So many stars

I'm once again reminded about just how far away from everything I'm living. We've had quite a few clear nights recently and that's let me really take in the millions of stars that are in the sky way out here in the middle of nowhere. Being right next to the school makes it not quite as dramatic as it was standing on the shore in Port Heiden looking up but still amazing, none the less. 

It's a good things I have those moments taking Macy outside to go to the bathroom because otherwise I don't know that I would have taken the time to stop and look up this week. Chaotic/Crazy doesn't begin to describe my week. Some stuff I simply can't go into but when I say it was chaotic, just believe me. Let me also say that there is a lot that college just can't prepare you for when you're actually out in the classroom. BUT, I'm hoping for a better week coming up. 

I'm doing better in Yupik class with my kids! I can now count from one to five, say "Hi my name is Marisa", and I even know some of the months and some random words. I'm pretty proud of myself and every time I say something right in class or Louise calls on me and I answer correctly, my class cheers! They're the best. 

This past week we started working on research papers. We're researching three different volcanos in Alaska - Aniakchak, Veniaminof and Cleveland. Some of you might recognize the first two since they were in my backyard in Port Heiden! After we do our research papers, we're going to get with groups and make posters and present about them and then we'll make our own volcanos in our groups. The kids have been asking me since the first day of school if we could make volcanos this year so I decided this would be a good way to let them! I may be just as excited as they are! 

This weekend started with dessert for the teachers that we started last week. It's a new thing we do every Friday after the kids leave one of us brings a dessert and we all get together and celebrate the week being over for a short time! This weekend was a basketball tournament at the school. It was for the entire village so there were teams of older people, high school students, men and women. It started Friday and went until about 11 on Friday night, then it continued on Saturday during the day into the evening time. It was fun to go hang out and watch the games - everyone is so great at basketball here because that's something they all love and grow up doing! I also got to meet some family members of my students and other kids parents. It was a fun weekend! I had dinner with LeEsia and some of the kids on Friday before the tournament and then Saturday we had our usual Saturday dinner. This weekend it was at my house and I made two pizzas! Made me think of my pizza nights in Port Heiden and it made me miss them. But it was a good night with good friends and two very cute puppies. : )

Oh and we did our weekly trip to the post office and the store this Saturday as well and you all will be proud of me. I only spend $16 at the store and then $20 on a new pair of earrings but that has to be some sort of record!! 

Salmon on the charcoal grill

So much for my neat desk... it shows how crazy my week has been

Getting my hair done at the basketball tournament

This greenhouse is behind my apartment... although it's seen better days because of the wind we've had recently

I'm not sure if this is Macy's dad or not but they look a lot alike!!

Puppies!! So, so tempting to take another.

My lunch date every day : )

Steak and Caribou on the grill!!! I was in heaven. 

The other day we had ice!!

While I'm writing this she's sleeping, such a rough life!

Another picture of these two!

Well, that's all for now... back to planning for the week! I can't believe it's already the start of October! Christmas will be here before I know it!