You dont have to wait any longer...

:) I know a lot of people have been waiting to hear about my decision for next school year.  I wanted to tell certain people first, but I just have not been able to do that.  I am not sure why, but it is easier to share information on my blog then on the phone...

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO.................  you dont have to wait any longer....

I will be returning to Alaska next year.  Unless something dramatically changes that is my plan.  I love my job up here and I really love living up here.  Since I have been offered my job for next school year, I will accept the experience again.  I see returning next year (August 2009) as a great opportunity for self growth, experience, financial growth, and life time opportunities. 

I know I will miss my family as much if not more than I have this year, but we have made it 6 months now and so what is another 10 months next year.  I will be home this summer hopefully the 2nd or 3rd of June.  I have applied for a job with Upward Bound at OCC (keep your fingers crossed) this summer, waiting for a word about that job.  I have not really searched other places for a job, or a place to live, but I figure I have 4 months... I have time to figure out the small details later... I do know I will be buying my Taurus back from my Uncle.

Other than that, not much is new in Alaska.  For those of you that have heard, about the volcano about 100 miles south of Anchorage... dont worry about me at this time, I am over 600 miles away from Anchorage... so I am safe.  I just hope it does not affect my travel plans on the 13th of February.  I will keep you updated on that.

And... that winner of the Alaskan prize for commenting on my blog entry about the decision I had to make is.....Cheryl Colwell, Congrats Cheryl, I will get it mailed out to you as soon as I leave the village on the 13th.  Thank you to all who left comments, and sent emails with advice, words of wisdom and concerns...

Lots of love from Alaska  :)

What have you done?

I've seen this going around and thought that it would be fun...I've done the things in Blue.

1. Started your own blog  (What else would you be reading)

2. Slept under the stars (Well sort of....)

3. Played in a band (way back in grade school)
4. Visited Hawaii  (not yet)

5. Watched a meteor shower  (Just this past December while in a hot spring)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (Just this last paycheck, check out my previous post)
7. Been to Disneyland/World (long long time ago.... Roll with the punches)

8. Climbed a mountain (No but at least I can say I see them everyday)

9. Held a praying mantis 
10. Sang a solo 

11. Bungee jumped  (I think I would like to sometime though.)

12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child 

16. Had food poisoning  (Not something I brag about)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (Kerri does this, but I eat them... LOL)

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (I was on the train for over 49 hours to get to Settle from Chicago, and I loved it)

21. Had a pillow fight 

22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill  (its been awhile though) 

24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb 

26. Gone skinny dipping 

27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 

29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 

31. Hit a home run 

32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (The Canadian side, I would love to go again)

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community 

36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I dont think that will ever happen...)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 

39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 

41. Sung karaoke (tried anyway)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa 

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (not an ocean beach, but a lake beach haha)
46. Been transported in an ambulance (thank goodness)

47. Had your portrait painted (Would like to though)
48. Gone deep sea fishing (I cant even fish in a lake....)

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Does the one in Vegas count?)

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (Plan to sometime)
52. Kissed in the rain (thats how I got a boyfriend in high school... I am walking in the mulch I am walking in he mulch, I hope some of you remember that night)

53. Played in the mud (duh, I am from the country)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater (Duh I grew up around Newton)
55. Been in a movie (not a professional one, but I have been recorded)

56. Visited the Great Wall of China 

57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class 

59. Visited Russia 

60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - (I love to eat them though)

62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason (My students at Jefferson Grade school loved me...)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma  - (Just blood)

65. Gone sky diving (I think I want to do this sometime too... maybe)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 

67. Bounced a check  (duh, look at number 37)

68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar 

72. Pieced a quilt 

73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades 

75. Been fired from a job - Just two jobs I think.... LOL, back before I was grown up..
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 

77. Broken a bone (Thank goodness)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (from the plane on the way to Vegas)
80. Published a book  (Still a goal of mine)

81. Visited the Vatican 

82. Bought a new car - Bought a new 4-wheeler, I think that counts...  LOL
83. Walked in Jerusulem 

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible 

86. Visited the White House - Seen it from the street.  Not inside though.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 

88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (Do the dummies in CPR class count?)  LOL

90. Sat on a jury 

91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club 

93. Lost a loved one 

94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person 9

6. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit 

98. Owned a cell phone ( I miss my cell phone so much)

99. Been stung by a bee

Please share what you have done with your blogger friends  :)

Lots of Love from Alaska

a little something from you for this family will mean so much...

All I can say is WOW....

I have came across this blog from another.  I read about what they are doing to adopt a baby, it is just amazing.  I had to wait until payday to donate a little. I really wish I could have gave more.  

I know money it tight everywhere, but $5 for them to get $5 closer to their baby is just amazing.

Please check it out and read their story.  It you dont have the money to donate now, please just keep them in your mind, thoughts and prayers.

http://asisterforthebean.blogspot.com/2009/01/claires-super-huge-adoption-raffle.html

this is the direct post about the raffle and how it works

Here is their actual blog site

http://asisterforthebean.blogspot.com/

Lots of love from Alaska...

WHAT TO DO??? WHAT TO DO?????

Well... that was the question of the night with Amber and I.  We were chatting online and I was telling her that the special education department for the school district I work for has asked me to let them know ASAP if I will be returning next year.  They will soon be looking for people to take my position if I do not return.

Amber and I have came to a conclusion.  But I am not going to share it with the BLOG world just yet.  I would like to hear from you out there.  I mean.... most you know me, know my family, know where I am from, and know where I am now.  so I would just like to hear from you out there.  If you would please take a moment to let me know your opinion.  It will be read and thought about tons.  Like I said we have a conclusion..... but that could always change.

Thanks in advance for you comments.

 

P.S. Just so you know, there will be a free Alaskan give away from a comment that is randomly chosen.  So leave your comments and have a change to win a free gift from Alaska!

Lots of love from Alaska....

Who does not love FREE THINGS?

WOW, I love free things, especially Jewelry and Purses.  I also love SARAH!!!

So feel free to visit her site and you can resister for a free giveaway.  I love her blog.  I read it several times a day.  It is wonderful.    We have until Tuesday the 27th to leave her a comment to get registered for a free gift.

Her Blog is http://sarahsplayground1.blogspot.com/

Her sell blog is http://sarahsellz.blogspot.com/

This is just a wonderful way to get us through these wintery months.

Thanks Sarah for all the fun!

lots of love from Alaska.

One after another

OH BOY, I must be catching the crappy vibe from somewhere.  I am just having one crappy day after another.  It seems like its never going to stop.  

I try to think positive about things... but it is just not working.  I also try to forget about things that piss me off and that is not working either.

I just need to vent...  GRRR 

My work wants me to come back next year, I have not idea what I am going to do.  

Money as always is tight...

I hate the way I look in all my clothes, and I just can not get motivated to work out.  The pool at school is closed until further notice.... so I cant use that for exercise.

I am missing home....

And finally, I am so behind in work, I just feel like I cant dig out.... and I have my college class starting Saturday.....

GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for listening to me vent....  I dont feel better yet... but hopefully soon....

OH, and to top it all off... the dang emergency light in my room has a very very annoying buzz to it and I have to listen to it all day long.... driving me even more nuts!!!

One of my favorite paintings, I wish I could just go stand on a bridge and scream...
Sooner or later, I am going to go off on someone who has nothing to do with any of my problems....  I am sorry in advance to who ever that is....

One of many things missed

Well tomorrow will be another day of missing out on something.  I know this is one of many many things I have missed out on, and one of many many more things I will miss out on.  I also know I was the one who chose to move 3000 miles away from my family and friends. 

Tomorrow my sister and best friend Amber is hosting a bridal shower for our friend Robin.  Amber is the MOH! (Matron of Honor) for Robin's upcoming wedding.  I know she has done a great job and will continue to be a great MOH for Robin.  These are the times in a woman's life that are very special and make her feel very special. 

I look back on Amber's Bridal showers, and bachelorette parties and think how special they were for Amber.  I think about how she was so happy, and how her friends shared this time with her.  I hope the best for Robin.  

Have a great time ladies.  Please have a drink for me.

Missing you lots!

lot of love from Alaska.

Care Package from Olney, IL

Yesterday trip to the post office made my day.  I received a care package from friends in IL.  Scoop and Kathy.  They have their own vending company, so they sent me items from what they would put in vending machines.  It was just wonderful.  I think I opened a bag of chips before I even finished looking through the package.  I just cant make myself spend $7 for a bag of chips up here.  so I just go without.  Not anymore.  I have chips, candy, and candy bars to last awhile.

Thank you so much Scoop and Kathy, you really made my day, week, and month.

Lots of love from Alaska.

The fun times from Illinois!!!

I had a great time while I was in Illinois.  When I got back I was amazed to find out I took almost 500 pictures while I was home.  I would love to share all of them with you, but I will share a few.  I was able to see lots of people.  It was great to be with my family and my friends.  I was able to make it to all of my family events and spend tons of time with my family.  I can not wait until June to see everyone again.  I know this summer will be great as well.  I want to thank all of my family and friends who shared the great time with me while I was home.  I know it may not have seem any different from you normal day to day but for me it was 5 months of waiting to get back into that day to day events.  I love you all and miss you so much, but just remember I am living my dream up here.

Lots of love from Alaska

My brother in law loves me so much he brought the 4wheelers to my moms on Tuesday so we could go riding.  Paulina a wonderful friend of mine came down from Charleston to hang out so we all went riding.  We had a wonderful tine.  We were pretty bundled up.
Santa came to visit the Groves' Christmas so Amber, Lisa and I took a turn getting our picture with him. 
The 3 stoogies with their hats on. It was raining outside and I guess Lisa and Amber thought they would melt so they put gift bags on their heads.  Marty had to jump in the picture too... she fits right in.  She has an Alaska sock hat on, I wonder who brought that gift to the gift exchange.  Thanks for the laughs girls...
Another set of 3 stoogies.  Just kidding, here is a wonderful picture of Kierstyn, Aaron and Aunt Amber.  I love this picture, this was right after we opened presents at Lisa's.  I think the kids were pretty happy to see me....  I love them so much!!!

The last Friday I was home was wonderful and a few of my friends came out with me.  It was wonderful to hang out with all of them.  I had a  blast with Jen, Katie, Tammy and Karlie.  Thanks girls for a wonderful night out.  

I hope you enjoy the pictures. I have tons more, but its getting time for me to call it a day.  :)

Sick and feeling like poo

Well I had a blast in Illinois, but while i was there I got a head cold.  Then being on the planes it kicked my butt.  My ears are still messed up.  they keep popping and I cant really hear.  I missed school Thursday and half a day Friday.  Today I cant sleep anymore, but I dont feel like doing anything.  

So I have been watching movies and playing online.  Fun times....

If my ears are not better Monday I am going to the clinic.  

I will keep you updated..

lots of sick love from Alaska!!!

ONLY IN ALASKA

I have come across another First.  School in the village of Anaktuvuk Pass has been cancelled for January 7th due to staff being stuck in Fairbanks.  we are calling it a staff work day.  But in reality it is because 5 our of 11 teachers are in Fairbanks.  

Kerri and I are not alone.  There are also 3 other teachers stuck due to weather and the 5th teacher has a Dr appointment.  

So we are scheduled to have school thursday.  I am not complaining.  I needed the R&R.

Only in Alaska.

lots of love from Alaska.

I made it back to Alaska

Well I got in to Alaska late Monday night.  I was scheduled to leave Fairbanks for the village on Tuesday.  however, Ice Fog hit Fairbanks pretty hard and the planes could not take off.  so I am spending an extra night in Fairbanks.  I am not complaining though.  I needed the rest and relaxation.  so its nice.  

I am getting caught up on my emails, blogs, and pictures.  

I had a wonderful time in Illinois.  I want to thank everyone who made it a great trip home.  I will be back in June.  Just like the past 5 months flew by, I am sure the next 5 months will fly by also.  

I made a comment to someone while I was home, that wow, not much has changed here.  (in IL) I guess thats nice.  I just was not sure what to expect.  Being away for so long... 

I hope everyone has a great week.  

LOTS OF LOVE FROM ALASKA (again)