Technology and I haven't been on the best of terms...since the technology era began. Honestly, I don't know when it happened for everyone else because I really avoided it as long as possible. Yes, I still listen to my records, use typewriters, prefer to read paper than a computer screen...oh I could go on. Sure I can handle mechanical because it is easy to SEE what needs to be fixed, easy to take apart with actual hope of putting it back together or making a repair. With technology I have only a wing and a prayer. It is all embedded like a secretive underworld that only those who enjoy living in dark caves understand. I like the light of day, really I do. And I happen to enjoy my sanity, which sometimes goes south when I am in the midst of a computer trauma.
Having said that though, I am now in a position that really requires me to use technology daily. It is an exciting (and, oh, so frustrating) challenge. Case in point would be blogging. I like the idea of writing and journaling (of course I would love that part of blogging); however, there is this learning curve directly associated with learning all the ins and outs of how to use the blog (which requires a bit more tech savvy). Setting, layout, monetize, font size, background color, and a zillion other teeny details that I could really spend my retirement years sorting though. If I make it that far. So, that explains why some of my photos are sideways instead of straight. I now know how to fix it, but it is so time consuming to do these tech things. I will fix them...eventually. Usually I have plenty of patience, but I must admit that it is uber obvious that I am a Second Language Learner when it comes to this tech stuff.
My students are definitely in the know as far as computers are concerned. I always have questions for them and they are great to help. Not only do I use computers daily, I now have a Mac to use here at school instead of a PC. I've always considered myself a PC because that is what I have always used. Honestly though (I whisper with cupped hands), I like the Mac; it is user friendly. YEAH!! It may indeed be user friendly, but the user still has a lot to learn. There are some man uevers I miss on the Mac (again, it may be here, but I haven't found it). I keep my PC in my apartment. I feel like I am cheating on him, so I use him at home and usually leave the MacBook at school. He is still the keeper of my songs and itunes, although I really do think they can share music. Both are quite friendly computers. My MacBook's name is Jezebel because I do think she enjoys torturing me sometimes. (that, of course, is the PG version of her naming).
I leave my MacBook at school. I literally live seconds away from the school so it is easy enough to walk over and work on the computer when I need to. It is better that way because if I go to school there is the intention to work and if I take it home I could procrastinate easier. Plus, we really don't have internet at home so in order to access it I have to be at school. That works for me. It helps me keep my work and home life a bit separate. At the end of the day, I really have NO desire to haul a computer around. To make the relationship work between Jezebel and myself; we need time apart. It works for us!!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
My School District: LKSD
Thought you might want to know a bit about my school district and my school. I work in the Lower Kuskokwim School District which is named for the Kuskokwim River which runs through it. The Kuskokwim River which runs right past my village is approximately 724 miles long and is the 9th largest river in the United States. It is the longest free flowing river in the United States and is the longest river entirely within one state (Alaska). Pretty cool facts, aren't they?
This river provides subsistence fishing for the locals including various types of salmon, which is a staple food in the Yup'ik diet.It is one of Alaska's largest rural districts and serves an area approximately the size of the state of West Virginia. Most of the students are native Yup'ik (which is one of the Alaskan Native Cultures). In my school there is a strong focus on culture and bilingualism (English and Yup'ik). Students study both languages K-12.
My school Qugcuun Memorial School has 31 students: 9 high school, 11 junior high, and 11 elementary students. We have 3 certified teachers, 2 classified (para professionals), and a principal who also teaches.
Although I am officially the high school teacher, we all move around quite a bit. Here is my daily rotation.
1st Period (Reading): My classroom
2nd Period (Writing): My classroom
3rd Period (Algebra I-VTC): Library
4th Period (Ancient History-J.H.): Christina's Room (J.H. classroom)
5th Period (My Plan Period/ Writing): Library
6th Period (U.S. History): My classroom
7th Period (Health): My classroom
The class periods when I am not in my classroom someone else is. We rotate. We are movers and shakers here and do what needs to be done.
The school day is from 8:30-3:45. We have a morning meeting everyday from 8:30-8:45 where we focus on a new Yup'ik word every week and each day we discuss a different aspect of that word. I should post them. It is my daily Yup'ik lesson. We also have announcements and then we recite a pledge, alternating between the Yup'ik pledge and the Kussaq (white person) pledge. Then classes officially start at 8:45am.
Taking A Steam
Oh, I can't believe I haven't written about my steam experience. No photos for this entry. Hee-hee. I simply don't have pictures of the steam house, but will take some for you to have a gander...but only shots of the building-no action photos. ;)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CranB
I have a new puppy!!! She is what is called a village pup, a puppy from the village. Yeah, pretty simple. She is actually the daughter of Sir, a full-blood Malamute, and Bright, a village mutt. The litter was born around the time I first arrived and all during cross country season I saw the puppies as we ran by during practice. Oh, how cute they were!!!
Well, about a month ago she came home. She is adorable. I will be writing more about my CranB (short for Cranberry and my favorite tundra berry), but for now I am making this a quick post so everyone can have a sneak peak of what she looked like as a puppy. She has grown a bit and those pics will be posted as soon as I take some more.
So, I have included her father, Sir. A picture of her and her brother (she is on the right and the brother is on the left). Enjoy!!
Interesting Foods
Okay, the cuisine here has a local flair to be sure. Berries, of course, are served in a dish called Agudak. It is made by whipping Crisco until it is fluffy and adding oil, sugar,berries and a possible assortment of other ingredients. Some people choose to cut the Crisco with mashed potatoes or perhaps fish eggs. So the recipes vary depending on who is making the agudak. My first sampling was at new teacher in-service my first week and it wasn't really a flavor I wanted to experience again. However, when in Rome... and so, with Agudak as with other local specialties, I have tried them many a time.
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Other interesting foods include seal, moose, dried fish, bird (and I don't really distinguish what kind of bird on purpose because it is not always indicated what kind is being served). Most of the meats are boiled and boiling food tends to make the meat a specific texture. I am a true Tactile/Kinesthetic person, so for me food is not only about taste but also texture. Having said that, many of those who know me also know that just because I put it in my mouth does not mean I commit to swallowing. However, I now know that I could definitely make it on Amazing Race because before my biggest concern was not being able to eat/swallow certain things/food. I may indeed have a quick gag reflex, but I can get it down if need be. And, frankly, although some of the new foods I have tried are very different for me, I am so glad I try everything. In the pictures below there is salmon soup which was delicious. In the soup there were salmon eggs and the taste was nice but the texture made the eating more challenging. I did it and enjoyed the tasty soup.
Seal, on the other hand, is a very dense and strong tasting meat. To me it definitely tastes like liver...dark, dense, strong in taste. Because I associate it with liver, it is a little difficult for me to enjoy. I do eat it and hopefully I do that graciously. The flavor will have to grow on me in time.
Dried fish. Apparently most fish can be dried. Here they spend the majority of the summer catching fish and drying them so they can preserve it to eat throughout the year. There are many varieties and they have different tastes. I am starting to enjoy dried fish better than I did in the beginning. I certainly cannot eat as much as the locals, but I do always eat some when I am offered. My favorite so far is the red salmon. SO YUMMY!!! Here, I must say that it is normal to dip the dried fish in seal oil. I've done it once and ,oh, it wasn't pretty. Oh sure, some of you have seen me spit out my food or make a horrible face because I am not one to hide how I feel very well. Oh, this was different. I try to be hospitable and gracious, but that didn't happen. It was TOO strong and my gag reflex (self protection) went into action. I did swallow so I was proud of myself, but the flavor lingered for a VERY long time. So what is seal oil? It is the fat or blubber off of a seal. When a seal is being butchered the fat is kept and as it warms to room temperature it begins to render and turns into a liquid form known as seal oil. I have been told that some oil is stronger than others and I need to try one that is less strong. It is going to be awhile before I try seal oil again.
The picture I have here of dried fish is dried halibut which is from the coast and not caught here in our river.
Although I don't have a picture I also tried whale skin and blubber. Now, that is one I should have had video taped. Nope, Segue was neither swave or subtle in that experience. I was told it would taste and feel a bit like the rubber of a tire and to suck on it to really savor the flavor. Oh my goodness!!! To say I gagged would be a wild understatement.
I immediately sucked on the piece and it popped out of my mouth. Immediately my eyes started to water and I thought I was going to wet on myself. Compared to this seal is super mild!!! Not everyone at the feast was even given a piece because there was a limited amount. I was told not to waste it so I popped it back in my mouth. I was standing and turned to face away from everyone so they couldn't see my expression. They didn't need to...my dancing about and squealing said it all. They laughed at me, but were glad I gave it a try and actually ate it. Of course, I did. Hey, I can do anything. I've always said it and believed it, but know I KNOW IT. I had to try it because where I live it is a delicacy because it is a coastal food and a food we cannot get here. In fact not even all my students have had it so I feel very thankful to have tried it. Still a bit shaken up and disgusted, but that's alright.
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Other interesting foods include seal, moose, dried fish, bird (and I don't really distinguish what kind of bird on purpose because it is not always indicated what kind is being served). Most of the meats are boiled and boiling food tends to make the meat a specific texture. I am a true Tactile/Kinesthetic person, so for me food is not only about taste but also texture. Having said that, many of those who know me also know that just because I put it in my mouth does not mean I commit to swallowing. However, I now know that I could definitely make it on Amazing Race because before my biggest concern was not being able to eat/swallow certain things/food. I may indeed have a quick gag reflex, but I can get it down if need be. And, frankly, although some of the new foods I have tried are very different for me, I am so glad I try everything. In the pictures below there is salmon soup which was delicious. In the soup there were salmon eggs and the taste was nice but the texture made the eating more challenging. I did it and enjoyed the tasty soup.
Seal, on the other hand, is a very dense and strong tasting meat. To me it definitely tastes like liver...dark, dense, strong in taste. Because I associate it with liver, it is a little difficult for me to enjoy. I do eat it and hopefully I do that graciously. The flavor will have to grow on me in time.
Dried fish. Apparently most fish can be dried. Here they spend the majority of the summer catching fish and drying them so they can preserve it to eat throughout the year. There are many varieties and they have different tastes. I am starting to enjoy dried fish better than I did in the beginning. I certainly cannot eat as much as the locals, but I do always eat some when I am offered. My favorite so far is the red salmon. SO YUMMY!!! Here, I must say that it is normal to dip the dried fish in seal oil. I've done it once and ,oh, it wasn't pretty. Oh sure, some of you have seen me spit out my food or make a horrible face because I am not one to hide how I feel very well. Oh, this was different. I try to be hospitable and gracious, but that didn't happen. It was TOO strong and my gag reflex (self protection) went into action. I did swallow so I was proud of myself, but the flavor lingered for a VERY long time. So what is seal oil? It is the fat or blubber off of a seal. When a seal is being butchered the fat is kept and as it warms to room temperature it begins to render and turns into a liquid form known as seal oil. I have been told that some oil is stronger than others and I need to try one that is less strong. It is going to be awhile before I try seal oil again.
The picture I have here of dried fish is dried halibut which is from the coast and not caught here in our river.
Although I don't have a picture I also tried whale skin and blubber. Now, that is one I should have had video taped. Nope, Segue was neither swave or subtle in that experience. I was told it would taste and feel a bit like the rubber of a tire and to suck on it to really savor the flavor. Oh my goodness!!! To say I gagged would be a wild understatement.
I immediately sucked on the piece and it popped out of my mouth. Immediately my eyes started to water and I thought I was going to wet on myself. Compared to this seal is super mild!!! Not everyone at the feast was even given a piece because there was a limited amount. I was told not to waste it so I popped it back in my mouth. I was standing and turned to face away from everyone so they couldn't see my expression. They didn't need to...my dancing about and squealing said it all. They laughed at me, but were glad I gave it a try and actually ate it. Of course, I did. Hey, I can do anything. I've always said it and believed it, but know I KNOW IT. I had to try it because where I live it is a delicacy because it is a coastal food and a food we cannot get here. In fact not even all my students have had it so I feel very thankful to have tried it. Still a bit shaken up and disgusted, but that's alright.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Home at Last: Oscarville
As soon as I made it to Oscarville I felt as though I was home at last. Since 2003 when I decided that Alaska was my goal I have been working diligently to reach that goal. All the work was worth it. I am home at last in Alaska.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Bethel: Week One
(Okay, inserting photos didn't go as I planned. So here they are and not in a specific order.)
Top left: Look close. There are blue berries, a salmon berry, black berries and a red berry (what I call cranberries.
Top right: Erin, Sandy, and our captian berry picking on the tundra.
Bottom left: The tundra (our surprise stop on our boat ride) has soft, spongy ground.
Bottom right: This is Erin, Sandy, and Elisabeth in the boat harbor waiting for a boat and a captain.
I arrived in Bethel bright and early Monday morning with a handful of other new teachers. We were greeted at the airport with a ride to the D.O. (district office). Once we arrived at the D.O. we unloaded our gear, spent the day taking care of paperwork, checking out our brand new MacBook Pro laptop computers (Fancy!), and running errands such as opening checking accounts, going to the post office, and some people even chose to purchase a new cell phone. Cell phones are fairly new to the delta, but only one provider works. I didn't buy one, which was a good idea because apparently we do not have good reception here in Oscarville.
Before the day ended I had always had many interesting experiences with Erin, also a new teacher to the district. Okay, I am going to be honest; I think the humor attached to the experiences may have been due to exhaustion and lack of sleep. No matter, because in the moment it was nice to laugh (a lot). So, as I am writing this I think that although I may still think those were funny moments no one reading this may agree. So I won’t bore you, the reader. When we went to the bank, Erin and I did, however, have contagious laughter because even the deposit counselor who help set up our accounts was laughing (she may have been laughing at us and not what we were saying though).
When the time finally came to be taken to our hotel, Erin and I decided to wait for the next ride because between the two of us we had quite a bit of luggage and we really did fill up the back of the suburban. Mary dropped us off at the Long House, the hotel where the new teachers were staying, and then we hauled all of our luggage inside (steps at every level – no ramps) and remember I had two carry ons, two checked bags, and now a laptop in a backpack. Thank goodness for my new luggage set with wheels!!!
As it turns out, we were not staying at the Long House!!! Mary came back, picked us up, and then we were off to find our accommodation. I say “find” because it took a few tries before we landed in the right location. It was worth the wait. Only four of us new teachers (Erin, Sandra, Jessica, and I) were staying at this place along with a principal and his wife. It was a beautiful multi-level home (bed and breakfast) and Erin and I stayed on the top floor/the loft. The house was gorgeous with an amazing view of the river. The windows were floor to ceiling; now I know how it would be to live in a glass house.
It was weird because after coming so far I still hadn't made it to my destination, my village.
One of the evenings we were given the opportunity to go out boating or fishing. Erin, Sandra, and I went out in a boat together. We weren’t really wanting to fish, but we were definitely up for a boat ride. Our guide took us down river and showed us Napaskiak (where my mail will be delivered), Oscarville (my future home), and then we had the opportunity to pick berries. What a nice surprise!! The tundra was soft and squishy like sponge.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Updating My Blog
Okay, so I've been a bit crap about updating my blog. Before I could write entries I had to decide what it is I wanted or should write on my blog. You see, I have been journaling my entire life, but let's be honest no one wants or needs to read those personal thoughts. So in usual Segue form I had to let the idea of a blog incubate for some time before I could create. Some may call it procrastinating, but I definitely disagree because I really am not one to put things off. Seriously (I hear some snickering happening so stop it!!), I always get it (whatever IT may be) done; however, I prefer to let it simmer awhile (maybe until the 13th hour) and then really go full force.
In my defense, however, I did actually create a blog within the first month of being here in Alaska...for me that is saying SOMETHING!!! Having said that I do not intend to rest on my laurels. In actuality, I have been making entries, just not on the blog. For those who know me, I am sure you are not surprised that I haven't done it the conventional avenue. I have been taking pictures as well and was worried that if I made an entry without posting the picture simultaneously I might not be able to make the two match later.
I still don't know if that is true or not because there are so many setting choices to consider and change that it is easy to get lost in the details rather than the substance. However, I do plan to transfer my postings to my blog THIS weekend which means I should be able to remain current. I am writing this as an entry so that I will be accountable to those who are expecting something to read.
Prepare yourself...because you will soon be in the know of my daily life in Oscarville.
In my defense, however, I did actually create a blog within the first month of being here in Alaska...for me that is saying SOMETHING!!! Having said that I do not intend to rest on my laurels. In actuality, I have been making entries, just not on the blog. For those who know me, I am sure you are not surprised that I haven't done it the conventional avenue. I have been taking pictures as well and was worried that if I made an entry without posting the picture simultaneously I might not be able to make the two match later.
I still don't know if that is true or not because there are so many setting choices to consider and change that it is easy to get lost in the details rather than the substance. However, I do plan to transfer my postings to my blog THIS weekend which means I should be able to remain current. I am writing this as an entry so that I will be accountable to those who are expecting something to read.
Prepare yourself...because you will soon be in the know of my daily life in Oscarville.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Finally Made it!!
Okay, so I have been here 3 weeks. It's hard to believe that 3 weeks have come and gone and only now have I sat down to make my first entry. Let's take a moment to recognize that I actually started a blog at all...hey, that is a huge technological step for me. I said I would and I have. The procrastinating side of me has also been at work. This blog concept is new for me. Although I have been journaling for years, this is quite different. It is a new idea for me to wrap my head around because it is personal but not private. This blog will be my forum for sharing my experiences with you. All of you.
I have to also admit that I have been terrible when it comes to emailing and telephoning. I cannot explain how full my days have been plus the additional time difference...
So please know that I have not intentionally neglected anyone. I have been living in the moment. Every moment. And what amazing moments they have been.
August 2nd I left Tulsa, Oklahoma to begin this new adventure. An adventure I have been preparing for since 2006. I left Tulsa with more luggage than I have ever traveled with in my life: 2 carry ons and 2 checked bags. My initial intention was to take 1 checked bag, but my mama offered her sage wisdom in telling me that even though I had to pay for my checked bags (grr) it was ultimately cheaper than posting a 50 lb. box to Alaska. I am quite happy I stuffed my luggage full of food because that is what I have primarily been eating for the last 3 weeks. We don't believe in starving in my family.
I've traveled a bit in my time, and usually I am dropped off at the curb. Not this time. I thought I may have been over zealous in my packing, so the padres came in just in case I had to lighten the load. Indeed I had to take a few items out. One was 51.5 lbs and the other 57 lbs...so out came a few cans of veggies and a bottle of Listerine. Then I ran into a little delay going through security. The id checker told me he had bad new; I thought he was joking. Nope. He said my driver's license expired on August 1st (the day before) and he really shouldn't let me through security with an expired id. What about my passport? Yes, the passport I take EVERYWHERE? In my bedroom...somewhere...I couldn't find it in the 13th hour. Then, the xray person thought I was transporting a car brake when in fact it was one of my weights for my barbells. It took three people to approve that item. Who knew that would have been an iffy carry on item? Obviously not me. The bad news is I have no current identification and I allowed my CDL to expire, but the good news is there are no roads where I am so driving is not currently an issue.
I have to also admit that I have been terrible when it comes to emailing and telephoning. I cannot explain how full my days have been plus the additional time difference...
So please know that I have not intentionally neglected anyone. I have been living in the moment. Every moment. And what amazing moments they have been.
August 2nd I left Tulsa, Oklahoma to begin this new adventure. An adventure I have been preparing for since 2006. I left Tulsa with more luggage than I have ever traveled with in my life: 2 carry ons and 2 checked bags. My initial intention was to take 1 checked bag, but my mama offered her sage wisdom in telling me that even though I had to pay for my checked bags (grr) it was ultimately cheaper than posting a 50 lb. box to Alaska. I am quite happy I stuffed my luggage full of food because that is what I have primarily been eating for the last 3 weeks. We don't believe in starving in my family.
I've traveled a bit in my time, and usually I am dropped off at the curb. Not this time. I thought I may have been over zealous in my packing, so the padres came in just in case I had to lighten the load. Indeed I had to take a few items out. One was 51.5 lbs and the other 57 lbs...so out came a few cans of veggies and a bottle of Listerine. Then I ran into a little delay going through security. The id checker told me he had bad new; I thought he was joking. Nope. He said my driver's license expired on August 1st (the day before) and he really shouldn't let me through security with an expired id. What about my passport? Yes, the passport I take EVERYWHERE? In my bedroom...somewhere...I couldn't find it in the 13th hour. Then, the xray person thought I was transporting a car brake when in fact it was one of my weights for my barbells. It took three people to approve that item. Who knew that would have been an iffy carry on item? Obviously not me. The bad news is I have no current identification and I allowed my CDL to expire, but the good news is there are no roads where I am so driving is not currently an issue.
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