last of 2010

"The joy of the journey is in the ride"

Well friends this will be the last one from 2010 I believe---I'm still in Ohio visiting with lots of friends, eating tons of food, and just relaxing. I haven't hardly even shopped yet, but that is the plan for today!


I can't believe it's the New Year. The other night I was trying to figure out what is so special about the New Year and why we have such a big celebration. Then it hit me--its to reflect on the good, to be thankful for what we have, and then to look forward to the things to come in 2011. Some people often get stuck on the negative aspects of the year and dwell on those, but not this girl. I am living in the Now and celebrating all the great things that are currently happening. I am not sure how well I did that before this experience, but now I realize the importance of finding those experiences and things that make you happy. The whole FISH philosophy contributes to that mentality I believe and just being happy so in return I can help make others happy. I can honestly say that after this past year I am pumped for see where this journey takes me and what is yet to come. I am at a WAY different point then I was last year at this time and it is a FANTASTIC feeling.



10 great things that happened in 2010:

1. Meeting all my new friends and "family" in Quin. Sharing tons of laughs, embarrassing moments, and knowing that I can go to these people if I need anything.

2. Trying fish for the FIRST time ever as well as eating caribou, riding next to a dead caribou in a plane, and many other brand new experiences.

3.Finishing up my permanent sub position and landing my first teaching job in Alaska.

4. Building new friendships and strengthening some old

5. Surviving my first car accident with a deer. Probably one of the scarier moments of 2010, but def a very funny one looking back on it now.

6. Going on many road trips to see concerts and other exciting events.

7. Getting a tattoo 2 weeks before I left for Alaska that to this day still makes me laugh because it is so big and yet another funny story. (It is cute though I'll have to admit)

8. The last month before I left for Alaska having a great time with friends before I hit the road or plane in my case.

9. The song Dynamite

10. Attempt after attempt of trying to cook and it not turning out so well. I will have to say that this is getting better though.


My plans from here are to enjoy the rest of the week catching up with people, and then head back to Alaska on Sunday. My travels are not near as long on the way back, so hopefully everything goes smoothly and I'll be back in the classroom Tuesday morning to teach.




I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year. My great adventures will pick back up in January!

Ohio

So those of you who follow--I finally made it back to Ohio--after 46 hours of flying, long layovers, little children, and scary flying I made it. The feeling I had when I arrived was so much different then I imagined. I am super pumped to be home with friends and family, but I think it's making me appreciate the people and experiences around me in Quinhagak.

I appreciate the low key life style I think and the ability to just be me. It's only been three days and I miss kids screaming my name as I walk to school or to the postie. Going to the mall the first time was SUPER overwhemling and for a girl who LOVES to shop, I only made it for about an hour. I am pumped for this week at home though catching up and seeing familiar faces.

After being gone for 5 months--I feel this Christmas is different for me then any other. I think sometimes we get caught up in the "christmas blues" Hurrying around to buy gifts, making sure everything is perfect that we forget the meaning of Christmas. This Christmas to me it means being able to spend time with my family and friends. Being able to share my experiences and stories with them. The presents are a perk and I won't lie I will look super fashinable when I return, but this Christmas I am soaking up the laughs, the memories, the overall family experience.

Okay enough with the sappy sappy blog--- I want to wish ya'll a very Merry Christmas =) Bring on the new year! Can't wait to see what is in store for me!

Hallelujah

I just wanted to share this video created by Jim B. a 5th grade teacher here at Quinhagak and his students. He spent many hours working on it--so just take a look--it will warm the heart.

Merry Christmas from Quin.

how many more sleeps?

So I'm sitting here sipping on some hot cocoa listening to pandora (Britney Spears station of course) waiting for Al to wake so we can start the day.

Now I'll explain the title of my blog---here in the village to count down until something the children use the phrase how many sleeps. I think this is especially funny because before coming to Alaska I was using the same phrase when my days were numbered in Ohio. Everyone would get a confused look on their face when I would use this term and now its funny that its all I hear now. When leaving for Bethel or anywhere the children will ask How many sleeps until you come back? Lately though its been Al and I telling each other how many sleeps we have left until our trip home.

I have super exciting news--my camera charger is no longer lost-WOOOO---but I'm not surprised something else is. I am not sure how someone can manage to do it, but I lost an entire Christmas present. I can not find that thing anywhere. How does one manage to lose something like that I have no idea, but I do not put it past me. NEW GOAL: Stop losing things. I am sure we are going to find this present in a silly spot months down the road, but for now that thing is lost!

Saturday night we exchanged gifts with the family. It was great!!! I got tons of new owl things (owls are becoming my new thing). We gave Jim and Steph a mug with a picture of our faces on it--I mean come on--what could be better then that? Jim got a wolf shirt. I need to take pictures of this thing because it is just too good to be true. It was yet another great family night and a great way to end 2010.

That was written Sunday and NOW ITS TUESDAY WHICH MEANS I'M HEADED OUT TODAY...WOOOOOO. I don't think I have slept much in the last few days. Yesterday was our Christmas program at school which went pretty well and then today is a half day.

I'll leave you with some pictures of the past few weeks since I now have my charger. Merry Christmas from Quinhagak! Can't wait to see some of you soon =) I am planing to arrive at 12:40 this Thursday in Cleveland incase anyone was dying to know!!

it's dance party time

Last weekend before Christmas break--YAHOOO--and only 1.5 more days of school!! I am literally counting down the hours and minutes I believe. I am starting to get a little cold too so hopefully that will pass before the big trip! Monday is our Christmas program at school and Tuesday is a half day. I am excited for our Christmas program at school, my class will be doing the....WINTER POKEY...Now you are probably asking yourself what exactly is the winter pokey? Well I will tell you--it is exactly the same as the hokey pokey, but this time you throw in some fun winter gear. My kids are super excited to show our moves to the school as well as I.

Last night was our staff Christmas party at school. Al and I bought matching blankets to give as gifts. We also put some little treats inside which consisted of a slim jim, a pack of gum, and....a picture of us. It was fantastic. The Christmas party had the game where you pick a present and then you can steal from someone else. I had my eyes set on a present and in the end it became mine, what a victory! This gift was no normal everyday something you give in Ohio gift. Oh no my friends, this gift is something unique to this experience. Now that I have built up the anticipation....it was a BEAVER FUR....It is great--Al and I can't wait to hang it on the wall. Now months ago when I first arrived, something like this would have creeped me straight out. Now though I love it--you can see the eye holes and everything--quite the treat.

Tonight Al and I are chaperoning the school dance. Oh I can't wait to "bust a move". I'm sure I will have stories to share after this experience. If it is anything like the last dance, it should be tons of fun!!

I am looking forward to a weekend of cleaning, relaxing,laughing, and playing games with my roomie and who could forget? FAMILY TIME...

Towards Sunday night I shall start stalking the weather websites with updates of how the weather is looking for Tuesday. I'll have to say that lately I am becoming quite the weather girl. Weather is a big factor of everything here (mainly mail and travel) that why not make sure I am up to date on the visibility and cloud covering. I can't to impress you all at home with my new found weather skills! I enjoy when Al and I are walking home from school commenting on how the visibility looks greats, before moving here I would have had NO idea what that meant.

Shout out to my many of friends at Kent State graduating tomorrow--especially my little sis Sam!

That's it for now....It's DANCE PARTY TIME....

is it vacation time yet?

The Christmas blues are upon me. All I can think about while at school is visiting with everyone and catching up with friends. Every morning I must try and pump myself up with excitement before heading into school. I am excited to head home in about a week! I've been teaching my first year for almost half a year now, and it is time for a break!! The countdown is on: 4 more days of school!

Things have been going great lately and I couldn't be happier.

Last weekend was spent relaxing with the family. I'd like to say BIG happened, but that would be a lie. Just a typically weekend with friends enjoying life in Quin.

Al and I (well mainly Al) had a great Sunday night decorating our house for Christmas. It seems that I misplaced my charger for my camera, so I may not be able to take anymore pictures until I return home...BOOOO But back to the decorating--Al made some beautiful paper snow flakes for us. Trying to remember how to make a paper snowflake was quite amusing. Both of our first tries were not successful. After googling how to make a paper snow flake, we were able to figure it out. After the snowflakes, Al hung up our stockings and even cut out Merry Christmas to stick on the wall. If I do say so myself, our house is looking pretty magical. I got some great ornaments this weekend in the mail which added quite the look to our christmas tree.

I have been feeling like my blog has been lacking with exciting stories so here is one. This past weekend we were dog sitting. Since it was FREEZING outside, I got the great idea that I could just let Ani go to the bathroom and he would come right back. At first this did happen. He went about his business and then gave me "the look". The look that said I am going to run away now and you are going to have to chase me around the village in the dark in negative degree weather. Oh how delightful--so Al and I geared up to chase this dog. WE WERE NOT HAPPY--probably the most mad I have gotten my entire time here has been at this dog. Guess I still need to work on my dog sitting skills.

This weekend should be a good one, it's our last weekend in Quin before the new year! For those of you wondering, I'll be back in the great state of Ohio on Thursday afternoon!

I'll end with some pictures of us on the school bus. I took them from Rachel's blog and I think they are pretty great. This is how we arrive at school each morning.

O Christmas Tree

I feel as though this week is dragging, I am not sure if its because of my countdown til Christmas or what but I am so happy tomorrow is Friday. This week has also probably been the coldest since we have been here. Every morning is now filled with about 5-10 minutes of gearing up for the great outdoors. We must now put on our snow pants, mittens, hats, and gloves, and we can't forget the winter boots. I must say we look pretty fashionable once it is all on. And for those of you wondering how cold it is. I think its been 0 or colder everyday. With the windchill, it is about -10 or colder. I am slowly getting used to it, but it def never felt this cold in Ohio.

This week started...basketball. Al and myself are coaching the high school girls basketball team. It should be a good time. My body is aching after only three days of practice which I am guessing is a good sign.

This week Al got quite the surprise in package form. Her parents mailed us a REAL Christmas tree. It even has lights. Since typically the only packages we get are ones that we bought for ourselves, we were puzzled what was inside this little box. Little did we know it would be a CHRISTMAS TREE. Al is taking good care of that tree and waters it about 3 times a day. Our house is now filled with Christmas cheer! Thanks to Allison's mom, dad and brother!

That's all for now!

We're on a boat

So yesterday when Al and I got to our house, we found a surprise--there was a boat in front of our house!! We were confused on who would give us a boat so we did the only thing we could think of---TOOK PICTURES IN THE BOAT! We later came to find out the boat is not in fact ours, but another principals. For now though, we will just pretend it is ours. I think I love that boat.

This weekend has been a pretty lazy weekend thus far. Last night we went over to Steph and Jim's for some Friday night television. Decided to eat dinner around midnight, and then went to bed. I would say that is one productive night.

Today when we woke up we didn't have power. Not having power is a normal occurrence here. It seems that things need to be fixed, so we sit in our house in the dark. Today I tired to force myself to sleep until noon (when the power would be back on) but it didn't work. Highlight of the day was walking to the post office just for her to tell me that I got no mail =( Then I just worked on my online class for a few hours and we baked cookies. I will have to say that our baking skills when done together are superb! We made peanut butter cookies with Reese's on top and M &M's on the other (our hands were getting tired from unwrapping all the candy)

After the baking adventure, Allison tried to try her skills at something else...CARROT SOUP...Now at first I was very skeptical about carrot soup and what it would be like. I will have to say, that carrot soup isn't too bad. Def a new taste, but living in Alaska is all about the new experiences. Al says she is going to try to make new things on Saturday---should be interesting and exciting. We finished the night off just chatting and playing games. Just another typical night in Quinhagak.

I also included a picture of our Christmas tree since I once mentioned it. It has handmade ornaments designed by yours truly on it.

Hey there Decemeber

Happy December, it is nice to see you-

Whew I can't believe that in 3 weeks from today I'll be almost on my way to OHIO..There are great people waiting for me as well as great gifts I bought for myself.

I was in Bethel this whole week which was super refreshing. Got to see some friends from different villages, learn a ton of new information, and just relax. I am excited to get back into my classroom tomorrow and see the kids again. It's good to be back in Quinhagak with my room mate after being separated for a week!

I need to finish up the last two days of thanks and then I am finished for the month--

#29--Personality---I love how everyone can be who they are. I love that here in Alaska everyone excepts my personality and I can be loud, fun, and silly whenever I want. I just love that with our personalities we can do so much---we can use the little things about us to brighten up each other's days.

#30 Brownies---TOnight I made brownies for my class---but then something terrible happened---I ate one and then Al ate one and now a whole row is missing---so much for the brownies--time for something else.

I am going to post a better blog when I'm not so tired---theres a blizzard outside---goodnight moon

Oh the weather outside is frightful

Well I had hoped I would be typing up this blog from a hotel room in Bethel, but instead I sit on my couch listening to Glee.

Gotta love the weather out here that put a damper on my plans this evening as well as Allison's. Where else but Alaska can you constantly get stuck because the weather is ALWAYS changing. I am supposed to head into Bethel for SRA training, which is the reading program I am doing out here---let's hope that tomorrow morning I can make it out.

The things I am thankful for are almost coming to an end, but here is todays--

#28--Positivity--I am thankful for people who are positive and try to make the most outta things. When I first heard I could not go into Bethel today I was pretty upset because it was something I was looking forward too-keep in mind the whole time I spent 3 hours sitting in a little shack by the airport--I was determined to get out to Bethel but apparently there were other plans for me--but after a while I found the bright side of things and am now feeling much better about things. Before this experience I was not always as positive, here though things constantly are changing and I have no control over them---it is important to remain calm and flexible.

Saturday night was another fun filled family Saturday. I got invited over for Jim's famous burritos. Man they were delicious---some good home cooking that I needed. Since Allison was gone for Thanksgiving I believe the only full meal I ate the entire time was Thanksgiving--its no fun only cooking for one. After the burritos we decided to watch a movie. Now Jim's movie selections the past few weekends have not been the best (Lovely Bones, The Losers,) so once he put a movie in we quickly took it out--and put in a girl movie--Love Happens--I myself have a great time watching this movie even got teary eyed a few times---Jim on the other hand looked like he was in pain. --but all in all it was a great Saturday night!

I can't believe it that this week marks my 4 months of already being here--it truly is flying by and I am truly enjoying it-- and in only 3.5 weeks I'll be home visiting with people.

Goodnight Moon =)

Lazy weekends

Well I survived my first Thanksgiving in Alaska. It was a pretty fun day--relaxed with friends, ate some good food, and watched television--wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Now that Thanksgiving has passed I know only a few more weeks until a much needed Ohio visit.

It's been a nice break from school the last few days--I have been catching up on some much needed sleep and getting some things done around the house. I will kinda look forward to getting back into the routine, but for now I am enjoying a break.

Last night was craft night in Quin-and I think I found a new passion--BEADING. The last craft night I had bad bad memories of trying to crochet which turned into a disaster, so this time I knew that I would stay away from that. I beaded a Christmas tree and many other ornaments for our Christmas tree at our house (pictures to come) From now I shall stick to beading I believe.

I would also like to tell you that black friday shopping can still happen in a rural village in Alaska, just online shopping style. It is safe to say I am probably done online shopping for Christmas for other people as well as myself--maybe even for next year as well--since Al is away right now there is no one to tell me I infact do not need 3 new sweaters, so I just went ahead and did it.

Can't believe this week is going to be December already, but I am going to finish my things of things I am thankful for.

#26--Books---since in Alaska I have reading a bit when I have time--its way more then I ever read in Ohio. I have started reading a book about Alaska which is pretty interesting as well as finishing up a few I started when I got here.

#27--Skype--Without skype I would die. Before coming here I was not with familiar with Skype. Here it is my easiest way of communication. My phone isn't reliable and hangs up on people at least once a call, so skyping it is. It is great because I am either video or just use the chat portion. I was even able to Skype on Thanksgiving which helped me to not be sad. Not only do I use Skype to talk to people at home, but I also use it to talk to Steph who lives across the street. So friends reading this if you do not have Skype--get it so we can chat more =)

Alright--I'm at school trying to finish up lesson plans--just wanted to do this first as a way of procrastination =)

Happy Thanksgiving

Just woke up and sitting here on Thanksgiving---so normally on Thanksgiving I wake up watch the parade and listen to my uncle make pie after pie. Well this year things are different--I wake up with no other noises around me except for the typically scary noises our house makes. I am now I am sitting here trying to partake on some Black Friday deals and reflecting on the past few months.

Today should be a good day--I am going to the principals to eat with everyone (I am going to make YAMS) and then I will probably watch a movie or something. It is tough not be home, but I am thankful for this experience and all the new people who surround me day after day--

Last night I had some kids over to visit --we had a great time listening to music and we even made pizza--I'm thankful for those little moments that prove to me that I am here for a reason.

#23--Games---here in Alaska our primary source of entertainment besides ourselves is playing games. I learned a new game here which is cribbage and then we also have skipbo which also was new to me, mancala, and uno. I would say we play a game at least once a week together and it turns out to be a lot of fun.

#24--The internet--yesterday I was kinda down about Thanksgiving and all and I was able to talk to everyone on the computer--made things a lot better and put a smile on my face. It's great to just get little messages on facebook or e-mail to brighten up the day.

#25--Pets--never thought I would be thankful for this because I was not always a fan of my cats at home but thank goodness for pets. Here we have Gill who is my little Beta fish, he is def part of the family. Right now I am dog sitting Ani (Rachel's dog) and he is keeping me company. When I'm scared at night I just yell for Ani and he jumps up in my bed and all is well. Right now he is very peaceful taking a little dog snooze while I type.

I whip my hair back and forth

This weekend was as exciting as ever! (well as exciting as a weekend in a village can be) It started off going to the store--and to my surprise there was a new hot delicious item in town---that item was SLIM JIMS--I never thought the day would come--I am oh so happy. Friday night I took a 2.5 hour nap---now I did not plan on sleeping that long but I was pretty tired from speech and needed some beauty sleep to catch up on.

Later that night myself and Al spent many hours playing games and having a great time. Around 9:30 we decided to make Jiffy Pop (bad idea) it started exploding EVERYWHERE--I didn't know what to do except for scream. Allison took control as a piece caught on fire. Moments later we decided to give it one more try--this time about 10 pieces caught on fire and we had a mini campfire on the stove. Al grabbed for the fire extinguisher but it went out just in the nick of time. We decided that Jiffy Pop is not good--kinda tastes like cardboard---We finished off the night watching a movie.

Saturday was a lazy Saturday---watched a HORRIBLE movie on Saturday night but was with the family so it was fun. They even gave us some new utensils and a CHRISTMAS TREE---we are already in love with that thing.

Sunday we made...PUMPKIN PIE....it was so delicious---not as delicious as the YAMS we made last week-but -so delicious in fact I may have a slice after I finish up this blog.

#20---I am thankful for my cellphone---a funny thing happened this past week. I could not find my cell phone--I went up to school and looked EVERYWHERE---I was kinda freaking out because my cellphone is my main way to communicate to my friends back home. Plus where else are you going to find a cell phone with a flashlight?---I love that thing. Anyways come to find out that my cellphone was in my book bag for two whole days---I was actually carrying that thing around--typical me though

#21 Mail---today I got a Thanksgiving day box in the mail (thanks Aunt B) it had TONS OF SLIM JIMS---AND YAMS---WOOOOOOOO!!! Can't wait to make a yam good dinner again. We also got a new game and other things for me to cook on thanksgiving. I love mail here---its way different then getting mail back at home---It seems as though I always get mail at the right time too--just when I need a little smile. So far I've gotten boxes from aunt b, sammy, megan, and ben and many letters from various people back at home---it's great to have people at home thinking about me and interested in what I'm doing here in Alaska.

#22---Shoes---I am thankful for my UGG boots--I now have two pairs and they are like my little children. I am pretty sure Al and I are the only people who have ugg boots just because they are not the most practical shoes to be wearing in Alaska. A fellow staff member at school was like I've never seen such shoes. Back at home I was in love with my converse and now its my uggs---shoes make my day because they fit your personality--

Pie time---miss you all

FRIDAYFRIDAYFRIDAY!

I have never been so happy about a Friday before. After my 3 days in Bethel I am beat—it is great to be back and I had a good time with my class this morning.

Speech ended with 2 fifth place finishes, and a third place finish! I really enjoyed the opportunity and glad I decided to do it.

I have some things to get caught up on:

#17—I am thankful for my family back at home. They have been wonderful since I have been here sending boxes and messages and just talking to me when I am having a tough day. Besides my family though, other people’s parents here (that I have met this year) are also encouraging and uplifting. I am realizing how important it is to surround yourself with great people. Before this experience I am not sure if I always surround myself with people who cared about me and my best interests but here I can truly say that everyone here is uplifting, upbeat and great to be around!

#18--ART--I have never been quite the artistic person, but after attending two art retreats and doing projects with my kids, --I'd have to say that things are looking up. On Fridays I go into Steph's class and do art with her and her kids. I am really enjoying working with the younger ones and seeing what they have to do. Growing up I always had the art projects that people would laugh at---so its good that now years later I can do art with students and appreciate the value of their work.

#19--EDUCATION--I am thankful for the education that I received growing up. I am thankful for all the adults/teachers that helped me get to where I am today. I remember no greater feeling that graduating from both high school and then college. While I am here I have really been thinking about starting my masters--and it is all set up now --I will be starting in the spring. I am super excited to further my knowledge in a subject that interests me.

I am hoping to enjoy the weekend and maybe get out a bit to take some pictures and things. First order of business is to catch up on some sleep then movies and snow pictures. Me and Al will be attempting to create a Christmas card soon--so look forward to that!

wooo

So I'm back in Bethel for speech again--this time it is the with the Senior high students and this time I have 6 students instead of one. It's day two and things are going great! 5 out of the 7 speeches made it to semi-finals so now we are waiting to see who will make it to finals.

I thought I would continue the month of thanks--

#15 Payday---yesterday was payday and oh what a glorious day. Here in Alaska we only get paid once a month, so I really appreciate the value of a paycheck. Working hard for 30 days for that one special day is quite enjoyable.

#16 Speech--I never realized how enjoyable it can be. The kids get so excited when they come out of the room to tell me how well their speeches went. It is also great to watch the shy students do great things. I truly have been enjoying coaching the junior high and senior high team. It is my first time coaching something so it is fun. It has gotten me away from the village and allowed me to get to know some students I normally would not get to.

Gotta go be all coach-like

Miss you all

Having a Yam Good Time

Disclaimer:Allison's mom informed us she has had Yams--we were sad to find this news out.

So it’s Sunday and here I sit with my room mate after a delicious dinner prepared by us both. We have had yams in our refrigerator for about 2 weeks so we finally decided to cook them. I tried to convince Al that we could not just eat yams for dinner, but she felt otherwise. So after two helpings of Yams, I feel as though I’m going to EXPLODE.

#12 I am thankful for Yams. They are so delicious. Al had never eaten them before tonight and I’m going to say I think she’s pretty impressed. I am pumped to eat these for Christmas and maybe for some other random dinner this year!

#13 Net flixs—We don’t have television so I got a subscription to Net Flix. The other issue with this is I NEVER remember to take them back to the post office. Typically we only get about a movie a month because we are so bad at returning them. Thanks to ma and pa across the street who return their movies regularly, we got to watch TWO movies this weekend. We watched Get Him to the Greek and the Losers this weekend. Lots of family time with Steph and Jim=lots of fun.

#14—I am thankful for Soap. Soap cleans me when I am dirty, it cleans my dishes when they are dirty and sometimes it even cleans my mouth. I never realized this until today—Al and I had many many laughs about soap today. We cooked breakfast as we do every Sunday and I took a bite of my eggs---ICK—they tasted eggactly like SOAP—I kept quiet because I didn’t want to say anything and scare Al and two minutes later I hear “kinda tastes like soap” We laughed for quite a while and neither one of us could finish our meal. This is the second time this week I am gotten a mouth full of soap while using our dishes.

That’s it for now. Been a busy weekend. Friday there was an exhibition at the school for wrestling and volleyball followed by a pizza dinner party.

Tuesday I head back to Bethel for Senior High Speech team, wish me luck =)

November

Wake up, things might get rough


No need to stress, keeps you down too much

So it’s Thursday already and it’s been a great week. Haven’t posted in a while and I’m a little behind on the things I’m thankful for. There is a little flu bug going around, and I think friends it is now my turn. I am not happy about it, but hopefully I will be feeling 100% tomorrow.

#8—Online shopping. My online shopping has now become an addiction and I find myself buying quite a bit lately. Online shopping = mail and mail = happiness. I feel like my style is only improving here where you would think the opposite. My neighbor across the way also likes to shop so we help each other with deals and it is fantastic!

#9-I am thankful for drama and fun little activities to do with your students. The past two days we had someone from other school who has done drama activities with the students. I saw another side of my students and they really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I am going to try and find a way to incorporate this until my teaching which, hopefully well improve my classroom management as well. Along with drama goes the t.v. show Glee which I am also thankful for. This show we watch every week which is great. It allows me to just laugh and enjoy things for a few minutes.

#10—Walking—I like the fact that around here in our village we are able to go on walks and enjoy the great landscape around us. It is quite beautiful. We normally go on Sundays, and it gives us something to do.

#11—Veterans. Today is a day to celebrate. I am thankful for everyone around me who is either fighting in the war or has at one point.

THats all for now--its a busy weekend!

Just having a Sunday--

I can't believe it's already the 7th of November. In a little over a month in a half I shall be back in Ohio visiting with friends and family. I am pumped for this week to begin and looking forward to a full week of teaching before Senior high speech next week.

I just love Sundays--I wake up early and just lounge around until Al wakes up. Normally I eat a good breakfast since we have more time on Sundays to cook and then I head up to school. This morning I was able to make some...ORANGE JUICE...I went to the grocery store yesterday where things are cheaper then they are here---not by much but there can still be some good deals.

At the grocery store I went CRAZY...buying cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, pistachio dessert, and many other goodies!

Anyways back to my Sunday story, after we head to school, we typically go on walks and then just sit around. Tonight was no exception--played a few games, watched some television, just a typical relaxing Sunday night. So all of this leads to day 7 of what I am thankful for...SUNDAYs...I love the peace and quiet of just sitting on my computer right now typing up this blog reflecting on my great weekend. I probably never appreciated a Sunday until being here. I just enjoy doing my own thing and preparing for the week.

Anyways the weather here is still pretty chilly. Today it was very foggy--instead of a rainbow..there was a fog cloud (Kinda neat huh?) I heard that back home in Ohio there is finally snow which makes me happy since now my friends and family can feel what I feel everyday.

That's it for now---it's lesson planning time!

Just some thoughts

So I'm in Bethel on lunch break and thought I would throw in the 5th and 6th day of thanks and some other thoughts filling my head. By the way Bethel has been a great great time--last night we attended the wrestling meet. My and Ally Z are in Bethel right now for the art retreat. Who knew my Friday nights would be so eventful. I actually felt like I was back in the states last night just at a sporting event.

Friday was our SA Eric's birthday--he tried to keep it a secret but...I found out and decided to decorate the door. Here's a picture of what it looked like. Our hope was to embarrass him, and you know what I think it worked.

#5- Planes....I never thought planes would be things that I appreciated before I came here. But planes here are similar to cars in the lower forty eight. Here I have to take a plane anytime I want to leave the village. If I get sick, I need to go on a plane just to go to the doctor. I am thankful for the planes and the fact I am getting to come to Bethel several times in the month of November.

#6-- My room mate in Allison/friends in my village. Allison is lucky and she gets to hang out with me the most. I am thankful we are both laid back and able to help each other. We are there for dance parties, laughter, and emptying the honey bucket. I am thankful for the other teachers in the village who are there to offer an ear and listen to me whenever I need it. I know if I need anything I just have to run across the street to ma and pa.

Thanks all for now =)

Happy November

So its already Thursday and this week has been flying. Right now I am currently waiting for the plane to Bethel so I can go to an art retreat round two. This one is focusing on drama, which will come in handy when I put on a school play later on in this year.

This week has been a funny week. I got my first ever observation on Wednesday. Kind of nerve wrecking but makes me feel like a true professional. Senior high speech is fully under way. I have been working hard trying to ensure everyone finds a speech that they may use. It looks like I will have a big group, so I am getting pretty excited for them.

So another fellow teacher from Alaska decided to do a thing in November where she writes about something this is thankful for everyday in November—I thought it was a great idea. So I too am going to do this. I am going to do a few today since its already the fourth.

#1 I am thankful for humor. Sometimes all you need to feel better is a little laugh. Here are two examples from this week—The first one was in one of my reading groups I told the children have a seat it’s time to learn. One of my students goes No thank you. Second example was I asked one of the first graders to do something for me—he looks at me and says yes hunny. Kids say the funniest things that are always sure to brighten your day.

#2 Slim Jims—yes you read it right, I am so thankful for them here in Quinhagak. They remind me of home and they are hard to come by here. I am thankful for the people who send me them as well—since they do not sell them here.

#3—Britney Spears. I am thankful for music in general because it allows me to sit back and relax, but hey who doesn’t enjoy a little B spears?

#4--- I am thankful to have a job. I feel like everything happens for a reason and there is some reason that brought me to Quinhagak. But I am loving it and very happy to be here working with some great people.

That’s all for now =)

More Halloween Pics

Halloween/ pranks in Quinhagak

my wonderful math class

e Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.

Well Friday was Halloween at our school!

First things first there was a pumpkin carving contest. Now Jim wins every year and I was determined to beat him-- so Friday morning my class set off to make a beautiful Mickey pumpkin--not going to lie this was no where near beating Jim's class, but I was pretty impressed. Who knew I was such a carver?

After school around 12 it was time for the costume contest--the children starting getting dressed up-- I had my puppy face on and was ready to roll.

The costume contest was a hit, there were many cute funny costumes...clap for him...clap for her... The pumpkin contest ended with a win for Jim. So once again he is bragging BUT I already am planning out my pumpkin for next year!

Here are some of the pumpkins from the contest:

Friday night there was a...DANCE..I was excited. It was the perfect time for me to break out my crazy dance moves. Now at first there was not much dancing going on, just standing around, but then something magical happened. Allison, Rachel, and I started to BUST A MOVE. The cupid shuffle went on and the crowd went crazy! By the time we left there were at least 15 kids up on the dance floor dancing and having a good time!

Friday and Saturday night we decided that we needed a little fun in Quinhagak. Friday night myself, Steph, and Jim decided to have a little fun. Allison was at our house so we ran underneath the house and started banging. We planned this out so that we would hit at different spots underneath the house. Jim had a hammer so it was super loud. Within two minutes I got a text from Allison--is that you? We had planned what I would say if she asked this so I said No I'm watching Little Miss Sunshine--whats up? We continued knocking under the house and then ran back to Steph and Jims. Once I returned home that night--I made up a story how kids were knocking at our house too--and it was super scary.

Saturday night we decided to tell Allison that it was us all along and then we had a new target---Alison and Jon. So once again we paraded over there with our hammers, window scraper, and other various tools to give them a scare. Now there house is lower then ours, so this was a bit of a challenge. We once again began hitting under the house. Now these two didn't move for a while. We knocked and scraped and knocked and scraped--until finally Jon came outside to see what all the commotion was. I had to army crawl out from under the house and finally after about 5 minutes we were spotted because of Jim's red coat. What a funny time.

Shoutout to Alison Z on her birthday today!! We had a great celebration with food and cake. Who would have thought you can still have fun birthdays in Alaska!!

Miss you all!