Well, I made it through quarter one, and immediately after it ended, I escaped to Anchorage for six days to attend a health conference. The timing was perfect; I broke up a fight, completed report cards for the first quarter, and then practically sprinted to the airport that Friday after school. Below is just some "moosing" around waiting for the plane at the "airport." The clearing behind me is where the plane lands and takes off. (I apologize for the moosing pun; it's a popular one around here.)
I took off on a 6-seater and landed in Bethel; shortly thereafter I boarded the plane to Anchorage. On that flight, I sat next to the nicest woman named Bea, who also happened to be a teacher. We ended up chatting and she gave me several resources (some on the iPad) to try in the classroom to help our angriest students use their words. In Bea, I made a friend and an additional contact in Anchorage. Alaska is huge, but it's really a small place, people-wise.
I arrived in Anchorage and a friend picked me up from the airport; we then went out to eat and I ordered my first beer in two and a half months: an oatmeal stout from The Brewhouse. My friends, few things have ever tasted as great as that brew! This friend who graciously took me there later told me that I was totally over-stimulated by the restaurant--driving on actual pavement to get there, the lights, being served a meal that did not include fish or rice, and sitting in a room that held more people than actually populate my village - all of it put me a bit on edge. Apparently it was written all over my face, and I was tense and jumpy in such a lively and loud place. Also, not used to having my water glass refilled, I managed to pour it down my face and shirt about three times in a half-hour. Impressive. But ya know, I've always found that to be annoying...why must the water glass be filled to within millimeters of the top? I never finish the glass, and it seems like a waste. Plus, the inevitable spill happens to those of us who are limited in our motor skills. Whew...just had to get that out!
We got together the next day to watch the Minnesota-Husker football game at a "Nebraskan Alaskan" bar where - you guessed it - Nebraskans who now live in Alaska gather to watch sports. (There are, to say the least, many, and they are loyal...most of them sported Nebraskan Alaskan fleeces and caps.) It was the first game I've seen all football season! Again, the experience was slightly overwhelming - I do not even have a TV now, and all of a sudden I was in a bar atmosphere surrounded by 10 HD TVs. I'm convinced that those kind of TVs are just not the best for one's brain or anxiety level. However, I adjusted after a few minutes and began to enjoy myself. I even saw a high school pal working on the sidelines for the Huskers, so that was fun!
One of those Nebraskans is a retired Air Force dentist/hippie who is now pursuing his Ph.D. in agronomy - soil science, basically. Turns out he grows all types of potatoes, carrots, and beets to test the soil. Guess who returned to Marshall with enough potatoes, carrots, and beets to make moose roast through the end of the year? I love that the Midwest "nice" is alive and kicking way up here in the tundra! Greg, the aging Nebraskan-hippie-soil farmer-dentist, was a blast to hang out with and couldn't get rid of his produce quickly enough. That little taste of home is much appreciated.
The health conference was put together very well. I came back with practical information and pre-made lessons that I can easily use in my classes. One of the speakers was into applied neurophysiology, and I think I want to be her when I grow up. She spoke about how bullying, fear of lack of food, and domestic violence all affect the brain from infancy, putting the child quite literally into his primal brain, and how we can and must address that reality in the classroom. Unfortunately, all of these things apply to my students in some way. I definitely appreciated the opportunity to learn about how I can help these kids battle such daunting issues. I've already been tapped to share at our next staff meeting the valuable information I've learned. Wish me luck with that!
I also had the chance to see the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. It was a beautiful day to see the base, and it was completely unlike what I thought it would be. I had imagined barracks and such. Nope. It was actually pretty pleasant. Below is a picture of one of the several lakes within the base.
Not too bad, huh? Again with the crazy reflections in the waters up here. I just can't get enough of it!
Overall, this getaway was quite therapeutic - I got in a little shopping, sleeping in some mornings, and even managed to close down the hotel bar one night. Don't worry Mom, I only had about one bottle of wine. :) The bartender, Bea (another helpful woman named Bea...hmm, is the universe trying to tell me something, or was it just taking care of me?), saw me the next day and said, "Oh, my little flower girl!" I was hesitant to ask what that meant, but figured I should. She said, "Oh, you were just so happy, talking about anything and everything, ordering chocolate cake, and chatting up everybody - retired pilots from Pittsburgh, weary travelers who just arrived, even the bellboys!" Sheesh. Fantastic, Susan. Now, those of you who know me know that that's not my typical disposition. I had a great time though; it felt great to cut loose. Clearly, I needed to converse with someone - anyone, really - about something other than living in the bush. And yes, I did order a bottle of cab and the richest dessert from the beginning with every intention of consuming each and every drop and crumb. Mission accomplished! That gluttonous indulgence should hold me for a while.
I returned to a winter wonderland of a village. A blizzard had come through since I'd left, and the river even started to freeze over - all in just six days! The ice continues to crawl slowly by us. We have classroom bets going as to when it will freeze solid enough to go ice fishing. I did see the cutest sight upon my return. Check out the little mailman below:
Pretty precious. This little guy seemed like he couldn't wait to mush - neither puppy nor kid. Puppies run amok daily, some of them sneaking into the school for warmth. Sadly, I don't think many will last the winter. That is what I've been told, so I am preparing myself now.
Well, that's a quick update on me! With one quarter under my belt, I think I've started to scratch the surface in terms of figuring out how to teach these kids best. It's going to continue to be a challenge, as we are already talking about switching up the schedule to accommodate some kids' needs. I thrive on the fact that each day is different; I just hope that we can find the right schedule and situation for the kids.
I want to take a second to thank you all for your support and your unbelievably kind e-mails. I don't know that I've earned them, but I do save them and read them over and over when I need some strength. Alaska is beautiful, but being from the Midwest is a gift. Love to all!
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