This week we also had a staff meeting where we planned a winter carnival. Each teacher is responsible for creating an activity where two teams could play each other. Claire is doing a tug-of-war, while I originally planned to play soccer in the snow. Chances are that I will switch and do a three-legged race though. The Carnival will be on Thursday and the students are pretty excited. The teachers are also pretty excited because it means there are only three days to plan for next week.
During the week Claire and I drove to the store (insert crash joke here) and passed an 18-wheeler driving on the ice. Pretty something to see something that heavy on nothing but ice. They have to go slow, but it means new materials are coming in. One of the gas stations had a sale on for gas, $7/gallon. Another popular item to come on the road is houses. More trailers, but they will be homes for families.
On that subject, Vicky, the Native Language teacher has moved into the empty teacherage with her family. Her house had been built on a site where deisel fuel had been dumped. As well, several weeks ago the sewage lines broke and her house has been without sewage. They tried to fix it, but were unable to. Vicky notified the Band office and they began work looking for a new place. Different system up here. Reminds me of the story of my grandparents having to apply for a house in Hollad after the war.
Another bit of exciting news, in a way. Last weekend there was a letter of intent form in our mailbox. They are starting the process of employment for next year and wanted to see what teachers had planned for next year. It was non-binding so Claire and I immediately signed it. We have heard that they are hoping to hire two more teachers from the outside. It will be interesting to be here another year with people who are new and wide-eyed like we were to start.
Last bit of news, is more of a muse. When we started the year, Claire felt a little closed in, with only being able to fly out three times a day. As well, Claire's homesickness flares off and on depending on how her day went. We are quite fortunate though. Through Skype, email, this blog and the phone at school, we are able to connect almost immediately with anyone at anytime. The best part is, that none of those mentioned cost anything. I know we have stated this before, but I'll say it again. We are truly enjoying ourselves up here. We have made great friends, gained valuable working experience and enjoyed new challenges. While this job isn't perfect, because we all know no job is, it is perfect for us right now.
A picture of the outpost. 
Deer Lake's version of a welcome/information center. 
The man in the centre was on duty. Blaine on the right. He is dedicated to his job. One day his new vest came in the mail and he was like a kid on Christmas morning. But complete dedication is needed for survival up here. Everyone from the outside, teachers, NAPS, nurses, need to be dedicated to their work to make it. No half-hearted effort.
This is a picture of where the Northern road goes. Apparently it is like this for most of the way. Narrow roads going through a thick forest, with no lights, help close by, or CAA standing by. Any takers?
The small box was the generator while the outhouse is there for, uh, relief.
Claire getting herself into trouble.
As promised, this is a the aftermath of The Wreck. Hard to tell with the snow, but it's there.
A somewhat better view. I have yet to go through a day where it isn't mentioned/retold to someone else. The best was afterschool before our big car bingo. About 10 staff were in the main office talking and discussing a variety of topics. It came up that the car needed to be driven to the T.V. station for the winner. I volunteered to drive it and Maxine, our secretary joked, "Sure. As long as you stay on the road this time." As most of you know though, I am always the first person to laugh at my mistakes and don't mind being the butt of any jokes. My goal is to laugh as often in the day as possible, even if it is at my own expense. Life is way too short to get upset at times like this.
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