Real Women Are Alaskan!: My Monday Hero (on Tuesday)

Funny how the world sees "real women. . ."

Evidenced by all the Real Housewives of. . . shows which seem to be overtaking our televisions, it appears that the world believes we should all be wealthy, pampered, enviable, catty, curvaceous, gorgeous, and more. While we may be gorgeous, most of us are not rich or spoiled or even catty. We are ~ simply put ~ real.

The idea for this blog came after watching a few of those real housewives shows and realizing just how skewed the views of everyday life can be through the eyes of these women. Particularly to those of us in the trenches, working day-in-day-out to take care of ourselves, our children, our parents, our spouses/partners. Those of us who are out there earning a living, who may be dealing with catastrophic events or troubled children or medical issues or partner concerns.

This is a call to all women everywhere who live everyday lives and who want to simply do their best as they love all, laugh often, and live fully. Let us unite with our whole heart and soul, with humanity and grace, with vigor and hope. We are women and we are thankful to be so!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

My Monday Hero (on Tuesday) - Kris

This week's hero was simple to choose, as Kris is someone I have known and admired since we met - in another state - nearly 15 years ago. At that time, she had two small daughters and had just announced she was expecting their third child, a boy. A short time later, Kris gave birth to her fourth child, another girl. Kris is married to a man whom I had worked with in the lower 48, and who I was later able to convince to take a job in Alaska, moving his family to this pristine state.

Kris, believing so strongly in the value of family, has literally picked up herself and her family and moved around the world with her husband, supporting his desire to experience various cultures and peoples. Early in their marriage, Kris went with her husband to Japan in order to teach English as a second language. Becoming fluent in Japanese, they later moved back to the States, living for a few years near their families. Then in 2000 they picked up again, with a tiny baby in tow, and set out for a life in the last frontier, on a rainy island in Southeast Alaska. Honestly, who does that?

One of Kris's crowning personal achievements (she has way too many to list here!) is her success as a Russian Dancer here in Sitka. She has been a part of this organization for 10 years. She is a premiere dancer, a phenomenal optimist, and a devoted wife and mother. If there really were a real 'real housewife' to showcase, it would be my friend Kris.

What an unbelievable example of undying faith, steadfastness, commitment, and determination. She accomplishes whatever she sets out to do. You are my hero, Kris. . .Please pass me some of your terrific-ness!