Living Alaska —” Serendipity Baby”

Summary

The article "Living Alaska —” Serendipity Baby" discusses the challenges of living in Alaska, particularly focusing on the frustrations of dealing with supply chain issues that delay essential parts for daily life.

Abstract

The narrative "Living Alaska —” Serendipity Baby" delves into the complexities of life in Alaska, where supply chain disruptions can significantly impact one's routine. The author shares a personal experience of waiting three months for a replacement bike part, illustrating the unpredictability and inconvenience caused by these delays. The article reflects on the importance of adaptability and resilience, likening life's challenges to a baseball game where one must be prepared for unexpected "curve balls." The author emphasizes the need to stay focused and proactive, suggesting that success in navigating life's obstacles, much like in baseball, comes from keeping one's eye on the metaphorical "ball" and following through despite uncertainties.

Opinions

The author views the supply chain problem as a significant inconvenience that can disrupt life, akin to going "in through the outdoor."
There is a sense of frustration with the inconsistent information provided by suppliers, implying that they might not always be transparent or knowledgeable.
The author takes a proactive stance by finding the necessary bike part independently, which suggests a belief in self-reliance.
The article conveys a philosophical outlook on life, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for its unpredictable "twists and turns."
The author values the lessons learned from sports, such as baseball, and applies them to real-life situations, advocating for a mindset that expects and adapts to the unexpected.

Problem Parts and Solutions

Hitting the Pause Button

Looking through the outdoor to find parts in the new world can be problematic. Putting your life on hold for a part caught in the supply line is another issue altogether. Combine the two and you find yourself in Alaska.

In Thru the Outdoor

We all know the expression going in through the outdoor. Does the supply chain problem feel that way to you? Like we are traveling backwards through a time warp? A wrinkle in the space time continuum? This morning I find myself caught in the limbo of excitement over receiving my book back from my Editor and the never-ending supply chain problem. The part is caught in the supply line fiasco. We hear one thing and get something else. Has the same thing happened to you? It happened to me with the bicycle I rode to Alaska. A part broke on it when the bicycle was six weeks old, and it took three months to get a replacement part.

Telling You What They Want You to Know

The bike store told me one thing one day, and another thing the next day. I ended up locating the part myself and asking them to fix the bike with the replacement part. They were not happy that I found the part before they did. Sometimes life is like that though. “They” tell you one thing, but do they really know the answer? Are they telling you what they know? Or are they telling you what they want you to know?

Twists and Turns

Life has so many twists and turns that you must keep your head on straight and look sharp to catch those curve balls. Sometimes they will hit you with a knuckle ball that comes out of left field. Keep your eye on the ball and watch for ripples. Swing at the ball and follow through. That is what my dad taught me when learning how to play baseball. The same thing can be said about life in Alaska and anywhere else in the world today.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Keep your eye on the ball and swing through the ball. Expect the unexpected because one day soon your life, livelihood, or just your general wellbeing might be tied to a part caught in the supply chain and everything changes. I am standing in the batter’s box waiting for the pitch, what will it bring me today? A curve ball, slider, knuckle ball, or sinker? To me it does not matter if I keep my eye on the ball and swing through the ball. From Ketchikan, Alaska with love.