Fifty Fourth Stop: The Alchemist

 I am not one that will non-stop talk about a book, but I was recently sent the same book by 2 of my friends.  Already started to think that it might be good if these two reliable sources say it is good.

     The book is called "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.  I had never heard of it.  I started the book this last Monday (11/10) and, not going to lie..., it did not grab my attention right out of the gate, but it had me hooked a quarter of the way through.  Needless to say,  I completed this novel last night because I could not put it down.     

It is a pretty quick read-the language is not challenging, but the content really makes you analyze your own personal goals, dreams, and ambitions.  He, the author, really paints a picture of a much simpler time, but with similar struggles and challenges that we are faced with today, just in a different capacity.     

 I am also not one that writes in a book that I am reading for enjoyment, but this one is now covered in highlighting some of my favorite quotes.  It is so applicable for anyone's  life and it hit the nail on the head for me as I am on this Alaskan Adventure.     I highly suggest that you all read it. And, if you do, please comment on my blog, or email me, facebook, smoke signals, letter, or any other way you choose to communicate what you think.     

If you are not able to read the book, here are some of my favorite quotes that will still get you thinking.   

  - "It is the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." (pg 13)    

- "And dreams are the language of God." (pg 15)     

- " It describes people's inability to choose their own Personal Legends. And it ends up saying that everyone believes the world's greatest lie." (pg 20)     

- "It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what 's happening to us, and out lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." (pg 20) 

    

- "The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation. All things are one." (pg 24)   

  

-"There is nothing to hold him back except himself." (pg 31)    

 - The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon." (pg 36)     

- "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. " (pg 43)

     - "And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward." (pg 80)    

 -"We may take a lot of detours, but we are always headed in the same direction." (pg 80)     

There are many more, but those are a few of my favorites! I hope that everyone will be able to find their own Personal Legends, with that comes love, happiness, and dreams!

Fifty Third Stop: Discussion Please

 Ever since I was 10 years old, I knew that I wanted to have American Sign Language (ASL) in my life.  I didn't know the capacity or the form it would take.  As I got older,  I learned more and more about not only the language, but the beautiful culture that goes along with it. 

     It was then that I knew that I was going to be an interpreter and fully immerse myself in what I could while I was going to college.  I was the annoying girl that was President of Interpreting Club. Yup... this girl right here!  

      That being said, there is always a struggle I have to try and make myself the best interpreter for the client... Making sure that I am matching and conveying the messages clearly for both parties involved-the hearing person and the deaf person.  It is no easy task.  Sometimes you even have to be an advocate on and off the job.  All these facets are the parts that I love and they keep the job interesting and keep me on my toes.  

     That being said I find this attached article extremely interesting.  I would love for everyone's participation and input.    I feel that it provides an insight that many people may not have thought of or knew they were doing.   I know I have some things on the list that I am now that I am going to work on. 

http://www.deafecho.com/2012/08/exploring-hearing-privilege/

Thoughts... Ready... go! 

Fifty Second Stop: Lazy Day

  A weekend of guilt free laziness.  It was so nice being able to stay here in the village in my space and do absolutely nothing.  Don't get me wrong, I have loved every adventure I have been on in the last month.  Getting to see everyone back home and making new friends up here in Anchorage was all beautiful, but I was so tired! B

     I was not a functioning human being before 11 am this entire weekend.  I never would of been able to pull that off in my California life.   I was always scheduled for some kind of something.  So to be able to not set an alarm, roll over because I was comfy,  and didn't want to getup, was so nice.  

     Listening to the peaceful rain outside my window all weekend definitely helped too.  Here is to a beautiful weekend and a laid back Sunday funday!  

     Who is ready for Monday?... Well, as ready as I can be.  One week closer to Thanksgiving!  WOOHOO!!!

Fifty First Stop: Independence

 When the school year started,  there was a major adjustment period and trial of testing for her and me both.  She tried me to see how far she could push me and I challenged her to see how much work we could get accomplished.  Due to several different circumstances my expectations needed some fine tuning.  My goal,  while I am here,  was to work on getting my kiddo to become more independent.

     Ms. Renee and I have had and still continue to have discussions on how to make learning more fun, how to teach social skills, and how to get her to understand how important her taking care of herself and diabetes is.     

     We started by getting her to do the math and document everything...Figured that would be a good start.  Then we added the challenge of having her get her insulin shot ready so all she would need would need help with from mom is giving the shot.     

     Then, this last Friday I got a knock on my door 10 minutes before I normally come out of my room to take on the day. Open the door and it is my kiddo!   She wants me to hurry because she wants to show me that she can give herself and Mr and Mrs. Teddy their insulin shots.  She shows me first on one of her bears and then dials it up to give it to herself.  Few deep breaths and she does it!  She gave herself her insulin shot!!!  This is huge progress.  I was overjoyed and so proud of her, her mom had happy tears, and I was doing a 30 second dance party.     

     Then at lunch we were able to show Ms. Renee and she was so excited and had a dance party via skype as well.    

      My kiddo may not be able to multiply 3 digit numbers, or read big ol chapter books, or write a perfect English sentence (I can't do that well either), but she will know how to administer her insulin shot by herself.  The process is not foreign to her.  That my friends is success.   Independence!

Fiftieth Stop: Golden Apple

It is truly amazing to be part of school that is receiving so much recognition this year. I took this from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District website. 

KPBSD Golden Apple Award Recognition

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Central Peninsula Hospital, for dedication to the students, parents, and staff in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Golden Apple Awards

The Board of Education bestows Golden Apple Awards to school district employees, volunteers, and community organizations that go to extra lengths to support and advance education. Recipients are honored at a school board meeting with a proclamation and an engraved apple award. District employees, parents, school board members, volunteers, and community members are eligible to make nominations for the award.

Mr. James Reinseth, a devoted K-1 teacher at Nanwalek School, exemplifies these qualities while also teaching them to his students through a culture of respect, high expectations, and constant formative feedback that encourages each to grow in academics, social behaviors, and work ethic.

Mr. Reinseth began teaching in Shungnak and remained there for eight years. Nanwalek gained his attention in 2007, and he has been of service to the community and district since, for a total of eighteen years in rural Alaska. Teacher turnover in villages interrupts learning. Mr. Reinseth’s longevity and devotion in his bush positions demonstrates commitment beyond what most are willing to offer.

In his words, Mr. Reinseth “lives to teach kindergarten and first grade.” Towering over his young students at more than six feet tall, Mr. Reinseth is driven to spend time with students—on the floor, bending over, or from his balcony view. During the last three years, Mr. Reinseth has shown tremendous growth in stepping out of his K-1 environment to participate and actively contribute in collaborations. Initial resistance led to gentle participation, then to active engagement to share his talents. In this, he passes on to others his incredible artistry in teaching.

Mr. Reinseth’s most notable contribution which will soon extend throughout the district came when Deb Evensen, an educational consultant, observed that Mr. Reinseth regularly implements with his regular education students the “Eight Magic Keys” that she recommends for students with compromised brains due to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Overcoming shyness and his natural inclination to stick to himself, Mr. Reinseth agreed to work with Nancy Kleine, principal; Deb Evensen; and Clayton Holland, director of student services, to capture his teaching for a training film for teachers. This film shows how to teach in ways that help all students without leaving behind those with brain dysfunctions.

After observing Mr. Reinseth over the last two years, Deb Evensen commented on Mr. Reinseth’s distinguished teaching: “Watching Jim Reinseth in action is like observing a great conductor lead a symphony. He guides his multi-level classroom of diverse learners through each day using multi-sensory, whole-brain strategies built on positive support and collaboration, and links everything to their daily lives. Jim is simply one of the most skilled educators I have ever observed during my forty year career as a teacher and consultant working with schools throughout North America.”

Every single day, Mr. Reinseth’s students live the eight magic keys: concrete, consistent, repetitive, routine, simple, specific, structured, and supervised. Literacy is constantly supported. His young students are addressed respectfully as Mr. and Miss. Thank you is heard often in Mr. Reinseth’s class. If an observer comes, not a beat is skipped in Mr. Reinseth’s constant feedback and positive reinforcement for students.

Mr. Reinseth also contributes expertise to other students in the school. Always willing, he has been an anchor to several former students who are struggling with personal issues. During the past two years, Mr. Reinseth taught welding academies for high school students. Every year, during the major holiday of Halloween in Nanwalek, Mr. Reinseth takes the reins for the annual school and community carnival. Finally, 

Mr. Reinseth endlessly helps new teachers who move to Nanwalek, whether it be to mentor them in curriculum or provide resources in the community.

Information was taken from:

http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/2014/11/04/educator-james-reinseth-receives-golden-apple-award/

Forty Ninth Stop: Matanuska Glacier

 Sunday Funday... absolutely!  We were awakened this morning by an adorable little guy name "T" at 6:00.  Everyone was getting ready to leave for a bison hunting trip, except for Merideth and me.  We were not able to go on this trip, but oh you better believe it is going to happen next year.  After everyone was on their way for their trip, Merideth and I got ready for an adventure of our own.

     We started heading to see the Matanuska Glacier with a minor stop at "The Noisy Goose" for breakfast.   Another fabulous little gem that I recommend.  It is right off the highway.  After we were fat and happy,  we embarked on the rest of the beautiful drive in route to the glacier...Pretty magical to have open highway that is surrounded by the absolutely beautiful background.     

     It took us about an hour to arrive at the glacier.  Once we were there, we were in awe.  There are no words to describe the feeling that one has when you are made to feel so small by God's creation and when you are taken back by this massive ice cube.  Once we took it all in, we jumped back in the car and started on the next part of this adventure.     

     Heading back down the highway and knew we were going to take a drive through Wasilla and Palmer.  I am falling more and more in love with the state and the area as we continue to drive around.     

     We had a recommendation to stop when we were in Wasilla and try a super cute place called "Turkey Red."   If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.  The beef stew and steak salad was what Merideth and I split and it was absolutely delicious! Everyone was so nice as well.  They also had several pastries that looked delicious.  We got some "to go". .. and it is confirmed... they were delicious!     

     As we finished our meal and headed back to Eagle River to do some food shopping, Merideth and I were both deep in thought.  As we continued to make our way down the road, I verbalized how amazed I was with the beauty, the people, and the way of life.  We continued to discuss how different it was compared to California and as we continued to talk, we started to develop a plan.  We both are very set on moving to the Eagle River/Chugiak area because it is for the most part the half way point to Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer.     As we continued to talk about it, I started having the feeling of home and peace washing over me.  It is a feeling that I have not felt...To be at complete peace with your decision.  I started to realize how random it may have been for me to accept this job here in the village of Nanwalek, but in reality, is was the push I needed to see that there is an entire world outside of the bubble that I have been living in.     

     I like to think that I have been to several states for work and play and like to think I am working my way to being a well traveled individual.  All the places I have experienced I have loved, but never have had the feeling that I was home until now.    

     Expecting everything to continue to go smoothly, and my love for this state to continue to develop, I will soon be an Alaskan. Come this summer if all the pieces continue to fall together,  I will be packing up my 10 x 10 storage unit into a moving truck and road-tripping my way back to my new adventures here in Alaska.     

     I am a firm believer that everything is meant to happen for reason and I am so fortunate to be on this adventure. I once again want to thank everyone for supporting me on this adventure.  I cannot say that enough.

Forty Eighth Stop: Halloween

After spending the day with Todd, Miranda, and Meredith,  I do have to say I don't believe I have ever laughed that much... ever! From hiding in the bathroom of a motor home and being told to be quiet.. (yes, Merideth and Me in a tiny motorhome bathroom having to be quiet seems impossible), but operation commode was a success.  It has now also started a new trend.. feel free to join it.  Take a picture of yourself with or without friends (no judgement if you are solo) and hash tag #Operationcommode.

     We then made a trip to Sam's Club... needless to say we went down EVERY row and found some kind of trouble to get into in every single aisle.  From singing karaoke to lions, tiger, and bears blankets, to  my to bird calls through out the entire store! Needless to say the laughs continued.    

     After all the fun,  Merideth and I broke away and took a trip up to Eagle River for a hike.  It was absolutely breath taking... A picture perfect wonderland.  Pictures I took did no justice, but kinda gives you an idea of where were.  Try, If you can, to imagine sitting there listening to the river as you watch this crystal clear water flow with some speed around rocks and chunks of ice.  It was truly magical moment.  A moment that you know you just saw God's beautiful creation.     

     On our way back from the hike,  we get the text from Todd that T has been waiting for us in his costume with his jacket on for the last hour.  He could not wait till we got out of the car and were ready to go trick-or-treating!  He was the cutest "Red Power Ranger" around!   Like to think that we had a very successful Halloween.  The kiddos raked in the candy and my heart was happy seeing how excited they were about it. 

#Operationcommode



Eagle River Adventures