But of course...

But of course

The moment I’ve been waiting for…the moment I would be seeing the beautiful trees of Washington through my airplane window…the anticipation of seeing my family and friends would be growing…alas…I still sit here, in my lonely apartment in Gambell, AK still.  But of course.

This morning the flights were canceled, I held hopes for tonight’s flight at 415p, but at about 230p I received the most unsettling news….my flight was canceled.  I then proceeded to call Orbitz (whom of which I booked my flight through) to try and change my flights…the told me the soonest they could do was Thursday the 24th.  My heart sank and I began to cry, But of course.

Once I started looking into it I realized they were wrong, and I set out to prove it.  I got on the phone again and proceeded to talk to at least4 people for 2 hours (3 hours total after the whole ordeal).  I finally got the people to put me on the flights I knew were available.  I must say, I learned my lesson.  Never book flights (especially to/from Alaska) through any discount travel sites. I was able to change it to where I would be arriving Wednesday morning (rather than Thursday night).  Better than nothing I guess.  I sit here still upset as to how this is turning it, but I am trying to keep a light note of it.

I am just lucky I still was able to get a chance to go down.  At least I didn’t have any major appointments to go to in the beginning of the week :)  Although I def wont be able to see most of the people I had planned, it really is better than nothing.  I just pray that the second set of flights still work out!  Pray for me, I need to get home.

Let Winter Break Begin!!

The last two weeks have pretty much been the longest couple weeks ive had since September.  Perhaps it was the impending winter break, but my did it take forever!

This past Thursday I had a Christmas party with my kiddos, and I actually had 8 out of  my 9 students show up…and the amazing thing?  At least one relative of each child showed up to watch their child show what they have learned, do table activities with them and take pictures.  This is the first time that so many parents/relatives have taken part in a celebration all year.  It was wonderful, but by the end of the day my class was a mess, and glitter was everywhere. Ha.

I fly out tomorrow at 4:15pm from Gambell to Nome, then Nome to Anchorage, and Anchorage to Seatac, then lastly Seatac to Port Angeles to pick up my car. I am so excited for my visit :D  I am packed already (thankfully my family is letting me stay with them so I didn’t have to pack much).  Last weekend I completely scrubbed down my apartment, refrigerator and all….now tomorrow before I leave I just have to wipe down counters and vacuum. 

I don’t know if I’ll be posting on my blog much these next few weeks. I hope I’ll be busy having fun and seeing everyone. You have no idea how excited I am about just going for a drive :) LET WINTER BREAK BEGIN!!!!!

The kids make it worth it!

The influence we have on children…

This past week was a quick one, but enjoyable none-the-least.

I have a game I play with my kids in my classroom, although most don’t know that I’m doing it.  Sometimes during the day, time seems to drag on.  When this happens I start my game.  I would often go over to my kids and start playing with them.  When they say something, I would say “what?” and they would then repeat it (of course).  I would then ask “What?” again, therefore they repeat…again.   I then look around for a second in bewilderment and ask “What?” again.  And they repeat.  This continues until they eventually give up and say “never mind” or “nothing” or something like that.  So far my record has been having the child repeat 14 times before they gave up. 

But my story continues

On Thursday while my student and I were sitting at the lunch table we started talking.  I really don’t remember what it was about, but that doesn’t matter.  During this conversation with the kids, I had said something as a response to a question.  One of my students says “What?” and I repeat it. He then asks “What?” again.  Of course I repeat it again, thinking he just couldn’t understand me.  But once again…he said “What?”.  This is when I realized what was happening.  I then proceeded to tell him that he was awesome and gave him a high five. It was hilarious that he was doing just what I have been doing. 

A few minutes later I look over to him with another student at the sink where they are brushing their teeth.  He is doing it again to another student! Once the other child gives up he comes back over to me and give me a high five!

It’s amazing how much children actually pay attention to teachers!

Anyways, so this past week we got a ton of snow and the wind was not helpful.  Who would have thought snow drifts could be such a pain?!  When I got home each day this week I had a ton of snow in front of my door that I had to wade through in order to get inside. I guess I’ll look at the positive in this…a lot of exercise in shoveling snow!  Also, its amazing the workout you get while walking a mile in snow…

2 Weeks until I’m in Washington!!!!

Who was my inspiration??

The following post is a letter/email I sent to my 5th grade teacher:

Tanya Snyder-

My name is Amber Hanson.   I used to be one of your students when you worked at Kitsap Lake Elementary in Bremerton, WA as a 5th grade teacher (1998-1999).  My younger sister Sabrina was also in your 5th grade class, but the following year. 

Although you may not necessarily remember me, I have something important to tell you.

As much as it saddens me that i had not kept contact with you over the last few years, its wonderful that i was able to find you now.  I am currently a teacher in the Bering Strait School District in Gambell, AK (on Saint Lawrence Island). 

You made a difference.

Whenever someone ever asks me who has influenced me the most in my life...your name always swam in the back of my mind.  You may not have realized it at the time (or you might have, i really don’t know) but my home life back then was not great at all. As a result, I didn’t care about school, family or life. 

When i entered into the doors of Kitsap Lake Elementary in September 1998 it appeared that this school was no different from the last, that this would be just another year, just another grade, and you would be just another teacher.

But you weren't.

You saw something in me back then...that i didn’t see in myself.  Unknowingly you created an escape for me.  I used to stay after school to help you set things up for the next day (some may call that a 'teacher's pet').  You also helped me with my science project that year...(we looked closely at how to siphon water from one container to another). 

Through your actions and through your words, it was evident that you honestly believed in me, and as much as i had always told myself that i couldn’t do anything right, that i was stupid, and that school didn’t matter, you were there to tell me different. 

I entered the 6th grade with a totally different outlook.  I loved school and i believed in myself and my ability to succeed.  I believed that i was different, that i was smart and that i mattered.  Although my home life still didn’t improve (it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that anything changed) I had an escape from the tragedies of growing up.

I just graduated with my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education and moved up to Gambell Alaska for my first teaching job.  So far this year has been a wonderful experience, and i am so happy i chose to become a teacher. 

My biggest goal in life is to make difference in a child's life, to let them know that they are unique, that they are smart, that in spite of outside circumstances, they really can succeed and make a difference as well.

In my life, you did just this, and it really has inspired me...every day of my life.  I only hope that i can become half as great of a teacher as you were back then (and probably still are).

Thank you so much for believing in me. You have no idea how much it meant to me.

Amber

And the countdown begins!

23 Days!!!

23 more days until I step foot on the glorious land of Washington State, where the trees are abundant and I have the capability to drive almost anywhere I desire.


It’s been 4 months since I began my journey in Alaska, although I have loved almost every minute of it…the excitement in the pit of my stomach grows everyday as I approach the flight date of December 18th. 

The anticipation I feel is a mix of nervousness and excitement of seeing family and friends again…a world I took for granted while I lived there for the past few years.

Although I have yet to really feel ‘homesick’ since I’ve been here, I can admit that I do miss Washington and the people in it.  I have made many tentative plans while visiting down there…most of which I will not have time for…but I still hold hope! 

Thanksgiving was not the same without family this year.  Yes it was nice to have a feast with the teachers here, but I still missed getting together with family and rehashing old memories of when we were all younger.  With this yearning for family, my anticipation grows for my family's Christmas celebration when I come home.

After Thanksgiving dinner with the teachers I went to the community dinner at the big school.  I was amazed at how many members of the community showed up.  Most of the foods were foods I would have seen on my own Thanksgiving table, with the exception of Reindeer stew.  This was the first time I’ve tried Reindeer, but I must say it was delicious!  I hear that this is one of the regular foods present at the community Thanksgiving dinner (can’t wait until next year!)

This long weekend will be filled with relaxation and sleep.  I also intend on writing a 5-year plan in which I list my goals for the next 5 years and what exactly I need to do to get myself to that point.  (I am actually super excited about this!)  Hooray for a 4 day weekend!!

Yumm...apple pie

What a nice week. 

Tuesday I had a visit from the Curiosity Corner facilitator (my curriculum) and she observed me all day.  During our debriefing at the end of the day she said ‘that was one of the…no wait…that WAS the best implementation of the curriculum that I have ever seen’  Wow, what a compliment!  She even asked if she could video tape me next visit so she can show other teachers (she works for several districts).  This type of compliment was just what I needed . I always feel like I am never doing a good enough job, that everyone is doing a million times better…but this made me finally feel like I DO know what im doing : ) yay!  Also, had my evaluation the next day from my principal…pretty much nailed everything!

Unfortunately not all things in my classroom are rainbows and flowers…sadly enough attendance has been a major issue.  Gambell is known to have horrible attendance problems, but I have never expected this.  I have 11 children enrolled in my classroom; on any given day I have about 5 students attending.  Last week I had an average of 2 or 3 children.  Something needs to be done…therefore I plan on starting a new step next week.   Each night the gym is open for kids to play in at the big school.  For older students if they are absent they are put on ‘gym list’, which means they cannot go there and play.  Well, the other teacher in my classroom noticed a new of our children who never attend…going to open gym….sooooo…starting Monday Pre-k children will be put on gym list if they do not attend school that day. Also, starting Monday I will be calling each child’s family at 930am if they are not present…and asking them where the child is at.  My method? Annoying them each and every day until their child is coming on a regular basis.  Wish me luck!

Last night Gambell teachers held a carnival at the school.  Each teacher had to have a booth where they were to raise money for their class (each teacher is a class advisor for a particular grade).  For carnival I decided to do a Dino Dig booth where children would sift through sand to find bouncy balls, different colors meant different prizes.  I anticipated this booth to be a total flop…but apparently…children really like sand!  I ended up make $193 just on my booth!  I had so much fun calling to kids to come over to my Dino Dig, and it was fun to act super excited to just get kids to come over (I mean hey…we all know im like that normally…so it wasn’t hard)  I really thought this night was going to be boring and uneventful…but it really was a lot of fun, Im already planning for next year!

Today was fantastic…this week was a long week…and I was exhausted (especially because last night was the carnival)…and it was wonderful getting to sleep in.  I woke up a few times last night…but always so happy because I knew I was able to go back to sleep :D  I had so many crazy awesome different dreams last night.  (a total of about 6 different dreams that I can partially remember).

Now I am sitting on my recliner in my sort of living room…catching up on emails…and waiting for my delicious apple pie made from scratch to come out of the oven…as well as my cinnamon raisin bread to finish baking, i think i'll make some homemade whipped cream too…today was a lovely day :)

Sleepless in Gambell

This week has been so much better than last week.  To begin with, last weekend Gambell School had a Halloween dance for the kids.  I attended to help chaperone the dance.  Not too many children dressed up, but I sure did!  I was not going to miss out on dressing up for Halloween, as I have not done so for nearly 10 years.  I went as a bushel of grapes : ) 

Although I cannot remember specific events of this past week, I know it was ten times better than last. This week went by quckly, and before I knew it it was Friday.  We had Karate early that day (4pm) as there was a basketball that evening.  Karate was great, I am so excited for January.  In January we can test for yellow belt! 

I helped in the student store during the basketball game, is it sad to say that I actually miss working customer service-food service?  I felt natural helping work with the seniors, getting orders and completing them.  Its amazing too, obviously up selling has been engrained in my head for so long that when people bought a pizza I always asked if they would like a drink as well with it (fantastic enough, most actually thought a second then said yes)  I do hope to help with the concessions next game.

My sleep schedules I very off, I am still having difficulty sleeping at nights, and I find myself still awake at 2-3 in the morning (even on weekdays)  I really don’t know how to fix this…as my body will just not let me fall asleep…oh well…

Alas, I will now attempt to rest my head again..it is 2am Sunday morning..perhaps I will get up fairly early tomorrow in hopes that I will be tired with night comes….good luck to me…

What? What do you mean I’m Human???

This past week was a flop.  

Unfortunately not falling asleep until 2am all the week before totally though off my sleep patterns.  By the beginning of the week I was feeling sleep deprived…and all who know me KNOW that I cannot function without sleep.  I become a short tempered, cranky, annoyed, jerk.  And that is pretty much what happened this time…except I brought it into my class. I’m sure my kids could sense I was annoyed and short-tempered…buuuut it didn’t feel like it stopped them one bit. 

Monday and Tuesday I felt like they were purposely doing things to piss me off.  Tuesday was the worse day of all, I wont go into details…but I was feeling so frustrated and upset that I literally cried for a moment in the closet.  Only for a moment, but it still was horrible :/ .  Tuesday night I took sleeping pills and went to sleep.  I felt more refreshed when morning came.  That morning however, we had our first big snow storm with gusts up to 60mph. Power was still on, but Internet and phones where out.  My morning routine was already out of wack (I normally email my sister in the morning and check email). Walking to school wasn’t the greatest…who would have thought that ice pellets getting blown at you at 60mph would have hurt as bad as it did? 
Never the less I trudged on.  When I arrive at school I started to get the morning things ready…including labs.  Today the kids were going to paint, so I was getting the paint ready…well…pretty sure it’s a good idea to check to make sure the lid is on before you start shaking up a one gallon jug of paint.  Within seconds I had green paint all over me :/  Sooo, I had to wear my parka most of the day while my clothes were in the washer and dryer. 

Now im sitting here, writing on my Thursday evening, and you know what? Today wasn’t so bad.  In class today we tore apart a pumpkin and carved it, as well as made our own pumpkin patch in the classroom.  Tomorrow looks even better…homemade applesauce in class, karate, and a coworker/friend’s birthday.  If anything this week has taught me…it has taught me that although this week started out shitty…it can always get better.  I am human…we all have those days/weeks sometimes.  :) Cheers to a hopefully good weekend

From Unalakleet to Gambell

      Just back home from October In-Service in Unalakleet.  Although not too many teachers really enjoy coming to these, i have to say that I actually do.  I think its fun to get off the island for a bit and see other teachers i havent seen for awhile.  I spend the main 2 days with the rest of the ECE teachers from BSSD.  The classes were sort of boring and tiring,  but i was still happy to be there.  Fortunately i had a friend in Unalakleet, so Monday and Tuesday i got to enjoy some delicious rum that i have missed ;) (It's a damp village).  I didnt fall asleep until near 2am each night...oddly enough a school classroom really isnt that tempting to go lay down in...especially when there are 18 other people in the same room. But eh, like i said...i would have rather done that then not gone.

     Tomorrow the Big School has school, but since i am not part of the grant, i dont :)  I get to use it as a workday instead and just organize myself and get caught up on some work.  Only 2 more months and i get to come to Washington!!

     Yesterday(or maybe it was the day before?) It snowed in Unalakleet...beautiful.  When we got to Gambell just a bit ago we had snow on the ground as well.  The differenace here however, is that we have the crazy winds.  I am happy to be home...but turns out our apartments dont have hot water or heat. FUN.  The matienance guy will not be back until this weekend either...

    Anyways, its still early but im exhausted...going to take a nap....hopefully we will get hot water back soon :/

Who would have thought?

“Say YES to life…even though you know it may Devour you…”

Who would have thought a simple 2 1/2 hours back in April would have changed my life?  Going into that dome, professionally dressed, resumes in hand but not expecting anything…exiting the dome, professionally dressed, new job contract in hand.  I signed the contract in 2 1/2 hours after just merely hearing about where the Bering Strait School district was. On the drive home I started to regret my choice. How was I supposed to do this? I don’t have money, what about my friends? What about my car? What about my life? How can I leave everything that I had known?  The next few months turned into a blur…finishing school, graduating, getting a credit card to afford the move, quitting my job…

    The day came that I had to leave.  I was ready…at least that is what I thought.  I had the most amazing last 2 weeks I could have ever expected in Washington.  I had 3 going away parties, I went out all the time with my best girl friend Mayra, I met boys, I drove everywhere…everything seemed perfect.  While I boarded the plane, my heart began to pound.  I began to think…no more going out, no hanging out with Mayra, no boys, do driving….nothing.  What did I get myself in to?  The following 2 weeks consisted of In-service training…I started to feel claustrophobic…I missed home.  I wanted to ‘live’ again.  I wanted to drive, go out, see Mayra, meet boys’….but I couldn’t.  I was stuck on this island.  I was stuck at school or home.  There was nothing here. 

    The third week up here I went to Nome for training for the ECE teachers.  Boy was I excited to go to a town that at least had stores and restaurants!  I don’t know how to explain it…but after Nome…things started falling in place.  I was happy to come back to Gambell at the end of the week.  A week later school started…. i was nervous.  First day of teaching, will I make it?  I did…the day went by quickly…I was surprised at how quick too. 

    Now I sit here, writing on my computer…first quarter of the school year has almost finished…wow. 

    This past quarter of school I have learned so much about my students, about my job, about myself.  I really don’t think there is any job that could be as rewarding as teaching is.  I thought I would drown, I didn’t even think I wanted to teach pre-school…but I did.  And I love it.  Gambell is beautiful.  Never have I ever seen such breath taking skylines when the sun sets and rises.  How could I be so lucky?  Who would have thought that 2 1/2 hours back in April could have changed my life so much? I love my life.  I am so ridiculously happy, its unexplainable...I made the best choice coming out here.

    After Gambell, I want to travel the world.  I want to teach everywhere.  I want to do things that most people only dream about.  I can do it.  I will do it. Just like I did 6 months ago…I took a chance …I said YES.

And now im 23...

Another week has passed at the blink of an eye.  I really am amazed at how quickly time goes by here; I can hardly keep up with everything.  It snowed for the first time this pass Monday, for just a little bit.  On Wednesday it snowed even more, it actually stuck for a little.  I’m surprised at how much it hurts to have snow blown at me with 35mph winds.

    I just turned another age older, now I am a beautiful prime number :) Here.... 23!  Is it possible for me to just keep it this age forever?  I’m done getting older.  23 works just find for me.  I spent my birthday like every other Friday.  Work, Yup’ik dancing, karate and dinner with the teachers.  I did get the chance to enjoy cake twice that day though :)  I invited my students and their families to come join me at school at 1130-1200 for some cake and Jell-O.  We had a nice littler turn out too. Then at the dinner with the teachers i had another cake :) Yum! I felt so sick and exhausted that day that i went to bed at 9:30pm.  Saturday was supposed to be my relax day, but i felt sick most of the day, so i just watched movies.

     I did however buy my parka and boots! Hurray!  Now I might actually get the chance to be warm this winter!  I also bought my flight home to Washington this December.  I am so ridiculously excited about coming home to do the simple things...like drive...go out to eat...see friends...see trees!  I do like it up here, but it definitely lacks some things that i have grown accustomed to over the years.  Eeeek! I am so excited!  Anyways, I need to plan on what I'm teaching for Math tutoring tomorrow...so I’ll post more another time.

Gosh I am so Happy :) :) :)

         Gosh, I am so happy, who would have thought that such a quick, impulsive decision could have played out so positively for me? Who would have thought that I would actually enjoy my pre-k kids? Sure, they're a handful every once I awhile...but hey, isn’t everyone like that...no matter what age?

        Teaching is amazing.  What was it...a year ago I said I didn’t think I wanted to teach? I wanted to join the FBI or Police Department (don't get me wrong, I still want to someday). Teaching is all about those little celebration, as small as this sounds...you have no idea how exciting it was when a struggling kid finally remembered the first letter in their name...it was so amazing!!  I really enjoy it...even testing, gosh...am I lucky or what?  I look forward to work~sure I love the weekends, but going to work on a Monday isn’t as daunting as it is to other people.

          THANK YOU to EVERYONE who HELPED me believe in myself...those who encouraged me in my decisions...No mater how wacky they seemed at the time...you know who you are :)

          I am so Happppppy!  I've received an email from one of the students I student taught for saying her email said this:

                    Oh remember that quick note you wrote on an index card to my parents......I was so proud of myself so I put it on my bedroom wall with all the other things I'm proud of. I was proud because I was always getting in trouble and then My other teacher said to call my parents then I was all scared because my mom is kinda strict and so I went home and I got in trouble then I was probably the worst student in the class. then you came and I was like ugh! another teacher! (I know I was so rude) then days and days gone by and once I got to know you somehow magically my behavior changed and I got a good note and my mom was so proud!

          It really is a rewarding feeling reading this email...before i even graduated I already affected someones life? My goodness, I feel so honored to have had the capability to even do that.

           My goodness, what a long rant that was...Haha... :) This week was a decent one...I wasn't sick!  Also, our pre-k building got a janitor~hurray! I officially started math tutoring, this week :)  It's going well so far. Monday I started by showing the riddle from the movie "Die Hard With a Vengeance" About having a 5 gallon and 3 gallon jug, and you need to figure out how to give 4 gallons. My kids really liked it. They are actually excited to go to Math tutoring. Next week we will do something with Math involving Basketball (which is loved by basically everyone up here) yay!

        "This is our time,
                  yours and mine.
          You have important discoveries to make,
                  now is the time to make them.
         You have important talents to develop,
                  now is the time to develop them.
         You have important gifts to give to the world.
                   Now is the time to give them.”

Annnnnd 1/8th of the way through!

A few other AWESOME ECE peeps :)

Wow, week 3 done already???  It seems that just last week I was with my fellow ECE teachers rockin' it up in Nome, was it really almost a month ago?! My time really has flown by.     This last week was a quick one, but it may have been for the fact that I had called in sick on Wednesday, and nooooo it wasn’t just for the fun of it.  Tuesday evening I came down with a terrible fever, 102.0 and it stayed around until pretty much Wednesday evening.  Second time since I've been down here that I’ve been sick :/ I got my list of targeted students for my tutoring class at the beginning of the week, unfortunately Wednesday was the day I was supposed to begin teaching them.... oh well, guess that gives me another few days to play for next week :)  I honestly have no idea what I am teaching them just yet...this class is not really supposed to be like another math class or anything...so my job is to make math fun and interesting, something that they want to go to...guess this weekend this is where my focus will be!

Yup'ik Dancing (friday afternoons)

Hurray on it being Friday already...I don't know if I could have made it a day longer!  We had another round of Yup'ik dancing in our school gym today.  It really is hilarious watching the teachers try to dance with the natives.... the Yup’ik dancers are just so fluid with their movements...yet us teacher...so ridiculously choppy.  I have yet to go up to the front and try dancing, I think I’ll hold back for a few more weeks...I really don’t want to butcher the dance my first try (although I imagine this will be inevitable).

Also this week (today actually)  I continued with Karate.  It really is so much fun to take!  I feel like I'm learning a lot and my does time fly by when I'm doing it.  In a few weeks if i am still enjoying it, i may actually order my karate robe :)  Sure i would only start out with a white belt, but i really think it would be fun to try and climb the rope of colors.  I am amazed at how Karate really does have to do a lot with self control and really finding your center.  Before and after we are done with practice we do deep breathing...where we just listen and breath deeply...it is wonderfully relaxing.  We actually worked with partners today.  One person would be the attacker, the other the blocker.  The attacker would start out with a downward block then forward punch to the face, where the blocker would block the punch, and in return punch the original attacker in the stomach.  We practiced this several times, even wit the teacher.  I really can say i did so much better than last week...it was awesome!  I cannot wait until next Friday!

I also wanted to include in this post a before and after picture of my classroom, as well as include a link to more pictures of Gambell.  You are more than welcomed to take a gander at the other pictures and let me know what you think, here is the link! ->  PICTURES OF GAMBELL AND OTHER BITS AND PIECES!

Before set up...

After set up!

One month down...09/12/10

Well, this past month has been a busy one!  After three weeks of in-service training...I finally made it to my first day of school on September 1st. On the first day 10 out of my 11 students arrived.... very very good for Gambell.  Too bad that didn’t last long.  On average I have about 6 or 7 student show up each day.  The odd thing though is that each day it’s a different set of kids.  I guess I almost prefer this...as at least I get to see the majority of my kids at some point during the week.  I just finished week two this past Friday...and my did it fly by.

I spend at least one day during the weekend in my classroom, either getting ready for next week...or like this past Saturday...just organizing.  I really don’t mind spending my Saturday at school; I mean...what else is there to do??

This coming Monday (tomorrow) I begin tutoring High School Mathematics for 2 hours a day Monday-Thursday.  I am so excited for this, because for all who know me...my passion lies in Math :)  The extra cash will help to with paying back my debts.  This past Friday I started Karate, Lets just say...I'm not that coordinated...ha-ha.  I am excited to start this up though...it will be every Friday until sports start up...then we may have to change it to another day or time. Our teacher is a black belt from Japan, and she has lived here for about 12 years. 

Needless to say, I've been staying very busy...I'll try to update my blog for often... :)

Also, I have pictures I have added of Gambell and my classroom if you ever want to take a look...here is the link! 

Bits and Pieces of My New Life...

Last Supper...August 9th 2010

Success!

Today was a very productive day, Brittany, Zack and I went shopping this morning and got everything we were lacking.  Its great, over here in Anchorage at the Walmart they have something called 'Bush orders'.  Once we have done our shopping we just bring it to the back of the store where we purchase our items and they send it to our village.  How convenient!

After shopping i had to make my last stop at my favorite fast food restaurant TACO BELL!  It was faaaantastic :)  All who know me know that i LOVE me some Taco Bell :D :D

We were so exhausted by the time we were done shopping and eating that we went back to the hotel to take a lovey nap.  Naps are really underestimated some times...i loooove sleep! 

This evening we decided to eat at a restaurant called Glacier Alehouse on 5th ave in Anchorage, it was so great.  This place was so flipping busy!  The wait was going to be about 2 hours, so we decided to go over to the bar to see if we would have a little luck. And Brittany, as awesome as she is decided to Vulture over some people who looked like they were leaving soon, and in about 10 minutes we had a table! 

We all decided to get steak...our last supper going out to eat...and our last steak.  I decided to go for the big boy...get me a New York steak with delicious garlic mashed potatoes. Anyhoo, i ordered my steak well done, and when i got it, it actually ended up being rare...like...not rare like pink, but rare like...dripping blood :/  When the waiter came back i showed him my food, and the apologized and took it back.  When the waiter finally returned to our table he apologized and told me my 30 dollar steak was on them today.  It was so flipping awesome.  Way to end my last meal...my last steak :D

And now, i lay on the hotel bed...typing my blog...watching i love you man...a wonderful end to the night!

Beginning of a new Chapter...August 8th 2010

5am. Wake up

5:30am. Get coffee from my old Starbucks

6am. Head to the airport

8am. Leave Washington.

Yes...I sit here in a quiet hotel in Anchorage Alaska awaking for tomorrows busy day to come.  Tomorrow is the day Brittany (Gambells future 6th grade teacher), her boyfriend an I go shopping for last minute things to bring to Gambell, AK.

The flight to Anchorage was very smooth, although i was a tad disappointed at how cloudy the entire flight was.  I did manage to take a few photos towards the end of the flight...which i will include on this post :)

We arrived in Anchorage at about 10:30am Alaska time (11:30 Washington time).  Each of us exhausted and already ready to call it a day.  We decided after some debate to head to the mall.  We really didn't do much shopping, although i did manage to get my new cell phone hooked up (yay for cell service in our village now!). I pay almost twice what i did before for cell service, but i think its well worth it. I just hope i get good service over there!

I am now enjoying my last bit of time watching cable and enjoying my grownup lemonade...i could really go for some gummy bears right now though...