 48 and live within driving distance to a Costco, or Safeway, or Fred Meyer, or Walmart, or any other grocery chain for that matter. We are so lookin' for the 2-week rotation!

On the bright side, I have gained a new appreciation for fresh produce and reasonable prices. I have also gained a new motivation to manage my munchies and found some creative ways of making leftovers stretch a lot further.

Funny Meme

I found this great meme and tag Tori to google her name + the word "needs" and record the top 10 things that google thinks she needs. Kimmy, you are not off the hook yet; you still owe me your meme for real mom.

When I googled my middle name + the word "needs," I found the following:

1. Mia needs an airport authority: Or at least the airport authority benefits to fly outta here regularly
2. Mia needs a home that would give her lots of pampering and care: Our own home would be nice
3. Mia needs to work on an international scale: Running an adventure lodge would bring in international business
4. Mia need help: Some may say professional help :)
5. Mia needs a bag including "sparklies": Every woman needs a good bag with sparklies
6. Mia needs to hear Peppermint Gondry: I was curious and clicked on the link, it's a list of songs most of which I have heard. Appearantly there are a few more I should look up and listen to before I have an unfortunate run-in with a steam roller.
7. Mia needs an "R" rating: Sometimes I do... depends on the day.
8. Mia needs a professional and welcomming web site: YES, I am actually trying to build one for the city of Barrow to be a one-stop source of information. It's called Tundra Trax. Fun little project, but I don't know what I am doing.
9. Mia needs a clock for the time machine: Well, I don't know what time I would travel to, so this one can wait.
10. Mia needs a Ninja Burger Shirt: What is a ninja burger?