Goodbye to UNK for now!

All the villages we passed by on the way to Unalakleet (UNK) on the district plane last week were infinitesimal specks on the landscape, easily confused with ledges or bluffs. After flying over miles of what seemed to be uninterrupted wilderness I remember seeing a man-made structure on a hill, perhaps some kind of tower, just before arriving at our destination.  I wondered what it was, but knew regardless that it marked a territory that is (or was) used by people.  While gathered around a campfire on our last night in town, I observed that same hill with a light shining brightly just above it, and my wonder seceded. Sometimes all you must do is wait and answers find you full circle. ;)

Backtracking a moment, my first flight on a bush plane was frightening. Someone at the Welcome Wagon orientation instructed me of the importance of balance when riding in such small aircraft and how accidents have occurred due to improper weight distribution of people and freight. Armed with that knowledge, I wound up an unexpected passenger due to flight changes and consequently spent the majority of the flight, when not enamored by the amazing views, praying every time the plane tilted that it wasn't because of me. Needless to say, we made it to WMO just fine. Oh, what good times. :) I actually got to ride co-pilot so my view was especially spectacular. It feels almost like a roller coaster now, with the addition of pressure in the ears. I am excited that it is growing more and more familiar with each time I travel. I won't be on a plane again until Labor Day weekend when I will return to the district headquarters for more training with the Special Ed. folk.

The planes soar at an elevation quite low to the ground in comparison to a commercial airplane, allowing those of us inside an impressively intimate aerial perspective. It is amazing to see how much land is not in use when flying over Alaska in a small plane. I can see why they call it the last frontier... although I expect most of what I personally have viewed has been touched by humans at some point in transit from one place to another. At in-service yesterday we briefly listened to the state representative for our district speak, and I chuckled when he displayed an image of the state of Alaska with the state of Texas inside of it. Alaska is enormous, y'all!

It feels sooooo good to be back in White Mountain again. I love having a place to call my own. Sleeping in a bed last night was wonderful. You forget how much you enjoy privacy until you have none. I guess that is true of most things in life though. =)

I am excited to get working on my classroom and on my resolutions for the school year. I have already made a bulletin to welcome my students and have organized most of the stuff in the room. I set up all the technology as well. I have my very own SmartBoard, two Mac desktops, two Mac laptops, two iPads, two Inspiron Minis, a Smart projector, a Kindle, and so many other tools I will learn to use this year. I am surprised by how well-stocked this classroom is in general. Many things that I considered bringing in order to service my kids are already here. I have so many books and supplies. This year is going to be awesome. I even snooped around in the art supply storage today, and oh boy was it a sight for sore eyes. I am so very pleased to know these kids are certainly not deprived of art materials either. What a blessing!

Another joy, I had many packages when I arrived home, so my wardrobe has expanded somewhat, and my home is a little more personalized. My office supplies came in too, and I had been itching for those. More importantly, I now have some of my own art supplies at home. <3 Yay!


Well, I am spent! It has been a long day in my new classroom, and I am ready to head home and eat some dinner. Have a great evening yourselves!! Take care.


Namaste,

Kelly