Thursday, May 29, 2008, 5:37 p.m., D.S.T., Barrow, Alaska~

Dear Journal~

Will be posting this later; until then, I have to do my writing by way of candlelight.  No power here; had a strong sunstorm; caused massive auroral displays that knocked out our power, not to mention, our phones and radios, anything electronic.

That means no Internet, no phone, no television, no way to cook food on the stove or use the microwave--nothing's working; everything's still, calm, quiet.

Which is just as well; I find the approaching sunset comforting.  Now it isn't nearly as dark as it was during the Long Dark of winter, but we do get some darkness.  Days are getting longer; have over 15 hours of sunlight; in a few weeks summer will begin; the sun will be out for nearly twenty four hours then. 

It's really strange to those people who aren't used to our weather patterns here in the Arctic Circle; it doesn't really bother me any.

We've been out of power for a day now; don't know when everything will be back up and running.  Until then, I have to do my writing by hand.  It's really hard on the ol' fibromyalgia, not to mention, the MS.  *OW*

Physically, I'm doing okay:  have my good days, also my bad, most days so-so.  Some days I use the wheelchair, other days, my crutches or on really good days, just my cane.  Some times my vision bothers me, other days I can see just about as good as an eagle.  LOL  I just have to learn to take it one day at a time, make sure I don't overdo my body, or else I can end up in trouble.

Heard from my cousin Tanya Tagualuq; I haven't heard from her in a few years.  She lives in Nunavut, Canada, and she's gong to school up there.  Wants to be a teacher to small children.  She really enjoys it.  She says she may be coming here to visit me; she's heard of my recent sick spells, wants to make sure I'm okay.  That's nice of her; but I have my own family to help me.

Heard from Louie Sandusky in the Lower Forty Eight, I still have yet to write to her.  Letter's still sitting on the table, looking at me, yet I haven't responded.  She must surely think I've died.  I will have to write to her, let her know I am very much alive.  LOL  Just haven't felt like writing, especially since my own physical health is oftentimes so unpredictable.

I am going to look into seeing if I can move into a place geared for handicapped people.  I fell down the stairs last week, tripped over my crutches, bruised my back, my sides, my ribs.  I am still pretty sore; I am surprised I wasn't seriously injured when I fell.  It was scary when I fell; I couldn't control myself; and down I went.  BOOM, BAM, BIP, THUD! *OW* LOL  I was Miss Graceful--NOT! LOL

I am tired of falling; I've fallen something like six times in the last six months; may have to see my MS doctor, to see if my MS is progressing.  Hope not, but I do have to get it checked out; the symptoms--not to mention, the frequent falls--are most troubling to me.

To ensure my safety, I think it would be better if I lived in a place for people who are disabled, all one level. 

More stress on me.  Something I definitely don't need!

Well, I am going to go now; eyes starting to act up again.  Seeing double again.  I hate that when that happens!!  I will write in here again soon; hopefully things will start to get better for me in relation to my health, and hopefully I can see my cousin Tanya; it's been a very long time since I've last seen her! 

Until later, this is Sikik saying so long for now!  May the Great Spirit bless you!

~Love, your Inuk friend, Sikik Grace Eegeesiak. :)