Ripples on the Horizon

Glitch Prohibiting me from blogging

2012-02-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it would seem like I have abandoned my blog. I have not. There was a glitch prohibiting from me from writing on my blog. Here in wonderful Oscarville I only have internet access through the school. And the district has several restrictions and blocks on usage. This is not a blocked site and has never been. It was just a matter of time before I was able to figure out the problem. Now I am back and ready to update everyone.

I will work on updating the blog this weekend. Stay tuned....

Men in Alaska

2011-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

A popular cliché about finding a man in Alaska is, ''The odds are good, but the goods are odd.''

A popular cliché about breaking up with a woman in Alaska is, ''You don't lose your girl, you lose your turn.''

Alaska has a reputation for a high ratio of men to women. Surprisingly though, the ratio between men and women is quite even across the state. However, in some of the more remote areas of Alaska there is indeed a larger imbalance of men to women. Seriously, what kind of woman wants to live in the wild rugged remoteness of rural Alaska? Oh, there are some; I apparently am one of them.

Or perhaps, the higher ratio of men to women in rural areas may very well have to do with occupations. Women in this region primarily work either in the area of education or health care. Men, although they also work in those areas, they also dominate a wider variety of "masculine" fields in rural Alaska.

So, with more men than women out here you’d think that women would have an easy time finding a man. That simply isn’t true. I have known several female teachers who have left their villages because of the lack of social possibilities.

And here, in Oscarville, there are no options. Zilch.

Men (or lack of) is a very hot topic out here.
It is a very real concern for some.
It is an escape for others.

Today's My Birthday....

2011-11-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

Indeed it is....

H.S. Speech Competition 2011

2011-11-17T00:12:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year yet again for High School Speech. Two fun filled days of speech with some down time sprinkled all around, especially if you are not giving speeches. That could explain the reason I have a few posting all in one day. Of course, there was an explanation to the irregularity of number of posts in a given time frame.

Oscarville Participants: Kalila (sophomore) and Patrick (junior)

Day 1: Tuesday, November 15th
Round 1- During the first round students only give their speech in front of two judges; there are no spectators. The students practice or fret while they wait their turn to give their speeches. Students can give speeches in several categories: Dramatic, Humorous, Expository, and Original Oration (English and Yup'ik). Meanwhile, coaches and chaperones have some time to fill. I chose to grade papers, enter grades, and write lesson plans because Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it would pay to work ahead of the curve.

Round 2- The second round takes place after dinner. All students participate in Round 2 in front of an audience of peers and guests.

The average from Round 1 and Round 2 is what determines who makes it to Round 3, the semi-finals.

Day 2: Wednesday, November 16th
Round 3- This year I didn't have students make it to the semi-finals. Round 3 takes place in the morning of Day 2 and again their only audience is the judges. My students who do not make it to this round work on classwork and go to their VTC classes so that they don't have as much make up work to do when we return to the village. My students do not always like that I have them work on school work because many other students simply hang out and socialize when they are done competing. Hopefully, however, my students will appreciate their efforts and my structure (perhaps not today, but someday). This is the time frame I was able to publish post earlier today.

Round 4- The finals takes place after lunch and their is a huge audience. All speech participants, coaches, chaperones, and guests watch the final round. All the Yup'ik speeches are in one room and all the Engligh speeches are in another. As a whole we, the audience, watch the best of the best and this year especially was outstanding. The dramatic category gave me chills and had me crying (only a little), the humorous category was peppered with laughter and gasps of reactionary responses, the expository category shined new perspective on topics of interest, and the original oratation category pulled and persuaded with tugs at the heart and sparked the brain to reconsider what it might have thought it already knew.

After dinner (Pizza) and the Awards Ceremony is the event after the event, if you will....the Dance. Oh, yes, the dance. Now, I cannot speak for all coaches and chaperones, but I do believe that those 3rd year coaches (in my LKSD year) might just agree that we look forward to the dance almost as much as our students. Although there are many adults present, the third year crew seems to take the same posts now for three consecutive years: Mike and Matthew front hall, Kim hallway to gym, Erin and I landing to the library. The other 3rd year speech regulars who did not make it for whatever reason please know your absence was indeed noted. You were missed!!

As for dancing, seems like our speech high school crowd aren't too big on dancing-at least not in front of people they don't know. They love the dance, but many are too shy to dance. Bethel students tend to be more willing to cut a rug than the village students; however, by the end of the night more village students pop out for a quick dance here and there. Every once in awhile you could catch a glimpse of a coach/ chaperone moving to the beat and that is super fun.

Day 3: November 17th
Probably the most challenging day to teach....
We will stay in Bethel until 9:40am or so that way my students can go to their VTC math class and I can help shuttle teams to the airport. Then my team will be taken to the tundra where we will be picked up by snowgo and head back to Oscarville. When we get back we go right to class and it WILL be a challenge. The dance ended tonight at 10pm and the students will be exhausted tomorrow. Oh, who am I kidding? So will I for that matter.

And it all will have been worth it!!!
Speech rocks!!

Alaska State Troopers Visit

2011-11-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

In the last week I've received many a phone call and email inquiring about how the newsworthy epic storm of Alaska has impacted my little village of Oscarville. Honestly, for the most part we only received extra snow dumps except for last Saturday when a short blizzard came through. The visibility was so low I was not able to even see the play deck out of the back door of the school (a matter of yards). The school building shook with the force of winds more powerful than I have experienced yet while in Oscarville.

Saturday we had a make up day, so it was a half day for students. Our NYO team was in Bethel competing and were supposed to return Saturday afternoon. However, the blizzard, left much snow but the temperature was not really cold. The result was that our back trail to Bethel became slushy and dangerous to travel over. One of our parents had headed to Bethel to help bring back our NYO team via snowgo and ended up turning back because the trail was not safe.

Our principal also had trouble returning from Bethel due to the sketchy condition of the back trail, so he went to stay with the NYO team until it was safe to travel back to the village. On the trail, Galen ran into couple of State Troopers who were having trouble on the trail.

The Troopers were heading to Oscarville to handle a "situation" and with them they had two filmers from the show "Alaska State Troopers". One of the snow machines was stuck in ice and water and all four people were soaked because of their snowgo swamping into unfrozen water. One of the filmers said that they were setting up survival gear before Galen came because of the severity of the cold and the possiblity of having to hunker down until help arrived. The ride from Bethel to Oscarville typically takes about 20 minutes on a snowgo; however, the Troopers and Co. had been stuck out there during the blizzard for several hours. Luckily, Galen was able to get the people out and back to Oscarville where they could warm up and dry out.

My classroom became a makeshift drying room and it was incredible how much gear was scattered about the room. I loaned the women dry clothes and hair dryers became boot dryers.

Mrs. Straw invited them all over for dinner (tacos), as well as, Tiffany and myself. Then we women watched the first movie in the "Twilight" series. A needed escape for our shaken guests and a requirement for me from my roommate to prepare for the lastest sequel movie in the series we plan to watch over Thanksgiving break. (How old are we again?)

It was imperative to get the snow go out before the temperature fell too much. Community members went out and helped the Troopers haul out the second snowgo. Thankfully the temperature dropped enough to make the trail safe for travel which meant our NYO team and principal could return to Oscarville in the night.

Troopers and Co. stayed the night at the school and then safely returned to Bethel Sunday morning.

Halloween Weekend

2011-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Halloween!!! What a big weekend it is here in Oscarville with lots of festivities. Friday, Oct 28th we had our Halloween Carnival. The H.S. Student Council puts it on as a fund raiser. There are carnival booths: duck match, ice fishing, ping-pong toss, bean bag toss, and face painting.

Chinace is face painting Bethany.

Jessi and Elizabeth are looking for a match at the duck pond while William watches.

Mr. Straw, our principal, with his little bunny, Ezra.

Cake walk FEVER!!

After the booth events we have a cake walk, which is the big event of the carnival. At one time we had 20 people walking the circle in hopes of scoring a cake. Fun, fun, for everyone!!

Saturday night the H.S. had their annual haunted house. This year they decided not to charge so everyone could enjoy; it was a community service activity. It is great fun to hear all the screams and laughter from the people going through the haunted house. Every year the littlest ones barely make it through, if they make it through at all. This year Anissum, one of my juniors, wanted to make a gallow to have someone "hang" from. And so he did. I love that about my students; they are hand-on capable and they get it done!!~!

Sunday the community trick-or-treated. Tiffany and I decided to dress up (using fabric as gowns) two of Cinderella's wicked and ugly step sisters. We called Valerie and told her she should be Cinderella and Nick could be Prince Charming. Hilarious!!! Yes, there are photos, but not to be seen just now or on this blog. Hilarious!!!! Oh, what can be done with some fabric, a wig, and some crazy make up. Fun, fun, fun....Halloween for all ages.

Boff and Trevor

The Straws: Nick, Valerie, and Ezra (aka the Lil' Dinosaur)

Nathan and Raeanne

Annalayne

Aurora Borealis

2011-11-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning (November 1st)I was walking CranB as I do every morning and was noticing how very clear the stars were. Star gazing in the mornings is incredible here in Oscarville. The clearer and crisper the air the better the viewing. Well, yesterday as I was looking up I saw the infamous Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, and squealed. Yes, I am a squealer during moments of delight, but those of you who know me already are aware of that little Segue fact. As a tour leader in Alaska I saw the lights a handful of times, but yesterday morning was the first sighting I have had since living here in the Great North. SO AMAZING!!!

I was so excited I ran back to my house dragging CranB (she didn't know what was going on but was content to follow) so I could tell Tiffany. She came outside to look; her first year and already she has seen The Lights!! In all the excitement I didn't grab my Flip camera. A regular photo wouldn't do it justice, but maybe the Flip could have caught the greens shining across the sky with flickers of blue. CranB and I went out again and ran back across the village. Even though we live in a teeny village we have street (boardwalk) lights and the viewing of the Aurora Borealis was seen best on the other side of the village, closer to the Kuskokwim River, on the far side of the two story building. If you had a map of my village this would make more sense. The short of the long of it is the viewing was better away from the lights, away from my house.

In my various viewings of the Northern Lights, the lights look different: the colors, the patterns, the time. This light appeared to be shining up from behind something, but it wasn't. The morning's air crisp and the stars shone bright; there were no clouds in the sky. And yet this green light beamed up into the sky radiating such beauty and energy. The sight simply awesome, and I full of awe.

Winter has arrived, or at least the weather

2011-10-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our first snow of the season was actually Wednesday, October the 12th, but it only snowed a little and didn't last. Last week I could smell the cold coming; oh, what an invigorating aroma! This week the cold weather came and I believe it might be sticking around this time. Finally! The last two years I've been in Oscarville we were already in freeze up by now, so this seems a bit late to me.

This October, however, snow would fall and melt, then rain would come and chase the snow off the boardwalks, but now the cold continues. We now have slush on the slough banks and ice thickly coating the boardwalks.

It is just a matter of time until the river begins to properly freeze and boats are pulled out and snow-gos are out.

Robotics 2011-2012

2011-10-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Robotics is underway yet again. Actually, it has been underway for awhile now, but we have had a slow start here in Oscarville. Tiffany is coaching our first ever Jr.FLL (Junior First Lego Lego) team (elementary); their challenge this year is Snack Attack.

The FLL (First Lego League)team consists of the junior high students and this year they have The Food Factor Challenge. The high school FTC (First Tech Challenge)team's Challenge is called Bowled Over!

FLL has to build all the pieces for the challenge using legos. It is quite an undertaking! FLL has three major components to its competition: design, competition matches, a research project. This week I had a calling out for all students to come help build the components for the FLL challenge. The elementary students were especially helpful. They were great sorters and helpers and they were very patient builders. I was so engrossed in the process I forgot to take pictures. It is so good to be that involved and we all were. I have made a mental note to take pictures at our future practices.

Stayed tuned for more Robotics updates from Oscarville!!!

Kayaking Again

2011-10-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have done my fair share of rowing and paddling in various waters, but you wouldn’t know it if you saw Tiffany and I in Oscarville Slough in our inflatable kayak. You’d hear laughter and see lots of movement in the boat but not distance being made in the water. Why is that? I’ve been told that maybe our choice times of going coincide with the tide making it more challenging paddling up stream. That could have something to do with it, but I think there is more to our challenge. For one, Tiffany and I share the one kayak paddle by unscrewing it in the middle and making two short paddles. Another challenge is the kayak itself. I researched and asked around about what would be best for what I wanted here on the Kuskokwim. I did want an inflatable for ease of transporting, but really I need a water vessel that has ease in the water. I am more accustomed to hard-shelled canoes and kayaks. My kayak is self-bailing which means you sit in water from the get-go. Perhaps not so bad for cool water in a hot place, but cold water in a cold place….I think a wet suit is in order!

Although Tiffany and I were geared up with wet boots and rain gear, we were wet through and through. Yes indeed our waterproof gear keeps the water in and the water out. The trouble is water finds its way between the boots and the pants and makes it way upward and we wiggle and giggle. CranBerry didn’t help matters either because she doesn’t especially enjoy being in the inflatable craft. CranBerry also disliked being wet (as if we delighted in sitting in very cold water), so rather than sit or stand in the boat she straddled the boat by standing on the sides (front paws on one side and back paws on the other). So we tried to move her around thinking it would be easier for us. Oh, no. We guided her to the front of the kayak as we shifted from our bums to our knees and back to our bums. CranB either had her rear end in Tiffany’s face or her front paws on Tiffany’s chest in a reinactment of the famous scene from Titanic.

Just as we were making progress upstream CranB decided to go back to the center of the boat making us giggle and wiggle again, and whenever that happened the paddling stoped and downriver we begin to drift. Laughter echoed in the slough as we bumped into the shoreline trying to hold on to tree limbs while we pulled ourselves together. Tiffany let out a little scream over something green and possible alive. I might have wet myself from laughing so hard, but you’d never know because I was so wet already. We had a few onlookers curious at what the crazy white teachers were doing. One elder saw us and just shook his head. We waved and laughed as we fought our way up current.

When we were ready to head back home all we did was stop paddling and we floated back. How peaceful and relaxing and quick! The current guided us back lickedly split. For all the effort and time it took us to go one direction, it was effortless to return. As soon as the boat hit shore CranB leaped out grateful to be on solid ground. Tiffany and I threw our gear up on the top bank and began pulling the kayak out of the water. We were so full of water that our clothes drug the ground and laughter began again. Thankfully Kalila, one of my students, came by and lifted the kayak out (effortlessly) and helped us put it in the container. What a spectacle we were! I fell over because my pants were falling due to the weight of the water and Tiffany was staggering on the boardwalk. So much fun!!!

Cross Country

2011-10-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

This season my team consists of 1 high schooler-Kalila, 1 junior high student-Colton, and 4 fourth graders-Trevor, Irene, Bethany, and Raeanne.

Fri, Sept 2nd: Akiachak (Kalila)

The day before heading to Akiachak I received an email that there was only going to be J.H. divisions competing because too many schools weren’t coming because it was also the opening weekend of moose season. We decided to go ahead and go to Akiachak so Kalila could have a chance to compete. Akiachak is in the Yupiit School district up river from LKSD.

The only teams competing in the Mud Run (5K) was Akiachak, Bethel, Kwethluk, and Oscarville. Kwethluk flew home after dinner so that left only Bethel and us to overnight in the school. Akiachak always feeds us so well. For dinner they served fresh salmon caught by students and staff. Mmmm good.

Akiachak has two stores and, of course, we had to check them both out. Going "to the store" is a must when we travel. Sometimes I think the students look forward to that more than the event. And it is understandable, since we don't have a store in Oscarville. The one run by natives had lots of empty shelves and little selection. The other store now ran by a Welshman had stocked shelves and boxes of goods to be unpacked on all the isles. I have never seen a village store so full of variety and even fresh fruits like bananas and kiwis.

Usually we have a fun relay race the day after the competition, but since only Bethel and Oscarville stayed the night the relay race was cancelled. Fog delayed our departure several hours; small planes were not flying so we ended up catching a ride to Bethel with the Bethel team in a caravan. We were suppose to fly to Napaskiak and be picked up by a parent in our community, but with the change of plans I called Olga, our school secretary and community nucleus, and she contacted our ride and let him know we were now flying to Bethel instead of Napaskiak, but due to the fog the time of arrival was still unknown. Once in Bethel I borrowed a phone to call our ride to let him know we had made it to Bethel and he came and picked us up and took us home to Oscarville. Another great reason to always carry a book to read; both Kalila and I had plenty of time to read while we waited.

Fri, Sept 9th: Kwethluk (Kalila, Trevor, Bethany, Raeanne)
Kwethluk is the only village we go to that offers an elementary division race this is especially exciting since the majority of my team is in elementary. The elementary race is about a mile and a good distance for them to begin with. This was Bethany and Raeanne’s first time to travel so both girls were so excited yet so very shy at the same time. Trevor and Kalila both are quite social when traveling. Trevor continued to encourage the girls to join in basketball because it was “so fun”, but they weren’t quite ready for that. By the end of the junior high race my students had become more confident (louder) in their cheering. At first they thought it was too embarrassing to yell at the runners, but I told them it was helpful to the runners and a sign of positive sportsmanship. So cute they were cheering and giggling at themselves.
Elementary Girls: 1st place Raeanne
2nd place Bethany

Elementary Boys: 4th place Trevor

Sat, Sept 17th: Bethel (Kalila, Trevor, Colton, Bethany, Raeanne, Irene)
Bethel-the biggest and most challenging race of our cross country season. The course is in a sand pit and there are ups and downs and sand galore-nothing like village courses and definitely nothing like our practices in Oscarville. There is only junior high and high school divisions, but I took my four 5th graders because they had earned the right to run.

Friday when we were picked up our driver joked with the students by telling them that the first 50 runners to dinner were going to be given cheeseburgers. Fast forward to race day… Trevor crossed the finish line 47th and immediately asked where to go to get his cheeseburger. Trevor had misunderstood the joke and thought it was for the first 50 runners across the finish line. Trevor said he had run his hardest thinking about that cheeseburger the whole race. He had placed in the top 50th and was disappointed that there were no cheeseburgers. Olga, Trevor’s mother, and Barbara and Galen, Colton and Bethany’s parents, had come to watch the runners run. Trevor and Colton left after the junior high race and went out to eat at a restaurant; Galen bought Trevor his cheeseburger.

Mail

2011-09-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Since Oscarville does not have a post office, I should say the joys and tribulations of sending and receiving mail. Our mailing address is a Napaskiak P.O. Box. Although Napaskiak may only be a mile across the Kuskokwim River, sometimes it seems like a much greater distance.

Because of the challenges or despite them, we enjoy getting mail very much once it makes it to us! We get mail ABOUT every other week. Packages can be at the post office, but it doesn’t mean they are always picked up right away. It is easier to pick up mail in the winter because a snow machine and sled can be driven right up to the post office. This time of year getting mail takes more effort, especially if large packages are involved because it is boating season and once you park the boat there is a fair distance to walk and depending of the tide there can also be quite a bit of mud and muck to wade through.

A few weeks back both Tiffany and I knew we had packages in Napaskiak and were eager for someone to pick them up and bring them over to Oscarville. One Saturday we knew Mr. Straw, our principal, was heading to Napaskiak and we were hoping, praying, and crossing fingers that he would go over before 4pm (when the post office closes) and even more hopeful he would bring back all the mail and packages. Tiffany and I were both working at school (as we so often do on Saturdays) and Tiffany was on the lookout for any sign that the school boat was gone which would mean Mr. Straw was off to Napaskiak. Sure enough it had left well before 4pm so hope was on the rise. You’d think we were waiting for St. Nick himself (oddly enough we were because Mr. Straw’s name is Nick).

As soon as he hit shore I heard Tiffany holler; we both bolted out the front of the school trying to look cool and helpful when we were actually bouncing all over the place thinking (no we aren’t subtle AT ALL) “where are our boxes?” Someone had already carried them to our house and left them on our porch. We dashed over to our house grabbed scissors and our mini Christmas began. Tiffany’s boxes were from her parents and mine were two boxes I had sent myself before I left Oklahoma. She received her life jacket, a definite must living in a boating village and the real desired treats of M&Ms and Mountain Dew plus some other goodies.

Snail mail is without a doubt one of the nicest pleasures and luxuries here in Oscarville. I know we live in an electronic age, but snail mail cannot be beat. It is a true tangible connection to the outside world. I subscribe to various publications and I delight in receiving each and every one of them. I read them cover-to-cover several times; the first read I always save for a weekend so I can sit down and lose myself in the pages of the newest edition. Any personal letter or card I receive is also read several times and then it becomes part of my décor. Receiving pictures, notes, and packages from friends and family reminds me that distance has no place in matters of the heart. I may choose to live in a remote little rural Alaskan village, but by no means do I want to be disconnected from those I care about.

My Voice

2011-08-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

My voice has been muted for awhile. My struggle to keep up my blog was more than a lack of technological skills; it was a struggle to unmuffle myself. The lack of voice began before I arrived in Oscarville, unfortunately that personal quandary also affected blogging about my new home.

My inner voice has been reawakened. The sirens are in the distance coaxing me to write. The shadows that blocked my voice are fading...finally.

Of course I have plenty to share; however, there are moments, especially when new to a culture and a community that it (for me) takes a little caution in revealing observations. Although the observations may indeed be mine, I by no means want to seem intrusive to those around me. Culturally there are many differences here. The Yup'ik people have many traditions and beliefs that are captivating. The people of my community have been kind-hearted and welcoming since the first day I arrived.

I've had many unique experiences while living here and I know that there will be many more to come. Many of my friends and family have asked (downright demanded at times) that I share more via this blog. So, here I am really ready (and able) to share.

School Starts

2011-08-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

District wide in-service: this year's focus is on the new Reading curriculum- Storytown for elementary and Glencoe for junior high and high school. Seems like every year there is something new to learn and implement. YEAH!!! I am really excited about the new reading curriculum to be honest. Another HUGH change is the transition out of phases and into carnegie style grading. Essentially this means that classes end each semester which is quite different than before in Math, Reading, and Writing.

Last Monday we started classes and it has been busy busy before classes started and ever since. Workers were here fixing our heater so we weren't able to really get into our classrooms until Saturday before classes started. Not to worry, we here in Oscarville are very adaptable.

My class schedule this semester: Algebra I (VTC), American Literature, Earth Science (VTC), Writing, Government, and P.E. Two of my students are actually taking classes in Bethel this semester because they are involved in a program focusing on math and science. That leaves me with 5 in my classroom here in Oscarville. Small numbers really allow that focused individual time with each student. That is crazy exciting!!!

When I first returned it was rainy and wet. Thankfully the sun has started to come out. Yesterday Tiffany, the new junior high teacher and my new roommate, and I went out on the river in the kayak. First you have to understand that both she and I are at school working the majority of the time. So, we decided to take a break and get some fresh air.

Saturday night we pumped up the kayak (it is inflatable, but it is a very durable inflatable kayak). After we pumped it up, the scene became much more comical. We decided to take it outside and store it in the container so it would be easily accessible to use. Squeezing it out of the front door was a breeze compared to getting in the container outside. Usually the container only has the winter skis and some storage items but there is always loads of room (definitely enough for the inflated kayak). Oh, not this time. The container was FULL of school food. FULL. Oh, it wasn't going to deter us. We squeezed and shoved and pushed until it wouldn't go any more. Then Tiffany climbed into the container to help maneuver it. She said she could get in, but didn't know how she was going to get out. I will tell you how. She climbed up and over it like she was a surfer on a wave.

Sunday afternoon we went out. I know I was looking forward to going and thankful that Tiffany was willing to join me. I only have one kayak paddle so I paddled out which was more challenging paddling two instead of just myself. Plus, the currents of the river had its own idea of which direction we should go.

I managed to take one photo of Tiffany before the batteries died in the camera. Look at that big smile!!

Honestly, the going is good, but the being out...just sitting and enjoying the greatness of the outdoors is spectacular. So, we decided to head back after not being out too long because the going home was upriver. That makes for more interesting and challenging paddling. Well, we decided to take the paddle apart (it is a paddle that breaks into four parts for storage. Then we paddled as if we were in a canoe rather than a kayak and it made all the difference in the world. I am lacking photographic evidence because as I went to take the first photo my battery was DEAD!

As we headed into Oscarville slough we were the show to watch. Yes, the two kassaqs paddling away. And then Olga started to talk to us from across the water and in order to hear her we had to stop paddling and the current would turn us around in a circle. So, we did several circles before making it to shore and back home. All-in-all we were out a little over an hour and a half. Just for the record the kayak did NOT go back into the container. NO WAY!! We sat it next to our house until the next outing. That was good for our first time out this year. We both still had work to do, but getting out of the school building was so great. I know I will spend more time on the water this year.

Year Three

2011-08-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed my summer tremendously!!! As the summer neared the end, however, I have to admit I was ready to head home to Oscarville. I love Alaska and I love Oscarville. As I boarded the plan to Bethel on August 8th I was a bit under the weather with a fever to boot; I was ready to just be home. As I entered the airport my Oscarville family, Eliza, Olga, and Alex, greeted me. As poorly as I felt, I couldn't help but feel so much better. Their hugs and chatter filled me with joy and soothed my pain away. What a homecoming!

Alex took CranBerry and I back to Oscarville. My students came to help carry my luggage and groceries. Home, home, at last.

I needed to rest, but soon I would meet Tiffany who will be the J.H. teacher and my roommate. I had to wait a couple of days, but finally I met her at in-service. You'll have to wait for that introduction. You'll like her. I do. This is going to be a great year #3.

Oscarville Teaching...lifejacket required

2010-10-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Seriously? A life jacket on my teacher's chair? Yepper. Here in Oscarville the only way to travel before the river freezes is by boat, so having a life jacket available is always necessary. Actually, if you would to look around my desk you would find a coat, a pair of gloves, two hats, a face mask, two clean pairs of socks, a pair of boots, a pair of Birkenstocks, and a pair of tennis shoes. By mid August I rarely wear the shoes I wore TO school AT school. The feet must be happy.

I like being prepared and since I do go out at lunch recess I want to be properly dressed for the occasion. We go out when it rains, snows, and even when it is cold (but not too cold: -20 degrees is what we consider too cold). Yes seriously!

Oscarville doesn't have an airport, so even when we do travel by plane we first must take a boat to get to a plane. We are unusual in this scenario because all other villages in our district have airports. Simply put, Oscarville is special.

First Snow

2010-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2010
Oscarville Slough

CranB enjoying the weather change. Her winter fur is starting to return.

Such a wild beast she is...Alaska born and loving it!
She really comes alive with the cold weather.

Cross Country

2010-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our XC schedule
Sept 4th: Akiachak (overnight)
Sept. 11th: Kwethluk (day trip)
Sept. 18th: Bethel (overnight) Personal best for Trevor (4th grade)
Sept. 25th: Chevak (Regionals-only Jackie, my senior went. I didn't even go,)
Personal best for Jackie Joekay!!!

This year cross country was much better than last year. I was the only coach which made practices much smoother. I had a core 4 students who were my team. Of course, there were close to a dozen students on my cross country roster, but they were hit and miss for practices.

In order to travel students have to be academically eligible, have a physical, and have 10 practices under their belt. This year we are also allowing students to start traveling at 4th grade. So, at the beginning of our cross country season I told the students the criteria and said that we may only have so many spots on a plane for travelers, so spots would be picked based on participation, attitude, and performance. When the week of our first meet arrived their was some surprise when the only 2 students who qualified for competition were 4th graders. No one else had enough practices to qualify. I had four available seats, so I took those 2 and 2 high schoolers who were only missing a few practices because they started late in the season.

Those are the 4 students that traveled the entire season. I have to say that my little elementary students held their own. Only one of the four meets we went to actually had an elementary race, so they had to run in the junior high category at all the other meets. From the start to the end of the season they made great improvements.

XC is also the start of my traveling season. Who wouldn't look forward to traveling with students, spending the night on classroom floors, eating school food, and whittling away the weekend going and coming by boat and plane? I'll let you know. So XC may be over, but NYO (Native Youth Olympics) just started this week and I am usually the lucky chaperone for NYO.

Year Two

2010-09-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back in Oscarville for Year Two. I have been back since the second week in August and am only now getting around to writing a new post. Naughty naughty me.

Coming back this year was wonderful. As soon as I hit our slough, I felt as though I was home. There are some changes this year, new principal, new junior high teacher, no roommate, and many other changes along the way. So far so good. No complaints on this end.

I will say that as soon as CranBerry hit Oscarville soil she forgot all her training and went to her village roots of being a wild child. She has calmed down a bit over the last month or so, but she certainly knows she is home here and acts accordingly.

This year I have 8 high school students. I do not teach any junior high classes this year (Yippee); however, I am coaching junior high robotics (FLL). Robotics is all new to me. I have high school and junior high for some sort of Robotics, so I definitely have to step up my game and accept the challenge of learning about the technology behind robotics. Yepper, I am not the same tech-shy gal I once was. Thank goodness. LKSD is a tech-savy district which constantly pushes me to learn more. The students are in the know when it comes to technology, so they are an incredible resource for me.

Friday 6 of my students and I are going to another school district to demonstrate FLL (J.H. Robotics). It should be fun and motivating.

Steam Spots

2010-03-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

When I first wrote about steaming I didn't say much because at the time I intended to go back and add more, you can see how that worked out. Hmm...
Well, I have gone several times since I've been here and it is an incredible experience. As much as I enjoy my baths, steaming kicks baths to the curb (there are still moments which require a nice long bath, but I digress).

What is a steam? A steam is a cleansing method. Steaming is an alternative to taking a shower or a bath. In my village the community doesn't have running water so showering and bathing isn't really an option so people steam.

The setup:
Steam houses are small stand alone building built for the sole purpose of steaming. There is usually a small door to enter from the outside. The door is small because the entire building is small. I am not quite 5" and I have to duck to enter the steam house. There is an inner room and an outer room. The outer room is where you dress, undress, cool off between steam sets (a term I just made up to better explain the process), and store all your belongings. There are usually a small bench on either side of the room to sit. The inner room is where the steam actually takes place. However, I would consider the entire process "taking a steam".

There is a small door connecting the inner and outer room. The inner room is also divided: the section closest to the door is where people sit to steam. There is a bucket of cold water. The far side of the inner room is where the wood stove sits below floor level. The wood stove is covered with rocks to hold the heat. There is also a bucket of water on/near the stove to heat for hot water.

Supplies:
1 rubber mat (to sit on in the inner room while steaming)
1 basin (to have cold water while steaming to keep cool and to add hot water once it is time to clean)
1 scrub (a special steam scrub that really does the job)
1 wash cloth (to use to keep cool during steaming, to cover the mouth to not get so hot, and to use to rinse during the cleaning process)
1 cotton mat (to sit on in the outer room between steam sets and after the steam)
towel, shampoo, soap, etc.
(I stress the supplies because I certainly did NOT have the proper supplies at the start of the year. Thankfully people loaned me what I needed so I could steam. The rubber mat is important for two main reasons 1)not to burn your bottom and 2)as a barrier. Steam houses are a very warm environment and sometimes can be a hot house for bacteria. ***They don't have to be, but can be so having your own supplies is ideal.

The process:
Men and women steam separately; however, women steam together and men steam together. Once you undress, and undressing is essential. No clothing/ no towel allowed in the inner room. N-A-K-E-D is the only way to go. So in you go with your naked self, a basin, a rubber mat, and a wash cloth. Then you sit on the rubber mat and fill your basin with the cold water. You then stay in the inner room and steam until you cannot tolerate the heat anymore and go and cool off in the outer room. This is repeated several times. For those with more tolerance, you can "splash" the stove for an even more intense experience. After the final steam set and cooling period you go back into the inner room and wash, first your hair and then your body.

Wow! After a steam you know you are clean and so relaxed. It takes about two hours (give or take). It is more than just a way to clean up; it is also very social. I sleep so well on the nights I steam. In fact, they really wipe me out so I have made a policy of only going on weekends because of how wiped out I still am the following morning.

The last day of school before Christmas break was our community gift exchange and for I was given everything I needed to steam. I am so set! That night I was invited to steam with Daphne and so I suited up with my steam gear and off I went. Below are some pictures of my steam spots (or burns as I was told). No lasting scars.

Back to the Blog

2010-03-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

My big plan was to come back from Christmas break and write weekly posts on my blog. Oh, that was 2 months ago and this is my first post since returning to Alaska. What happened? Do I really need to spell out the obvious? Segue + technology = questionable outcomes. Seriously though, it was a scheduling conflict initially and then I have had numerous technical challenges like connecting or getting disconnected before the post was published as if it was just too much for the computer. Plus there is also the issue of proper usage. Since the internet I use is provided by the school district apparently there is appropriate and inappropriate usage. The clarity of that line was momentarily blurred for me, so I wanted to stay clear of any ambiguous situation. I now feel more confident on the issue at hand and am compelled to begin posting once again. There is so much to share about my Alaskan experience so here I am to do exactly that...

Technology

2009-10-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

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!!!

My School District: LKSD

2009-10-27T12:17:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

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. ;)

Weather Change: Snow has arrived

2009-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

CranB

2009-10-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-20T14:03:00.001-07:00

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.

Home at Last: Oscarville

2009-10-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Bethel: Week One

2009-09-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

(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.

Updating My Blog

2009-09-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Finally Made it!!

2009-08-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

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.