Questions...

Have you ever been asked some really good questions, and been dumbfounded by your inability to think on your feet and offer that answer that is sure to make its way into the history books? The following are some of the questions that we have been asked while living in Alaska. Unfortunately, our responses did not do them justice. This is our opportunity to redeem ourselves.

1. What does it take to get Rachel and Kristen to leave when their contract hours are officially over for the day (4:30 p.m.)?
a. Initial Response: We did not have one. Previous to this March, leaving at 4:30 had never happened. If you don’t believe us ask our moms who frequently call us and only get to talk to our answering machine or our principal who stops by our classrooms on his way home and tells us to “Go Home!”

b. 2009 Response: Men in uniform. Just kidding. Well, sort of… After a particularly challenging day in the classroom and the first and only snow day of the year, our school became the barracks for several men and women in the armed forces. They were a team of doctors, veterinarians, dentists, etc. They were part of a larger group that was providing medical, dental, and veterinary services to villages in the area. We were feeling the need to entertain and express our gratitude for what each of these individuals do for our country that we volunteered to host a spaghetti supper at our house. (This sounds like a good idea, unless you’re familiar with Kristen’s first attempt to host a spaghetti supper for a large group of people back in college). That gave us 2 ½ hours to walk home and make the spaghetti, sauce, vegetables, garlic bread, etc. and clean/set-up our house to host that many people. Our first task to tackle was just how much spaghetti is needed to feed 20-25 people? We didn’t really know the answer to this question so we just kept making it until it felt like we had enough. Fortunately for us, the preparations went smoothly. Our first guests arrived around 7:30. More people arrived later. By 10 o’clock, we had had about half of the crew at our house and some of the school staff, but we still had tons of food left. Our second task to tackle was What do we do with all the leftovers? Our answer of course: Become the meals on skis program. Yes, we boxed up the leftovers (ice cream with toppings included), put them in the sled behind the snowmachine, and we delivered the food via snowmachine to the school. It was a huge success! Everyone was so thankful, ourselves included.

2. What are the perks for working out here?
a. Initial Response (March 2009: Long silence (I prefer to think of it as a long think time).
b. April 2009 Response: Rachel & Kristen’s Top Five List: The perks of working in the bush Frequent Flier Miles. Advantage: We earn them on every trip to visit families. Disadvantage: We use them almost as fast as we earn them.

Ample Opportunity to Earn Rock Star Status. Whether it be Rockband, Wii music, or guitar class at school. We rock and our students know it.

Free Dating Service. No boyfriend or girlfriend? Not a problem. The students and staff are willing to help you out with or without your permission.

Traffic. What traffic? We do not have the headaches associated with getting stuck in traffic on our way to and/or from work. No honking, no beeping, no finger flipping…just a pleasant walk home.

Fashion. The only fashion is your fashion. It’s different for everyone, but o.k. with everyone. No make-up? No problem. No teeth? No problem. Haven’t washed your hair in a week? No problem. You are loved for who you are not what you can make yourself become.

3. How long are you going to stay here?
a. The Obvious Answer: Until May.
b. The Realistic Answers:
Rachel: I’m building retirement here.
Kristen: I’m taking it one year at a time.