Newtok

We finally made it to Newtok after "iffy" weather and a plane that had malfunctions. The town has about 400 people in it. Angie and I are visiting my friend Becky from my hometown. We've already had a group get-to-gether with some natives and friends, we've had a Thanksgiving feast with the community and had a small get-to-gether with other teachers. So far, it's been a wonderful Thanksgiving. Becky has shown me how to use the incinolet :) I'll take a picture of it and post it later, because it is quit a contraption! We've been invited to steam too. I'm a little nervous but excited! They say that when you steam, you feel the cleanest you've ever felt when you are done. So, I can't wait. I'll probably write all about that too! So far, we are having a wonderful time! I just hope the weather stays clear.

Morning Walk

I walk to school every morning and it's really dark still at 7:30 am. I have to wear my snow boots, snowpants, winter coat, gloves, cleats, and two hats. Then I have to lug on my backpack and a smaller bag on my shoulder. So, I'm loaded down with stuff and I head out the door for my 1 mile, 1/2 hour walk. Even though it's a tiring walk, it is also a gorgeous walk. Because it is so dark, the stars come out so clearly. I can point out stars that I would've had trouble finding at home. I found Orion's Belt the other morning and the Big Dipper. The sky is so big and close. I can't wait until we get to see the Northern Lights. I heard you can see them better in the winter. However, even though there is two inches of snow on the ground, I think it is still fall here. So when I walk to school, I'm trying to look at the sky, balance my bags, trying not to slip on the ice, and also paying attention to the cabs and cars that pass so I don't get hit. But boyo! It is a workout walking to and from school every morning. When I finally get to school I look like a cherry tomato. The wind is wicked and I haven't bought a scarf or face warmer yet, so my cheeks and neck get the nasty blast of cold wind. My feet are toasty warm and so is my body. I get to school in a light sweat sometimes (I know, yuck!) because of the hard trudge through the snow. It's sad but sometimes I feel like I need a nap at 8:30 in the morning because my walk tired me out. (Hey, did this turn into a whine session or what?) But hey, I'm getting a good workout to and from school. However, if I decide to stay here longer I've got to get a truck!... or a snowmachine.

Turkey Plans

Since I can't go home for Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to visit Becky in Newtok. Its about an hour away on a snowmachine ride I think. Someone's mom in the village is coming to visit and is going to cook an awesome dinner, so, it'll be great to eat some home cookin'. I told my mom where I was going for Thanksgiving and she asked if they eat turkey or whale for dinner.:) I explained that we'll be having a traditional dinner (thank goodness). Thanksgiving isn't the same without turkey, and mashed potatoes.... and football:) So, Angie and I will be 'leaving on a jet plane'.... to Newtok as soon as school gets out on Wednesday the 21st. I have to make lesson plans for the next week incase the weather is bad and I don't make it back on Sunday. I'm excited to go because Becky has told me that her village is crumbling into the ocean and they have to rebuild a new one! So, it will be neat to see what the village looks like.

Ice Toss

It was a busy Saturday. We had to get a flu shot, go to a Candle Light Party, and then go to a Halloween party. I thought the candle party was at 3 when it was actually at 5, so we had a few hours to kill. Erin and I decided to go down to the river and crack some ice. So, we spent about an hour throwing ice chips and rocks into the ice. We also tried to throw rocks onto giant ice flows that were heading down river. Erin got a couple of rocks on the ice flow, where as my pictching arm wasn't in prime shape so I couldn't throw past the shore. It was fun being destructive for an hour or so. but, I started getting cold 'cause I didn't wear all of my proper winter clothing, so we had to head to the Log Cabin for some coffee. Then we just sat there until it was close to 5 and we could leave again. The candle party was fun. I ended up spending money I probably shouldn't have, but some of the stuff was for Christmas presents. So, I did a good deed. After the candle party, we traveled over to a Halloween party that was rockin'. It was a good time, but I wasn't feeling well, so I mostly laid around the whole time. Erin, however, had the time of her life:) It was nice to get to know people outside of school. Overall, it was a great, busy weekend. Now, since it's Sunday, I have to get down to business and start all the parent/teacher conference work.