Yesterday was my last full day in Kotzebue.
So I went out burping fish all night long...
One of our school secretaries is a Native Alaskan, from the Bethel area and thus Yupik rather than Inupiaq, however she is quite a native chef. Months ago we asked her to make us a ntive meal. On our last day in town she wouldn't stand for us leaving without a feast.
We had a mixture of items that are native to the Kotzebue area as well as thee Bethel area. Some of them were delicious, some of them were less than delicious. Through the entirety of the meal we were told to use only one hand, and to NOT touch anything but the food and our napkin. This was due to the fact that everything was dipped in seal oil, and stains things very badly. The family we ate with actually put on their "Native meal t-shirts" that they use specifically for eating seal oil so as to not ruin their other clothing.
Here is what was included in our main course of the meal:
*Quaq- frozen trout ("popsicle fish") -GOOD
*Maktak- beluga while (white), bowhead whale (black), chased with a slice of apple- NOT GOOD, very mushy
*Dried Whitefish -good
*Dried Salmon - good
*Dried Pike -good
*Smoked and Dried Salmon -REALLY GOOD
*Oogruk- dried bearded seal -not very good
Then came desert:
Ahpik (Salmon berries)
Blueberries
Blackberries, all of which came from the tundra outside of town.
Then came the "Agutak" or Eskimo ice cream. We had two kinds of ice cream (blueberry and Salmon berry), both came from recipes from the Bethel area. This includes: fish flakes (which amazingly, you could not taste much, especially in the blueberry one!), crisco, berries (of any kind), and sugar. This differs from the recipes from the Kotzebue area in the fish flakes. In Kotzebue, generally they use seal oil in place of the fish.
These traditional meals are often eaten before going out into the cold on a snow machine because it has so much fat it helps keep you warm on the long days in the cold weather. Cool, huh? Only, we didn't go out aftewards, so we are just working towards getting fat.
All in all, the meal, though not glorious tasting at times, was fascinating. I learned a lot, and experienced a lot. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to Kotzebue!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Farewell First Grade
It is the last day of school.
It is snowing. But, I wore flip-flops today anyway....well, once I got here. I wore my boots on the walk.
As I sit here in my classroom, the walls stripped of all our work and classroom things. The names removed from the cubbies and the coat hooks, the name tags off the desks, I find myself feeling at a loss.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to get home. After all, I get to be part of a dear friends wedding and celebrate as I myself get married. And for goodness sakes I can put my boots away for at least 6 months.
But. I won't be able to see all these little faces everyday anymore. I won't be able to walk into a classroom 5 or 6 days a week and feel proud of every ounce of hard work I put into it. I was so sad yesterday when I unstapled all of the things we worked so hard to make right for our classroom.
And most of all, how in the world do I say goodbye to 21 kids that have made this year what it has been? They have both loved me and hated me. They have both (nearly) hit me and hugged me. They have also made me laugh and cry. My heart has been beaming and breaking over and over this year with them. And today, after we clean our desks and say goodbye, that is it? I'll never see them again?
How on earth does a teacher do this every year?
I am certain a few weeks will go by, and I will have adjusted back into life. I will remember my first graders, and think of them fondly. I know I'll be just fine, and in a few years time perhaps I'll get the hang of giving my heart away every year and asking for it back at the end. I'll be a champ at saying goodbye with a smile on my face. But, this year, I am not yet a champ.
I'll bet the students today will lead the way. They will say goodbye and give me hugs and tell me to have fun in Colorado and have a nice wedding. They will keep light and fun and sweet. And forever I will appreciate their happiness when they walk out the door, because after all, they are headed to 2nd grade, where everyone will be there once again. And they have 3 whole months homework free!
Either that, or I will stuff them all in my backpack, and bring them home with me. I have been thinking Colorado is lacking in Eskimo kiddos. :)
Wish me luck, as I leave June Nelson today!
It is snowing. But, I wore flip-flops today anyway....well, once I got here. I wore my boots on the walk.
As I sit here in my classroom, the walls stripped of all our work and classroom things. The names removed from the cubbies and the coat hooks, the name tags off the desks, I find myself feeling at a loss.
Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to get home. After all, I get to be part of a dear friends wedding and celebrate as I myself get married. And for goodness sakes I can put my boots away for at least 6 months.
But. I won't be able to see all these little faces everyday anymore. I won't be able to walk into a classroom 5 or 6 days a week and feel proud of every ounce of hard work I put into it. I was so sad yesterday when I unstapled all of the things we worked so hard to make right for our classroom.
And most of all, how in the world do I say goodbye to 21 kids that have made this year what it has been? They have both loved me and hated me. They have both (nearly) hit me and hugged me. They have also made me laugh and cry. My heart has been beaming and breaking over and over this year with them. And today, after we clean our desks and say goodbye, that is it? I'll never see them again?
How on earth does a teacher do this every year?
I am certain a few weeks will go by, and I will have adjusted back into life. I will remember my first graders, and think of them fondly. I know I'll be just fine, and in a few years time perhaps I'll get the hang of giving my heart away every year and asking for it back at the end. I'll be a champ at saying goodbye with a smile on my face. But, this year, I am not yet a champ.
I'll bet the students today will lead the way. They will say goodbye and give me hugs and tell me to have fun in Colorado and have a nice wedding. They will keep light and fun and sweet. And forever I will appreciate their happiness when they walk out the door, because after all, they are headed to 2nd grade, where everyone will be there once again. And they have 3 whole months homework free!
Either that, or I will stuff them all in my backpack, and bring them home with me. I have been thinking Colorado is lacking in Eskimo kiddos. :)
Wish me luck, as I leave June Nelson today!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
First Grade Mumblings: The final Chapter
The year, that sometimes has gone too fast, and others too slow, is coming to a close tomorrow. I have so many emotions to go with it, but they can easily be expressed through the words of these beloved 1st graders....
"Ms. Ray, after I watch a scary movie, I always pray."
"Ms. Ray, when I am at home I poop big poops. It's the color of soldiers."
"Wow."
"I did. It's true."
"So, are soldiers brown or green?"
"......................?" (raised eyebrows and shoulders in complete puzzlement).
"Ms. Ray, she said this is not God's world. It's everyone's world. Is it everyone's world or God's world?"
"What kinds of things do you like to pretend to be?"
"I like to be an army guy!"
"I like to be a cheerleader!"
"Buzz Lightyear, from Toy Story 3."
"A pillow."
"I have a song....
Tarzan swings, Tarzan falls.
Tarzan break is mighty balls."
"You lucky ducks!"
"I AM NOT A LUCKY DUCK!"
"Oh, I am so sorry. What are you?"
-"A lucky rhino."
-"A lucky dog."
-"Lucky turtle!"
"I AM JUST A LUCKY BOY!"
(all whispers...)
"Ms. Ray, I have a girlfriend."
"Oh my!"
"She is far away, in Wasilla."
"Oh!"
"Her name is Piper."
"I like her name."
"Don't tell. It's our secret."
"Boys and girls, please put your folders away in your desk."
...blank stare from one boy...
"Please put your folder away."
......even blank-er stare.......
"Quick. Put your folder away so we can begin math."
......still blank...and getting really creepy with the eyes.....
"Hello?"
"HELLO! I AM A WIZARD!"
"Can you use 'air' in a sentence?"
"I always fly in the air to see God......God always walk on water. God always make it winter so he can walk on the water. It's frozen."
"OH! An extra balloon! It looks just like you, Ms. Ray!" (while pointing at a giant green balloon).
"Ms. Ray, I only drink Diet." (I know this is relatively normal to hear...but from a 6 year old?)
"Ms. Ray I wish money was never invented. That way we would just get everything free."
"Ms. Ray. My baby brother is in Anchorage because he ate a nickel and a dime."
...one week later....
"Ms. Ray, my baby brother pooped out a nickel and a dime."
At school, if the students get in trouble at recess or during school, they sometimes owe a time-out from recess. When this happens, they lean against the ramp out by the playground. One day, I was standing near one student who was doing just that....
"Ms. Ray. How come you're on the wall? Cause you're bad?"
"Next year, when you come back to school, I won't be your teacher, and you'll be in 2nd grade."
"I know."
"I am really going to miss you. Did you know that?"
Nod yes.
"May I have a hug before you go?"
Leaps into my arms, and wraps his legs around me, resting his head on my shoulder.
"Thank you."
"I am not ever letting go."
"You're going to be stuck to me forever?"
"For always"
"For always?"
"Yeah. Until tomorrow."
:)
"Ms. Ray, after I watch a scary movie, I always pray."
"Ms. Ray, when I am at home I poop big poops. It's the color of soldiers."
"Wow."
"I did. It's true."
"So, are soldiers brown or green?"
"......................?" (raised eyebrows and shoulders in complete puzzlement).
"Ms. Ray, she said this is not God's world. It's everyone's world. Is it everyone's world or God's world?"
"What kinds of things do you like to pretend to be?"
"I like to be an army guy!"
"I like to be a cheerleader!"
"Buzz Lightyear, from Toy Story 3."
"A pillow."
"I have a song....
Tarzan swings, Tarzan falls.
Tarzan break is mighty balls."
"You lucky ducks!"
"I AM NOT A LUCKY DUCK!"
"Oh, I am so sorry. What are you?"
-"A lucky rhino."
-"A lucky dog."
-"Lucky turtle!"
"I AM JUST A LUCKY BOY!"
(all whispers...)
"Ms. Ray, I have a girlfriend."
"Oh my!"
"She is far away, in Wasilla."
"Oh!"
"Her name is Piper."
"I like her name."
"Don't tell. It's our secret."
"Boys and girls, please put your folders away in your desk."
...blank stare from one boy...
"Please put your folder away."
......even blank-er stare.......
"Quick. Put your folder away so we can begin math."
......still blank...and getting really creepy with the eyes.....
"Hello?"
"HELLO! I AM A WIZARD!"
"Can you use 'air' in a sentence?"
"I always fly in the air to see God......God always walk on water. God always make it winter so he can walk on the water. It's frozen."
"OH! An extra balloon! It looks just like you, Ms. Ray!" (while pointing at a giant green balloon).
"Ms. Ray, I only drink Diet." (I know this is relatively normal to hear...but from a 6 year old?)
"Ms. Ray I wish money was never invented. That way we would just get everything free."
"Ms. Ray. My baby brother is in Anchorage because he ate a nickel and a dime."
...one week later....
"Ms. Ray, my baby brother pooped out a nickel and a dime."
At school, if the students get in trouble at recess or during school, they sometimes owe a time-out from recess. When this happens, they lean against the ramp out by the playground. One day, I was standing near one student who was doing just that....
"Ms. Ray. How come you're on the wall? Cause you're bad?"
"Next year, when you come back to school, I won't be your teacher, and you'll be in 2nd grade."
"I know."
"I am really going to miss you. Did you know that?"
Nod yes.
"May I have a hug before you go?"
Leaps into my arms, and wraps his legs around me, resting his head on my shoulder.
"Thank you."
"I am not ever letting go."
"You're going to be stuck to me forever?"
"For always"
"For always?"
"Yeah. Until tomorrow."
:)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Spring Fever
It finally is starting to feel like Spring in Kotzebue. YAY!
It is usually in the low single digits when we walk to school in the morning, but by the time recess comes at 2:30pm it is usually well into the 20's as far as temperature goes. The wind is dying down significantly, and the sun! OH! THE SUN! It is up pretty much all the time it seems. It is rising somewhere around 6am and going down somewhere are midnight...maybe. I am never up at either time to watch the sun rise or set.
SO, what does the mean for all the residents here? NO SLEEP! Everyone is exhausted, students and teachers alike. Try as we might, it is near impossible to say "I am gonna hit the hay" when it looks and feels like Noon outside. It just does not feel right with my body. The students can be found roaming the streets at 10pm, and can hardly stay awake long enough to write their name on their papers.
Spring Fever is in full swing here. There are 7 days left of school, and everyone is going bonkers. There is one thing I have noticed here at school that can sometimes become more of a focus and an threat than I desire- discipline. As a whole, I try to focus more on the positive sides of teaching, raising kids, and simply interacting with others. Who doesn't prefer that? Sometimes I have noticed a large number of adults that focus on the negative in the classroom and forget to praise the positive behavior. I'll be the first to admit- I have done it, and regretfully. On those days when the students are running circles around me and I just can't seem to get them to listen to what I am saying, it can be difficult to find those positive actions in the classroom, and it can be so easy to see what is not going right.
This time of year, especially, negative behavior is seemingly surrounding me and the positive classroom behavior seems so slight and hidden. It sometimes feels like the beginning of the school year again, where getting in a line is a difficult task, following directions, and staying awake are near impossible. I find myself needing to reinforce the tiniest act of good behavior once again, and find myself noticing things students are doing that I thought we had learned how to NOT do months ago. It has been a difficult task to remain ever-positive and not lose my patience. After all, it seems realistic to ask students to not crawl around on the floor between desks in first grade. It seems ideal to be able to conduct a 15 minute reading group that is completely free of tears. But, get 21 weary 1st graders in a room that has been inhabited by the same 22 bodies all year and the tears are flowing, and the waters are being tested.
Regardless, we are enjoying ourselves. The curriculum is nearly finished and we are having some time to relax and enjoy the end of the year. Not that the year was un-enjoyable while there was work to be finished, but it is far more relaxed and fun to know that if we take 3 days to do a science experiment that was intended to take 30 minutes- so be it! It is neat to take some extra time discussing saving money, illustrating our writing more thoroughly, reading more books for fun and letting them choose their content. All of these tasks get to happen during the school year, but are more tailored to the designed curriculum, and have less choice and less freedom. Now, we are given the chance to choose which math games we might play, "coins? or fractions?" and the opportunity to decide that we want to read about insects, rather than cats, because the curriculum is not guiding our learning for the time being, we are. :)
After school hours are thrilling lately. Spring is wonderful because the city comes alive- as in everywhere in the world. People are outside pretty much at all times- walking their dogs, running, playing in the snow. I have been able to downsize from my down jacket and fur coat to fleece and shell and a thin hat. I don't wear gloves anymore, unless driving the Honda, and my face was sunburned last night!
Spring here is much like Spring anywhere else in the world, however, it is SO long awaited, I feel like I appreciate it like I never have before.
20-something days, and I will be enjoying flip flops and skirts. NO jackets. This has been a constant day dream of mine for months, I hope CO doesn't let me down.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Language We Speak
Anyone who has ever spent a significant amount of time with children of any age, but especially young children, knows that they often have their own way of communicating with those around them. Sometimes that is because of the challenges that they face trying to pronounce words, and sometimes it is simply from knowing each other and your home communication culture.
For the children, and people, in Kotzebue there is a specific language which carries with it a number of terms and words, or lack of words, that we speak in the classroom, and have learned to use in our everyday language.
Kotzebue, and many of the surrounding areas, are rather nonverbal. When I first moved here there were a number of people who described the children as being English Language Learners. That may very well be the case, I am not certain of the exact criterion to be in the category. And there is certainly no one in the district who is defining that, nor helping students to learn English. There are however a number of accommodations offered to the student body during testing. But they certainly are not ESL (English as Second Language). Many students do hear and speak bits and pieces of Inupiaq (their Native Language) at home, however, it is not their first language. The reason the children could be considered English Language Learners, as far as I am concerned, is because they are far behind many students across the country of their same age in the mastery of the English language. Being that so much communication occurs nonverbally, students haven't mastered, or developed, many proper speaking or writing skills in English. They leave many words out, put words in the wrong order, and simply communicate using no words at all. It can be utterly amazing to watch them "talk" across the room to one another with nearly no spoken sounds at all. Here are some of the short phrases and gestures I both use, and try to teach the proper meaning of from day to day:
*"Throw it?" (May I throw this in the trash can?)
*"I going to _______ for 5 sleeps." (I am going to visit_________ for 5 days and nights, they say "sleeps" because the sun is up all summer, so it always seems like day, they must use the term "sleeps")
*"I got to Onuck" (I have to poop)
* "He got a bump." (He was in a car accident, or Honda accident, or sno-go accident, or a cut, sore, scrape of any kind accident).
*"Ari" [pronounced Ah-dee] (no english translation, an expression similar to a sigh or "ahhhhhhhhhhh").
*Shorts (boxers)
*Short cuts (shorts)
* "I never" (Let me!)
* "My sister" (any woman in your family that is related to you in any number of ways, that because of many adoptions, give-aways, and moves, have been titled your sister....some students have 4 moms and 6 sisters)
*Aka (Grandpa)
*Tata (Grandpa)
*Ana (Grandma)
*Packsack (backpack)
*Raised of the eyebrows (yes!)
*Scrunched nose (no!)
*Blank stare, with not words at all (I think that means "I don't know," but they pretty much do it at any point if they don't have an answer, the blank stare is very popular among kids here)
* Tablet (writing notebook)
*"Go pee." (May I use the restroom?)
*"We play out" (We played outside)
While these are both adorable, and funny phrases that the culture has coined, it is clear that many students have a difficult time in a public education system that is teaching the English language and values the use of it to help students to succeed in the world after graduation. I find myself often struggling to uphold their culture, and connect with the students, as well as teach them the correct way to use our language.The students are so smart though, and are beginning to learn the time and place to use proper English (and with whom), and when it is appropriate to use the terms and phrases so common and a part of their home environments. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to maintain and support their culture, and teach the curriculum before us.
All that being said, I LOVE the language we speak. As do most locations on any geographic spot in the world, Kotzebue has their own way of talking and living, and it has certainly been so fun to connect with kids by understanding and using their cultural terminology.
P.S. Yes, the first few times students came to me using these phrases and words I looked and felt like an idiot. And yes, all the boys in class turned red in color when I first mistakenly called shorts "shorts," as opposed to "short cuts." Yep, they thought I was questioning them about their underwear!:)
For the children, and people, in Kotzebue there is a specific language which carries with it a number of terms and words, or lack of words, that we speak in the classroom, and have learned to use in our everyday language.
Kotzebue, and many of the surrounding areas, are rather nonverbal. When I first moved here there were a number of people who described the children as being English Language Learners. That may very well be the case, I am not certain of the exact criterion to be in the category. And there is certainly no one in the district who is defining that, nor helping students to learn English. There are however a number of accommodations offered to the student body during testing. But they certainly are not ESL (English as Second Language). Many students do hear and speak bits and pieces of Inupiaq (their Native Language) at home, however, it is not their first language. The reason the children could be considered English Language Learners, as far as I am concerned, is because they are far behind many students across the country of their same age in the mastery of the English language. Being that so much communication occurs nonverbally, students haven't mastered, or developed, many proper speaking or writing skills in English. They leave many words out, put words in the wrong order, and simply communicate using no words at all. It can be utterly amazing to watch them "talk" across the room to one another with nearly no spoken sounds at all. Here are some of the short phrases and gestures I both use, and try to teach the proper meaning of from day to day:
*"Throw it?" (May I throw this in the trash can?)
*"I going to _______ for 5 sleeps." (I am going to visit_________ for 5 days and nights, they say "sleeps" because the sun is up all summer, so it always seems like day, they must use the term "sleeps")
*"I got to Onuck" (I have to poop)
* "He got a bump." (He was in a car accident, or Honda accident, or sno-go accident, or a cut, sore, scrape of any kind accident).
*"Ari" [pronounced Ah-dee] (no english translation, an expression similar to a sigh or "ahhhhhhhhhhh").
*Shorts (boxers)
*Short cuts (shorts)
* "I never" (Let me!)
* "My sister" (any woman in your family that is related to you in any number of ways, that because of many adoptions, give-aways, and moves, have been titled your sister....some students have 4 moms and 6 sisters)
*Aka (Grandpa)
*Tata (Grandpa)
*Ana (Grandma)
*Packsack (backpack)
*Raised of the eyebrows (yes!)
*Scrunched nose (no!)
*Blank stare, with not words at all (I think that means "I don't know," but they pretty much do it at any point if they don't have an answer, the blank stare is very popular among kids here)
* Tablet (writing notebook)
*"Go pee." (May I use the restroom?)
*"We play out" (We played outside)
While these are both adorable, and funny phrases that the culture has coined, it is clear that many students have a difficult time in a public education system that is teaching the English language and values the use of it to help students to succeed in the world after graduation. I find myself often struggling to uphold their culture, and connect with the students, as well as teach them the correct way to use our language.The students are so smart though, and are beginning to learn the time and place to use proper English (and with whom), and when it is appropriate to use the terms and phrases so common and a part of their home environments. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to maintain and support their culture, and teach the curriculum before us.
All that being said, I LOVE the language we speak. As do most locations on any geographic spot in the world, Kotzebue has their own way of talking and living, and it has certainly been so fun to connect with kids by understanding and using their cultural terminology.
P.S. Yes, the first few times students came to me using these phrases and words I looked and felt like an idiot. And yes, all the boys in class turned red in color when I first mistakenly called shorts "shorts," as opposed to "short cuts." Yep, they thought I was questioning them about their underwear!:)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Meet My Roommates!
For the last eight months I have been living in 3 bedroom apartment with 5 other people. I did however get lucky (newbie luck) and get the master bedroom, and thus have lived with as much space as I could possibly need, despite the large number of inhabitants in a small apartment, for so many people.
I realize you all may have hoped that I would have posted this, oh, 7 months ago. But, better late than never, right?
Roommate 1-
Name: Erica West
Age: 27
Years Lived in Kotzebue: 6
Occupation: 2/3rd grade student teacher
Information: World traveler, loves everything about Europe. Says random things in a Scottish accent (where she lives/ studies for a year). Has been a Special Education aid for a number of years, while going to school to become a teacher. Finishing degree in May. Very patient, unless you're her sister. Should go on the show Top Chef, she is a wonderful chef. Loves trashy television. Reads about a million words a minute. Is 5'2" and makes me feel like a giant when we are both brushing our teeth in the mirror at the same time. Multi-tasking queen/ procrastinating queen. Fills my late night chatting needs, and keeps me posted on the latest and greatest of Kotzebue. Coming to Colorado to visit for a whole week!
Roommate 2-
Name: Jessica West
Age: 26 (27 in a week!)
Years Lives in Kotzeube: 4(or maybe 5?)
Occupation: 3rd grade student teacher/ sarcastic mother.
Information:Has taught her kids the art of sarcasm at the ripe age of 4 and 6. Is extremely proactive in school work. Passionate about finding a job. Tired of living in Kotzebue. Loves the beach and warm places, ha! Loves to talk. Very strong, emotionally and physically. Freakishly flexible. 4'10" and REALLY makes me feel like a giant. She is a thinker, and does lots of theorizing. Thinks outside is way cooler than inside, and would prefer not wearing clothes, to wearing them. She is a great cook, but only does so because she has to. Buys me pudding. Buys me popcorn. Helps feed my overeating habits. Gives me comic relief while at the same time, making me question some pretty important things.
Roommate 3-
Name: Fiona West
Age: 6 (nearly 7!)
Years in Kotzebue: 4
Occupation: First Grader
Information: Drama Queen. Smallest first grader that ever lived. Loves reading and writing in an almost obsessive manner. Likes playing inside just as much as outside. Does not fight her mother on most things, but LOOK OUT if she is complaining or whining, it is waterworks. Enjoys Barbies and playing cars with her brother. Loves board games. Very kind-hearted. When riding on the back of the Honda, she sings, it nearly never fails.
Roommate4-
Name: Skyler West
Age: 4
Years in Kotzebue: 4
Occupation: Preschool
Information: Wears mostly underwear when inside, and despite negative temperatures, would do so outside, if it were up to him. LOVES anything boy-ish in any way. Does not play board games well in the least. Burst into tears at any given moment, but also will be the happiest, cutest boy in the world at any given moment. Is absolutely fascinated by the idea of a trash man, trash truck, and the dump. Has an adorable lisp in his voice. Prides himself on his break dancing moves. Gives me hugs if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, and only if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, otherwise I can kiss any hugs goodbye.
Roommate 5-
Name: Camon Baker
Age: 30
Years in Kotzebue: 3 years and 2 summers previously, as well as this year (off and on for six years).
Occupation: 1st grade teacher
Information: Hated Yoga when I first introduced her to it, now loves it. Runner, Hiker, Adventurer. Loves to sing anything from Hymns to Eminem (and make fun of my singing). Family is her number 2, second to God. Teaches and reaches kids in a completely different approach than I, but it works great for her, and has opened my eyes to seeing lots of approaches to teaching. Will never ever smile in pictures. Drinks literally like 8 water bottles a day. Also drinks amazing amounts of Diet Dr. Pepper. Not 5' tall, and thus does not make me feel gigantic. Can eat just as much, and often more, than I, which also takes care of my overeating habits. Will not take disrespect from a kid, not matter the time or place. Is moving to Colorado in September!
Each person I have lived with this past year has brought something different to the table, and has added a essential part of what makes up our house. There are a lot of us in there. And there are a lot of emotions. But we have learned to support each other, and not kill one another all at once. We certainly don't all see eye to eye, and we all act and react in a number of ways. I am eternally grateful for their presence this year and know that a big reason why I have thrived here is because of their help.
I realize you all may have hoped that I would have posted this, oh, 7 months ago. But, better late than never, right?
Roommate 1-
Name: Erica WestAge: 27
Years Lived in Kotzebue: 6
Occupation: 2/3rd grade student teacher
Information: World traveler, loves everything about Europe. Says random things in a Scottish accent (where she lives/ studies for a year). Has been a Special Education aid for a number of years, while going to school to become a teacher. Finishing degree in May. Very patient, unless you're her sister. Should go on the show Top Chef, she is a wonderful chef. Loves trashy television. Reads about a million words a minute. Is 5'2" and makes me feel like a giant when we are both brushing our teeth in the mirror at the same time. Multi-tasking queen/ procrastinating queen. Fills my late night chatting needs, and keeps me posted on the latest and greatest of Kotzebue. Coming to Colorado to visit for a whole week!
Roommate 2-
Name: Jessica West
Age: 26 (27 in a week!)
Years Lives in Kotzeube: 4(or maybe 5?)
Occupation: 3rd grade student teacher/ sarcastic mother.
Information:Has taught her kids the art of sarcasm at the ripe age of 4 and 6. Is extremely proactive in school work. Passionate about finding a job. Tired of living in Kotzebue. Loves the beach and warm places, ha! Loves to talk. Very strong, emotionally and physically. Freakishly flexible. 4'10" and REALLY makes me feel like a giant. She is a thinker, and does lots of theorizing. Thinks outside is way cooler than inside, and would prefer not wearing clothes, to wearing them. She is a great cook, but only does so because she has to. Buys me pudding. Buys me popcorn. Helps feed my overeating habits. Gives me comic relief while at the same time, making me question some pretty important things.
Roommate 3-
Name: Fiona West
Age: 6 (nearly 7!)
Years in Kotzebue: 4
Occupation: First Grader
Information: Drama Queen. Smallest first grader that ever lived. Loves reading and writing in an almost obsessive manner. Likes playing inside just as much as outside. Does not fight her mother on most things, but LOOK OUT if she is complaining or whining, it is waterworks. Enjoys Barbies and playing cars with her brother. Loves board games. Very kind-hearted. When riding on the back of the Honda, she sings, it nearly never fails.
Roommate4-
Name: Skyler West
Age: 4
Years in Kotzebue: 4
Occupation: Preschool
Information: Wears mostly underwear when inside, and despite negative temperatures, would do so outside, if it were up to him. LOVES anything boy-ish in any way. Does not play board games well in the least. Burst into tears at any given moment, but also will be the happiest, cutest boy in the world at any given moment. Is absolutely fascinated by the idea of a trash man, trash truck, and the dump. Has an adorable lisp in his voice. Prides himself on his break dancing moves. Gives me hugs if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, and only if I ask REALLY REALLY nice, otherwise I can kiss any hugs goodbye.
Roommate 5-
Name: Camon Baker
Age: 30
Years in Kotzebue: 3 years and 2 summers previously, as well as this year (off and on for six years).
Occupation: 1st grade teacher
Information: Hated Yoga when I first introduced her to it, now loves it. Runner, Hiker, Adventurer. Loves to sing anything from Hymns to Eminem (and make fun of my singing). Family is her number 2, second to God. Teaches and reaches kids in a completely different approach than I, but it works great for her, and has opened my eyes to seeing lots of approaches to teaching. Will never ever smile in pictures. Drinks literally like 8 water bottles a day. Also drinks amazing amounts of Diet Dr. Pepper. Not 5' tall, and thus does not make me feel gigantic. Can eat just as much, and often more, than I, which also takes care of my overeating habits. Will not take disrespect from a kid, not matter the time or place. Is moving to Colorado in September!
Each person I have lived with this past year has brought something different to the table, and has added a essential part of what makes up our house. There are a lot of us in there. And there are a lot of emotions. But we have learned to support each other, and not kill one another all at once. We certainly don't all see eye to eye, and we all act and react in a number of ways. I am eternally grateful for their presence this year and know that a big reason why I have thrived here is because of their help.
Monday, March 28, 2011
1st Grade Mumblings (part 4)
As per request, the cute kiddos have recently proclaimed:
Student:"Ms. Ray, All day people tell me what to do...ALL DAY people are always telling me what to do."
Me: "How do you feel about that? You don't like that?"
Student: "They're just always telling me. All day."
While looking at a picture of apple pie in a book we were reading about apples...
Me: So, what kinds of things can we make out of apples after they grow and we pick them?"
Student: "PIZZA!...made of apples...? (very skeptical of their own response)
Student: "Who won the silver war?"
Me: "You mean, The Civil War?"
Student: "Yeah! Who won the silver war?"
In the middle of math...
Me: "Did you have a question?"
Student: "I smell play-doh. It stinks like play-doh in here."
(we don't have play-doh anywhere in the classroom)
Student: "Ms. Ray, yesterday I...wait. Not Yesterday. What was Yesterday?
Me: "Wednesday."
Student: "What come behind Wednesday?"
Me: "Tuesday."
Student: "Yes. On Tuesday, my cat ate a spider."
Me: "Ew. Gross."
Student: "No."
Me: "What is your cat's name?"
Student: "His name is: 'I don't know what to name him.'"
Me: "Today Ms. Ray and Mrs. Douglas are having the grand opening of our store. You can get this sports car for only 98 cents. This snow machine is only 20 cents..."
Student (interrupting): "I want the Wii! How much is the..."
Student 2 (interrupting student): "Ms. Ray, I am going to buy you. How much are you?"
While walking to music.
Student: "Ms. Ray. Do I look pretty?"
Me: "You look beautiful."
Student: "You too. But I just really need to fix this. (tugs on my shirt in lots of angles, then puts it right back how it was) Now you look pretty too."
Turned in Book Report...
Book Title: The Little Book About God
What was the book about?:
FOR GOD IS SO SO SO GOOD.
Me: "When I say the magic word, please find your desk" (the current magic word being Spring).
......"Cring,...Bling,....Bring...." (the class laughing and enjoying the jokes....)
Student: (not enjoying the joke). "Ms. Ray, you keep wasting my time."
"Ms. Ray if it is raining outside that means God is crying. But if it is snowing outside, that means God is barfing."
Writing Homework:
"When I grow up I want to be a Doctor because I want to help people so they could feel good to go to school every day that's why I want to be a nice good Doctor."
Student:"Ms. Ray, All day people tell me what to do...ALL DAY people are always telling me what to do."
Me: "How do you feel about that? You don't like that?"
Student: "They're just always telling me. All day."
While looking at a picture of apple pie in a book we were reading about apples...
Me: So, what kinds of things can we make out of apples after they grow and we pick them?"
Student: "PIZZA!...made of apples...? (very skeptical of their own response)
Student: "Who won the silver war?"
Me: "You mean, The Civil War?"
Student: "Yeah! Who won the silver war?"
In the middle of math...
Me: "Did you have a question?"
Student: "I smell play-doh. It stinks like play-doh in here."
(we don't have play-doh anywhere in the classroom)
Student: "Ms. Ray, yesterday I...wait. Not Yesterday. What was Yesterday?
Me: "Wednesday."
Student: "What come behind Wednesday?"
Me: "Tuesday."
Student: "Yes. On Tuesday, my cat ate a spider."
Me: "Ew. Gross."
Student: "No."
Me: "What is your cat's name?"
Student: "His name is: 'I don't know what to name him.'"
Me: "Today Ms. Ray and Mrs. Douglas are having the grand opening of our store. You can get this sports car for only 98 cents. This snow machine is only 20 cents..."
Student (interrupting): "I want the Wii! How much is the..."
Student 2 (interrupting student): "Ms. Ray, I am going to buy you. How much are you?"
While walking to music.
Student: "Ms. Ray. Do I look pretty?"
Me: "You look beautiful."
Student: "You too. But I just really need to fix this. (tugs on my shirt in lots of angles, then puts it right back how it was) Now you look pretty too."
Turned in Book Report...
Book Title: The Little Book About God
What was the book about?:
FOR GOD IS SO SO SO GOOD.
Me: "When I say the magic word, please find your desk" (the current magic word being Spring).
......"Cring,...Bling,....Bring...." (the class laughing and enjoying the jokes....)
Student: (not enjoying the joke). "Ms. Ray, you keep wasting my time."
"Ms. Ray if it is raining outside that means God is crying. But if it is snowing outside, that means God is barfing."
Writing Homework:
"When I grow up I want to be a Doctor because I want to help people so they could feel good to go to school every day that's why I want to be a nice good Doctor."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Alaskan Vacation- SB '11
As promised, here lies a detailed description of Spring Break.
Spring Break here in Kotzebue can hardly be defined as "Spring Break." Although, it certainly is a break, it is only two days off. But, I'll take what I can get. Because our school district begins summer vacation May 7, we have nearly no days off, as many other districts do. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, etc., are sacrificed holidays for a long summer. We even have in-service on Saturdays. Though while those days are in session I am jealous of those taking the day to ski or relax back home, I am pleased that come May 7, I am set for a 3 month summer.
That being said, I took of Wednesday night on a much delayed flight to Anchorage, where I missed my connecting flight to Fairbanks. Well, that is Alaska. Never travel in this state, or to Kotzebue, unless you're prepared to be flexible. After spending a delightful night on the airport floor I FINALLY met Kevin in Fairbanks. I was so excited to see him i promptly told him not to talk to me while I took a 2 hour nap immediately after arriving at our hotel.
After my nap, and feeling refreshed, we caught our shuttle to the memorable Chena Hot Springs about 60 miles from Fairbanks. Chena advertises themselves as a "resort." So, it was slightly unexpected to find what we found, which was a somewhat outdated and fancy (by our standards) in almost no way at all. But, that does not mean it was lacking in character or enjoyment. The first, and most thrilling event (for me, not for Kevin) was the hot springs. The hot Springs are natural from the area and come naturally at 165 degrees. It is cooled to about 104 degrees, and sometimes 107 degrees, for their hot springs tub. It is surrounded by rocks, and filled with a rock bottom. The rock bottom for me acts as a massage tool, for Kevin it was like a knife stabbing into his feet at all moments. Needless to say, I was more excited to soak in the pool than he was. Along with hot springs we went on a dog sled ride, a ice museum tour, a geothermal tour, and an Aurora snow ride (with the hope of finding Northern Lights). The Ice Museum is in a building year round kept at 20 degrees. Inside are 4 rooms you could stay in for the night, a bar (where we drank Appletini's!), a small "dining" area, some stairs, and a wedding alter (where they have held 125 weddings!) It is a very neat place. The Geothermal tour was also very cool, and taught us all about how the entire site of Chena is heated and run off of Geo thermal energy, provided by the hot water of the hot springs. And, of course who would not LOVE a dog sled ride? But no, we did not get to be the musher, just ride in the sled. Then there was the snow ride where we got in a snow cat and drove to the top of the mountain to see the Aurora...on a full moon. So, while we did see the Aurora, it wasn't the brightest I have seen them. They were only out for like 3 minutes and so faint, but Kevin was pleased, so I too was pleased.
The fun did not stop there. Then we went to Fairbanks to spend the next two days until our flight out to Anchorage. We started it out right with seeing a movie (such a treat when you can't see one in Kotzebue). After that we ate at Chili's (SOOOO GOOD!). Later we attended the World Championships of Ice Sculpting and also had a later dinner at Silver Gulch brewery outside of Fairbanks where we proceeded to insist upon the cooks making us a pizza not on the menu, which ended up being delicious. This is where our first ridiculous event took place. After dinner we checked out the souvenir shop and bought a GIANT brewery sign for our house- knowing we weren't certain how to get it home.
The next day began with a trip downtown to watch the North American: a 3-day 20+ mile dog sled race that takes place in Fairbanks which was cool in itself. To top it all off, there was a Alaska Fur Trappers auction. As Kevin and I watched the items sell from Bear skins to Musk Ox furs, we were in awe. When we should have walked away, we instead got our money out, got a number, and bought a fox (for Kevins dad) a wolf (for my mom) and a Lynx (for ourselves). After some extensive buyers remorse, we wondered what in the world we were going to do with these furs. He could not take them home with him (because he was not going home), it was silly to send it to Kotzebue with me (and then pay for it to go to Colorado), but it was Sunday, and there was not an open post office in sight. SO, off to Office Max we went, furs in hand to spend WAY too much to FedEx our newly purchased furs. It was one of our more irresponsible, and less than financially sound choices yet as a couple. But hey, when in Rome, right?
The entire weekend was absolutely fabulous. Probably my best Spring Break to date. :) I hope those of you receiving furs in the mail are grateful! :)
The pictures are on Facebook, if you're interested. Unfortunately we did not snap any shots of the furs.
Spring Break here in Kotzebue can hardly be defined as "Spring Break." Although, it certainly is a break, it is only two days off. But, I'll take what I can get. Because our school district begins summer vacation May 7, we have nearly no days off, as many other districts do. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, etc., are sacrificed holidays for a long summer. We even have in-service on Saturdays. Though while those days are in session I am jealous of those taking the day to ski or relax back home, I am pleased that come May 7, I am set for a 3 month summer.
That being said, I took of Wednesday night on a much delayed flight to Anchorage, where I missed my connecting flight to Fairbanks. Well, that is Alaska. Never travel in this state, or to Kotzebue, unless you're prepared to be flexible. After spending a delightful night on the airport floor I FINALLY met Kevin in Fairbanks. I was so excited to see him i promptly told him not to talk to me while I took a 2 hour nap immediately after arriving at our hotel.
After my nap, and feeling refreshed, we caught our shuttle to the memorable Chena Hot Springs about 60 miles from Fairbanks. Chena advertises themselves as a "resort." So, it was slightly unexpected to find what we found, which was a somewhat outdated and fancy (by our standards) in almost no way at all. But, that does not mean it was lacking in character or enjoyment. The first, and most thrilling event (for me, not for Kevin) was the hot springs. The hot Springs are natural from the area and come naturally at 165 degrees. It is cooled to about 104 degrees, and sometimes 107 degrees, for their hot springs tub. It is surrounded by rocks, and filled with a rock bottom. The rock bottom for me acts as a massage tool, for Kevin it was like a knife stabbing into his feet at all moments. Needless to say, I was more excited to soak in the pool than he was. Along with hot springs we went on a dog sled ride, a ice museum tour, a geothermal tour, and an Aurora snow ride (with the hope of finding Northern Lights). The Ice Museum is in a building year round kept at 20 degrees. Inside are 4 rooms you could stay in for the night, a bar (where we drank Appletini's!), a small "dining" area, some stairs, and a wedding alter (where they have held 125 weddings!) It is a very neat place. The Geothermal tour was also very cool, and taught us all about how the entire site of Chena is heated and run off of Geo thermal energy, provided by the hot water of the hot springs. And, of course who would not LOVE a dog sled ride? But no, we did not get to be the musher, just ride in the sled. Then there was the snow ride where we got in a snow cat and drove to the top of the mountain to see the Aurora...on a full moon. So, while we did see the Aurora, it wasn't the brightest I have seen them. They were only out for like 3 minutes and so faint, but Kevin was pleased, so I too was pleased.
The fun did not stop there. Then we went to Fairbanks to spend the next two days until our flight out to Anchorage. We started it out right with seeing a movie (such a treat when you can't see one in Kotzebue). After that we ate at Chili's (SOOOO GOOD!). Later we attended the World Championships of Ice Sculpting and also had a later dinner at Silver Gulch brewery outside of Fairbanks where we proceeded to insist upon the cooks making us a pizza not on the menu, which ended up being delicious. This is where our first ridiculous event took place. After dinner we checked out the souvenir shop and bought a GIANT brewery sign for our house- knowing we weren't certain how to get it home.
The next day began with a trip downtown to watch the North American: a 3-day 20+ mile dog sled race that takes place in Fairbanks which was cool in itself. To top it all off, there was a Alaska Fur Trappers auction. As Kevin and I watched the items sell from Bear skins to Musk Ox furs, we were in awe. When we should have walked away, we instead got our money out, got a number, and bought a fox (for Kevins dad) a wolf (for my mom) and a Lynx (for ourselves). After some extensive buyers remorse, we wondered what in the world we were going to do with these furs. He could not take them home with him (because he was not going home), it was silly to send it to Kotzebue with me (and then pay for it to go to Colorado), but it was Sunday, and there was not an open post office in sight. SO, off to Office Max we went, furs in hand to spend WAY too much to FedEx our newly purchased furs. It was one of our more irresponsible, and less than financially sound choices yet as a couple. But hey, when in Rome, right?
The entire weekend was absolutely fabulous. Probably my best Spring Break to date. :) I hope those of you receiving furs in the mail are grateful! :)
The pictures are on Facebook, if you're interested. Unfortunately we did not snap any shots of the furs.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March
Well Hot Dog. It is March.
March has been a whirlwind.
I ended February in style by taking a weekend trip to Alyeska, AK for some fun snowboarding, among other exciting events like a movie and dinner outings. Alyeska is a wonderful ski resort with a delicious diner at the top. But it wasn't up to par with Colorado, except for the price of that delicious diner. But, a challenging course was not on my agenda for the weekend- just a simple course did the trick. When the jet landed in Kotzebue, it was game time.
I began March with Report Cards- which can be stressful, and time consuming. Even though I only assign grades such as N, U, I, S, and E (Needs word, Unsatisfactory, Improving, Satisfactory, and Excellent), I find myself often torn over the proper grade for a student. There are so many things to take into account- there is the actual grade given per assignment and recorded in the gradebook, there is notes and observations made during class, the conversations, their growth, etc, etc. It can be time consuming when all is said and done- don't be fooled parents: teachers do take time to do it, and they care very much what grade they give, there are just so very many variables to take into account.
After a week of reporting came a week of parent teacher conferences: no comment. We can all assume it was a blast had by all...BUT, it is always a pleasure to meet the parents of students and get to know them a bit more- always gives some insight into the child and their actions and abilities at school. Unfortunately, getting the parent to the conference is the first step in that experience, and it is much easier said than done.
After conferences I was promptly greeted with two days off (via my personal leave) to hang out with my visiting sisters and mom! HOORAY! My family came to stay for a long weekend (Thurs.-Sat.). Despite one broken arm, a few flimsy pillows, an air mattress, and a rescheduled inservice at school, the trip went swimmingly! So, we ran into a few hurdles along the way- it would not be a proper family vacation without it. For their arrival we were blessed with the most glorious, long lasting Northern Lights I have seen yet. They were unbelievable. They were colorful and dancing across the whole sky all night long. Normally, this is where I would post my amazing pictures of such an event, and brag about my sweet camera, that takes the best long exposure pictures. But not to worry, I still have not figured out how to use that thing (this weekend is promising, I hope)! It was absolutely wonderful to have them visit and see Kotzebue. I hope they enjoyed it, too.
Then, back to school Monday morning, for a quick week then our (much too short) Spring Break arrives. And I was off once again to Anchorage Airport where I spent a sleepless night playing "Words" on the guy's phone who attempted to sleep on the floor across from me. Then, on to Fairbanks Thursday morning to meet Kevin! YAY KEVIN!. That was a treat and half. We went to Chena Hot Springs, and played in Fairbanks..but that might require a whole new blot post in itself (more to come).
Now, I am back at school ready for action. There are seven short weeks remaining until school is out for summer. I find myself in a mixed state: sometimes thrilled to get the show on the road, while other moments begging God to slow it down momentarily for me to soak up all the joy that my class brings. The thought of leaving them not only for summer, but for good is breaking my heart. So, while still attempting to stay as focused as the returning sunlight will allow, we have happily decided to enjoy our classroom."We" being the kids and I. We did not discuss this, but we have grown so into each other this year that if I feel it, and I am in the mood to soak up every ounce of their love, they will dish it out in large increments. However, they will hold tight to it in moments of disagreement or frustration. So, we have worked together lately to work out the kinks and lessen any frustration. Instead of rushing through, or demanding maturity, we have taken to appreciating laughter and enjoying a good joke. Somehow we have found a way to be silly, and smart.
Or at least that is how I am feeling today- it is entirely possible that tomorrow brings a whole new me, and them, filled with something brand new altogether, and potentially frightening. Here is to hoping the joy lasts!
March has been a whirlwind.
I ended February in style by taking a weekend trip to Alyeska, AK for some fun snowboarding, among other exciting events like a movie and dinner outings. Alyeska is a wonderful ski resort with a delicious diner at the top. But it wasn't up to par with Colorado, except for the price of that delicious diner. But, a challenging course was not on my agenda for the weekend- just a simple course did the trick. When the jet landed in Kotzebue, it was game time.
I began March with Report Cards- which can be stressful, and time consuming. Even though I only assign grades such as N, U, I, S, and E (Needs word, Unsatisfactory, Improving, Satisfactory, and Excellent), I find myself often torn over the proper grade for a student. There are so many things to take into account- there is the actual grade given per assignment and recorded in the gradebook, there is notes and observations made during class, the conversations, their growth, etc, etc. It can be time consuming when all is said and done- don't be fooled parents: teachers do take time to do it, and they care very much what grade they give, there are just so very many variables to take into account.
After a week of reporting came a week of parent teacher conferences: no comment. We can all assume it was a blast had by all...BUT, it is always a pleasure to meet the parents of students and get to know them a bit more- always gives some insight into the child and their actions and abilities at school. Unfortunately, getting the parent to the conference is the first step in that experience, and it is much easier said than done.
After conferences I was promptly greeted with two days off (via my personal leave) to hang out with my visiting sisters and mom! HOORAY! My family came to stay for a long weekend (Thurs.-Sat.). Despite one broken arm, a few flimsy pillows, an air mattress, and a rescheduled inservice at school, the trip went swimmingly! So, we ran into a few hurdles along the way- it would not be a proper family vacation without it. For their arrival we were blessed with the most glorious, long lasting Northern Lights I have seen yet. They were unbelievable. They were colorful and dancing across the whole sky all night long. Normally, this is where I would post my amazing pictures of such an event, and brag about my sweet camera, that takes the best long exposure pictures. But not to worry, I still have not figured out how to use that thing (this weekend is promising, I hope)! It was absolutely wonderful to have them visit and see Kotzebue. I hope they enjoyed it, too.
Then, back to school Monday morning, for a quick week then our (much too short) Spring Break arrives. And I was off once again to Anchorage Airport where I spent a sleepless night playing "Words" on the guy's phone who attempted to sleep on the floor across from me. Then, on to Fairbanks Thursday morning to meet Kevin! YAY KEVIN!. That was a treat and half. We went to Chena Hot Springs, and played in Fairbanks..but that might require a whole new blot post in itself (more to come).
Now, I am back at school ready for action. There are seven short weeks remaining until school is out for summer. I find myself in a mixed state: sometimes thrilled to get the show on the road, while other moments begging God to slow it down momentarily for me to soak up all the joy that my class brings. The thought of leaving them not only for summer, but for good is breaking my heart. So, while still attempting to stay as focused as the returning sunlight will allow, we have happily decided to enjoy our classroom."We" being the kids and I. We did not discuss this, but we have grown so into each other this year that if I feel it, and I am in the mood to soak up every ounce of their love, they will dish it out in large increments. However, they will hold tight to it in moments of disagreement or frustration. So, we have worked together lately to work out the kinks and lessen any frustration. Instead of rushing through, or demanding maturity, we have taken to appreciating laughter and enjoying a good joke. Somehow we have found a way to be silly, and smart.
Or at least that is how I am feeling today- it is entirely possible that tomorrow brings a whole new me, and them, filled with something brand new altogether, and potentially frightening. Here is to hoping the joy lasts!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Death by Jillian Michaels
As most of you can either read in this blog or assume, because it is the Arctic, Kotzebue is really cold. We have been in a constant state of winter since October...and I won't see anything but winter and fur hats until the day I leave here. Needless to say, I am a little bit tired of snow, and extremely tired of bundling up to step outside.
Along with ridiculously cold outside for what seems like an endless amount of time, Kotzebue is also 500 miles from the city. That is code for really expensive food. Our grocery store, if fully stocked, proudly displays its $10 gallons of milk, $1single bananas, and $11 bags of grapes. However, a box of Shells and Cheese, made by none other than Velveeta, rings up at only around $3 a box. Even if you splurge and buy all healthy items...they are half-way to rotten the day you take them home thanks the the few day trek it took them to get up here....SO, eating healthy can be less than thrilling in taste, and empty your wallet fast.
So what do most of us do? Sit inside, eat junk, and gain weight. And, we are hiding away in the Arctic...so it is easy to justify such an act. After all, not a sole will find me here.
The truth: I am venturing south in less than 3 months. It will be swim suit season, and more importantly wedding season- my wedding season. SOOOO..weight gain at this point is less than preferred.
With healthy snacks tricky to obtain at all times for a reasonable cost, exercise is a must- but how does one exercise when it is below zero outside? Well, there is the tredmill and the eliptical that I can get my hands on after school if I find someone with a key to the room to let me in...and if I don't, or its the weekend...its workout video time!
Now, don't get me wrong, workout videos have been a great invention- they have helped many people reach their goals when say, they can't get to a gym, and its too cold to exercise outside. But month after month of Jillian Michaels telling you how badass she is can bring a person to anger in seconds. If I hear Jillian tell me one more time that SHE, not me, SHE is shredding my glutes as she stands there on the screen in a bra and yoga pants while I jump up and down sweating to death in my living room- I am gonna lose it.
This new found resentment of working out in my living room or classroom cannot all be blamed on entirely for Jillian Michaels- after all I (yes I) have begun to shred those glues, but anyone ever so much as heard the voice of the P90X guy? On the upside of things, he does entertain the idea of it being YOU actually doing the work, not HIM. But the man can't count he says 1,2....3,4...5, as though you take a break between 2 and 3 and 4 and 5..and Mister, I am not a "kid" so stop referring to me as one.
So, what I am asking for, is a specially designed Arctic workout video. This video will hold all the right elements..a normal looking human being who did not eat apples for an entire day before shooting the video half naked. It would cast normal people struggling through the workout, wearing clothes, and looking as miserable as I usually feel. It would also include a less than cocky leading individual who would tell you how to do the workout, and turn up the tunes loud and fast to pump you up during each routine. And not once will anyone say "I am watching you," because everyone knows you can't possibly see me through the TV screen on the tape you shot over a year ago. I will watch myself thank you. If I have the stamina to move my kids desks everyday and go through the motions of this workout while the janitors come in and out changing the trash in my classroom, certainly I can be trusted to do the workout without you "watching me."
To those of you with a warm sun to melt your snow and warm the air- USE IT! :)
Along with ridiculously cold outside for what seems like an endless amount of time, Kotzebue is also 500 miles from the city. That is code for really expensive food. Our grocery store, if fully stocked, proudly displays its $10 gallons of milk, $1single bananas, and $11 bags of grapes. However, a box of Shells and Cheese, made by none other than Velveeta, rings up at only around $3 a box. Even if you splurge and buy all healthy items...they are half-way to rotten the day you take them home thanks the the few day trek it took them to get up here....SO, eating healthy can be less than thrilling in taste, and empty your wallet fast.
So what do most of us do? Sit inside, eat junk, and gain weight. And, we are hiding away in the Arctic...so it is easy to justify such an act. After all, not a sole will find me here.
The truth: I am venturing south in less than 3 months. It will be swim suit season, and more importantly wedding season- my wedding season. SOOOO..weight gain at this point is less than preferred.
With healthy snacks tricky to obtain at all times for a reasonable cost, exercise is a must- but how does one exercise when it is below zero outside? Well, there is the tredmill and the eliptical that I can get my hands on after school if I find someone with a key to the room to let me in...and if I don't, or its the weekend...its workout video time!
Now, don't get me wrong, workout videos have been a great invention- they have helped many people reach their goals when say, they can't get to a gym, and its too cold to exercise outside. But month after month of Jillian Michaels telling you how badass she is can bring a person to anger in seconds. If I hear Jillian tell me one more time that SHE, not me, SHE is shredding my glutes as she stands there on the screen in a bra and yoga pants while I jump up and down sweating to death in my living room- I am gonna lose it.
This new found resentment of working out in my living room or classroom cannot all be blamed on entirely for Jillian Michaels- after all I (yes I) have begun to shred those glues, but anyone ever so much as heard the voice of the P90X guy? On the upside of things, he does entertain the idea of it being YOU actually doing the work, not HIM. But the man can't count he says 1,2....3,4...5, as though you take a break between 2 and 3 and 4 and 5..and Mister, I am not a "kid" so stop referring to me as one.
So, what I am asking for, is a specially designed Arctic workout video. This video will hold all the right elements..a normal looking human being who did not eat apples for an entire day before shooting the video half naked. It would cast normal people struggling through the workout, wearing clothes, and looking as miserable as I usually feel. It would also include a less than cocky leading individual who would tell you how to do the workout, and turn up the tunes loud and fast to pump you up during each routine. And not once will anyone say "I am watching you," because everyone knows you can't possibly see me through the TV screen on the tape you shot over a year ago. I will watch myself thank you. If I have the stamina to move my kids desks everyday and go through the motions of this workout while the janitors come in and out changing the trash in my classroom, certainly I can be trusted to do the workout without you "watching me."
To those of you with a warm sun to melt your snow and warm the air- USE IT! :)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Kotz in Winter
There are lots of things Kotzebue is...and many it is not. But there certainly is one thing it isabove all else- WHITE!
Since the week before Halloween there has been snow on the ground. Now don't think there has been a constant light dusting. It has been piling up into HUGE piles all over town. I don't remember what was where in town before snow..I don't remember how wide the streets actually were, I don't remember which streets were the paved streets, I don't remember which piles were once piles of dirt and which are just giant piles of snow. The most glorious part of these large amounts of snow is that is is as white as the day it fell. There is not an ounce of brownish slush, or black snow from vehicles or melting. It has been of 32 degrees maybe a handful of days since October, and the low traffic volume is not enough to melt the snow on its own.
It is awesome.
And beautiful.
Here are some pictures from around town int he past few weeks...
Since the week before Halloween there has been snow on the ground. Now don't think there has been a constant light dusting. It has been piling up into HUGE piles all over town. I don't remember what was where in town before snow..I don't remember how wide the streets actually were, I don't remember which streets were the paved streets, I don't remember which piles were once piles of dirt and which are just giant piles of snow. The most glorious part of these large amounts of snow is that is is as white as the day it fell. There is not an ounce of brownish slush, or black snow from vehicles or melting. It has been of 32 degrees maybe a handful of days since October, and the low traffic volume is not enough to melt the snow on its own.
It is awesome.
And beautiful.
 |
| Skyler and Fiona on the lagoon making snow angels... |
 |
| The snow drift next to our house...That on the left is our neighbors roof... |
 |
| Snow drift in the parking lot. |
 |
| The Lagoon at sunset. |
 |
| The road into our apartment complex, VERY skinny...normally wide. |
 |
| Our front porch |
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Frozen SHUT!
Today it is a pretty cold February day. On the walk to school it was something around -33 or so. It was mostly caused from wind chill, but cold all the same. Then, by lunch it was snowing QUITE hard. By the end of the school day the after school activities were cancelled and everyone was to go right home after school- blizzard warning in effect until the morning.
So, with all this free time I had without coaching basketball we decdied to borrow a sno-go (snow mobile) and take a ride to the post office (such a treat! normally we have to walk!). On the way back from the post office the conditions were getting windier and snowier (I don't think those two adjectives are words...). We had three of us all together so two were on the sno-go while I rode in back on the basket sled (this is a sled that resembles a dog sled in shape but is made of wood and turned backwards and hooked up the back of snow machines). So, as I was sitting there, the snow was blowing into my face with great force. So, naturally I would close my eyes from time to time...
Well, by the time we stopped, my right eye was stuck shut. I just could not open it. No matter how hard to fought to open that eye-lid it would not. It didn't hurt- it just wouldn't open. It was probably only stuck that way for about 2 minutes before I went inside to thaw it out. BUT MAN, that was wild!!
And there is the story of the day my eye froze shut. :)
So, with all this free time I had without coaching basketball we decdied to borrow a sno-go (snow mobile) and take a ride to the post office (such a treat! normally we have to walk!). On the way back from the post office the conditions were getting windier and snowier (I don't think those two adjectives are words...). We had three of us all together so two were on the sno-go while I rode in back on the basket sled (this is a sled that resembles a dog sled in shape but is made of wood and turned backwards and hooked up the back of snow machines). So, as I was sitting there, the snow was blowing into my face with great force. So, naturally I would close my eyes from time to time...
Well, by the time we stopped, my right eye was stuck shut. I just could not open it. No matter how hard to fought to open that eye-lid it would not. It didn't hurt- it just wouldn't open. It was probably only stuck that way for about 2 minutes before I went inside to thaw it out. BUT MAN, that was wild!!
And there is the story of the day my eye froze shut. :)
Monday, February 7, 2011
First Grade Mumblings...part III
First Graders are the reason I like my job.
"That smart board ain't that smart, Ms. Ray. It always do the wrong thing."
Me: "Get your shirt out of your mouth, please."
Student: "Ms. Ray, shirts just taste SO good."
Me: "You really need to stop talking and jumping and playing army in the hallway, please."
Student: "Ms. Ray, I CAN"T CONTROL MYSELF!"
While coaching 1st and 2nd grade basketball...
Me: Ok. Husky Pups on 3..1, 2, 3...
Whole team minus 1: HUSKY PUPS!
Student: Ms. Ray, I didn't do the cheer.
me: Why is that?
Student: 'Cause I don't like huskies. I like Pirates!"
-After eating lunch in our classroom: "Ms. Ray, it stinks in here. You need to Febreeze this place."
We have a bunch of "Wild things" that fifth graders made after reading the story "Where the Wild Things are" in the library...."Ms. Ray. Those things are Chubacas (sp?...character from Star Wars..)
me: Actually, those are wild things from the book "Where the Wild Things Are..see, the story is right here..."
(moment of contemplation......) Student: No. You're wrong. they are chubacas.
student: "Ms. ray! You go paint on your shirt during art!"
me: "I know! Bummer, huh?"
student: "You need some clorox 2!"
student: "This looks like Boliva."
me: do you mean vanilla?
student: "what is boliva?"
me:"vanilla?"
student: "is boliva the white one?"
me: "yes. vanilla is white."
student: "what's the pink?"
me: "strawberry."
student: "oh. this pink paint looks like chabunny. YUM! Chabunny!"
student: "Ms. Ray, you're eating our party cupcakes."
me: Yes, I am. YUMMMM!"
student: how come i can't have one?
me: eat your lunch first.
student: ok. but ms. ray...are they good? do you like your own cooking right now?
me: alright first graders take a minute and think..do you want your dragon hat on your head or in your cubby? make a choice right now by the time I count to 10. Once you choose that dragon hat needs to stay where you put it and you may not play with it anymore until recess...because you guys are making ms. ray crazy with them."
student: well ms. ray, then you should not have let us make these....
:)
"That smart board ain't that smart, Ms. Ray. It always do the wrong thing."
Me: "Get your shirt out of your mouth, please."
Student: "Ms. Ray, shirts just taste SO good."
Me: "You really need to stop talking and jumping and playing army in the hallway, please."
Student: "Ms. Ray, I CAN"T CONTROL MYSELF!"
While coaching 1st and 2nd grade basketball...
Me: Ok. Husky Pups on 3..1, 2, 3...
Whole team minus 1: HUSKY PUPS!
Student: Ms. Ray, I didn't do the cheer.
me: Why is that?
Student: 'Cause I don't like huskies. I like Pirates!"
-After eating lunch in our classroom: "Ms. Ray, it stinks in here. You need to Febreeze this place."
We have a bunch of "Wild things" that fifth graders made after reading the story "Where the Wild Things are" in the library...."Ms. Ray. Those things are Chubacas (sp?...character from Star Wars..)
me: Actually, those are wild things from the book "Where the Wild Things Are..see, the story is right here..."
(moment of contemplation......) Student: No. You're wrong. they are chubacas.
student: "Ms. ray! You go paint on your shirt during art!"
me: "I know! Bummer, huh?"
student: "You need some clorox 2!"
student: "This looks like Boliva."
me: do you mean vanilla?
student: "what is boliva?"
me:"vanilla?"
student: "is boliva the white one?"
me: "yes. vanilla is white."
student: "what's the pink?"
me: "strawberry."
student: "oh. this pink paint looks like chabunny. YUM! Chabunny!"
student: "Ms. Ray, you're eating our party cupcakes."
me: Yes, I am. YUMMMM!"
student: how come i can't have one?
me: eat your lunch first.
student: ok. but ms. ray...are they good? do you like your own cooking right now?
me: alright first graders take a minute and think..do you want your dragon hat on your head or in your cubby? make a choice right now by the time I count to 10. Once you choose that dragon hat needs to stay where you put it and you may not play with it anymore until recess...because you guys are making ms. ray crazy with them."
student: well ms. ray, then you should not have let us make these....
:)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Eskimo Tough
I am NOT Eskimo Tough.
Today on my walk to school, about a fifteen minute walk, I saw another Eskimo Tough individual.
I have begun to notice the true difference between me and the natives:
No, it is not our skin color, our hair color, our eye color, or our difference in language-though all of these things do set me apart- it is their sheer ability to withstand the cold, and my inability to do so.
As I walk to school, or the store, or anywhere, I proudly flaunt my whimpy Colorado self. And when I say proudly, what I mean is I almost always lower my head in shame and hope no one notices who I am under all that winter attire. When I go outside this is what I wear (usually): snow pants, two jackets (one A GIANT down), boots, thin hat, fur hat, face mask, mittens and boots. What I see many extremely tough natives wearing: a thin coat, boots. MAYBE a parka and boots (parka being a beautiful jacket lined with fur). Are they hiding from the cold? no. Can you see their face? yes. Are they freezing? God, I hope so; otherwise I am such a sorry excuse for an arctic dweller.
Perhaps it is because they have lived here so long, that when the temperature hit -40 it simply seems like a chilly day; perhaps they just like to show off to all us white people how much better adapted they are; perhaps they have so much frostbite all over their face that they can't feel a damn thing. Whatever the case, well done: I have been put to shame.
By the way. It was -54 yesterday with windchill (-38 before wind factor). Today, a -50, -29 before wind. We did an experiment yesterday...we threw boiling water into the freezing air to see what might happen. It FROZE instantly, and then, evaporated so quick it never so much as begins falling to the ground. It was fascinatingly fun. I have a video. Now, when you watch this video, be certain to look just below the top of the railing of our porch. There, under all the steam, you will notice some rather "rainlike" pieces for only a second, then they will be gone. Those are the sheets of ice that form so quick, and disappear immediately.
Today on my walk to school, about a fifteen minute walk, I saw another Eskimo Tough individual.
I have begun to notice the true difference between me and the natives:
No, it is not our skin color, our hair color, our eye color, or our difference in language-though all of these things do set me apart- it is their sheer ability to withstand the cold, and my inability to do so.
As I walk to school, or the store, or anywhere, I proudly flaunt my whimpy Colorado self. And when I say proudly, what I mean is I almost always lower my head in shame and hope no one notices who I am under all that winter attire. When I go outside this is what I wear (usually): snow pants, two jackets (one A GIANT down), boots, thin hat, fur hat, face mask, mittens and boots. What I see many extremely tough natives wearing: a thin coat, boots. MAYBE a parka and boots (parka being a beautiful jacket lined with fur). Are they hiding from the cold? no. Can you see their face? yes. Are they freezing? God, I hope so; otherwise I am such a sorry excuse for an arctic dweller.
 |
| This is me, bundled up, after a walk home from church. I almost always collect a good hatful of frost. :) |
Perhaps it is because they have lived here so long, that when the temperature hit -40 it simply seems like a chilly day; perhaps they just like to show off to all us white people how much better adapted they are; perhaps they have so much frostbite all over their face that they can't feel a damn thing. Whatever the case, well done: I have been put to shame.
By the way. It was -54 yesterday with windchill (-38 before wind factor). Today, a -50, -29 before wind. We did an experiment yesterday...we threw boiling water into the freezing air to see what might happen. It FROZE instantly, and then, evaporated so quick it never so much as begins falling to the ground. It was fascinatingly fun. I have a video. Now, when you watch this video, be certain to look just below the top of the railing of our porch. There, under all the steam, you will notice some rather "rainlike" pieces for only a second, then they will be gone. Those are the sheets of ice that form so quick, and disappear immediately.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
100 days of 1st Grade
Yesterday, January 21, was the 100th day of 1st grade here at the Northwest Arctic Borough. The 100th Day does not mark anything too significant, other than a party and excuse to celebrate and play at school. It also marks my first 100 days as a teacher of my very own class.
How have the last 100 days been?
hard.
tiring.
enlightening.
silly.
heart-breaking.
hilarious.
interesting.
fun.
ridiculous.
discouraging.
joyful.
confusing.
successful.
unsuccessful.
ever-changing.
playful.
creative.
There are a million words to describe teaching, and especially one's first year. Every day, every lesson, is a chance to better improve teaching, and to reflect on what goes on in the classroom. Reflection often just brings up all the hundreds of ways to reach a student, to treat a student, to understand a student, to be be patient, to enjoy the moment, to survive the moment, and to teach. There is almost always a different way to have gone about things- and I am certain there is no right answer. BUT, I have learned there are some wrong answers.
I have learned that in reality, the way to handle particular teaching moments don't depend on the teacher, nearly as much as they depend on the student. Obviously, the outcome is dependent on both parties, teacher and student, but what needs to be done depends on the student. Often it seems like my day can be broken down into consequences: punishments and rewards. Every student requires their own set of reinforcements. Certainly, there is a class-wide system of management, but there is a certain level of individual attention for every student, either spoken or unspoken. For some students they need stern and unbroken discipline and structure, for others they need a bit more love, for the next one, perhaps they need extra explanation, while others might need to be left to work it out in their way and time. For some you must ignore them, for others you must be always attentive.
Each student has their own list of needs, all the while, the facts, the curriculum, the stories, the worksheets, the answers to questions must all get done. Each student needs to improve, needs to learn to read, needs to know basic addition and subtraction, and must be able to tell me what all living things need to survive; above all else, in first grade we are learning how to live in a world with guidelines, with structure, with a list of things-to-do, with a million personalities, with different needs, with different rewards, with different punishments, with a "one-size fits all" that doesn't fit quite right, and how to do it well- while getting along and smiling the whole time. In first grade we learn how to say what we like, and don't like, what we need and don't need, and we learn how to play with the person who does it completely differently than you, but realize that might just be ok. That book called "All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" is dead on.
NOW, the only question left remaining is: HOW IN THE WORLD DO I DO THIS!?!?!
I have 72 days left to attempt the impossible- AND teach them to read and write.
Dear Lord, HELP! ....please. :)
How have the last 100 days been?
hard.
tiring.
enlightening.
silly.
heart-breaking.
hilarious.
interesting.
fun.
ridiculous.
discouraging.
joyful.
confusing.
successful.
unsuccessful.
ever-changing.
playful.
creative.
There are a million words to describe teaching, and especially one's first year. Every day, every lesson, is a chance to better improve teaching, and to reflect on what goes on in the classroom. Reflection often just brings up all the hundreds of ways to reach a student, to treat a student, to understand a student, to be be patient, to enjoy the moment, to survive the moment, and to teach. There is almost always a different way to have gone about things- and I am certain there is no right answer. BUT, I have learned there are some wrong answers.
I have learned that in reality, the way to handle particular teaching moments don't depend on the teacher, nearly as much as they depend on the student. Obviously, the outcome is dependent on both parties, teacher and student, but what needs to be done depends on the student. Often it seems like my day can be broken down into consequences: punishments and rewards. Every student requires their own set of reinforcements. Certainly, there is a class-wide system of management, but there is a certain level of individual attention for every student, either spoken or unspoken. For some students they need stern and unbroken discipline and structure, for others they need a bit more love, for the next one, perhaps they need extra explanation, while others might need to be left to work it out in their way and time. For some you must ignore them, for others you must be always attentive.
Each student has their own list of needs, all the while, the facts, the curriculum, the stories, the worksheets, the answers to questions must all get done. Each student needs to improve, needs to learn to read, needs to know basic addition and subtraction, and must be able to tell me what all living things need to survive; above all else, in first grade we are learning how to live in a world with guidelines, with structure, with a list of things-to-do, with a million personalities, with different needs, with different rewards, with different punishments, with a "one-size fits all" that doesn't fit quite right, and how to do it well- while getting along and smiling the whole time. In first grade we learn how to say what we like, and don't like, what we need and don't need, and we learn how to play with the person who does it completely differently than you, but realize that might just be ok. That book called "All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" is dead on.
NOW, the only question left remaining is: HOW IN THE WORLD DO I DO THIS!?!?!
I have 72 days left to attempt the impossible- AND teach them to read and write.
Dear Lord, HELP! ....please. :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Home for the Holidays= Realization of missing facts
It's been many weeks since I wrote. That is simply because I was home for the Holidays Which, by the way, was lovely. I was free to eat at any number of restaurants, with any kind of food I could possibly desire, and drive in cars, and wear no jacket, and sleep in late, and see the sun! All wonderful treats. It was an interesting transition both back to Colorado, and back to Kotzebue.
When I first got back to Colorado, I was not thrilled to be home. The sun was too bright, the city was too much, there were too many cars blocking my view of the horizon. I couldn't watch the sun rise and I was exhausted from too much activity. BUT, that lasted about 2 days, then I was excited and pleased to see everyone, and enjoy all the thrills of life in the "lower forty eight."
Just about the time I was certain I never wanted to leave Colorado ever again, it was time to leave Colorado. DOOM. So, back in Kotzebue I find myself randomly feeling at a loss because this weekend when I wake up I won't have a single plan, a single person to see, or a thing I must do. But, I am beginning to adjust, and the first graders have already tired me out enough I might just be perfectly content sleeping for the entirety of the weekend.
While I was home I was asked a number of questions. All questions I somehow didn't see coming. For some reason I was under the impression I was thorough in my blogging- and never left the facts out. WRONG. Here lies the answer to the FAQ's. :)
1) No, there aren't polar bears. They live a little farther north for the most part. But, even if they did live right here, they would have zero reason to come to town. There are miles upon miles of open tundra and ice...no reason to go to town where they would be instantly shot.
2) Yes, my house, and most houses, are on stilts. The perma-frost in these parts is simply too much for houses to withstand. Many buildings are raised up from the ground a few feet (maybe 4?).
3)Ya know, I am not certain what everyone does for work here. There is the hospital, and the school, most of which are mostly worked by lots of people from the lower forty eight who came up for work, aside from secretaries and such. There are two stores, a post office, a art gallery, a museum, a hotel, and a few other odds and ends that need running. Other than that, there is a mine like 90(ish?) miles from here called Red Dog Mine, some people work there. There is construction currently on a new hotel (Marriot! My oh my!), and otherwise I have no idea. There is very cheap/free health care for natives, and large sums of money for different things given a few times a year- so they get a lot of help that way. But, I don't know exactly what all is done for work here in Kotzebue. I will find this out, and the answer will come!
4)The entirety of wildlife I have seen since I was here includes:
Ravens
a moose (in anchorage)
Seals
Musk Ox (in Nome)
are here, but i have not seen:
caribou
fox
walrus
Beluga Whale
Grizzly Bear
(probably more as well...)
5)YES! I do see the Northern Lights. They appear every now and then on my walk to school. But on a clear night, if I go out in the middle of the night they can be spotted often. Clear night being the key word...its not always clear here. BUT, they are usually green here. They have been pink before, but for the most part, they are green.
6) YES! I do enjoy it here. YES, I probably would do another here or so here, if it weren't for the whole getting married and have a wonderful life in Colorado awaiting me.
7) It's not the coldest place on earth. haha. It is certainly cold, but more than anything it is because of wind chill. It si often a good -10 or so but the wind chill can bring that temperature WAY down to -20's and -30's. The coldest I have felt thus far is -35 with wind chill. It will get much colder than that I hear...but currently its warmer in Kotzebue than Colorado....The interior of the state, such as Fairbanks, is much colder. I live on the coast, and the ocean helps to regulate the temperatures...so people tell me. :)
8) Most people get around town here via 4-wheeler (known as "Honda"), and Snow Machine or Snow Mobile (known as "Sno-Go") here. There are lots of cars, but it is RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE to fuel up here, so other modes are far more common. I have no form of transport myself besides my own two feet. I walk everywhere, for the most part. I do enjoy this very much though.
That is pretty much all I can recall, but I am happy and willing to answer any other questions that arise. :)
For now I am happily teaching my wonderful class of 6-7 year olds and enjoying every moment. I am readjusting to being away from my Colorado life, but still certain moving here was a wonderful choice!
When I first got back to Colorado, I was not thrilled to be home. The sun was too bright, the city was too much, there were too many cars blocking my view of the horizon. I couldn't watch the sun rise and I was exhausted from too much activity. BUT, that lasted about 2 days, then I was excited and pleased to see everyone, and enjoy all the thrills of life in the "lower forty eight."
Just about the time I was certain I never wanted to leave Colorado ever again, it was time to leave Colorado. DOOM. So, back in Kotzebue I find myself randomly feeling at a loss because this weekend when I wake up I won't have a single plan, a single person to see, or a thing I must do. But, I am beginning to adjust, and the first graders have already tired me out enough I might just be perfectly content sleeping for the entirety of the weekend.
While I was home I was asked a number of questions. All questions I somehow didn't see coming. For some reason I was under the impression I was thorough in my blogging- and never left the facts out. WRONG. Here lies the answer to the FAQ's. :)
1) No, there aren't polar bears. They live a little farther north for the most part. But, even if they did live right here, they would have zero reason to come to town. There are miles upon miles of open tundra and ice...no reason to go to town where they would be instantly shot.
2) Yes, my house, and most houses, are on stilts. The perma-frost in these parts is simply too much for houses to withstand. Many buildings are raised up from the ground a few feet (maybe 4?).
3)Ya know, I am not certain what everyone does for work here. There is the hospital, and the school, most of which are mostly worked by lots of people from the lower forty eight who came up for work, aside from secretaries and such. There are two stores, a post office, a art gallery, a museum, a hotel, and a few other odds and ends that need running. Other than that, there is a mine like 90(ish?) miles from here called Red Dog Mine, some people work there. There is construction currently on a new hotel (Marriot! My oh my!), and otherwise I have no idea. There is very cheap/free health care for natives, and large sums of money for different things given a few times a year- so they get a lot of help that way. But, I don't know exactly what all is done for work here in Kotzebue. I will find this out, and the answer will come!
4)The entirety of wildlife I have seen since I was here includes:
Ravens
a moose (in anchorage)
Seals
Musk Ox (in Nome)
are here, but i have not seen:
caribou
fox
walrus
Beluga Whale
Grizzly Bear
(probably more as well...)
5)YES! I do see the Northern Lights. They appear every now and then on my walk to school. But on a clear night, if I go out in the middle of the night they can be spotted often. Clear night being the key word...its not always clear here. BUT, they are usually green here. They have been pink before, but for the most part, they are green.
6) YES! I do enjoy it here. YES, I probably would do another here or so here, if it weren't for the whole getting married and have a wonderful life in Colorado awaiting me.
7) It's not the coldest place on earth. haha. It is certainly cold, but more than anything it is because of wind chill. It si often a good -10 or so but the wind chill can bring that temperature WAY down to -20's and -30's. The coldest I have felt thus far is -35 with wind chill. It will get much colder than that I hear...but currently its warmer in Kotzebue than Colorado....The interior of the state, such as Fairbanks, is much colder. I live on the coast, and the ocean helps to regulate the temperatures...so people tell me. :)
8) Most people get around town here via 4-wheeler (known as "Honda"), and Snow Machine or Snow Mobile (known as "Sno-Go") here. There are lots of cars, but it is RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE to fuel up here, so other modes are far more common. I have no form of transport myself besides my own two feet. I walk everywhere, for the most part. I do enjoy this very much though.
That is pretty much all I can recall, but I am happy and willing to answer any other questions that arise. :)
For now I am happily teaching my wonderful class of 6-7 year olds and enjoying every moment. I am readjusting to being away from my Colorado life, but still certain moving here was a wonderful choice!
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