March

There are so many things to do in March. St. Patrick's Day, Dr. Seuss' Birthday, Easter, spring, the Iditarod, and Camai. It's great that there is so much to do because it makes March go by so much faster. It's starting to get warmer outside- in the 20's I think. So hopefully, I won't have to wear snow pants to work every morning. The down side is that my trail across the tundra will be impossible to go through because all the snow will melt soon and the slough will be flooded with water. I also heard that Alligator Acres will probably flood when all the snow melts. So, that means I need to buy another pair of rubber boots or a boat to get to school. Ah, life in Alaska can be interesting.

K-300 Dog Sled Race

So, I've been busy lately since I got back from Christmas vacation. I got to volunteer for the K-300 dog sled race this past January. it was the neatest thing I have ever done. My roomies and I worked at the headquarters, where they call in the check in times and where people call from around the world to ask questions about the mushers. And, I've found my favorite dog musher. He's from Germany but he lives in Canada. Sebastian Schnuelle. He's the coolest guy, I'm telling you. Google his name and check out his kennel and whatever else he's been up to. He's running in the Iditarod too this year. So, be sure to look for him. So next year, we've decided to volunteer again, but this time we're going to be checkers on the trail. And that means we get to stay at a check point on the river or in a village so when the mushers come in to rest we get to handle their dogs and help them get their things in order. Neat huh :)

I've also been busy in school. Testing, observations, holidays, blah blah. I'm getting my kids ready for Valentine's Day and President's Day. I'm excited for Valentine's Day because I remember my experiences in grade school, and they were always good. So, I hope to create a good experience for my kids.

I'm also busy counting down the days until spring break! I get to visit some friends in Arizona! I'm so excited to be in a state that is much warmer. It's been around -40 degrees lately, so anything above 0 degrees sounds wonderful. I can't wait to wear a jacket or even flip flops! I won't have to put on 50 pounds of clothing before I go outside! I'm also looking forward to going to the movies and shopping and being with friends :)

I've also got some great news. My principal asked me to stay another year. I told him I was interested but I didn't say yes or no yet. I wouldn't mind staying another year. The money is good and I am having fun. Well, lately, it's been awful because the weather has been so cold that it hurts to go outside. I mean literally. My head hurts to go outside and it hurts to breath in that cold air. Plus the wind is awful here. I though Mt. Pleasant was windy, but up here it's ridiculous! On the good side, we're hanging out with friends and trying to entertain ourselves. I may have a little bit of cabin fever, but it's not bad enough to go around killing people. It just needs to warm up a bit to go outside for a walk, or to go skiing and sledding. I got Erin 3 sleds for her birthday and we haven't been able to use them yet because it's so cold out. We'll get to them I'm sure.

Couch Experience

One night, just the other night ;), Erin and I were sitting on our couches watching "Holiday in Handcuffs," and I realized I have been lying on the couch too long. So I decided to try a couple of positions to make myself more comfortable. Sometimes, when I am in a restless mood, i like to lay on my back and put my feet up on the back of the couch. I like to put my feet where they don't belong (no you sickos) I mean I walk my feet along the wall or Erin likes to open the window with her feet. The next time I'm bored, I'd like to try something new with my feet. Yes, isn't it sad that I'm having this conversation about my couch habits? But, it was so interesting the other night.
And then I was also thinking that I am blessed to live in Bethel. I complain all the time about walking to school and blah blah, but I think I need to start appreciating my circumstances. People in the villages do not get to walk around as much as we do because... uh, where can they walk? There are the boardwalks, and walking to and from the store or school... but that's about it. However, I can walk practically everywhere; to the store, post office (if I'm feeling lucky) school, Cultural Center, or to a park. I would be so restless in a village because I wouldn't be able to walk around. And, if you do happen to slip off the boardwalks, you'd sink into a foot of water or some mysterious sponginess. Well, I have noticed that I like to blabber about and waste time talking about things that are probably no significance to people who read this. But, isn't that the point of a blog?

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Yes, I'm counting down until I can go home for Christmas. I am making a list of places I need to eat out at when I get home. For instance, here are a couple of places I really need to go to: Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, the Whiskey Barrel, Applebees, some Chinese Buffet place (I'm not picky), Quality Dairy (for icecream), and Wal-Mart (no, not to eat at, but to shop to my little hearts content. You know, I used to hate going to Wal-Mart, but then I realized... God Bless Wal-Mart and their low prices). I will also be spending a lot of my time and the theater. I need to catch up on some of my movies. So, Becky and I will be at Celebration every afternoon :) I mean, of course I'll spend time with the family. But, while everyone else is working, that's when I get to have fun! Plus, I'm excited to see my nephews. I bet they have grown so much. I get to see my grandpa (did you know that blind people can hunt in Michigan? I thought about it, and it's true because my grandpa is practically blind and he just went bear hunting and deer hunting. He's a good blind hunter because he did shoot a deer and a bear.... so, blind people can hunt well). I'm counting down the days until I can go home. So far I have.... 18 days.

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.