Tundra 30

When you first go to college, everyone talks about the "Freshmen 15" when you gain 15 pounds.

Out here in the Bush, people women have been telling me to expect to gain 30 pounds my first winter.

Great.

This is due to you needing more "insulation" and your body trying to stay warmer and because in the winter a lot of people have and go to potlucks as a means to socialize and do something in the "insanely cold always dark" winter that people from Outside/the Lower 48 are always reminding me about.

First winters are a big deal in Alaska.  It's seen as a milestone and builds up your credibility as being someone who can survive up here.