I came to Alaska in 2002, much to my family's and friends' surprise. Having grown up in New York suburbia as a true city girl with great dislike of the outdoors, I've now become the kind of girl who takes the kids camping when her husband is out of town. I have my husband to thank. Who knew a New Yorker and a born-in-Fairbanks Alaskan could make it work? I also thank my kids, whose fascination with the natural world begs to be mirrored. I consider myself eclectic (others might have less kind words). I love travel, amd although I love to curl up on the sofa with a good book I can usually be convinced to get up and go out to meet the world face-to-face. I love my adopted state, and consider myself an Alaskan now, although I will also always be a New Yorker. Did I mention that I am conflicted?