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 =)