The American Dream

The shock of moving to Alaska comes from more than the wind chill. A "lower 48er" definitely needs time to get used to the building aesthetic up here. Many homes were built piece by piece by their occupants, Tyvek is a decorating statement and the main area is often an old single wide. Lots of people are living in dry cabins which means an outhouse with showers at the laundry mat. Some, hell a lot, of these places aren't even accessible by car most of the year. I've seen those listed as "drive, park and ride" because you drive to the nearest road, park your truck and ride your snowmobile in.
After a few months, you get used to it and begin to admire the do it yourself ingenuity of this population. And besides, my American Dream has never included 2.5 kids and a house that impresses the neighbors but one I can't pay for. So when I stumbled upon a cabin off a maintained road sitting on 1.64 acres with septic, gas, electric and phone already in place and a block from a huge lake for a hell of a price, I decided to go for it. With my very supportive friend and would-be "neighbor" (3 miles is a stones throw up here) behind me of course. I met with the realtor and began dreaming of bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops and bathroom, a chicken coop and a small green house. How freakin' cool would that be?! Plus, I'm telling you, the price is Uh May Zing. I know it would be a bigger headache than I expected and I know there would be lots of time spent in tears but I think the payoff, even at the short time I expect to stay here, would be unbelievable. All this dreaming and scheming has taken up a lot of brain space over the last few days but today I met with the mortgage lender and he basically pissed on my parade. Turns out the property doesn't qualify for traditional financing and my only other option is one that includes a 40% down payment. Even with a kick ass job and no leeches (aka kids) roaming around, I'm sad to report that I don't have $15,000 sitting under my mattress. Now if you're smart, you're doing the math and realizing that this property is cheaper than most assholes in Southern CA spend on their cars. Chances are slim to none it could still work out but, the life lesson that I never seem to learn is: "Don't get your hopes up."
So. looks like my Alaskan/American dream is not yet going to materialize and I am sorely disappointed but I guess there's always tomorrow. Someday, I'll post pictures of some Alaskan chateaus and show you what I mean about the particular style up here.