Twenty Third Stop: Mental Health

The importance of self care and ones health is often put off and never taken care of.  One thing that I use to be pretty good about in Fresno was making sure I scheduled in my "me" time. Since I have moved, the "me" time is in abundance, but the massage and social/nail time is not in abundance.

     So...Instead of focusing on the superficial things I loved to get done, I have focused on some other things.  I am always open to suggestions on other things to fill the time.  So far I have been:  

       - Taken the time to journal.. I have started many journals, but never really followed through on them...Until now.  This trip is worth documenting as much as possible.    
     
       - Made it a point to workout 5 times a week... It's not like I have a high-tech fancy gym to spend hours at.  This has allowed me to get creative when designing the day's workout and challenge myself in new ways.  No machine to do the work for me.     

     - Picked up a paint brush a few times and really look forward to exploring that more.  I am not the most creative person, but once you pick up a paint brush creative juices just start flowing.     

     - Reading.  I have made my way through several romantic novels.  Can't go wrong with Nicholas Sparks, but have really been focusing on other types of books.  Trying to become a well rounded individual.. kind of over rated, but hey.. stepping out of your comfort zone is where the fun begins.     

     - trying to get in better touch with my spiritual side.  I cannot go to church every Sunday like before, but I am making sure I am staying touch with my spiritual side.     

     - Traveling.  I am making a point to get out of the village and explore new areas of this last frontier.      Sooo....                 

Here is to personal mental health ~ Not postponing it and finding every possible excuses to put it off.  Everyone deserves to be happy and well-adjusted....just look to yourself ~ your best source of strength.

Twenty Second Stop: Welcoming

 The village took the time to introduce us "new people" to the village with a night full of great music, food, and stories full of culture.  

      Nanwalek  stands for a place by the lagoon - formally known as the English Bay.  The village people of Nanwalek refer to themselves as Sugpiaq, which means "real people."  Their heritage is the basis and foundation of their language (Sugt’stun), their lifestyle, cultural traditions and self-government.  

     The villagers follows the Russian Orthodox church and calender.  Their calender tends to be about a week or two behind the traditional calender, that we all follow.  

    We had the wonderful opportunity to hear from three of the elders last night, as well.   They explained what they remembered before Nanwalek became what it is today:   Life before technology, Hondas (ATV), internet, electricity, and running water.  One of the elders explained what kind of toys they use to play with (because there were not any type off dolls) .  Today there's one in every size, shape, and color.  Back then, though, they would find a rock from the beach that they could hold onto and wrap it in cloth.  This is what they would carry around.  This would be their baby ~ so simple and so beautiful.  

    They went through the calender months having the children dress up to better explain their traditions.  They celebrate and acknowledge our traditional American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but their Christmas starts on January 7th.  This is a huge event where they will go around to every single one of the houses and do the "Starring."   They have a beautiful star that will be carried from house to house as they sing carols.  As they stop at each house,  the owners will put out a spread for everyone to enjoy.  

     They will also spend hours upon hours, days upon days, dancing, singing, and celebrating...All apart of the amazing culture and traditions.  We got a little bit of a taste last night.  

The dancing reminded me of the movements it takes to fish and hunt the way I am sure the ancestors did.  

     Their culture, stories, dancing, music, food, and traditions is truly beautiful.  It was such a beautiful night and was a great introduction to this culture.

Twenty First Stop: Never Forget 9/11

Thirteen years ago today, our lives as American citizens changed.   Many of us will forever remember where we were and what we were doing.  

     I was going to school...I was in the 8th grade.  That day started off very different than most any other day I had ever had, or would have ever again.   My mom woke me up and told us to go look at her tv.  My mom, brother, and I sat there watching the first plane hit the tower in disbelieve.  We continued to get ready for school and it was just such an uneasy feeling.  When we get to school, it too had a feeling of confusion.  None of the teachers were really sure what to say or how to conduct the class.  Most of the teachers had the news on and just passed out worksheets for us to do...busy work, I would say.   I don't think many actually got completed because we were all discussing what we were seeing.  

     It finally came to 4th period - History with Mr. Roddy.  He was my all-time favorite history teacher.  He brought us into the classroom and we all had so many questions for him.  He sat us down and started writing stuff on the board.  We started diagramming what was known fact,  what was a possibility,  and what was pure bullshit.... As class started coming to an end he told us something that I remember clearly to this day.  He said, "This is a day that will go down in history books.  This is a day that generations after you will most likely not remember, just like you do not remember previous bombings or attacks on this country.  This is a day that you will tell your children, your grand children, and possibly your great children about.  Remember this day.  Do not forget to tell your loved ones how much you love them... Even if you are mad at them.  This is a day that will bring this country together and strengthen the bond that we as Americans have for our country.  This is a day that should never be forgotten.  So, close your eyes and remember this day and say a prayer." 

     We all sat for a minute..........passed the bell , with our eyes closed doing exactly what he had instructed us to do.  It was the worse feeling to know we could not do that much to make difference in that second.  

     Since September 11th happened 13 years ago, I have had the opportunity to go to Ground Zero and able to see the progress of what was once pure chaos become an absolutely beautiful remembrance of this day.  It is a place for families and friends who lost someone to sit in peace and reminisce.  It is a place for those who did not know anyone to connect to a name of person. The last time I was there was this last March.  It is still in the finishing touches.  If you ever have the opportunity to go to the Ground Zero museum, take a tour from people who are now volunteers that had some part in this day, to hear their stories...To give them a hug... To connect and make it more personable.   I highly suggest you do It is a beautiful tribute to a not so beautiful disaster.  

God Bless.  And God Bless America...

The Towers 3 years Ago.

The Foot Prints. 

Twentieth Stop: Laughter and Smiles

     If you cannot laugh at yourself who can... but when you are able to help a kiddo have a better day, it makes your day that much more important.  When my kiddo does not need assistance, I often will help the other kids in class.  Today they were working on Alaskan Geography and they got to draw maps.  My kiddo happens to be an amazing artist and once she had paper and a pencil she went to town with her art...Catching every detail possible.  This made the boy sitting next her very self conscious.  You could see him start to shut down and he was no longer enjoying the activity.

    I grabbed a paper and (my drawing skills are far from decent) and called him over and he sat next to me.  I asked him how my drawing was.  He looked at it... looked at me... looked at it... He said, "Well Ms. Ryan... it "kinda" looks like Alaska.  It is ok though, you are from California."  (He he he he - Where do the kids come up with this stuff?).  So then I asked to see his and he put his head down.  "Hey, just because a Californian can't draw your state, well, does not mean that you being an Alaskan have to draw Alaska perfectly."     He looked at me with new hope in his eye.  He picked up his pencil and started to draw.   I do not think mine was that far off, but if kept this boy from having a break down and got a smile... that my friends "is priceless."     

     Later that evening I was running around the air port and some of the people were coming in from a few hours of fishing.  Sure enough,  that same kiddo on an ATV hauling butt ...stops, smiles, waves, makes a funny face, and takes off again.  This brought a huge smile to face because I hate running and for him to take that second to acknowledge I was there and make me smile.... that too is priceless.

Eighteenth Stop: Tsunami!!

According to the dictionary,  definition of a tsunami:  a long high sea wave caused by an earthquake, submarine landslide, or other disturbance.  

     Never thought this would have to be in my immediate vocabulary.  We always hear about them and how destructive they are around the world - never did I think this California girl would be practicing for a tsunami.  In California,  we were taught what to do for a fire (I better know what to do or I would be disowned - considering my dad and brother are in the fire department).  Anyway, we were also taught to be prepared for an earthquake, or an intruder.  Those were the three situations I grew up practicing.  In addition to those, I can now add tsunami training... Hoping I will never have to actually execute, though.  

     Last week, Tuesday, we had a tsunami warning- siren went off and everything because there was a supposed to be an earth quake taking place in Kodiac.  So the school evacuated and went to the safe area, only to find out later that it was a false alarm.  But, without the false alarm,  we would not have known how unprepared we were for this type of emergency.  Now the Staff has gathered and brained-stormed and we have a plan of attack ready, and needed equipment and supplies have been ordered to help us become better at the execution. 

    

Detour:  Back in 1964, an earthquake lasting four minutes and thirty eight seconds, was recorded as the most powerful earthquake in the United States and North America... Was measured to have a magnitude of 9.2 which is the second strongest earthquake in record history.  This was in South East Alaska where I am located in Nanwalek.  The map below shows other cities/villages that were impacted.

     Needless to say this is one drill I never would of thought I needed to practice or be aware of, but now I know.  I can add it to my list of experiences and makes for an even more entertaining adventure. 

Hope you had your seat belts on for that one! 

Seventeenth Stop: A Beautiful Saturday

     This Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day.  You could see the Volcanos across the Bay.  I don't think I have seen a bluer sky that made the white clouds just pop.  It looked like cotton in the sky.  It was perfect for a workout looking over the lagoon and bay with the a jog around the Airport.

     After a great workout, I got the opportunity to go fishing with my Kiddo and her Family.  We took the boat out to a little nook across the lagoon.  It was so peaceful and calm.  The beauty was unreal and left me speechless.     Once we got settled and I got the basics of fishing,  I was able to bring in a fish.   It was on the older side though and was close to bellies up.  I just got worse as time went one... needless to say, it is a very good thing I do not have to depend on fishing to survive because I would be far from surviving.  I will be honest, my hook ended up in the tree. Kiddo's sister pretty much summed it up when she says, "It's ok it is your first time."    

     After this beautiful day I was reminded that there is so much  more to life and that there is so much beauty.  No matter where we are, we have to take the time to enjoy.  There is so much more to life than the hustle and bustle that I am use to.  To everyone in the hustle and bustle-- pull over!  Unbuckle your seat belt and enjoy your view,  but stay tuned for the next stop.

Mountains behind the Lagoon.

In the Lagoon heading towards the River.

Fresh water creek.

Mt. Iliamna

Heading up the River. 

Sixteenth Stop: Sourdough Bread

     One of the traditions that are very popular here is sourdough bread.  Everyone has the best recipe with amazing stories attached to them.  I have been fortunate enough that someone shared their story with me and gave me some starter dough.  I am officially starting the worse addiction... homemade bread!

     When you go into any of the book stores in Homer, there is an entire section dedicated to sourdough.  "Sourdough for Dummies", "Simply Sourdough", and  the list goes on.  I am not that great of a baker and am a person that has to follow the recipe until I figure out what to expect.  When trying to follow the recipes and ask for suggestions from the locals... the response is to give it attention, no measurements, and a lot of tender loving care.     

     Wish me luck as I embark on this new challenge. Cannot wait for some delicious homemade bread.   I can smell it already!

     Just thinking about the endless possibilities of this new challenge my seat belt is getting tighter. Hope you all are still doing well.