Monday, February 29, 2016
February 29, 2016: ?
I saw this license plate in front of me today. I couldn't figure out if it is an Alutiiq (tribe native to this part of Alaska) word or someone is fed up with life.
February 28, 2016: Sunday Funday
Barometer looked so beautiful this morning!! Thankful for a nice walk with a sister, 2 nephews, a good friend, and her dog. Happy Sunday! 
February 27, 2016: windy run
Alanna invited me to run with her this morning. It was rainy and windy, so we ran 3 miles at Abercrombie, which is mostly in the woods. It was really pleasant, and for the most part, you couldn't tell that there was a monsoon happening outside... Until we came to the few places along the path where the trees thinned and we were ocean side. I was nearly blown off the path! Made for an exhausting, adventurous run!
February 26, 2016: The Flats
Tonight Catie and I drove out to the Flats for a clothing pop up (those are big here. Very few places to shop...) For those of you who don't live in Kodiak, Bells Flats is an area of Kodiak 30 mins or so outside of town. Someone here once described it to me as a place to live "if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kodiak."
Those are skulls lining the roof.
No comment.
I have been to the Flats before, but for some reason, this time it was a little more eventful. Maybe it was because it was a Friday, and after a long week we get slaphappy due to exhaustion. Catie and I did a terrible job of looking up directions so we drove about a half mile down a two- track type road before coming to a blocked off barrier. The only thing I could do was drive in reverse down this twisty, winding, ditch on both sides full of rain water road until I found a spot to turn around. We found a spot and got back on the right track. Then we spotted this gem of a house that just screams backwoods Alaska.
February 24, 2016: Simone!!!
This was Simone week!! First her Valentine on Monday, then today she asked if we could FaceTime. I loved talking to this kiddo! She is so bright, excited about life, and super funny. We reminisced about second grade life and compared notes on the current school year. Simone, thanks for making me smile and reminding me how much I like teaching. You are one awesome kid!! 
February 23, 2016: super supportive student
We took a math assessment today. I told the kids that if they finished a section early, they could draw in the margin. I grade this kiddo's assessment and found this. It says "Ms. Kistler is scared of birds. It is funny that she is scared of birds."
No. It's not. 
February 22, 2016: Belated Valentines Day
I have neglected to check my post office box in over 2 weeks. Today Tisa emailed me and asked if I had received her Valentines Day card. I went to check my mail and opened her card (which actually was a super cute card asking me to be her Maid of Honor in her wedding!). Woohoo!! I also got this adorable Valentines Day card from Simone, one of my students from last year (who I absolutely adore). How thoughtful! Needless to say, I arrived to my class tonight feeling especially loved :) 
February 21, 2016: best brother award.
This is what happens when you have an awesome brother in law who will run with you down super muddy trails and climb through slippery brush to find a geocache with you. My favorite moment was when he nervously said, "oh yeah, this looks like it could be a bear trail." I am telling you, Revanant ruined us all. 
February 20, 2016: whaaaaat?!
I am at a literacy training all day at the district's central office. I go into the lounge to use the restroom and I find this on one of the tables. I am deeply disturbed. 
February 19, 2016: legit
So... I get in Laura's car and find this. I will never have to explain to anyone again why we are friends. 
February 18, 2016: maybe walking was a bad idea...
It was sunny and beautiful right before Bible study tonight, so I walked there. It was great! Then it got dark and I had to walk back home. With visions of bear maulings (thanks a lot, Revanant). 
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
February 17, 2016: Staff Spelling Bee
Tonight we had a Peterson staff spelling bee. There was an ice cream social beforehand, then the kids and parents could watch the spelling bee. Somehow there was a mix up and I didn't realize I was in it until yesterday :). Even if I had studied for weeks, I am sure I would have still been one of the first teachers out! There was some tough competition. I got out on the word "lozenges." Who even calls them that?! They're cough drops, you fools.
And that's my friend Laura. I don't know if you can tell, but she's pretty awesome.
February 16, 2016: coat free environment
This is what happens when you teach in Alaska, and it's 34 degrees and sunny outside during recess. We don't need no stinkin coats!
Seriously, kids were in tshirts. Weirdos. 
February 15, 2016: President's Day blues
Happy President's Day. It's a gorgeous day in Kodiak, and not only did we have school today, we also have an extra class until 6PM. That's how we feel about that. 
February 14, 2016: sunshine is my Valentine
It was supposed to be rainy today, but the sun came out!! Meg and I went for a run after church and we soaked up this marvelous sun!! In case I have been unclear in past posts, unless my posts are explicitly about sunshine, IT IS RAINING HERE. So days like this are a big deal! We found a geocache on the beach, walked a little on the sand, and nearly stepped on a severed fish head. It was a great afternoon. 
February 13, 2016: edible art
This is a rice crispy treat!! My ridiculously awesome coworker, Shannon, made it. She is a volleyball coach, and tonight was a fundraiser for the team. There were some amazing edible art desserts auctioned off at this event. I gave my best effort to win this bear, but alas, I was beat by a friend from my church. I ended up buying some apple roses and a cheesecake which were both great, so no regrets :). 
February 12, 2016: poop truth
Saw this sign posted in the bathroom of the elementary school where I had my meetings today. Made me laugh. Teachers are the coolest. 
February 11, 2016: not a tiny camp chair
My wonderful friend Jo is coming to visit me at the end of May!!! I am beyond excited!! She is flying to Kodiak for crab fest, then we are taking the ferry over to the mainland for a camping road trip. We have to pack lightly because we couldn't get a spot for my car on the ferry, so we are renting a car once we get to Homer. I ordered two different tiny camp chairs. Well. I got this one in the mail today. Definitely not tiny. Definitely didn't look at those measurements correctly. Definitely going to be a problem :)
But who cares?! Jo is coming!!! 
February 10, 2016: Nightmare Bear
I got this from one of my kids today. As he gave it to me, he said, "This will help with the nightmares. Stuffed animals always do the trick."
Thanks, buddy. I wonder if he knows my most recent nightmares are stress dreams where kids are climbing on tables during my Principal observation and I am trying to get them to settle down but the only thing coming out of my mouth is a language I don't understand. 
February 9, 2016: note of encouragement
I cleaned out my classroom closet this afternoon and found this gem. In case you aren't as advanced in reading child notes as I am, let me translate: "Parties are good but you are better. Thank you for teaching us every day."
This was from the very first party I threw for my kids this year. It's fitting that I found it today, because tomorrow is our big 100th day celebration and I was feeling a little anxious about wanting it to be perfect for my kids.
Sometimes the "Stop freaking out and relax!" message comes from the very best places. 
February 8, 2016: Grocery Store Monopoly
I took this picture to text to my old roommate, Katie, but forgot to do it. We were always so hopeful and optimistic when playing Monopoly with Jewel. Maybe I will have better luck with Monopoly at Safeway? 
Sunday, February 7, 2016
February 7, 2016: The Revenant
Wait, the Super Bowl was today? I chose instead to go see the Revenant, since it was the only time (due to Kodiak's limited movie times) I could see it. I don't even know who the Broncos were playing today, so this was a much better choice for me. I used to go to movies alone in Chicago, but this was my first time going alone here. I thought for sure I would be the only person in the theater but there were a few of us rebels. I also really loved chatting with the man who sold the tickets today. Did you know that he once met the entire Raiders team and that they are really nice people? The only time he watches the Super Bowl is when they play. I told him I just like movies more than football. We're buds now. 
The movie was great.
February 6, 2016: hundreds day
Wednesday will be our 100th day of school. Michele found this app that ages you, so we are taking pictures of our kids with this app and they are writing about what their life will be like when they are 100. I took this picture of Arthur today to show Meg how funny it is. Her response was "aww he is going to be such a cute old man some day!" My response was "sick, he looks like a walker." Seriously, I don't know if I can babysit the kid anymore. 
February 5, 2016: Go, Lauras!
My friend Laura sang at galley tables tonight. Galley tables is an event once a month. There is a theme and 6ish people get on stage and tell a story related to this theme. It's always packed and hard to get seats unless you get there pretty early. Laura and her other friend Laura, were singing for the 20 mins before the show started and then during intermission. We were late getting there, so we didn't get a seat but I the guy selling tickets could tell I was going to cry if I missed hearing Laura. He let us go stand along the side and listen until the show started. I am so glad he did! She did such a fantastic job!! They sang "Falling Slowly" as their last song and it was beautiful!!!! 
February 4, 2016: publishing party
We had an awesome publishing party in my classroom today. The kids worked hard on writing personal narratives. We invited different classes in to read our stories. The parents came, we had special snacks, the kids wore cool ribbons, and they loved it. I was so impressed by how the older kids encouraged my young writers. I remember hearing a third grader telling one of my kids, "wow, your details are so good." This was to one of my kids who really struggles in writing. The look on his face was one of the best parts of my week. He was so proud in that moment, and I am so thankful for that third grader. It was a great moment.
I took lots of pictures of my kids, but I can't share them with you. Imagine six year olds with huge smiles, crinkled paper awards hanging from their shirts, holding up handwritten books illustrated in crayon.
February 3, 2016: Harry Potter Coloring Book!
I got a package in the mail last week with a Harry Potter themed coloring book along with the COOLEST poem written by my good friend Sarah. I asked her permission to share the poem. Step aside, Walt Whitman, because your poems haven't made me cry in a while, but this one spoke to my heart immediately:
Roses are red
They sway in the breeze,
I sure do love macaroni and cheese
But this meal is not complete I think
Without a cold Pepsi cola to drink
So grab these treats and turn to page 15,
You'll probably need the color green
Let's color Dobby from his hair to his toes,
We can relax, chat, and forget any woes,
With attention to detail, we'll fill in the features,
As we reminisce about magical creatures
Next time page 45 a strong resistance,
Our love of Harry Potter (and each other) can span any distance
Coloring together our time apart will go fast,
Your friendship is a treasure, it always will last.
If you didn't get it, she bought us both the same coloring book and we can now color together and chat on the phone. Amazing!! I love her.
Tonight we colored Dobby. I am hooked.
February 2, 2016: Mario Mysteries Solved
This one is for Katie Rabe!! The whole time we thought Mario was saying "Mexico!" He was actually saying "Litsdao!" I wonder what he's really saying when we think he says "Hey...Jude..." 
Monday, February 1, 2016
February 1, 2016: what is this?!
During class tonight I made my grocery list. I decided to splurge and wrote down Madeleine's on my list since I have been craving them recently. Then, it was snack break and Michele pointed out to me that someone had brought these things that were a combination of madelines and brownie bites!! Genius! It was destiny!! They were actually kind of gross. 
Great in theory but not in reality.
Also in class today, a teacher we don't know from another school was sharing something about her classroom. Michele leaned over to me and whispered "I bet she is from Michigan. She says 'challenging' just like you do." I told her she was nuts, there's no way Michiganians have that distinct of an accent. Michele asked the teacher later, and she is totally from Michigan! I was very impressed with Michele.
January 30,2016: Kodiak's got moves
These are junior high and high school kids break dancing. It was awesome. 
I went to the dance showcase tonight to see the high school kids dance performances in ballet, swing dance, modern, jazz, some cool kicking dance thing, and hip hop. Loved it!
January 29, 2016: Hike to Boyscout
I skipped the brewery today for a hike with these three. So worth it! We have now had three sunny days this week, and I am beginning to feel spoiled!! This hike was really cold. Arthur never complained once, but when I picked him up for this picture he was shivering uncontrollably. By the time we got back to the house, he walked in and immediately started panic crying because his hands and feet were so cold. He was such a good sport on the hike! 
January 28, 2016: mountain man in the making
Can you just picture an ax in his hand and a beard on his face? 
January 27, 2016: Tom Hanks winter marathon begins now
Have you seen the video that Tom Hanks does with James Corden on the Late Late Show where they act out all the videos he has been in? In under 7 minutes. It's pretty amazing and if you haven't seen it, you definitely should. I love Tom Hanks, and through this video, I realized there are a ton of his movies I have never seen or even heard of. I made it my goal to watch as many as possible this winter. One of my friends here has a ton of them, so we started the marathon this week by watching "Joe vs. The Volcano. It is from the 80s, has Meg Ryan in it, and is pretty phenomenal. I laughed the whole movie (it's so ridiculous!) but it also has some really deep moments that really touched me. Joe is this guy who is basically a loser and is doing nothing with his life. He finds out he is dying, so this rich guy hunts him down and offers to pay for him to spend the last few months of his life to live out an adventure sailing to an exotic island. The catch is that he has to sacrifice himself by jumping into a volcano to appease this island god so the rich man can continue to use the island for his business. Still with me? During part of his journey, Meg Ryan tells Joe that out of all the people living life, only a few of them are truly alive, living life to its fullest. Everyone else is basically dead. That really resonated with me. What does it look like for me to live life as someone who is truly alive? Being someone who loves Jesus, what does it look like for me to be living in a way that is always pointing back to Him? Because that's what being alive should be for me. I love that Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and a volcano challenged me the way they did this week.
January 26, 2016: THAT is sun. Beautiful sun.
Ahhhh!! Do you see that?!!! Blue!!! Is this really happening!?! Hallelujah! (sung. Obviously.)
These are just a few things I heard yelled (mostly by teachers) when we stepped outside for recess today. Friends, it had been raining FOR SO LONG. Or at least gray, but mostly just nasty, sideways rain. I glanced around and kids (KIDS! Crazy, energetic, kids) were just standing in the sun, soaking it up. There was a faint rainbow in the distance. I had two kids ask me if they could have permission to go hunt for the gold and were legitimately upset when I said it was fine as long as they stayed on the playground to do so. Like I was an idiot to think the gold would be on the playground and a beastly human for not allowing them to run miles away to get it. Best 10 minutes of recess duty in a while!
January 25, 2016: This Girl's a Champ.
Michele is my teaching partner, meaning she teaches the other first grade class at Peterson. I love giving her a hard time. Especially because she tends to get embarrassed in front of a larger group of people. She and I, along with a few other of our coworkers are taking a class on Monday nights. Michele had to skype in because she couldn't be here in person, which is easy enough because teachers who teach at the rural schools on the island also skype in every week. We always laugh because inevitably one teacher's face is always way bigger on the computer screen than the other teachers and we joked with Michele that is was going to be her this week... And of course it was. So throughout the class, we tried to make her feel extra self conscious by texting her pictures of herself, yelling things to her through the computer, waving at her. True friends. 
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