A Little Piece of My Life

so true, see if you agree

2010-09-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

I love all of these sayings and most of them I have found to be true in only 26 years!!

My dare to you, re-post on your blog, print and share with others, copy and paste then fwd in an email, or just share a couple with loved ones.

Thanks to my Mom for emailing this to me. I have printed it to share with others and posted it on my blog to share also! :)

3 things about me

2010-09-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

3 Things About Me!

Please don't break the cycle... it is fun to learn
different things about our friends!

A. Three names I go by: Ashley, Suzie, Ash

B. Three places I've lived: Noble, Anaktuvuk Pass, Charleston

C. Three places I've worked: South Eastern Special Education, Nunamuit School, Olney Central College,

D. Three places I have been: Canada, Alaska, VEGAS

E. Three people that email me regularly: Mom, Barb, Sheryl

F. Three things I love to eat: Pizza, Salad, french fries

G. Three people I think will respond: uuummm, whomever

H. Three things I am looking forward to: Amber's bday party, Paulina moving into her house, paying some bills off!!

Blog Update

2010-09-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well it has been many months since I have posted an update on my blog and since I am up early today, with nothing to really do, I thought I would see how much information I could come with with to share with everyone!

~ I am working again this semester at OCC, teaching Constitution, 2 Reading and English classes, a Math class and an off campus Math class. Love them all!!

~ I have some wonderful students! They teach me something new everyday!

~ My best friend Paulina bought a house in Charleston, I now know how to paint, sand floors, sponge paint and have a great time with friends while doing it all!

~ Planning a 30th birthday party for my sister in October! hehehe

~ My niece has survived almost of month of High School, and Band!

~ My nephew is surviving 6th grade and JFL!

~ I love my business of selling Signature Homestyes. It allows me to meet some great people and have wonderful decorations and baskets for my home at the same time!

~ My sister Amber and her husband Jason just celebrated their 4 year anniversary... it seems like her wedding day was just here, now they have been happily married for 4 years, I wish them many many more years of happiness.

~ I know you can find out who your true friends are when you need to! I know many people dont like country music, but there is a great song about that, and I have heard it several times lately and if I listen to the words, I know its true! Paulina will agree to that! :)

~ I lost a great guy friend of mine in late August and his memorial Jam night in Mattoon brought 3 wonderful guys into my life! Again, thanks to Paulina. RIP Michael Hall

~ I fear my addiction to facebook is getting worse! Does anyone know if there is a facebook addiction group around town?

~ I also fear my texting is getting out of control... I think last month I had 1,400 text... which is only 45 text a day... but still...

~ I have learned to talk on the phone more tho. In the past 20 days I have talked on the phone more than I have since I was in Alaska! hehehe, but he is totally worth it!

~ I still watch netflix, which I love! I watch them instantly on my computer!

~ Is it weird that I bought a wii game and I dont even own a wii? I just take it with me and play it at others peoples houses who have a wii.

~ I am getting pretty good about wearing earrings, a watch and make up everyday! not sure where that came from, but its kind of a change for me!

~ I love love emailing with my mom back and forth throughout the day! It is so nice to talk with her like I did when I was in Alaska during the day!

~ Since I have mentioned Alaska a few times, I still communicate with some friends up there, and they are doing great! Teresa and Charlie are still in the village, and loving it, they have had some great weather this season. Kerri is in Fairbanks with her boyfriend Mike and their 14 dogs! I miss them all, and glad they are doing good... its hard to believe I have been home for over 15 months...

~ Well, I will stop with all the random thoughts for today! But I hope you have enjoyed reading about some things in my life!

Have a great day
:)

Blog UPDATE!!!!!!!

2010-03-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well I have had several people telling me I need to do a Blog update, so since I have the time and nothing else that needs immediate attention I thought I would Blog - keep in mind, I should be doing homework, loading songs on Kierstyn's MP3 player, sending emails, doing lessons plans for next week and making sure I have everything ready for my trip to Chicago next week, but I am taking time out of my day to BLOG!!! LOL

So I think the easiest way to cover everything is to post 25 Random thoughts:

~ 1. I am teaching at OCC this semester, as I did last semester. I teach 2 reading and 2 english classes 1 math and 1 constitution class, all for GED or ABE. I also taught a job skills class, but it ended at midterm. VERY BUSY SEMESTER! But I love it. When I started teaching out there I was not sure how I would like teaching adults, but I really enjoy it and it is rewarding!

~ 2. I love winter and snow, but this weather is just AMAZING!

~3. I love spending time with my family. Even if we are not doing anything, I just love to be around them.

~4. I get along with my parents (all 4 of them) and Lisa, Amber and their spouses better than I could ask for. They are always there for me not matter what. I talk with my sisters or text them all the time! Its amazing how much love I feel with a GREAT FAMILY!

~ 5. Kierstyn and Aaron are my life, they are such great kids and are going up so much! I love seeing them whenever I want and cherish the time I am with them. They are amazing to be around and make the my life seem complete.

~6. I am sooooo happy for Amber and Jason for getting their house. It is a super nice house and I am so happy I get to help a little bit to get it ready. I am very sad I will not be in town when they move, but atleast I have had some time to help them!

~7. To continue with Amber and Jason, I love to get away from my house and come live on their couch for a day or two. Its so nice to be that girl on the couch! LOL

~8. I am leaving on Tuesday for Chicago for the Spring Conference. I will be in Chicago until Friday afternoon, then taking the train to Springfield, where I will meet the AWESOME bowling girls for our bowling tournement. I am excited about both things! Going to be a GREAT weekend!

~9. My house is still coming along. I finally got a computer. Thanks to my mother! She gave me her computer so I am slowing getting into the now! I may eventually get internet, but we will see! hehehe

~10. I am hanging out with some great girls from high school again! Shannon and I see eachother quite often, as well as Jen B, Jen D, Katie, and Christina. Its great to have friends that you have history with!

~ 11. Shannon has the cutest 2 year old I know! Her name is Addysen and she is a GREAT kid. I love to spend time with her. She majorly puts a smile on my face!

~12. My students this semester are great, I love seeing them ever week and we get along so great. They are all very different and bring something new to the classroom.

~13. I am eagerly waiting to work in my yard this spring. I know its going to be alot of work, but I think it will be fun, hopefully I will have some help! hint hint - Mom, Amber, Lisa :)

~14. I love pizza, I could eat if for every meal!

~15. I finally got a treadmill. Used it once this week. then since the weather has been nice I walked outside. Took king for a walk at moms Tuesday, he loved it! he is such a GREAT dog!

~16. I am excited for Baseball season, GO CARDS!

~17. I was so busy earlier this week I thought I was going to go insane! But that is over and now things are back to normal!

~18. I am going to the chiropractor. I hurt my shoulder when I was in Alaska and he found out my body is all out of line, so its going to be a long process, but he is GREAT!

~19. Single and LOVE IT!

~20. I love love being home from Alaska. I loved it up there, and I miss everyone up there, but I love being with my family and friends.

~21. I love to talk!

~22. I love to text and do it all the time!

~23. I also check facebook daily or a couple bizzillion times a day on my phone!

~24. I totally think people change and friendships end, and they can not be repaired!

~25. CAN I SAY IT AGAIN, I LOVE MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ITS SO GREAT TO BE LOVED AND HAVE THE SUPPORT I HAVE FROM EVERYONE!

~ thanks for reading my blog :)

award - not a CMA, even better...

2009-11-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

How nice of Amber, my lovely sister to give me a Fabulous Blog award. I actually didnt even know I had the award until she told me to look at her blog. I dont blog much anymore, and I need to appologize for that. I do not have a computer at my new house, that may come after the holidays. Also I really dont lead a very eventful life to blog about on a daily/weekly basis. Very uneventful compared to when I was living in Alaska. But I will try to get better and blog more often, when I can.

Now the rules say all I have to do is pass this award along to 5 other fabulous blogs and also write about 5 things that I am obsessed with right now. BUT, as most of you know, I am not very good at following the directions, so I am going to just say.. all of you bloggers in the blog world deserve this award and if you are reading this and you have not already been honored with this award I want you to post it on your blog and also post about the 5 things you are obsessed with at this time.

Now for my 5 obessions...

1) I am obsessed with getting my house organized. It is not near complete yet, but hopefully after the holidays I will have some more money to purchase the things I need to complete my den and spare bedroom.

2) Now that I am home from Alaska and can drive down the road or to the next town to see my family and friends I am obsessed with spending time with them. I guess I didnt realize how much I need to be around them to be happy and enjoy myself to the full extent. I can just sit and watch tv or a movie and be happy when I am with my family and friends. They are great, and I cherish the time I spend with them. I love to be able to drive to Newton and see Kierstyn and Aaron whenever I can! As well as, the rest of my family!

3) I am also, as many others are, obsessed with facebook. I check it daily (on my phone) and read status updates of my family and friends. It is just nice to hear how their days are going and if they need anything. I love to read about good days and good events in their lives. It is a fun and easy way to stay in contact with people I dont see or talk to all the time.

4) As a follow up to #3 I am obsessed with text messaging. I send and recieve about 8,000 text a month. I love to text and recieve text. YES, I have conversations through texting and I express emotions through text as well. I know it is hard to fully understand people while texting, but I do it anyway. I love it. I dont really enjoy talking on the phone anymore, conversations have been replaced by texting for me. I also feel more comfortable with texting some people as opposed to talking on the phone! Its just me! :)

5) My final obsession to add to this list would be books. I have so many books in my house, which is hilarious to me because I dont really read all that much. I have kids books, educational books, and teaching books. My spare bedroom is full of totes that are full of educational books and supplies. I know when I have a full time teaching job most of the educational "stuff" will move to my classrooom, but at this point is just appears I have way to much. I guess thats the perks and down falls of being a teacher and loving my job. :)

Well those are my 5 obsessions. I will try before the end of the month to post pictures of my new tattoo. no promises though!

All about me and my life

2009-09-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I dont blog near as much as I used to or near as much as I should, but I rarely catch myself at the computer for more than 20 or 30 minutes a day, and that time is spent reading emails, playing on facebook and checking my bills...

So I just thought I would take a minute to catch some bloggers up and let you know what I plan to get online soon.

~ I am moving to Noble. In town in Noble, I am renting a house from two wonderful people, and I am only 3 miles from my dad's house :)

~ I still have blonde high lights in my hair. Which I am finally used to when I look in the mirror.

~ I love being home with my family and friends more than words can describe. I do miss Alaska, and the friends I made up there, and the dogs in my life up there, but there is no place like home.

~ I am working at OCC, and love it.

~ I am also subbing in surrounding counties in the schools. Which is very interesting :)

~ My nephew is number 40 on the JFL green team. GO Aaron!

~ I spend my Sunday afternoons at Newton on the bleechers of the football field (see above).

~ Kierstyn has two parades coming up this month she will be marching in for the Newton JR Band.

~ I will be watching 2 parades this month (see above)

~ Dustin Granby is running for Jasper County Treasurer! VOTE FOR GRANBY! :)

~ My brother in law's bday is Friday - 9/25/09.

~ Lisa and Scott just celebrated their anniversary today. 9/24/09

~ Now, future plans include posting pictures of my new house, car, hair do and the kids upcoming events... if you would like to find me on facebook, I update my status often on there :)

Have a great Weekend and enjoy the wonderful weather we are having :)

Love to all

A little behind

2009-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

OK OK, I know I have not been blogging much, but man, I have just been so crazy busy... Na, not really, I am just lazy and never really want to sit down and blog. I cant add any pics right now, but I will sometime soon.

I am working out at OCC, two days a week, like is so far.

I have been spending time with family and friends lots :) I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We went to the Farm on Saturday and that was a blast, Lisa and I both experienced side aches from laughing so hard :) And Yes, I did the slip n slide again and my body hurt on Sunday. But it is always worth is, and no I am not too old to slip n slide :)

I check my facebook, usually everyday, so... I kind of know whats up with friends and family.

Mom and I got a new Wii game, Resort Sports, I LOVE IT! We play it lots.

Other than that, not much is new... well not that I can think of right NOW...................

OH WAIT :)

Today 09-09-09 - Is the 3 year anniversary of Amber and Jason McReaken's wedding. I am so amazed it has been 3 years since they got married. I will always remember that day, and the love they shared that day with family, and friends. I know they are so happy and love eachother, I wish them Many Many more years of happiness. I love to visit with them, it is always fun to be around them. And their ever growing farm.

Have a wonderful anniversary :) I love you both :)

Whats New?

2009-07-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

Well its been almost a month since a posted anything, so I figured I could type up a short blog about whats new with me.

~ Still job hunting. But I am not worried or upset, just looking around...

~ I love spending time with my family as much as possible.

~ Took Kierstyn, Aaron, Cole, Amber and Jason to Holiday World last weekend, it was a BLAST. Of course the adults got sun burnt... But we all had a good time.

~ Also took the kids to Chuck E Cheese, it was a good time too. The kids had fun, so thats what matters.

~ Unpacked, no no, opened 3 boxes from my move, looked in them, then closed them back up and neatly stacked them in my room. LOL - it was not anything I needed or had anywhere to put, so I just left it in the box where it belongs.

~ PARKA - yeah in one of the boxes I chose to open was my - 60 degree weather parka and my -40 degree weather snow pants... dont think I will need them anytime soon. Hint the reason I just left them in the box.

~ BIG NEWS - Dad turned 59 yesterday (July 28th) So I had some family and friends come down to Olney we had pizza, and cup cakes for his birthday. I had a wonderful time and I think he did too, he seemed a little surprised, I hope he was anyway. My dad is so great, we get along so well, I dont know how I would have made it to where I am today without him. He is always there when I need something, and he is always watching out for me! I know I am closer with my dad then Amber and Lisa, but thats just the way it has worked out. I missed him so much while I was in Alaska, and it has been so great to be home and see him whenever I want. The Groves family is a very close family, and getting closer all the time... (thanks to myself and Daina) So it is great that so many family members were able to come down to help celebrate Dad's Day. Thanks everyone. :) It meant a lot to me and him.

~ Looking forward to this weekend, going swimming and having a cookout in Lville. Going to be a good ol time.

~ Next week I am looking forward to spending quality time with Mom while Brad takes a guys only vacation to Sturgis... Mom and I will have good times - Wii parties and the such. :)

~ Also plan to go to Charleston next week to visit Paulina and other friends up there :)

Well I think I have filled up enough for my blog. I have some pictures I will post next time I am at Amber's.

Take care and enjoy what we have left of summer :)

One Month home and a lifetime of Memories :)

2009-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

Me and Mom out after spa day... it was a wonderful day/night

Christina and I out at the Fireside :)

Kierstyn on the ride at the lovely Jasper County Fair

Daina and I at the Newton Eagles... our pretty regular hang out :)

Paulina and I at Toasters in Mattoon, with the old gang... good times...

Amber and I at the Holiday Hotel. We had a wonderful time that day, night, and morning :)

Marty doing the CAT walk in her 1970's robe. She is hilarious, Spa day wouldnt be the same without Marty and her Old Man Balls Robe.

Kierstyn, Aaron and I doing our Twister Act. Gotta love those kids. But the funny thing is I came up with the ACT. LOL

Duke being Duke, as soon as he sees a box he thinks he has to get in it, no matter the size. He took over my cell phone box.

Bailey Joe, enjoying his mom's slide show of pictures through the door. Amber pulls some good tricks out of her pocket at times... As long as she is not stuck :)

NOW FOR MY BLOG TEXT... I had technical difficulties with this blog stuff... so my pictures are above my text... sorry for any confusion...

I know I know.... I have not blogged in awhile, but I have been so busy now that I am back in Illinois. I LOVE LOVE being home. I am having such a good time with my family and friends. We have had family get togethers, reunions, spa days, wedding receptions, dinners, nights out, movie trips, babies born.... and so much more.

So blogging has just not been on the top of my to do list, but I am now taking the time to blog and share a few pictures I have take. I hope you enjoy them...

Also on a good note, for those of you that dont know, I have a new car (well new to me)... I got a 2001 Ford Taurus... I LOVE IT, its a really nice car.

I am just enjoying my life at home, and my family and friends. Its so wonderful to be back home. I have also talked with people from Alaska since I have been home, so that was nice, they are enjoying their summers and spending time with their families also.

On another note, I am still job hunting, guy hunting and house hunting... LOL, maybe I should just learn to hunt deer I will prolly have better luck. :)

enjoy the photos... lots of Love from Ashley Marie

Home and Loving every Minute of it!!!

2009-06-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, as most of you know, I made it home, Saturday evening. I am so happy to be home. It seemed like a very long trip, but well worth it.

When I arrived at the Effingham train station, to my surprise I had 2 sisters, (Amber and Lisa), my brother in law (Jason) and Amber Tonn there to greet me. I was so excited I screamed when I got off the train, and dropped my bags to give hugs. (Thank you Jason for picking them up for me) We did not stand a chat much, since they had been waiting well over an hour on the late train. (and it was not my fault it was late, I know I am late everywhere I go, but this time it was out of my control)

We soon left and headed to Vandalia to my cousins wedding reception. (Congratulations to Matt and Erin Koehler) I was very happy to my mom, Brad and the rest of my family. It was a great evening with the family. I am sorry I didnt make it to the beautiful wedding, but being at the reception with the family was wonderful. Amber Tonn and I stayed at the reception for a couple hours...

Then we drove back down to Olney, so I could see "my boys" I was only able to see 2 out of the 4, I ran with all last summer. But it was great to see them and other friends in Olney. I was also able to see Mariah when we got back to Amber's house that evening.

The next morning.. ok, ok afternoon Amber woke me up, to get ready to head to the farm to see the GROVES family. (and yes, we were a little late) That was wonderful. Most of the family was there, and it was a great time as always, fun, food, games, family, friends, four wheelers, what else could you ask for. We had a great afternoon and evening...

I was so happy to see so many members of my family and so many friends already. There are several people I have not seen, and I will eventually get around to seeing everyone, just give me time.. I had a couple priorities to get out of the way...

I am in the process of buying a car, I am very excited about it. I am also interviewing for some teaching jobs for next fall, and of course helping the Turner's get the pool up. I have spent the past couple days with the Turner family, I think they missed me lots, I know I missed the kids sooooo much, Lisa and Scott as well. I have kind of became the other "mother & wife" for them. LOL

So since I have been home I have been very busy... tonight was actually the first time I have been back online, sorry for the delay with any contacts. I do have a new cell number, hopefully no one has trouble getting a hold of me, surly you will be able to track me down. Also, I am going to be living with my mom and step dad until something more permanent comes along.

I want to send out a big Thank you for everyone who offered beds, floors and couches! That was so nice. I even meet some new friends who were more than willing to let me stay with them. Thank you very much to the preacher's wife at my sister's church. Vicki, your opened arms were very well appreciated.

Please return for furture updates, and pictures of my new car.

LOTS OF LOVE FROM ILLINOIS :)

Last Day of School

2009-05-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has come for me to say goodbye to Alaska, Anaktuvuk Pass, Nunamuit school, my students and my new found friends... I am not good at change and not good at saying goodbye, its going to be hard. Its going to be really hard...

But in the end I will be home with my family and friends. I have lived my dream by moving to Alaska and teaching up here. It is something I have wanted to do since high school, and early years in college. I know people thought I would never move up here and never be teaching up here. I just feel so lucky to say I have done it and I have loved it.

Being away from my family was hard, there were lots of nights I cried myself to sleep, lots of phone calls I had to end to cry by myself and lots of things I missed out on. But I have also laughed, had fun, made friends, learned so much, and loved living up here. It is a different world, it shows what beauty nature has to offer us and it has opened my eyes to life outside Illinois. I feel so honored to have this experience, and the memories that will live with me forever.

I have made friendships, changed students lives and changed my own life... all in 10 months. I now know I can do anything I set my mind too. I can accomplish any dream or goal I have. I however did not do it alone, I had the help of my parents, sisters, niece, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Without the loved ones in my life I dont think I could have lived out my dream. I know I am stubborn, but I had to have the support to help me get where I am. I owe all you a BIG THANK YOU!

I have graduated high school, college and accomplished my dream of being a teacher. I have been to the top of the United States, I have had so many first, I just feel now I am on top of the world.

I can not wait to share my story with my family, friends, future students, and future generations. I am so eager to get home and see the faces of the loved ones I miss so much.

I will see everyone as soon as I can.

Lots of love from Alaska :)

SO SORRY

2009-05-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

I need to make a post and dedicate it to my sister and her husband, Amber and Jason. I am so sorry I misspelled you last name. I know it is McReaken, but I guess I was typing faster than I was thinking or I was thinking faster than I was typing. Something like that.

Anyway, I am truly, madly, deeply sorry for the misspelling.

I can not wait to see the McReaken's in 10 DAYS!!! so very freaking excited.

Lots of love

Ash

On the search again

2009-05-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well I am house hunting again. Crazy I am not even in Illinois yet, and have had two houses arranged and lost both of them. I am not sure what I am going to do, I guess it will depend if I get a full time job for the fall..

I just feel blah... about not knowing what I am going to do... owell, I am sure I will find a place to sleep for a couple weeks, LOL... I know several beds, couches and floors that have been offered to ME, I feel so loved!

SEE Amber, Koehler's and MrCreaken's IN 11 DAYS!!!! See the GROVES in 12 DAYs, so excited! :)

Love ya

Ash

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send out a special Happy Mother's Day post to all the great moms out there. Being a mother is the most important job anyone could have. It is also a job that at times goes without the proper appreciation. It is 24 hour a day job, that never stops. I don't care how old your kids are, they always still need their mother. I think Mother's should have one day a month that is Mother's Day instead of one day a year.

I know I could not be where I am today with out all of the great women in my life, many of which have their own kids, but have taken me in as one of their own at times. I have several great women I call "mom" and that means so much to me, they are great mother figures to have when I need them.

I especially want to say thank you to all you do to my Mother, she is the best woman and friend I know. She is always there when I need her and always there to give advice or listen to me. It has been so hard to be away from my mom for several months at a time, so being home in just a few days will be GREAT. I will be able to see my mother anytime I want too.

Hope Mother's Day is great for you all.

Lots of Love from Ashley Marie :)

Photos

2009-05-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

So, I have been slacking on uploading photos... Also my computer will not read my pictures off my camera, I had to borrow a card ready for another teacher. So here are so recent photos of Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska!

When it warmed up a couple weeks ago and we still had piles of snow the kids enjoyed riding their packs really fact into the deep snow then crashing. It was actually very funny. I felt bad laughing at them, then asking if they were alright. But they did it several times. :)
Another warm day, I think almost have the kids in the village were out walking just like Kerri and I. I took a minute to take a photo. It was a very very fun day!
TRUE village life. Two 4th grade girls on a very small motorcycle. It is so cute. They ride that thing everywhere. There are several motorcycles around and lots of 4wheelers and Argos.
Kitta and Zoey enjoying the lake before it completely thaws. Zoey is a major water dog, thats the lab in her. Kitta, well she is learning to enjoy the water.

This picture was taking before the THAW, Kerri is down looking into the frozen over lake, trying to see what she can see. It was very funny!

I will post more pictures at a later time, but I thought these were very cute pictures. Hopefully the weather continues to warm up, so we can be out and enjoy our evenings as much as possible. :)

WAY TO MUCH STUFF!!!

2009-05-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

So, I decided I really need to get totes mailed out tomorrow, since I will be in Illinois in 26 days.

I was really hoping to get all of my stuff in 10 totes. I moved up here in 14 totes.... and I thought I could eliminate a few things, but the ten totes idea is shot out the window. I already have 10 filled and I am not done packing yet. I still have to pack up my kitchen, stuff from my classroom and odds and ends... I don't plan to take much from my kitchen, I have had the same kitchen pots and pans for several years and they were cheap when I got them, so I think when I get back to IL and get settled it will be time for an upgrade!

BOY, why do we accumulate so much stuff. I try really hard not to be a pack rat, but sometimes it just happens. I always think oh, I can use this next year, and I had great storage area this year in my apartment, so things just gathered and gathered.

I am still unsure of future plans. I know I have my summer job with Upward Bound, and my summer house in Newton. Past that, I am not sure what I am doing, where I am going, or much of anything. ALL I KNOW IS I WILL BE WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MY FAMILY AND MY FRIENDS!!! At this time that is all that matters to me!

Alaska Update : The weather had warmed up here for a few days. We had made it to the dump twice and several short walks here and there. However, today it decided to cool back off... I guess thats what happens when you live in the Arctic.

Have a GREAT week.

lots of love from Alaska - 26 more days!!!

Happy Belated Birthday Bailey Joe!

2009-04-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know I know, I am a terrible Aunt, I did not get Bailey's birthday post up on his birthday. But I have a very good excuse. The entire village did not have phone service, so I did not have internet... good reason... right??

So, Happy Birthday to my 4 year old Nephew. Yes, he may be have 4 legs and be furry, but he is still Amber and Jason's oldest kid. He is the love of my sister's life, next to Jason. Well I think Jason comes first. Even though she had Bailey first. LOL

Jason realized when he married Amber, Bailey came with the package. But I think it worked out for the best. They soon added Sasha to the family and just recently added Pooper and Elvis to the family.

Bailey is a great big brother, and a great cat.

I am so sorry I dont have actually pictures of Bailey Joe to post... but please visit Amber's blog to see recent pictures of Bailey.

I cant wait to see Bailey and Sasha and meet Pooper and Elvis when I get to Illinois.

Aunt Ashley Hopes you had a great birthday Bailey Joe.
Lots of love from Ashley Marie

1st ClAsS BaBy!

2009-04-26T15:38:00.001-07:00

OH YEAH, I changed my flight home day and time, cancelled my return flight and up graded to 1st class. How awesome is that? I am so excited.

I will now be getting into Chicago around 2:30 on May 30th. I am so excited. That is pretty much like a day and half sooner than I was going to get home. I will be able to make it to Matt and Erin's wedding reception on Saturday evening. Then I will have all day Sunday to spend with the Groves family. I am so excited.

Moving home was my choice and the reason was to be with my family and friends. So getting to see and spend time with my family and friends the weekend I get home is just AWESOME!

I am enjoying my last month here in Alaska. Kerri and I have been walking and enjoying the nice weather (20+ degrees)! I will get to spend one more evening in Fairbanks before I leave and finishing out an awesome school year. I couldn't ask for anything more :) I am truly HaPpY!

Have a GREAT day...

Lots of Love from Alaska :)

A TEENAGER!!!

2009-04-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, today one of the two loves of my life turns 13 years old. I never really knew love and caring until I had a niece and nephew.

My niece Kierstyn becomes a teenager today. It seems like just yesterday she was entering school, learning to ride her bike and playing with little toys.

But now she is a teenager, she has adult conversations, she emails, takes care of her little cousins and she goes places with friends and without her parents. It is so great she is growing up to become a wonderful young lady. But at the same time, it makes me realize how time flies.

I have missed so much with Kierstyn over the past 8 ½ months I have been in Alaska, but when I am home it is great to spend time with her. I will never forget the way I felt when I seen her at Christmas, when I had been away for over 4 months.

I do need to thank her for taking care of my 4wheeler while I have been away… I know it was a hard job to have an extra 4wheeler around, but she did a great job riding it for me! :) She is so lucky to have a wonderful Grandpa who left the 4wheeler with her. :) (Not sure if lucky is the right word there or spoiled.. but whatever works.)

I realize how much she has made me grow up. I make smarter choices when I have her and Aaron around. I care about her so much, that I don’t want anything bad to happen to her. I want to protect her in everyway I can. I know I sound like her parent, but it is just how I feel. She has great parents, and they are going to have a wonderful teenage daughter.

It will be so great to be home while Kierstyn is in 8^th grade and throughout high school. I hope I will not miss any more important events! I will be there if she makes cheerleader to be at her games, I will be there for graduation from 8^th grade, I will be there for boy drama, and girlfriend fights… I will be there to help her in anyway I can. I will also be there to see her change, and make up for the past I have missed out on.

This is a photo I took of the first card and picture Kierstyn sent me after I moved away. I know how much she has missed me while I have been gone, and I have missed her and Aaron more than I can ever express.
A wonderful photo of the Turner kids. They are so cute, and so grown up. They are best friends when they want to be, but they are brother and sister and have fights like they should! They remind me so much of me and Amber when we were younger. :)
Kierstyn and the gang last summer at SPA day! We had a wonderful time, and I am so glad Kierstyn was there to have fun with us. Can't wait to do it again this JUNE.
Kierstyn getting her first Pedi. I think she like it, or I hope she did anyway! That day she was just one of the girls, it was so great. That really shows how grown up she is. :)

This is a photo I cherish the most, as with all of the photos from Amber and Jason's wedding. Kierstyn looked so grown up on September 9, 2006. She made a great Junior Brides Maid. I think she had a great time too. We had GREAT times that day. She is so beautiful.

Kierstyn is also in her Uncle Ben's wedding this June! She will look so grown up and beautiful. I can not wait to see her in her dress.

Kierstyn I hope you have a great Birthday. I will see you in JUNE, we will do whatever you want to do! Then in July we will go to Holiday World.

Thank you Kierstyn for being the Angel in my life. I love you with all my heart!

Love your Aunt Ashley

ME ME ME...

2009-04-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

What's new with me?

~ Well first and most important, I will be in Illinois in less than 45 DAYS! I am Super Excited :)

~ I have been having bad headaches for awhile now. Not really migraines, just bad headaches, I cant wait until they stop.

~ I am working on my resume and references. - Never have liked working on resumes and I don't like to ask people if they will be a reference for me.

~ I am job searching in Charleston/Mattoon/Newton/Olney area for 2009-2010 school year. If I don't find a full time job I think substituting will be pretty cool.

~ I gave also thought about babysitting 2nd and 3rd shift, I know parents are always looking for babysitters during odd hours of the day.

~ We only have around 30 days of school left. I can not believe the school year is almost over.

~ Kierstyn will be 13 years old tomorrow. That is just crazy to me. I can not believe she is that grown up.

~ Speaking of Kierstyn, I miss her and Aaron so much! I can not believe I have went so long without seeing them. I have a feeling when I am living in Newton they will be at my house all the time... Which is perfectly fine with me :)

~ Well, it is after midnight here, so I better get off here and head to bed.

Can't wait to see everyone when I get home.

Have a great weekend in Illinois and enjoy the nice weather.

lots of love from Ashley Marie :)

Change in Plans!!!

2009-04-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just wanted you to hear it from me, and not the cool kids on the playground...

I am moving back to ILLINOIS for good. I will not be returning to Alaska next school year! I have decided I want to put family and friends first. I am also making this decision without having a full time job in IL, but I am job searching.

So watch out, I am coming back to STAY!!!

I have enjoyed my almost year in Alaska... but I feel it is right for me to return home.

Lots of love from Ashley Marie

My life in short...

2009-04-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I would give the run down of my life... Just so everyone in blog world can keep up with me.

- I am so excited to be coming back to Illinois for the summer. 53 DAYS and I will be in Illinois.

- My niece is going to be turing 13 on the 18th of April. I am really having a hard time with the fact I will have a niece who is a teenager... It is really hitting me. The fact she emails me and is so grown up also really gets to me. I love you with all my heart Kierstyn. :)

- I am so excited to be living in Newton this summer. I dont know why, but for once everything is going great for me! Thanks to my family and friends! I will have a place to live, a job, a car, and be with my family and friends!

- I am missing another wedding in IL this weekend... by the end of the school year that will make at least 4.

- I am also going to miss a couple people having babies... But that is ok, I will see the babies when I get home! I will be home with Mandy Sharp has her baby, even if he is nameless!! LOL

- I miss the animals in my life almost as much as I miss my family and friends. I can not wait to see my dog King.. ok, ok well he is my mom's dog, but I claim him! I just hope it works out to bring him up to Alaska next year. He will LOVE it!

- I am so excited to be coming back to Illinois for the summer. 53 DAYS and I will be in Illinois.

- I am still procrastinating on planning for my summer Personal Achievement class I am teaching. I really need to get motivated for that.

- I only have one more major assignment for my ECE college class, then I am done with college classes for awhile.

- I am getting my bills paid and it feels GREAT!

- I am so excited we are getting a fresh fruit, meat and vegetable order from Fred Meyer on the plane Saturday. We had the order and hoped to get it last Saturday, but the store was to busy to get the order to us. So it will be here Saturday. YEY, apples, oranges, carrots, bananas, peppers, chicken, and hamburger... super excited!

- The weather has been above ZERO for several days in a row now! It is great. OK, so the windchill has still been in the negatives, but it is nice to say the weather is above zero. There has been a lot of sun too.

- Along with seeing my family and friends I am looking forward to camping, 4-wheeler riding, swimming, baseball games, and going shopping in stores instead of on line.

- There is a job opening at the store here in town... Debating on applying.. for the next 50 days... $16 an hour.. that would really add up! But its just a thought. Probably wont happen.

- I am so excited to be coming back to Illinois for the summer. 53 DAYS and I will be in Illinois.

- Kitta, Kerri's puppy is getting really big. She is so smart too. She already knows how to sit and lay down.

- My hair is getting longer, and I really like it.

- We still have several feet of snow on the ground. It is amazing!

- The pool is back open, so I will be swimming and life guarding again soon. Excited! :)

- I have had a headache for about 3 days now. Not sure why. Hope it goes away soon!!

- I am super addicted to Facebook. I have had it for like 6 years now, but I am just now really addicted...

- I am so excited to be coming back to Illinois for the summer. 53 DAYS and I will be in Illinois.

Thats about all I can think of now. Hope all is going well in IL.

Lots of Love from Alaska :)

ITS OFFICIAL!!!

2009-04-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

I booked my flight tickets home! I am so excited. I will actually be in Chicago the evening of the 31 of MAY!!!

I can not wait! I will get more info to everyone as soon as I know it. But look for me to be in your neighborhood around the beginning of JUNE!!!!

SO EXCITED!!

lots of love from Alaska!! :)

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-04-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take this chance to wish my mom the best birthday she could ever want. She does so much for our family and sometimes I know it goes unnoticed...

So I want to say mom you are the best and I thank you for all you do for me. I really dont think I would be in Alaska and living my dream if it was not for you! You give me the support I need and you know when I need an encouraging word here and there. So thank you for that. I know it is hard to be apart, but it it totally worth it, and it will make the time I am home even better.

I can not wait to see you in like 62 DAYS!!!

I miss you so much, and love you so much.

Have a great day, wish I was there to celebrate with you. But we will make up for it in JUNE.

Love you best daughter... haha just had to add that :)

SUPER DUPER EXCITED

2009-03-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well as most of you know, ok, all of you know… I am very very excited to be coming HOME, to Illinois in June. I do love it up here, and I love my job, but I miss my family and friends more than I can express. They can never be replaced by the beauty of Alaska and the life I have up here. So I am looking forward to being home this summer so much.

I found out earlier today I should be able to purchase my plane tickets HOME this week. I am so excited. I know my sister Amber is planning to take the day off work when I arrive home, which will be AWESOME!!! So, as soon as I know my date of arrive I will let everyone know. I am sure I will spend one night in Mattoon, so I can see my family an

d friends there before I head south to Jasper/Richland county to see family and friends there. Since I start my job soon after arriving home, I will only a few days to make my rounds to see everyone and get settled in my summerhouse. I know Lisa and Sarah will have everything ready for me… which is awesome, I will have little to do!

Now, traveling home is such an experience...

1^st a bush plan out of the village to Fairbanks... A bush plane for those of you who have not heard me describe it is like the Ron White joke… The pilot uses the microphone system to say they lost and engine when really he could just turn around and say, hey we lost and engine… RIGHT heard ya….

A bush plane holds 8 passengers, a pilot and a co-pilot. But I have never been on a plane when there has been a co-pilot, sometimes a passenger will sit in the seat or it will be empty. Most of the plane holds cargo, like mail, stuff for the store and passengers luggage. I usually try to take some motion sickness pills and get a good nap in during this flight.

Then probably a night or two stay in Fairbanks, which is nice, I can go shopping,(for Alaskan souvenirs) go out to eat, and enjoy what Alaska has to offer out of the village! Then from Fairbanks, I get on a big plane... yes, that is what we call them.... we even call 19 hundreds big planes, (a 19 hundred is a 19 passenger plane) but I will get on a big plane in Fairbanks, which will take me to either Anchorage or Seattle...

From there, I get the long, long flight to Chicago... This flight is so long, I am not really all that found of flying anyway, but when I have to be on a plane for 6 hours, it makes it even worse.... BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT! OK, so after I arrive in Chicago, I will probably take the amtrak from Chicago to Mattoon. I really like to travel on the train, it is very relaxing. As most of you know I took the train from Chicago to Seattle back in August, it was a very interesting 49 hour trip. I plan to make that trip again sometime too.

After I arrive in Mattoon hopefully Amber or Jason will be able to pick me up at the train station!!! I know it is still 63 days away, but I am just so excited to get HOME!!! I will keep my blog updated on my trip home.. and yes, I will still blog about Alaska... I am just so excited to get home it is kind of the only think I have been thinking about lately...

Hope everyone has a great week.

lots of LOVE from Alaska..

The Search is over! Thanks to Sarah!!

2009-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

YEY, I found a place to live, its official. Thank you so much Sarah! you are a life saver!

I will be living in a house in Newton. This is the first time in my life I can say I will actually be living in Newton. Kind of cool.

I know Kierstyn and Aaron are very very excited. I am excited to. I can walk to their house and go swimming anytime I want!!! YEY!! Watch out Lisa and Scott, I am sure I will be over LOTS! But when I am not over at Lisa's, I am sure the kids will be at my house!

I am so excited I will be a Newton resident, even if is only for 2 months. It will be a GREAT summer.

SO what out Newton, here comes another GROVES!!

Lots of Love from Alaska! :)

Photos as promised!!!

2009-03-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well you no longer have to wait!!! Here are some pictures of the Puppy.

Her name is Kiita, which in English is means hurry up... I think. LOL

She is Kerri's puppy, but I had her all spring break, she is so cute!!!

Coming back inside from her first or second trip to the post office. She was not too sure of the outside, but she loves the snow now!
We didnt lease her, she just follows us or Zoey.
She was being good and chewing on Zoey's toy.
This was taken the first day Kerri brought her home. She has grown so much already. Zoey was not too sure of her, but they get along great now!!! Well they have their moments...
She was so little, she is getting much bigger now.

hope you enjoy the puppy pictures!!

lots of love from Alaska :)

SPRING BREAK

2009-03-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

My spring break is fastly coming to a close... :( Is fastly a word? I don't really know if it is or now, but I used it anyway.

I have had fun, pretty much doing nothing. Which is what I had planned for my break. Now I have to get back in a regular sleep schedule. I am almost upside down with my sleeping now.

I am going to do a run down of the things I have done over break, and what I still have left to do.

*DONE*

~ Cleaned and rearranged my living room

~ Cleaned my kitchen

~ Organized my storage table thingy... (the table in my living room opens like a hope chest and I keep my dvd's pictures, bills, junk in there) Anyway, I cleaned and organized it

~ Wash laundry, and put it all away

~ Tried on clothes for this summer, and got a summer tote started

~ Took out trash

~ Picked up way toooo much puppy poop and pee.... GRRR

~ Cleaned Kerri's kitchen

~ Did some of my ECE homework

~ Found the materials I need to finish my UAA homework

~ Updated my blog, LOL, ok, just had to add that one

*STILL TO DO

~ Clean the rest of my apartment

~ Clean up puppy mess in Kerri's apartment

~ Do school work and paperwork

~ Finish ECE and UAA homework

~ Make some phone calls!!

~ ENJOY WHAT IS LEFT OF MY BREAK!

Well I hope that the rest of my break goes as well as this week has. I have not been to school all week, which is so nice!!! Just to take a break from that place is nice, even if I didn't get out of the village.

I am not sure if I will get out of the village before the end of May or not. I was supposed to go to the doctor, but it is just so expensive and its only 73 DAYS until I arrive in Illinois, so I think I can wait to go to the doctor when I get out to come home.

Well I hope all is well in Illinois. I plan to post pictures of the puppy soon. So check back.

Lots of love from Alaska! :)

-62 degrees

2009-03-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

WOW, who can truly say they spent their Spring Break in -62 degrees weather?

Well, thats another first I can add to my list. It is very chilly here today, no no, let me change that, its freakin cold here today.

The temperature is around -31 but with the wind it is -62 degrees. It is just very hard to get motivated to leave my apartment when there is no where I have to be. I just want to stay inside and keep warm. I should go to school and do some school work, but with this chilly weather I am just not motivated. On Sunday it was so chilly and the wind was blowing so hard against my apartment that my apartment could not stay warm. I woke up to 60 degrees in my apartment, which it usually around 75. But I just cracked up my electric oven and stayed toasty... My apartment is much warmer now, without having the oven on.

I hope everyone in Illinois is staying nice and warm. Enjoy your spring like weather, I am going to enjoy my wind chilly advisory and stay warm within my apartment. Please dont think I am complaining, I still love love love Alaska, but I just wanted to share how COOL my spring break is.

Here is a great website to check the weather in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=99721

I believe it has been as low as -80 with the wind, but I did not check the weather day day... I will keep you posted...

Lots of Love from Alaska :) STAYING COOL :)

ON THE HUNT AGAIN!!!

2009-03-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

No its not for a man, or a dog, or a car, or a kid.... its for a place to live....

Well my place to live fell through for the summer, so I am on the hunt again for a nice place to stay in or around Olney this summer.

GRRR, I hope I find something before I get home. Since I arrive on the 1st or 2nd of June and start work on the 4th.... It does not give me much time for hunting for a place to live.

I also have to move the rest of my stuff out of my old house in Charleston. So I will be doing that my first few days home...

Kind of thinking I need a 2nd or 3rd copy of me to get everything done before I move home and start working...... :(

Other than that stress things are going pretty good in my life. I am on Spring Break this week. I don't have any big plans, just chilling around the apartment with Zoey and the puppy (Kiita), doing school work, homework, and catching up on Scrubs!! (Thanks Tony, now I am addicted to that show)

Well I think my countdown is around 75 days until I am back in Illinois. I cant wait to see everyone...

Have a great weekend,

lots of love from Alaska! :)

I finally DID IT!!!

2009-03-11T11:11:00.003-07:00

Well some of you already know, but here is the proof.....

I chopped all my hair off. I love it... Even though I think I look alot like Lisa.... I still love it. It is so easy to just wash and go.

Hope you like it too.

Lots of Love from Alaska :)

Less Than 100 DAYS!!!

2009-02-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

First I want to apologize for falling off the blog world for a little while. My computer bit the dust and the loaner I have I can not use on dial up - so that only leaves me with internet during the school day - which means no time for blogging. I hope to get back into the wonderful blog world more once I get my new computer...

ANYWAY it is now less than 100 days until I return to Illinois for the summer. I am in major need of family and friends in my life. I can not wait to get home and see everyone. I know things will not be any calmer while I am home, because I am jumping right into my job with Upward Bound, but I am just ready to be home around everyone.

I miss my family (which includes friends) dearly. I love love love it now that Kierstyn has email. We stay in touch almost daily. It is so weird to email her about "life" she is growing up so fast. I really feel like I am able to catch up on all the junior high gossip and life with her though.

I am planning a trip to holiday world with Kierstyn and Aaron this summer. Of course that was their choice of a place to go. I said I would take them anywhere (within reason) they wanted to go... and they chose Holiday World. It works for me, I am sure it will be fun.

Other than that I just plan to see everyone as much as I can and get in some good swim time and get a good tan. Soak up all the sun I can!!!

I am sure I will post more countdowns as the time comes closer.

hope Life in IL is great for everyone. Things here are good. I am good, just tired and worn out, but I am sure I will get caught up with everything soon.

We have been getting more snow. But the temperatures have been nice. The days are getting longer, which helps with everything! School is going well. The conference in Anchorage was very nice. I learned a lot and brought back lots from presenters. I hope to be able to teach some of it next week...

Well I better get to school work now.

Lots of Love from Alaska. :)

Even More pictures!!!!

2009-02-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from a basketball game here at AKP!! The pictures do not show the irony from village basketball to lower 48 basketball, but I still thought I would share the photos... enjoy

Our Senior boy... yes, the only senior boy... shooting...

The crowed after the game is over. The teams shake hands and the crowd heads for the door...

More pictures

2009-02-11T13:34:00.001-08:00

The sun.. yes it is back, and so great!!!!
Kerri with her beaver hat on. Yes, this is a hat made from beaver fur... Kerri made it herself.. it was a tough project, and luckily our vacuum picks up beaver hair from the carpet. One night Kerri decided to pluck her beaver in my house... I am so glad her hat is finished. I just cant help but laugh when I see her with her at on. She is soooo cute.

After she finished her at, one evening she came over and asked me for cotton balls, so she could make beaver balls.... and they say live in Alaska is boring... NOT WITH KERR AND HER BEAVER!!!!
the snow, we went for a walk the other day, and the snow has drifted so high on the 12 foot snow fence. Pretty call shot of all the snow... I LOVE IT!!!
I picture of town from the road leading back from the lake. We had a very good walk.
ME ME ME, and Zoey. it was pretty chilly when we walked. I had on my snow pants and parka. My face was a little cold, but not too bad. It was a nice walk!!! And of course Zoey loved it!!!

PICTURES

2009-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

OK, let me first start off by saying, I have no idea why my last post - posted 2 times. Thats dial up internet for you. haha

Here are the pictures I promised you, I hope you enjoy them. Some are pretty FUNNY!!!!

This is Kerri trying to bribe Zoey to get on the Kitchen chair. I am sitting on the couch laughing, because I knew it would not work.

Ideally she wanted too...
Get Zoey on the chair to pick her up and put her on the scale to weigh her... But....

Zoey being around 80 lbs it was a little much for Kerri... so....

I had to try it... We were still unsuccessful... Doesn't Zoey look so happy. She is such a good dog.... but

My weekend thoughts.... and Monday

2009-02-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a pretty regular weekend here in Alaska. Friday night I went to the basketball games, which was pretty cool. Our teams, both boys and girls are very good players. We have a good season record. They won 4 out of 4 games this weekend!!! (Pictures to come later)

Irony of the ball games - compared to games at home...

The basketball teams are made up from 7th-12th graders. We do have a boys and girls team so that is good.

The opposing team flies in on a plane, and spend Friday night in our school classrooms.

Before the game starts we say the Pledge of Allegiance, and the opposing team shakes the hands of the Elders at the game.

The referees of the game are parents or siblings of people in town and on the team.

Our school serves the opposing team and our players dinner before the Friday night game, and breakfast Saturday mornings before the game!

- That is about all I can think of right now... but its still pretty ironic being at a game up here....

Saturday - We (Kerri and I) baked bread... ok well Kerri baked bread... LOL

We also attempted to go to the eskimo dance practice... but we were told practice was at 7:30ish... We left the community hall at 9pm and they still had not started to practice. So we came home and chilled at the apartment. Kerri worked on her Beaver hat and I watched a movie and made some picture collages.

(pictures to come later)

Sunday - Attempted taxes on turbo tax, but not yet done. we have forced housing up here in the village and somewhere on our taxes we are supposed to get an extra deduction for that... Again, Sunday was pretty uneventful... we did go for a walk to the lake. (pictures to come later) Then went to school to do some school work. I want to get all finished up before I leave for Anchorage on Friday!

Monday - Well another Monday at school - FUN TIMES!!! still working on finishing up paperwork - before I leave in 4 days!!

After school I called the IRS - to get information on the forced housing on my taxes - as mentioned above... after being on hold and on the phone for over 50 minutes I still found out nothing!!!!! So we will see when the supervisor calls back to let me know what to do.... we will see if that happens. While I was on the phone Kerri decided she would like to weight Zoey... it was so funny . (Pictures to come later)

Hope you enjoyed reading my blah blah blah about my weekend... I will post pictures at school Tuesday... I just dont have the patience to wait on pictures to download with dial up internet...

Lots of love from Alaska!!

Weekend/Monday thoughts....

2009-02-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Irony of the ball games - compared to games at home...

The basketball teams are made up from 7th-12th graders. We do have a boys and girls team so that is good.

The opposing team flies in on a plane, and spend Friday night in our school classrooms.

Before the game starts we say the Pledge of Allegiance, and the opposing team shakes the hands of the Elders at the game.

The referees of the game are parents or siblings of people in town and on the team.

Our school serves the opposing team and our players dinner before the Friday night game, and breakfast Saturday mornings before the game!

- That is about all I can think of right now... but its still pretty ironic being at a game up here....

Saturday - We (Kerri and I) baked bread... ok well Kerri baked bread... LOL

(pictures to come later)

Monday - Well another Monday at school - FUN TIMES!!! still working on finishing up paperwork - before I leave in 4 days!!

Hope you enjoyed reading my blah blah blah about my weekend... I will post pictures at school Tuesday... I just dont have the patience to wait on pictures to download with dial up internet...

Lots of love from Alaska!!

Upward Bound

2009-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

So, I got great news yesterday... I received the instructor job I applied for with Upward Bound at OCC this summer. I am so excited. I have to be back and ready to start work on the 4th of June. so I am going to have a tight crunch to end school here, travel home, get situated and start my new position.

I will only work for 6 weeks, and I have Fridays off. What else could a person ask for??

It will be so great to work with the group of kids in Upward Bound again. I just feel so great to work with them and let them know that only 7-8 years ago I sat where they are sitting now. I was in Upward Bound, and I enjoyed every minute of it. And now I have finished college and I am living my dream in Alaska. It is so wonderful.

I hope I can have my role model hat on for them, and lead them in the correct direction. For those of you that dont know Upward Bound it is a college prep program for high school students. It is a wonderful program and allows great opportunities for students.

Lots of Love from Alaska

TAG!!! Sarah Got Me!!!!

2009-02-05T19:33:00.001-08:00

TAG x4

1. Go to where you store your digital photo folders & open the 4th folder.
2. Go to the 4th picture and post it.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag an additional 4 people.

HERE YOU GO!!!!

This is a picture of my apartment in Alaska the day I moved in. so it was the beginning of August. Very bare, it looks much more homey now...

I tag...

Amber McReaken at My So Called Wonderful Life

Kerri at Northward Bound

Cheryl at The Colwell Family

Karlie at Wouldnt you like to know

SLEEP!!!!!

2009-02-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

For some very odd reason... I can not sleep lately. I love love love to sleep, but lately, I just cant fall asleep. I toss and turn, and get so mad because I cant fall asleep. I try playing a dvd, try having complete darkness and quiet, try some music..... nothing seems to be working. I miss sleep..... it is now after midnight, I have showered, drank warm water, and took some medicine and I am awake and on the computer...

To top it all off I have had a headache for 3 days.... grrrr

I am sure it has to do with the lack of sleep, and the crazy piles of paperwork I have to do... but geee, I just wish it would go away.

Other than that, things are good... the SUN is back in AKP!!! How awesome is that. We have not had sun since the beginning of December!!! so its great to have it back.

I never really thought what it would be like to go a couple months without any sun shine... it was very strange.

Then when it came back Tuesday afternoon, it was an amazing feeling. We were all happy to see it shinning in the classroom. :)

I have several things to blog about, so keep visiting my blog for updates... but for now, I just wanted to vent about my sleep problems and my headache. I know I know, everyone has problems, but I dont talk to many people socially, so I dont get a chance to vent... Sorry it has to be to my blogger friends out there...

Have a wonderful Thursday in IL....

lots of love from Alaska :)

PS, now that I found out how easy it is to add images from the internet to my blog... I am so excited... sorry for the overload of images. I am a slow learner.

You dont have to wait any longer...

2009-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

:) 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?

2009-01-31T15:56:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

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?????

2009-01-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-01-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

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)

Home and Loving every Minute of it!!!

2008-12-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

It is just so great to be home. I have had so much fun the past couple days. Christmas eve I went to Olney to see my family away from family. We had a blast.
Then Christmas day Mom and I got to hang out all day. Looked at Pictures, played Wii, went to eat Chinese.
Today (Friday) I got to spend the day with my dad. We went shopping, and then back to our watering hole. Tonight we went to my Uncle Joeys. Again, played Wii, at way to much food, and just hung out. It was so nice.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I have my Groves' Christmas's. It will be so much fun. I havent seen that side of the family. So I am sure a few tears will be shed, and lots of hugs and kisses will be given out. I just cant wait.

If you want to get ahold of me, just send me a message. I will try to check my blog this weekend. I hope to see everyone around.

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas. The weather is just crazy. But very nice.

Love ya
Ash

I made it!!!

2008-12-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Another update. I finally made it to Illinois. I am kind of stuck up north. I am in Oaklawn. With Brittany and her parents. I will be taking the Greyhound bus to Mattoon. I will be in Jasper Country late tomorrow afternoon. Just a little delay, but I am so happy not to be stuck in an airport. And I am safe.

Hope to see you all soon.

Love ya

Ash

HOME TO ILLINOIS!!!!!

2008-12-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to give you an update on my travels. I am in Anchorage right now. Still at the hotel. I have to check out at 5:30am. To get the shuttle to the airport. Then I leave out of Anchorage at 8am Alaska time. I fly into Chicago and arrive at 5pm Illinois time. So I lose my 3 hours in the air. Thats ok, I will give them up to be home.

Then My Bestest friend Brittany is driving down to Mattoon/Charleston area. Where I will spend tonight. Tomorrow I have plans in Mattoon with Amberson. Then I head south to Jasper and Richland county.

Hope to see everyone while I am home.

If I dont see you, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe and warm.

Love ya

Ash

Yes, I am counting the hours now!

2008-12-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to say that there are only 150 hours left until I land in Chicago. I just can not wait. I have so many things I want to do, and so many people to see while I am home. I am just so excited to be coming home.

I hope everyone has a great week. I will be seeing move of you in just over 7 DAY!!!!

Love you

Lots of Love from ALASKA!!!!

Thats me, and Zoey!!!!

and even more package!!!!

2008-12-12T12:46:00.001-08:00

I am not done yet. Here are some more. :)

Read to the end, there is a twist.... only in the Groves family.

This was my birthday package from Amy, my old roommate. Who I miss so much, we had so many good time!! Thank you for all the great memories, and all the great gifts to remind me of ol Chuck Vegas. The Sadie Dog is on my couch and I cuddle with it every evening!!

PS, I still have not saved my legs... haha - ok thats a lie, its only been a week or so... haha
SOOOOO, he is where the twist comes in. I go to the post office like normal I have two packages. I am like, wow, thats great. I look a little closer the package says "FOR ZOEY" I am totally serious, this package was for Zoey. As soon as I set it on her sled she knew it too. She was smelling it and everything. Then we got it home and she was in heaven. She loved it all. She got this big bone first and it was gone in one evening. I want to send a BIG thank you to Marty and Lonnie from Zoey and Kerri for the very special thought and care package.

know, to top that, or maybe not quite top it, but Kerri gets a package from Marty and Lonnie also. She reads the letter, which was so nice, of course I almost cried. Marty wanted to thank her for being such a dear friend to me. Marty knows how close I am with my family and friends, and it is so dear to me to have that. She knows Kerri and Zoey are very important to me, and that it would be so hard up here without them. So she wanted to share her appreciation to Kerri. She had a wonderful Care Package and was very thankful. Marty your the best. Thank you so much. It was still ironic to go to the post office and see I had a package but on top of it is says "For Kerri". I told Kerri she could carry her own package. haha

More packages

2008-12-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are some more... My family and friends were very nice to me for my birthday! thank you so much!!

Much love from Alaska.

See you all SOON!!!

This is a holiday package I recieved from our speech pathologist. It is a great package!!
This package from my cousin Marty and her boyfriend Lonnie. They are so nice. I love it all, and the letter. It is very ironic though.. She messed up and sent me a Cubs Pez dispenser, when I know she meant for it to be a Cardinals one. I am glad it got back to the Cubs fans though. :)
This is the holiday package I received from our school district. It was a great surprise and a wonderful package.
This is a wonderful package I got from Julie and Harrold Forester, Amber Tonn, and Uncle Rodney. I want to give 99% of the thank you to Julie and 1% to Amber. haha Thank you so much to my other family, I miss you guys to much!!! See you soon! :)
My mom also remembered my birthday. I got a wonderful birthday package from my mom. It is wonderful. I have done several of the craft project already, and watched the DVD several times. Thank you mom. See you soon! :)

Care packages!!!

2008-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

I know I have been slacking on my post lately. But I have been super busy with school work, and life in general.

So here are some pictures of the wonderful care packages I have received over the past month!

thank you so much for everything. I know I have said it before, but getting packages, emails, mail, letters, cards and phone calls make it so much easier being away from home.

I will see you all in just over 12 days!!! I cant wait.

Love ya

My Birthday care package from Amber and Jason. I love it all!!! I cant wait to fill the pooh photo book to show pictures off while I am home. I already have my new wallet filled! And the chap Stick is a god sent!!!
Birthday care package from Paulina. It was wonderful all the best things. All though I dont like Mint they didnt go to waste, Kerri was more than happy to get them.

I great birthday package from Sheryl. It is wonderful. She had an Illinois theme! Thanks so much

16 MORE DAYS!!!

2008-12-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

So, if you look back to when I began my blog, I was counting down until I left Illinois. Now I am counting down until I return in Illinois. I have 16 more days in Alaska. Then I will arrive in Illinois. I know I will only be in Illinois for a few days, but it will be a GREAT few days.

I am so very excited to see everyone. I cant believe these past 5 months have flew by so fast. I cant believe I have not seen my family and friends for over 5 months. CRAZY!!!

While I am home I hope to see as many people as I can, and do many things I want to do. I have several Christmas events to go to and several other events to attend to... haha.. Some of you know what I mean. I am very excited that my plans for New Years Eve involve going out with all my great friends from Olney. I hope we have a fun night out all together again, like we did all Summer. :) I miss all the guys from Olney so much.

As most of you know I will have my uncle's car, (Thank you Uncle Joey) so I will be able to have my own schedule. yey.. Yes, this is the car I sold to my uncle in July.

I hope to have my dad's cell phone, so I can make plans and let people know where I am going to be when... or where I should be... haha, most of you know I am always late where ever I go... so just expect that. you have waited 5 months to see me, what's another hour going to make a difference, because I am sure I will be late.

Well I hope all of you are doing well in Illinois. Things here in Alaska are good. It is starting to look and FEEL more like winter here. Okay, so it has looked like winter for months now, but it is even more white now then before. The cold weather has come to stay I think. But as long as I dress warm, and I am not to lazy to get dressed to go outside, I will stay warm.

I want to also thank everyone for all of their support. You have made it possible for me to survive these past 5 months away from the people I love so much. I don't think it would have been possible without all of the support from home.

Miss you all so much, see you soon.

Lots of love from Alaska. :)

Love Ash :)

COLDEST DAY!!! so far.....

2008-12-02T11:34:00.001-08:00

Well,

I guess since it December it is time to start getting cold. Today is the coldest day it has been here so far for me. The temperature itself is -22, and the windchill temp is -51. Yes, you are reading that right and I typed it right, -51 with the wind.

I have only been outside long enough to go from my apartment to the school, which is right across the street. About a 35 second walk. Maybe it was a little faster today.

We will see what it feels like when I go for a longer walk to the post office this afternoon. Of course then I will have more clothes on, and my parka. I will try to get a picture of myself in the weather.

Here is a website that shows all of the weather details for AKP.

http://www.wunderground.com/US/AK/Anaktuvuk_Pass.html

Hope you are all staying warm in IL.

Miss you so much, see you soon.

Less than 21 days until I am in IL!!!!

Love

Ash

THANK YOU

2008-11-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone for the great Birthday wishes. It was very very hard to be happy and try to celebrate my birthday being so far away from family and friends. But the emails, care packages, blog posts and phone calls made it easier.

With my family my birthday has always been a big thing, maybe because I am the youngest? Maybe because I am loved, or maybe because I am spoiled.... maybe a combination of all three....

Anyway, I just wanted to send a big thank you for all the love....

THANK YOU!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Have a great week!

Lots of love from Alaska. :)

My Birthday

2008-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

25 years ago today, 11/22/1983 at around 1:44 in the afternoon, Ashley Marie Groves entered this world to Terry and Brenda. With sisters Amber and Lisa....... WOW

Well I am now celebrating my 25th birthday in Alaska. I knew this would happen, I just wasn't sure what it would be like.

So far not too bad. I was able to celebrate with my students on Thursday and Friday. So that was a lot of fun.

All week I have been receiving care packages from family and friends at home. Which is always great. I have received GREAT things, that I need and love. Thank you so much for everyone who has sent package, cards, emails, and phone calls. It really makes it easier to celebrate my birthday 3000 miles away from home.

Right now I am sitting in my class, which hopefully will only last about 4 hours instead of 7.

After class, I am going to go home and relax. I know when I left my house this morning I already had 2 phone calls on my answering machine, so it seems like I will prolly be returning calls.

I also want to thank my sister Amber for her dedication to my birthday on her blog. She is the best sister I could ask for. I know she misses me, but just think I will be home on Dec 23rd!!!

Lots of love from Alaska.

Received but not forgotten...

2008-11-18T15:36:00.000-08:00

WOW, I got this package awhile back, but I forgot to blog about it....

I am so sorry Amber....

This is the great package my sister Amber and her GREAT husband Jason sent me...

OK, for those of you that dont know... I am scared of birds. They just scare me and I think they are gross.... so Jason had this great ideas a while back to give me birds as a gift... Kind of a long running joke with us... Well I gave him the birds back as a house warming gift when they moved into their house... Then somehow I got them all the way in Alaska... Kind of strange... I just forsee that they will end up back in Mattoon some how some way.... and who knows when... lol

Love you guys, thank you so much for the great package - minus the birds...

Lots of love from Alaska...

Care package and first bday gift!!!

2008-11-13T16:24:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I got a wonderful care package from Valerie, Everett, and Josiah. It was wonderful. She included a lot of things for my students and thing I can bring into the classroom. Which I know they will love.

It is so nice to have support from home. It really makes life away from my family and friends much easier.

Now saying that I dont mean everyone needs to send me packages. Just phone calls, emails, letters, and cards, it makes it all so much easier to be away from everyone I love so dearly.

I hope life is well in IL, I am sorry you have fell into the winter weather.

Cant wait to see everyone in about 40 some days.

Have a great day, lots of love your way from Alaska.

Valerie hit a little bit of everything in this care package. I plan to start sharing things with my students soon. It was a great care package, and so much fun to open. I had not idea what all was going to be in it!!
My first birthday gift. I really thought about waiting to open in on my birthday next weekend, but....I couldnt. I opened it....

It was this awesome candle, that smells great. I love candles, it is now on the center of my table. thank you so much to the Kitchen family. Everything in the package was great, and very appreciated. It will all be used well in Alaska.

Great weekend in Fairbanks

2008-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I made it back to the village from Fairbanks. It was a very good weekend. We did a lot of fun stuff. Kerri, Colby, Charlie, Teresa and myself were all able to go out and get a nice dinner. We were also able to get some shopping done.

Kerri and I took some time to do some sight seeing. We crammed a lot into a little time.

We were schedule to leave Fairbanks early Friday evening, however we missed our flight. No ones fault, it was just the way things happened. It worked out night though, because we were able to catch another dinner out and have a few drinks.

Then we headed to Barrow on Saturday morning for a lifeguard training. We all passed and then caught our flight Saturday evening out of Barrow. Arrived in Fairbanks, did our grocery shopping. Then I went to bed, I was exhausted. We were up early and headed to the airport early Sunday morning to return to the village.

It was a nice weekend, and nice to get out for awhile. I didn't take a lot of pictures, but here are a few.

I hope you enjoy them...

miss you all, lots of love from Alaska.

Here is a picture from the bush plane out of the village. It was a clear sunny day when we flew out, so I was able to get a few pictures of the mountains and ground below.
Here is Fairbanks from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Campus. Kerri and I went to the campus for a little while on Friday.
We also visited the museum on the campus, which was very nice. I absolutly loved it. I could have been there for hours.... I just thought this was awesome that is said Alaska or Bust, and that is what I decided to name my blog. Very cute!! I think this was about the gold rush.
Here is the entrance of the museum and me with a HUGE Brown bear behind me... very very very big brown bear.

This was an awesome totem poll outside the museum. It looked really cool in the snow.

Fairbanks BABY!!

2008-11-06T00:46:00.000-08:00

YEAH, I am so excited I leave for Fairbanks Thursday at 2:30. We will be hanging out in Fairbanks Thursday evening and most of the day Friday. Then we leave Friday evening for Barrow, and have our lifeguard training on Saturday. Then head back to Fairbanks Saturday evening, and have another evening in Fairbanks!!! I am so hyped up to get out and have a little break.

I was really stressed about the lifeguard training, but it sounds pretty easy, I think I will be able to do it. I do think the swimming has really helped prepare me though.

I plan to get lots of pictures from my trip, so I will post them as soon as I can.

Hope everyone in Illinois has a good weekend.

love of love from Alaska.

wow, October is over...

2008-11-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

It just amazes me how fast time is going. It seems like it was just August. Now it is November. Which this is my favorite month, so lets hope it doesnt fly by as fast as the others.

I had a great October. I have accomplished a lot in October, and now I am eager to see what November will bring.

We had a great Halloween up here in Alaska. The community had a costume contest at the school for all ages, it was great. Kerri and I of course dressed up and went. As well as many of the other teachers. My students were so cute!

Then we handed out candy at my apartment to trick or treaters. It was fun. we still have candy left over though, so that is not cool, because I know I will eat it. I think I am just going to take it to school, out of sight out of mind right.... haha

Other than that, thursday night Kerri and I were bored and panted Zoey's toenails. It was so cute. She just laid there and let us paint them.

Also on Thursday I celebrated Halloween with all of my students. We had a blast.

I have so pictures from these events, I hope you enjoy them!

Lots of love from Alaska.

Zoey's nails all painted!!! Very cute, we used Chrome purple!
Zoey laying so still while we were painting her nails. She is a great dog. there is noway King would have let me paint his toenails, although I may try it when I come home. :)
My Jr. High boys having a popcorn eating contest. They are so funny. There was popcorn all over the floor. But it was very very funny.
My 2nd Graders with their halloween presents. Thank you Aunt Vicki for the cups, pencils, erasers and spiders, they loved them. And I had enough for all of my elementary students!! :)
Me and Kerri at the halloween costume contest. i am a baby ready for bed. I had on my pajamas, my cardinals blanket Amber made me last year for Christmas, my teddy bear Allen and Stacy gave me for graduation, my Winnie the pooh bath robe and my slippers. To top it all off I had my hair in pig tails, which everyone told me looked so cute.

Kerri was a life guard. She had her suit on, flip flops, a life saver and a whistle. We were so cute, and we had lots of fun. We didnt win, but we still had lots of fun.

SUNDAY

2008-10-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

OK, I know this is my 3rd post for the day. BUT I hope you will get a couple good laughs out of this....

So I was walking to the school and I tripped over the snow. I mean seriously... we have had like a foot of snow, and I now trip. And it was not like a drift or I had to step over something I was just walking and tripped. WOW, that is just amazing to me. And of course Kerri was there when I tripped, granted I didnt fall, but still I tripped and had to stumble to catch myself and Kerri says, "watch out for that white stuff, its kind of tricky". It was just so hilarious, and for those of you who know the real me. I am sure it got a laugh of picturing me walking and tripping over the snow....

OK, next.... please, make sure you are not in a public place to laugh at this...

I have lived in my apartment for over 2 and a half months now... And the bathroom, well yeah, thats a place I am in daily. you know to use it, shower, use the sink... all that fun stuff.

Tonight when I was getting out of the shower, I noticed something with my mirror....

I just realized it was a cabinet. I have never looked at it that closely before, or even tried to open it. but i now know it opens and it is a cabinet. WOW, who really lives somewhere this long and does not notice that they have a cabinet behind their mirror...

Well I am happy now, I have a place to store everything that is on my sink.... :)

I hope you enjoyed me sharing the funny things from my weekend.

Love ya

Recent Care Packages

2008-10-26T21:47:00.001-07:00

WELL, Me moving up here has really opened my eyes to how much I am loved. I have received so many great care packages, letters, cards, emails, and gifts, that I feel really special. It is amazing how much we take for granted to have a walmart or even gas station right down the road to run and get something.

Well here in Alaska and in the village I am, I do not have that privilege. I have to depend on my pantry, refrigerator or friends to provide me with something I may not have.

But with the care packages I have received this month, I feel really prepared for anything. I also have no reason to not cook and bake now.

Here are a few pics of what I have added to my pantry...

Aunt Vicky really stocked me up on food, baking things and candy. she also thought about my students and sent some halloween gifts for them. which I know they will love.

She also knows that activities, entertainment and events are limited here, so she sent me a book to read and a couple movies to watch. IT IS ALL GREAT, thank you so much!!!

Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob sent me a great care package from Indiana. She included a lot of goodies for me. A note, some halloween candy and a great guardian angel to hang in my house. Thank you so much. I love it all!!!
Dad and PJ also got another package to me. It was full of great bake meals, and dinners. thank you so much. I had also asked them to send Zoey some treats. Kerri and I share dinners quiet often, but Zoey gets left out. so I knew she would love some treats. Her and Kerri wanted to say thank you DAD and PJ. Oh yeah, PJ also included movies and my checks.... now I have not excuse to not pay my bills.... haha

It was great, and I am not going to go hungry any time soon.

All is well in Alaska. Hope you are all doing great too.

love ya, miss ha

Random thoughts from the weekend

2008-10-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a pretty good weekend. Saturday I had my ECE class, which is pretty basic... so I am able to get other things completed while I am sitting in class... To help you understand this, let me describe my class. I sit in my school library with the ECE teacher here at AKP. We have our computers and a telephone. We call a number and have a teleconference with our professor and the other 5 or 6 teachers who are also taking the class. Our professor is at her house, talking on her phone. So she does not see us, only hears us talk when we unmute our phone. so when I say I am able to get some things completed while I am in class, I literally mean get some things completed. Last class I did my grocery shopping, which also needs a little explaining.

I grocery shop over the internet, which I LOVE, because I literally only get what is on my list. I dont have to walk up and down the hallways looking for items and seeing other items that I buy. I choice items, pick the brand I want and add it to my cart. Then I check out, pay with my debit card, and the groceries arrive on the plane in 2 to 3 days. If they are not cold or frozen items they arrive in the mail in 5-7 days. It is great!!! Something I would have never thought of if I was still in Illinois.

So anyway, back to my class...

I am also able to work on the homework that the teacher assigns, or do lesson plans for the follow week in my class.

this past class I was shopping for a swimming suit. YES, I know I am in alaska, and you are thinking what they heck does she need a swimming suit for. Well we have a pool at our school. It is 4 feet deep and has two 25 meter lanes. It is very nice for a good work out. And I am going to Barrow in a couple weeks to get trained to be a life guard at our pool. So since I will be seen by several people and students in my swim suit, I thought it was time to throw out the old and get a new.

I actually had very good luck shopping online for a suit also. I just hope it fits and looks have way decent when it arrives.... I will bare your eyes and not post of picture of that... no one really wants to see me in a swimsuit... thank goodness for shorts and t-shirts to wear over it... haha

so.... other than my class, I did a little swimming on Saturday, Kerri and I decided we should prolly train a little and see how well we can swim laps and long distances. WOW three months without swimming is along time. I was a little rusty, but I was soon doing a couple labs in a row without a break. JUST let me tell you, it was not as easy as I thought it would be...

Then after swimming just a quiet evening at home....

Sunday was cleaning day, laundry day, lazy day and movies... Then a quick swim and posting time on my blog.... YEY

I hope you all had a great weekend as well. I know the weather in Illinois is finally turning into Fall weather. I hope you are all enjoying it. A couple friends of mine emailed me about a hot dog roast, I told her that was something I miss. We cant really just sit outside and chat, or have a fire here. It is a little too chilly for that.... but I guess we make up for it... some how...

It was -6 degrees most of the day today. On Saturday the wind chill was -30. Now that firetruckin cold........

I was tagged

2008-10-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

I've Been Tagged

Tag...I'm it!!

Amber from My so called Wonderful Life tagged me. Thanks Sissy...

The rules go like this:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post(or as many as you want)
4. If you are tagged, do it and pass the tag along.
5. Enjoy

Here are some random facts about me.........

1. I have really grown and became more independent then I ever thought I would, in the past 2 and a half months (dont get me wrong, I still need my parents, sisters, and family). I have also met and conquered several fears over the past few months. I mean seriously, I have moved to Alaska by myself.... who ever really thought I would. I think deep down I and everyone at home, just making a big wish, and having a dream. But I have accomplished this dream of mine.

2. I get scared about my future at times. I am 24 almost 25 and still single. My dream is to have kids, what will happen if I never find true love, that just scares me. I have really thought about having kids without being married. As bad as that is, I want kids, and I know one way or another that is possible, but finding true love for me may just not be possible.

3. I absolutely love it in Alaska, but I truly miss my family friends in Illinois. I also have a huge secret that some people know, but not everyone, and it is killing me to keep it a secret from family and friends....

4. I am thinking I may return to Alaska next school year to teach. Like I mentioned I truly love it up here, and I have a real home, and some friends. Also the money is great. And since I was kind of a wild college student I have debt to pay off, and if I could accomplish that in 2 years and return to Illinois with a good savings, that would be great. But that is all up in the air, so only time will tell. It is going to be something I will have to talk about with my family and consider for myself. I dont like making hard decisions, so I wish I had someone to make this one for me....

5. I have went over 7 weeks without a drop of alcohol. I think moving to Alaska when I did was the best thing for me and my liver. I needed to get away from the atmosphere and hangouts I was in. I also do not miss alcohol, or the parting. It is nice to wake up every morning and remember what you did the night before, as well as not have a head ache or bad breath.... I know thats just totally random, but I am very proud of myself for that. It was something I was worried about. When I was in IL and got sick, I had to go 30 days without drinking and I thought I was going to have a fit... but being up here I dont even miss it.

6. I am taking a life-guarding class in Barrow Alaska next month. Now truly, how many people can say that. To be at the top of the world, and taking a life-guarding class. Also... I am no where near skinny, or look nice in a bathing suit, yet, I am going to be a lifeguard... wow... very interesting move for me. we will see how it turns out.

There you go........some random facts about me!!

I agree with Amber, most of the blogs I look at have been tagged, so I am going to tag a friend of mine up here in Alaska. Kerri, I take you, so Add this to Northwardbound and show us what you have to share....

Hope you all enjoyed this and I hope I didnt share to much....

Have fun!!!

Weekend

2008-10-18T11:22:00.001-07:00

Well, its the weekend! I am at school for an inservice, however, we dont have anything we must do. So teachers are supposed to work on grades and lesson plans. Well I have all but 2 progress reports done, and I dont have any lesson plans to do. So I though I would add some pictures Kerri and I took this week. I hope you enjoy them.

Miss ya, love ya

Kerri and Zoey found some really deep snow. haha, it was really funny.
A picture of me by the moon rising. Very awesome colors in the sky. And yes, it was really cold and I just had on my sweatshirt... I guess I will learn sometime. haha
The moon rising and the great pictures around the mountains.
On the other side of the village is the sun setting and the great colors on these mountains. It was really cool. you could see the sun setting on some mountains and the moon rising on the other mountains.

I just thought this was funny, summer street in Alaska with the snow covered mountains in the back ground.

Care packages and stuff...

2008-10-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

So, I thought I would add some pictures of some recent care packages. I just want to thank everyone at home for everything. It make it so much easier to be way from home when I hear from people, talk to people, get emails and mail.

I hope things in Illinois are going good. i also hope you enjoy the pictures...

Books and school supplies from Uncle Joey, Candy and Brian. How great, I will be able to use everything.... :)
Food, candy and chapstick from Mom. I love it..

Socks, candy, pictures, letters, signs, and gifts from Scott, Lisa, Kierstyn Aaron and Joanna. thanks for the care package from NEWTON, it is GREAT!!!
My sign from Kierstyn, I love it!!!
My sign and letter from Aaron, it is great, I love it, even though he miss spelled my name, thats ok, it is still GREAT!!!

DWFOMY

2008-10-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

JUST WANTED TO ADD A FEW FIRST FOR ME!!!!

First time away from my family

First time traveling across the US in a train

First time staying in a hotel by myself

First time in Washington

First time in Alaska

First time seeing the Arctic Ocean

First time on a bush plane

First time in the mountains

First time on the tundra

First time eating caribou

First time on a frozen lake

First time in really deep snow, and going for a walk

First time making a snow angel on a frozen lake

First time North of the Arctic

First time seeing the Northern Lights

Just thought I would share a few with you....

Love you all, miss you so much.....

PS. if you want to know what the title of this means, you will just have to wait... haha, I am so evil.

pictures

2008-10-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

So we walked to the lake again today. It was quiet a work out. with about a foot of snow in most spots, that had not tracks, it was kind of tough. but it was worth it. I was able to make a snow angel on the frozen lake. I have some pictures to share. The weather was nice. About 12 degrees. We really couldnt see the mountains, so much fog. But I did get a few pictures. I hope you like them.

Me making my snow angel. Again, this was a work out. The snow was so high it was hard to move it around with your legs and arms. But it was fun. I think I was laughing so hard, that I couldnt move my hands and legs at the same time.
Me trying to find a way to get out of my snow angel. I was covered in snow. I love it. Just the thought of sitting where the lake water was less than a month ago is awesome. I was more adventurous on the frozen lake today.
It is really hard to see, but this is my snow angel. it was cute!!
I pic of what we could see of the mountains. The snow is just amazing.
Zoey found some friends on the walk home. Two very very cute puppies came to meet us on the road. they were so cute. I wanted to bring one home...

OCTOBER

2008-10-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

WOW, I cant believe its October already. Here is Alaska we have about 8-10 inches of snow. It has been snowing for about 2 days now. It is so beautiful. I do not have any current pictures of the snow, but I will try to get some soon.

I am doing great here in Alaska. I am also happy that I am getting feedback from people who are checking my blog. That makes me get more motivated to update my blog. Things are just amazing up here. I love my job. I am really getting organized and feeling comfortable in my position. Which is such a nice feeling.

Kerri and I have been hanging out a lot, so that is nice. It really makes the evenings much nicer. Last night we watched movies and ate popcorn. Very nice. We were supposed to go visit Kurt (the cop) but we just stayed in.

I am not sure what the planes for tonight and tomorrow are, but I am sure I will find something to entertain myself...

I do have a couple pictures I have taken this week. I will attach them, I hope you like them

Hope all is Well in Illinois. I miss you all, and love you!

My second grader had his birthday this week. It was nice there were only 2 out of 6 students there that day, so we just played music, had candy and played games for the last 15 min of class.

Here is my bulletin board I did for the beginning of the year, I will prolly change it soon, just not sure what I will put up.

Zoey, laying on the floor using Kerri's bag as a pillow. Kerri and I were in my apartment watching movies, and Zoey got bored....

She is SOOOO cute....

Me dressed all warm for a walk to the lake. YES, I know I dont have gloves on. I did have gloves on, then I took them off to take pictures, and just didnt put them back on until I put my camera away. It was a chilly night, but a beautiful night to walk to the lake. My parka is very warm, and I have my new hunting socks on that Scott gave me. Which are great, thanks Scott. My new boots also, which are very warm. YEY...

OK!!! So the lake has froze over. And from my memories I do not ever remember seeing or being on an entire lake frozen over. We removed some of the snow to show the ice. It was so amazing. I was very impressed. I didnt walk out very far, but I just thought it was amazing. Zoey ran around on the lake, she had a blast, and slid on the ice several times. Kerri did a snow angel on the ice, which was amazing.

more photos

2008-10-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well since I was kind of bored today, I went out and got some more pictures of the snowy mountains, they are just amazing.

I also wanted to let you know on Thursday, Anaktuvuk Pass was the coldest place in the Nation. How cool is that... Literally cool, or cold....... haha, just being funny there. It was like 8 degrees with a wind chill of -4 I think. It something like that.

Today is is just beautiful. Like 18 degrees and sunny, with no wind. Kerri and I walked to the fire station, to say hi to the guys... no not really. She was getting a tracking devise because she went out skiing. I have some pictures of her, they are amazing. I also got several pictures of the mountains and the village.

Then I came over to the school to get my salad out of the fridge and some cookie dough. i am going to make chicken, pasta salad and salad to night for dinner if you want to join it will be around 6:00... So hope on a plane now, and you will only be a day or two late. haha....

Sorry I am in a goofy mood today. OH, speaking of goofy, me and my 2nd graders have a joke in our class, since I use the word goofy so much, that I am married to goofy, you know the disney character.. so news for you all, I got married while I was up here, to bad I have never met my husband... Just thought I would fill in you on that joke.

Hope everyone in Illinois is doing great, miss you all...

love ya...... enjoy the pictures

How amazing is that mountain?

Kerri and Zoey getting ready to take off for an afternoon ski.... Have fun guys...

My apartment building... and the beautiful mountain behind it. :)

The mountain just past our school and the airport. This is what I get to see outside my classroom window everyday, how amazing is that...

Random pictures and thoughts

2008-10-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

So, we have had so much snow, it is amazing. Snowing all day and drifting a little bit. The planes were not able to land so volleyball is cancelled for tonight, and prolly for tomorrow as well. We also will not have mail today or the rest of the weekend. So Lisa, I will not get your package for awhile. I will let you know when I get it though. I really love the snow and really love it here. I almost always seem to be in a good mood around here. Which is just great. I have had some more pictures I hope you enjoy them. Miss everyone, love ya all...

Student working, Angie and Walter

Me and my students, Jada and Juno

My students laughing at me and the camera, Angie and Walter

A picture from Volleyball Practice. Our team is very talented. I hope they have a great season.

I will try to post more pictures soon.

Have a great weekend!! :)

My students

2008-09-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Last week was one of my 2nd graders birthday, so we had a little party and I took some pictures. They are so cute.
The one wearing the bday crown is Jana-Martha. The others are students in my second grade reading class. We were eating candy, listening to music and just having a good time.

Snowy pictures

2008-09-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

I know it seems so weird I get so excited about the snow, I mean, I am going to see it for like 6 more months, but I love it. I am sure i will be writing in here in about 5 months saying I cant wait for the snow to be gone. Now however, it is beautiful, so I have taken some more pictures and I thought I would share them with you.

Here is the lake, it is so beautiful with the white snow around it. Kerri, Zoey and I walk to the lake a couple times a week.

Here is Zoey after she broke thru the ice to get a drink. It was a funny process, she knew there was water there and she was determined to get a drink. I just had to get a couple pictures of it. I am sure the water was really really cold, but Zoey didnt seem to mind.

Here is a picture of the road, tundra and mountain in the back ground. This is the road heading out of the village toward the lake. Ummm, I think its south.... or maybe west... I am not sure.... lol, I still have not got that figured out yet. LOL

here is the most beautiful mountain. I think its my favorite. It is pretty close to use too, and out away from the village, so you really get to see it well....

I hope you enjoy all of the photos. It is so beautiful here...
love ya
Ash

Care Packages

2008-09-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the great care packages I have received so far. Thank you so much for all of the great stuff.

This package was from Amber and Jason. They sent me all of the vitamins I need. Since my diet is a little different up her Jason helped me pick out some vitamins I may need. I have actually been really good at taking them daily too! Thanks so much guys. Amber also packed a few of my other favorite things and some candy, which is totally awesome.

This is the care package from Dad and PJ. They had all of this stuff packed into 3 boxes. I have not idea how she got it all in there, but she did. Everything is awesome. I have not finished it all yet, but it is nice to have sweet treats and other treats now and then. Thank you so much. I love it all. And PJ was worried I wouldnt like it all... she was wrong.

OK, so Marty has sent me an awesome care package. It was wonderful. Everything in it was great. She also had all of this stuff packed into two boxes. Thank you so much.

I am not sure where she picked up these things.. I have not tied them yet, but when I do, I will let you know how they taste... Robinson must have some strange stores... I always knew that place was weird....

IT is also great to get a CARDINALS fan to send me stuff. I was really thinking she was a cubs fan, but she must have been saved and realized she needed to switch to a better team. So she is now cheering on the Cardinals for me. Thanks so much for the GO CARDS GO poster. I have it hanging on my door.

Thanks so much for everything guys. It is so great.
Miss you all,
love ya
Ashley

DENALI

2008-09-19T10:17:00.003-07:00

Here are some awesome pictures of Denali National Park. We had a great time on the bus tour of Denali. Hope you enjoy the pics. Just incase you didnt know Denali is the home of Mt. McKinley. We did get to see the mountain, but of course we did not go to the mountain that was like a 8 hour bus tour and we only took the 5 hour bus tour. We did hear a little about the mountain though, and it sounded amazing. I did send a book home to Dad and PJ all about the mountain if you see them you may want to ask about the book.

2008-09-19T10:17:00.002-07:00

Here are some pictures from the plane on the way home from Fairbanks. It was so awesome. We were able to see the pipeline and some amazing mountains. We also follow along the river so that is great to see out of the plane. The planes are really small. They only hold like 8 or 9 passengers, but I have gotten used to them. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

RANDOM

2008-09-19T10:17:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple pics of Kerri and I in Fairbanks during the Labor Day weekend. We had a great time in Fairbanks, we were able to have a couple drinks, do some shopping, and just go out... it was awesome...

Snowy mountain pics

2008-09-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took of the snowy mountains. they were so amazing, I cant wait until we get more snow, it will be so beautiful. I hope you enjoy them.

Whats new???

2008-08-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I have been emailing alot of people, but I wanted to let everyone know what is new with me here in Alaska.
school has started.... yey, about time, however, I have not actually been doing my job for the past 4 days, I have been testing 3 and 4 year olds. it was an experience that is for sure.
tomorrow (Tuesday) I leave for Barrow. However, to get to Barrow from here I must first fly to Fairbanks, so I go from the village to Fairbanks then to Barrow... fun fun
Then I will have training for 3 days in Barrow, for a special education in service, I am guessing this is where they are going to tell me how to do my job. since I really dont know. I have not done anything for special education yet, so I am sure I will find out just what I am supposed to be doing.
Then I leave Barrow on Friday and arrive back in Fairbanks. I am going to stay in Fairbanks Friday, Saturday, Sunday and return to the village on Monday. Kerri, a new hire teacher and new resident to Alaska also is going to meet me in Fairbanks and stay there with me. We are just going to make a weekend of it.
We are going to go shopping at a real walmart, and go out to eat. yey
We are also going to go on a 5 hour bus tour which I think will be awesome, I am sure I will come back with tons of pictures. I would also like to visit the ice museum and see some other things in Fairbanks. Since I have not actually been there yet, I have been in the airport for about an hour.. but thats all.....
So I will be able to enjoy my labor day weekend.
OH, DID I MENTION WE ARE GOING TO GO T A BAR AND HAVE A COUPLE DRINKS?? WELL WE ARE... YEY

Thats about all that is new with me, I will for sure post about my boring trainings and my plane rides and my weekend in Fairbanks, I will also get some pictures up... so check back often...
love ya

Walk to the lake...

2008-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

the other day, Kerri and I walked to the Lake, its just a little ways out of town. It was awesome though. The water, the sky, the clouds and the mountains! I took several pics, however, my computer/blogspot is being crappy and not letting me download the pics. i have to say though that the pictures do not do the view justice. It is just amazing. I will try again at a later date to post them.... haha

Other than that I am just getting my classroom ready and preparing for student to arrived on Wednesday. As soon as my classroom is completed, or close to being, done I will get the pictures of my classroom posted. Its small, but nice.

I am going to call tomorrow after noon about my phone, so hopefully I will get that tomorrow of Wednesday also. The watch out.. no one is safe, I will be calling everyone.. haha

I got my first care package today... Thank you mom. She sent me a few things i forgot at home, and some goodies too... haha!

Hope to hear from you all soon, love ya

What were they thinking?

2008-08-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

So, I am in a village and it is illegal to have or drink alcohol here. And the school district I work for loves to give us gifts. Which is totally awesome.. But.... One gift they gave up was this bottle opener key chain. I mean, it that just ironic or what. We can not drink here, and I think they are just throwing it our faces... wow, ponder that for awhile. Someone at home will be receiving this keychain as a gift to use while I am gone, and that way it will be used for its purposes....
Let me know what you think about this... LOL
Love ya
Ash

Photos

2008-08-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from my apartment... I am sure you can figure out what rooms are what... lol, if you have any questions, just comment...
hope you enjoy them

ADDRESS

2008-08-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone,
Well I want you all to know I am settled into my apartment. It is really nice and I have new hire teachers as my neighbors, so that is nice. I will add some pics, maybe later today or tomorrow.....
I wanted to give you all my address though...
Ashley Groves
PO BOX 21146
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721

I expect letters, cards and care packages.... lol

Hope all is well in Illinois, hope the weather is nice.
Everything is great here, weather is super nice, the mountains are beautiful.....
Miss you all
love ya
Ashley

Pics

2008-08-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

Hey I added some pics of my view from the dorm.... i am going to the village today. I will arrive in Anaktuvuk Pass around 3 pm today. then I will be able to add pics of the village and my apartment as soon as I take them. I dont think we will have internet at the village until Monday.

Love ya

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!

2008-08-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hey there,
I just wanted to post some more pics and tell everyone I am having a GREAT evening. I am just in such a good mood, and today was very nice. The weather is great, and we got back to the dorm early, so that was nice!!!
I am going to just post some more pics I have, and that way you all can see what I see... haha
Hope you enjoy!

I found this and I love it.... please read and comment

2008-08-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present

2008-08-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hey there,
Hope you enjoy the photos, I did for get to even say much lately....

I leave for my village on Saturday, I am so excited to get there, however, I just checked the USPS website and I found out that only 4 or my totes are there. So I have clothes and bathroom supplies, so that is great. all of my other stuff is still on its way, I hope it gets there soon. lol

I will keep you updated... have a great one..
love ya

Still liking Alaska

2008-08-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I am going to attempt to add some pics to my blog.. wish me luck...
These are some pics I took yesterday of the ice that had moved in on the ocean. This is the shore right across the road from my dorm. It is an amazing site. I hope you enjoy them
Love ya

BARROW ALASKA

2008-08-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I made it to Barrow. I am in Alaska, I arrived around 7pm Alaska time Sunday evening. It is now 10:15pm Alaska time, which is 1:15am Illinois time..... so that will take awhile to get used to... owelll...
Well I am tired and have a long day tomorrow, so just wanted to post to let you know I made it, I will post more tomorrow, and maybe try to get some photos up...
love ya, good night

tomorrow....

2008-07-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well its almost midnight on July 30th, and I leave on a train tomorrow morning at 5am.... I am so nervous and so excited at the same time. I am going to miss everyone so much, but I am going to try my hardest to stay in contact with everyone. I want to thank everyone for all of the time they have spent with me over the past month... It has been a great month and I will never forget it.
I will have my cell phone thru the 4th of August then it will be a couple days prolly until I get a phone at my apt, but as soon as I do, i will get ahold of everyone....
love you all..