On the Eve of Something Different.

I have been a creature of habit most of my life. I would like to think that I come by it honestly. I suppose we could go in to that whole Nature vs. Nurture debate to decide if my desire for normalcy was genetic or a learned behavior. I would venture to say that my steadfast, long-term dedication and loyalty to the cause was learned through a, sometimes, tumultuous childhood. I’m not saying that my upbringing was horrific. I’m simply stating that some uncertainties in my formative years, may explain my gravitation towards comfortable routines in adulthood.

Guess I kicked that one in the shorts, eh?

Tomorrow is D-Day. The LZ has been prepped and I’m storming the beaches at 0800.

What I once knew as Small Town, Minnesota “normal” is now in the rearview mirror. A new chapter, unlike any other, starts with attendance and morning announcements at McQueen School on Wednesday 8/19/15. TOMORROW!

I reckon it’s not unlike “any other”. I mean I’ve got 14 years in public education under my belt. And since starting my Alaskan Adventure three weeks ago, I’ve learned that People are People and Kids are Kids. I’m really happy to have met a lot of nice folks in Alaska.

No doubt though, there are challenges ahead. Reading abilities vary from un-measurable to average. Attendance is spotty. Hygiene is sometimes an afterthought. But the smiles and handshakes have been heart felt. I have felt a twinge in my gut reminiscent of 2001 when I was just breaking in to the game. It’s a familiar feeling and I’m thankful for that. So I guess this new chapter isn’t all that different after all.

Well besides the obvious –

*Michele and the kids are THERE and I’m HERE.

*I’m one of less than two-dozen gringos on the island. (And the only one with spots!)

*100% Inupiaq class of 22 kids whose first language is English but second language is Cheetos.

The list is long but I’ll stop there before I break the 10-1 rule imposed by my bride. 

Ohhhh  - Back to School – Back to School.

I got my lunch packed up, My Boots tied Tight

I hope I don’t get in a fight.

Echo 4 Kilo – OUT

Addendum – Following is a list of the other things that are true and come to mind but are just too much to write in to today’s story.

1.)  Thursday we have to have school lunch in our classroom with our students. Why? You ask…. The Governor of Alaska is coming to Kivalina. That’s kind of a big deal.

2.)  There are two reporters from ITV sleeping in my classroom tonight. They’re a couple of blokes that work for the BBC’s competition – stationed out of Washington D.C. but they come fully equipped with high tech cameras and think British accents. Rob & Matt couldn’t be nicer. It was good to visit with them and feel like I was knowledgeable about the Kivalinan Plight.

3.)  Walked down to the Channel and watched a group haul in their nets tonight. I counted about 8-10 Chum Salmon that one guy pulled out of their nets. The others shoved off from shore and chased around a Seal. He kept bobbing around in the Lagoon while they were after him with the .22.  The Seal won tonight.

4.)  I think I’ve been asked to buy stuff from villagers every time I’ve walked out of my house. Tonight a fella knocked on the door and offered an ivory covered fishing lure. ($10 – I declined). Another guy asked me if I was an archeologist and then offered an ancient spear tip. (Didn’t get a price - sorry).  $150 for Baleen? Sorry - I’m not even qualified to carve anything cool in to it unless you want a picture of SpongeBob. A doll? A knife? I must look RICH – I’m not.