"The Look"

Today, I'd like to commentate on "the look". Some of you may ask, "What is 'the look', Erin?" Well, "the look" is the facial expression put on by people when they first learn that I'm moving to Alaska. "The look" really falls into three categories:
1. The you're crazy, but I'm going to smile anyway look
2. The I'm jealous look

And, well, ok maybe there are just two looks!

The easier look to explain is #2. Many people have traveled to Alaska and loved, or known someone who has been there and liked it. They remember the tree lined horizon, the huge mountains, and the majestic wildlife. They mention all this with a reverence that one gives a dead, but well-liked friend. I don't have the heart to tell them that Eek is far from those descriptions. It's tundra, no trees or mountains.

The other look is more common. People will often say that they have no desire to do it themselves, but are happy that I'm doing it. The most recent time I got this look was today at the post office. I have become a regular at the Tiffin Post Office. I know to pull around back and stack my packages on the trailer, ring the bell, and wait for someone to come out. Most of the people know me, but today I was helped by Amy. She had never seen me before. She was pulling out a bin of mail as I was stacking my packages. She looked at me with a strange sidelong look. I explained what I was doing, and she looked at my mailing label and smiled. "Oh, you're the Alaska girl, huh?" I nodded and agreed that I am indeed the Alaska girl. She looked at me with a half smile that said, "So this is what crazy looks like." She was more blunt with her thoughts. "Why are you moving there?" she asked. So, I explained myself again (for about the thousandth time!), and waited to be checked out.

This look is actually my favorite of the two. I know that what I'm doing is unorthodox, but that's what makes it the best. I can't wait for all the people who were confused and surprised by my move to see that following your heart isn't crazy or unorthodox, but something we should all do. Imagine what the world would be like if we all followed our hearts.

A lovely weekend?

So, I know this blog is supposed to be about Alaska and all my adventures there, but today's post is not. I spent the weekend at my parents' house, or rather camper. Everything was fine. Then, I started home. I had been noticing a strange noise coming from my car all weekend. Sort of a high pitched whine type of noise. I asked my dad about it, and he told me it was nothing to worry about. Well, he was wrong.

On the way back home, my car shifted hard from one gear to another. I knew what was happening. The transmission was going out. This the SECOND time this has happened in SIX WEEKS!!!!! For those of you who are not drivers yet, a transmission is a few thousand dollars. I tried to limp the car back, but to no avail. It started acting funny, so I pulled over. I wasn't just on a small street either. I was on State Route 30 in Mansfield. This is probably the busiest road in Richland County.

I called home, very upset, and asked for the number of a tow truck. My parents asked if I had AAA. I replied of course not. I'm moving to Alaska where there are no roads!!! So, I spent the next half hour trying to arrange something to get myself and my car back to Tiffin. I didn't relish the idea of driving from Mansfield to Tiffin with the tow truck driver, but I would have.

Luckily, my Aunt Elaine came to the rescue (again). She drove to pick me up and arranged for a tow. However, then the fun started. As the tow truck driver, hereafter referred to as Mountain Man, was getting my car up, Elaine wondered why her hazard lights were no longer working. She proceeded to get into her car and attempt to start it. It didn't budge. So, not only was I stuck in Mansfield, had a second transmission fail, but my ride's car had a dead battery. We waited for Mountain Man to finish fiddling with my car to tell him that Elaine needed a jump. When we did tell him, he shook his head and informed us that on the "big truck" they don't carry jumper cables and a battery. What??? What tow truck doesn't have that stuff. Mountain Man called in and they told him they didn't have anyone to send. So, he said he would have to turn the truck around to face Elaine's car.

Let me be very clear. Cars and trucks were rushing past at 60-65 miles per hour the whole time. Nobody had stopped or slowed down the entire time I was there, and this guy is going to turn around a tow truck in the middle of traffic, with my car on the bed!!! So, while trying to refrain from having a heart attack, I watched as Mountain Man turned the truck around to give us a jump. Now, he didn't pull off to the shoulder. He just sat in the left lane blocking traffic while he did this. Fortunately, it didn't take long.

Finally, we were on our way. We made it back to Tiffin without too much more trouble. In my favor is the fact that my grandparents have an extra car. So, I am not without a car, but I did just remember that I left all my luggage, including toiletries and such, in Elaine's car. . .

Farewell TMS!!!

Five years ago, a very nervous girl went to a job interview. She was wearing a black suit purchased by her parents and had a portfolio filled with students' work. For whatever reason, the administration of Tiffin City Schools gave her the job. Now, of course, unless you're a complete moron, you have figured out that that girl is me. It is with a heavy heart that I walked out of the school today.

Honestly, I cannot imagine working in a place where creativity is valued more or professionalism is a common trait than at Tiffin Middle School. I have been privliged to work with some talented professionals and wonderful students. Today was very sad for me. Although, my colleagues came through again and purchased three boxes of food for me. It was very thoughtful. Of course, I think the most thoughtful gift was the two packages of Wendy's crackers. Thanks Mike.

We all know that when you move you unload a lot of junk. Well, let me assure you, that my classroom was no different. In fact, I think it was worse than house. Why did I keep those lesson plans for 5 years? Especially because they were on my computer!!

So, I came home after a hard day's work and began packing. I have 8 boxes ready to go. Unfortunately, one roll of packing tape (for $3.49 from the USPS) tapes a terribly small amount of stuff. Nonetheless, my first load will be sent out tomorrow. Hopefully, it won't break the bank!

This is a very random post, but perhaps you'll forgive me since I'm a little frazzled. More tomorrow after Portia's vet appointment!