tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42675872360783228642024-03-13T12:43:04.565-07:00Erin's Big AdventureErin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-46788700553686405042011-08-14T18:13:00.000-07:002011-08-14T18:13:38.682-07:00I'M BACK!Wow. What a crazy ride this past week and a half has been.<br />
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I got back to South Dakota late late at night on the 4th. Kate came to get me because she is the greatest thing since sliced bread! We did not want to take the long drawn out trip home so we went out of our way to get taco bell and gas and drove back to OLL where I spent the night on Kate's floor. It was just magical! :) <br />
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The morning of the 5th we got up nice and early (no sleeping in aloud!)...by early I mean 8. We took Kate's boys to the DMV in Pine Ridge to get their bus drivers licenses! OOT! It was ridiculous as always. After that I FINALLY made it to my knew home at the Grey house. I set to work making my room into a nest and I am quite happy with the result.<br />
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Saturday I went on a grand field trip to the Pow Wow with a good chunk of volunteers. And...drum roll...FINALLY GOT TO SEE MISS JESSIE! I missed her sooooo much!<br />
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This is the part where I lose track of days and everything is just a great tornado-blur. Oy! We went camping in the black hills and it was SO beautiful...as usual. We had a fantastic time and it was so so great...we went swimming in a great cool lake...and by cool i mean temperature...we went on a morning hike to the dam...cooked out lots and lots of hot dogs and black bean burgers (yum).<br />
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The next morning we went for our yearly trip to Sylvan Lake and there was SO MUCH bikers. Hello sturgis season. The best part was that the minute we pulled in...it began to poor...and hail...and poor...and hail. It was hot...and cold...and hot..and cold. But we still had fun, some people went swimming, more power to them...but i did not. The majority of us went to Hill City for lunch and a break from hiding in the car. We ate at some crazy dinner and it was just wonderful and delicious. Om nom nom. We then traversed to Crazy Horse Memorial...which I have never been to...and is a very impressive, and large.<br />
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The next big adventure was to depart...at 5:30 in the morning...for St. Paul Minnesota! OOT! Our volunteer retreat this year was a trip to go see Joshua (who was with us last year) and other Jesuit Novices take their first vows. We also rode a school bus...all together...one yellow school bus...and all the volunteers. Oh man. It was something. It took us about 13 hours to get to St. Paul and I have never been so excited to walk around in my life. :P<br />
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A group of us went out to dinner at the first wonderful restaurant we found. It was a delicious meal...I had yet another veggie burger. I can't wait for the year to start and I can eat food that is not a veggie burger...as delectable as they are. We tried to go to the hot tub after but it was already closed. sad day :( so we watched That 70s Show and hung out and went to beddy-by.<br />
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We spent the next morning getting emotionally naked which we all know is just my faves. Despite that I think it went really well and was a really great start to having an open and honest community this year. Then we traversed to the novitiate to talk to the baby jezies who were going to take vows AND got to see Joshua perform Pine Ridge State of Mind again. Fabulous! Then there was a huge food eating party, they sure know how to live it up.<br />
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Kate and I went on a love walk and have officially decided that after we complete our schooling in Boston we will be moving to St. Paul and if we can not find an apartment we will take up residence in the Governors Mansion. Its gonna be juuuust great. That night we went to the vigil and then when we got back to the hotel we found out it was KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE HOTEL! Needless to say it was a blast and a half.<br />
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The next morning was the vow ceremony and the reception and then it was back on the bus with us. We drove to Sioux Falls where we stayed in a hotel complete with WATER PARK! I forgot how much I LOVE water slides...they are just great. I wish I could be a kid forever but alas I will just have to settle for a child like wonder of life. Claire, Joe, and I went to play on the Pirate Ship that was in the kiddy pool...it had a great slide too, even though it was much smaller. We also had some slide races before returning to the hot tub to relax before bed.<br />
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Then it was time for another early morning. We loaded up the bus and started on our way to Rosebud to attend 11:30 mass and listen to a talk from Br. Pat...hes kinda B.A. I was most excited when we stepped off the bus and i realized that the church was PURPLE! Later we found out that the church was panted purple because the adults could not come to a decision so the priest decided to ask the children what color they wanted it to be and that is what they chose. There was some upset about this obviously, and one little girl said to her grandma "I thought children where sacred" and her grandma said they were and her retort was "Then why are they making fun of our choice?" And this is why I love children.<br />
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After Pat's talk we loaded up the bus one last time and started to voyage home...and here I am...sitting in my classroom. Hurray. Inservice starts tomorrow so I must be sure to get lots and lots of rest. As soon as I have a moment I will add pictures to this very very long blog post.<br />
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Love and crackers! Miss you all! <br />
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Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-64360040933430529062011-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:002011-03-20T12:01:01.099-07:00Let the Spring Thaw Begin!The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, the wind chill is dropping and the snow is melting!<br />
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The second grade on the other hand...has been on roll about disasters of all magnitudes. First they were upset about Pluto not being a planet anymore. I let them write a letter to Pluto about why it should or should not be a planet. there were some pretty great lines. "Just because its small doesn't mean it shouldn't get to be a planet!" or "and Pluto sounds funny!" you get the idea.<br />
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After we were at peace with Pluto we moved on to the world ending in 2012. "Is the sun going to burn out? What if it explodes? What if a huge meteor hits Earth? What if there are aliens?" So I gave them a pep talk and told them we should not waste our lives worrying...so then they picked a new thing to worry about.<br />
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BLACK HOLES! WHAT IF WE GET SUCKED IN?! WHAT IF WE GET TO CLOSE?! WHATS INSIDE A BLACK HOLE?! HOW FAR AWAY IS IT?!<br />
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It might be time to stop reading them <u>The Series of Unfortunate Events</u>.<br />
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We also had a wonderful St. Patrick's day which was disaster free and consisted of making leprechaun traps just in case any of these wee men are running loose on the rez. We went on a walk to hunt a leprechaun too but concluded that the 22 of us were to loud and scared it away.<br />
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Outside of school I got the see not one but TWO Rapid Rush hockey games this month...one was a field trip with the fourth grade and middle school, the other was for fun night with our house. Both nights were fantabulous.<br />
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There was also mountain lion sighting a few weeks ago...on campus.Ann-Marie came in to let me know the police called to tell us about the mountain lion they saw strolling through the red cloud campus at 7 in the morning. small screaming children...hungry giant cat...no biggie.<br />
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I am happy to report no children were eaten in the making of this story. But honestly where else will i ever teach and have to worry about the children being malled by a mountain lion at recess. OY!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-60363912297639328632011-02-02T17:12:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:12:43.250-08:00It's Been to Cold to TypeI'M SORRY!<br />
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I got a message today asking if my blog had frozen do to the extreme cold temp. It has not...my fingers on the other hand may have.<br />
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The weeks before Christmas break were insanely busy. I had to paint a back drop for the Christmas Pageant and then after hours and hours of work the laminator ate part of it. heart wrenching.<br />
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When it was all said and done thought the stage looked great and the kids were flippin' adorable. We sang Santa Clause is coming to town (Bruce Springsteen style) and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. A first grader did the worm during silent night, the kindergarten threw snow, the third grade rewrote the 12 days of Christmas (and a pirate with a bad sneeze AACHOOO) and the fourth grade look fabulous!<br />
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My vacation was CRAZY but wonderful all in one. I drove from Pine Ridge to Omaha...flew from Omaha to Cleveland, drove from Cleveland to Boston...and back, Drove from Cleveland to Yellow Springs...and back, flew back to Omaha and drove back to Pine Ridge. For anyone who didn't know that means I drove roughly 2524 miles. OY.<br />
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But on the bright side we were able to spend Christmas in Boston with my mom's whole side of the family which is really the only place I want to be at Christmas. We had a great big family pot luck with 34 of the 36 Callahan's and stayed up late into the night playing games after Christmas dinner and listening to Auntie's crazy family stories.<br />
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New years was also a WONDERFUL time as I had a visit from the BEAUTIFUL SPLENDIFEROUS Margaret Metzler. IT.WAS.WONDERFUL. It is nice to know that no matter how much time we spend apart, we are able to reconnect and pick up where we left off. We went to the FMC benefit concert in Yellow Springs which was full of beautiful music and beautiful people and general beauty and splendor. We spend New Years Eve at Katie Braun's house and I made ravioli from scratch for the first time in my life. WOOHOO! It was delicious!<br />
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And after all my travels and adventures I found myself back in my bed at the mission. I wish I could say I was warm and cozy in my bed...but the low this week was -13...without the wind chill. It was near -50 with the wind chill...IT'S COLD! Yesterday we had the day off due to EXTREME COLD WEATHER! But today we only had a two hour late start.<br />
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We also had house inspections today which means I had to shove a mountain of dirty close from my floor into the closet...guess its time for laundry.<br />
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In other news, I am channeling my crazy and knitting a blanket, which will work much better once I get my knitting back from the rear seat of the OLL Volunteer Car...oops.<br />
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So there you have it, life in a nutshell, and now my fingers are cold so I will leave the rest of my stories for another day.Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-88626574356634301982010-11-25T18:33:00.000-08:002010-11-25T18:33:22.241-08:00TURKEY!So I don't actually eat turkey...but if I did, the Jesuits would have had more then enough for me. There was the traditional roasted, the deep fried, and the Cajun fried! A little something for everyone. There was lots of other delicious food I could eat though, including the mashed potatoes made by yours truly, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green been casserole (made by Jackie) pumpkin rizoto, bread, salad, and more dessert than I can begin to remember.<br />
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I.am.stuffed.<br />
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Other than eating have spent the break sitting on the couch watching the OC, which happens to be Tim's favorite show, I am so surprised by this...but it has been beyond fantastic. I might be hooked. Tonight Luke and Kevin will be coming over armed with Love Actually so that we can kick off the Christmas season in style. CANT WAIT!<br />
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Not sure what the rest of the break will hold...but I am sure it will be epic!<br />
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Much love and joy to everyone!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-18642720786077952912010-11-20T21:38:00.000-08:002010-11-20T21:38:23.440-08:00Todays New Weather Term: Freezing FogFIELD TRIP DAY!<br />
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Today we had our first field trip with the kids who are in after school. Despite it being disorganized and chaotic at times (there were A LOT of kids) it was really awesome!<br />
We went to Peppy's Pizza in Rapid and then the kids had the choice to go ice skating or swimming. I went ice skating because I have been waiting 4 years to get back on the ice. The best part of the day for me is that so many of the kids had never been skating before and we were able to help them get this whole new life experience.<br />
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Poor Walter spent almost 20 minutes standing at the edge of the ice afraid to go on. I finally got him to go with me and when we were almost around he fell on his knee and didn't want to go back on the ice. After a lot of talking I finally convinced him that we can't give up on something just because it is hard and scary and he came back out. AND HAD FUN! It was amazing.<br />
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The other most amazing part of the field trip was the bus ride home. I cranked the radio and when I looked back in the mirror all the kids were dancing, from the first grade all the way up to the middle school. It was beautiful!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not much had been going on. It is almost time for thanksgiving break! I'm not sure if the kids or the teachers are more excited. WE are getting ready for the Christmas program. I am happy to report that the second grade will be singing Santa Clause is coming to town (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Style) and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. They are so into it when we practice. I cant wait! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am still waiting for the first real snow. We had a dusting the other day and the kids were so happy to play in it, the only problem was they really just ended up wet and muddy and didn't really get to play in the snow much. I am still worried about driving the bus in the snow and ice...particularly through all the construction in Oglala. I hope they get it cleaned up before the weather gets to bad, its a mess right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also had a weather first today. There is a freezing fog advisory. I have never heard such nonsense...but apparently it is possible for the water droplets to be supercooled, so they are unfrozen, until they contact a surface which will then cause them to freeze. Its bananas. B-a-n-a-n-a-s! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had literacy day, DEW day, and mass this week, which means I didn't really get a lot of time to teach. I did get to help Kelly out by singing the music at mass. I was worried about it at first but once my kids realized what was going on it was pretty priceless. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past week I have really been missing the fam and home. I am so happy out here, but it is hard to know that I am over 1,000 miles away and missing things like my sister in the fall play and conducting the marching band. I'm so proud of her! I will be home in time to hear one of her 20 concerts in the month of December though so that is fantastic! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am also really excited to get a brides maids dress when I am home!!!!!! I just hope I can scrape enough money together to pay for it now! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you are all doing well and that life is great! Much love! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-23202413857909155082010-10-31T11:42:00.000-07:002010-10-31T11:42:34.662-07:00I'm really no good at this...I feel like I have not had anything exciting to report, but when I think about it I guess a lot has happened.<br />
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Long long ago...at the begging of October...we had fall break. Kate, Carla, Kevin, and I went up to Rapid for a night of fun. We ate lots and lots and lots of food, all good, and spent the night at Margie's (the 4th grade teacher at OLL). She was gone for a wedding and her house sitter, Dennis, used to work at Red Cloud. We spent the night getting a solid education on spirits which was both interesting and helpful. We also went bowling with Jessie and Jacob and Jeremy and some other folks and it was lots and lots of fun. For anyone who doesn't know...I still suck at bowling.<br />
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Kate and I spent the rest of our weekend having a sleepover on our couch and watching movies on the projector. It was awesome and very relaxing.<br />
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As far as teaching goes we have spent almost the whole time either teaching or getting ready for the NCA visit (this is to not only keep accreditation as a school, but to become accredited as a district with OLL). I am happy to report that we are now fully accredited as a district :)<br />
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Thursday was a ridiculous day. We had an impromptu feild trip that I drove for. It was a blessing ceremony for the children as part of an effort to help combat the rising rates of suicide on the rez. I am glad we did it...but the organization was just terrible. We arrived at 9:30 when the ceremony was supposed to start, only to find that the people running it had not arrived yet at which point we had to try to contain a bunch of kindergarten, first, and second graders for an hour. This also meant that we did not eat lunch until we got back...at 12:30. They normally it at 10:50. At that point the day was pretty much a lost cause...so we had recess and watched wall-e.<br />
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Thursday night was our Halloween carnival. I did face painting for all the tiny tots, they were very cute. Jessie, Amanda, and Jacob were doing pie throwing next to us...Lets just say I ended up coming home covered in whip cream and it was not because I was hit by a stray pie. Thanks for that Jacob. : P<br />
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Friday night was Kate's 23rd birthday and so we went to OLL for birthday prom! It was lots of fun. Amazing food and goofy dancing all night long! Happy Birthday to Kate!<br />
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My new mission is to try and be better about updating. Sorry to everyone who keeps checking only to find that I have not done anything!<br />
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-18777109682477712332010-09-26T20:52:00.000-07:002010-09-26T20:52:03.094-07:00And Then I Got the Plague...So, it turns out little kids have lots and lots of germs. Just lovely. My students are all so caring they just all wanted to share with me. I'm so lucky.<br />
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This week was International Peace Day and we celebrated by making pinwheels for peace and calling Dr. Mrs. Mama Fishman's class on Skype! It was great fun and the students really enjoyed it...and LOVED their pinwheels.<br />
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While we were talking about peace we were looking at all the countries on our carpet...and someone asked if we lived in mexico...and that is when we started our unit on geography. Hopefully we have it all straightened out now.<br />
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This Friday was the back to school pow wow! I had a bunch of students participating and it was so fun to get to see them outside of school. I had to spend some of my time prefecting in the little gym...which means for an hour and a half I sat in the gym listening to the drumming during hand games and telling kids they could not sit on the stage. It was less than awesome.<br />
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Zaniya<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAOQUx-YtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZR3z2TwT6Mc/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAOQUx-YtI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZR3z2TwT6Mc/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" width="320" /></a> Angelina and Maria</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aaliyah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAPQCD0ZDI/AAAAAAAAALE/RAFwAwNK7xw/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAPQCD0ZDI/AAAAAAAAALE/RAFwAwNK7xw/s320/IMG_2484.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAPi8z9_bI/AAAAAAAAALI/RzTGdhvHmkQ/s1600/IMG_2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TKAPi8z9_bI/AAAAAAAAALI/RzTGdhvHmkQ/s320/IMG_2486.JPG" width="213" /></a> Tyler</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Friday night is when everything went down hill. When 5 hit I felt so awful I had to leave the pow wow dinner to come line down...and I was only feeling worse. Kate made me call the Dr. on call at the clinic and they felt that "I should seek medical attention within the next four hours" which basically made it sounds like I was going to die and was probably a major over reaction. Anyway, Kelly and Michael were feeling particularly awesome and drove me all the way to Rapid and back. I am very grateful that they came and was told after 10 minutes there that I probably just had a virus and was sent home with a long list of prescriptions. I am starting to feel on the mend but I am still really tired out. My only hope now is that I can be all better for school tomorrow.<br />
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Saturday was house spirituality/house fun day. We started the day of with yoga which I did despite my illness and late night. It was the first time I had ever actually done yoga and I must say it was very relaxing. After that we all drove up to rapid and had lunch at the Mongolian grill (DELICIOUS!) and then went to Pirates Cove to play put-put. It was AMAZING! But I was so whipped out I slept almost the whole way home and went to bed at 8.<br />
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While we were in Rapid we also made a quick run to wal-mart where I became WAY to excited in the Halloween section. Lets just say my kids will be very spoiled with plastic pumpkins full of stretchy skeletons and bouncy balls with spiders and candy and pencils! It was worth it.<br />
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Today I slept...and then had a Skype date with Shereen and Jennie! IT WAS AWESOME! I have not heard those giggles in far to long. We had some serious technical issues, but at least we could all hear each other and feel like we had been reunited once again. After that I slept some more, and then I lesson planned for the week, and then I slept some more...and on that note I am all ready for bed!<br />
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Here's to hopes of a healthy week!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-62102949818743694792010-09-19T21:42:00.000-07:002010-09-19T21:45:58.967-07:00Wow...Its been a while...So I guess my life has not been that interesting the past few weeks...I hope this makes up for it.<br />
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I'm going to start with yesterday because it was the best day I have had so far. I finally feel like I am at home here and am starting to be more comfortable around people.<br />
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Once I finally got out of bed I went into my classroom to attempt to arrange my library. It was quite a bit of work...a two day project to be exact...but I hope it will be well worth it! I also found two packages in the hallways with my name one them which was just fantastic! One was lots and lots of books and supplies from Mrs. Warren which was overwhelmingly fantastic. The other was an International Peace Day package from Dr. Mrs. Mama Fishman so that our classes can do a project together...SO EXCITING!<br />
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When I left school to come home I found some horses out behind the playground. They spent a lot of time checking me out...I think they were hoping I had a bag of carrots or apples in my hand. To bad for them. They were very pretty though and I would love to keep one as a pet. I hope that none of them turn into zombie horses this winter.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">I spent the rest of my afternoon unpacking my boxes of closes and the other pieces of my life that had arrived in the mail...I think that doing that is really what had a huge effect on my feeling so much more at home. I finally have a place that feels like my own. Allow me to show you the fruits of my labors...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbMLSvzuiI/AAAAAAAAAIM/rKZQkdhdfl0/s1600/IMG_2434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbMLSvzuiI/AAAAAAAAAIM/rKZQkdhdfl0/s320/IMG_2434.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbMcFkabPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/T8Q7oC1Eizs/s1600/IMG_2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbMcFkabPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/T8Q7oC1Eizs/s320/IMG_2436.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Saturday night Hope's dad and step mom came to visit and made us some delicious dinner. It was a great end to the day because I really felt like we were one big happy crazy family and I was so happy to be in the presence of so many happy wonderful amazing people. I think it was one of the first times I was really able to appreciate how blessed I am to be in their company.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After dinner I had my first experience with a bliss light. Let me tell you what...those puppies are cool. It was like watching the stars move, but without the 40 degree temperature, very relaxing. We also watched the documentary Tuning In which was very interesting. It was all about people who channel other spirits and the messages that they had to bring to the world. I'm not really convinced I buy into the whole thing, but they brought up many interesting points that I enjoyed getting to think about as I fell asleep o n our living room floor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning we all woke up and went to mass at Manderson. My happy bubbly attitude continued and mass was great fun. Kelly got the giggles at the end. We are worse then the children. After mass we had some breakfast and there was some AWESOME bread we had that was home made and still warm...we can't remember the name...but it was like fluffy delicious fry bread. YUM! And then we came home and made BRUNCH! (we did a lot of eating this weekend) and I had some left over chocolate cake to make up for the fact that I don't eat bacon. I think it was a fair trade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent 4 more hours in my classroom this afternoon doing more library organizing and getting ready for the week. Meaghan has been asking to see pictures of my room so here you go everyone! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbQQdloGaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/KJKYTc6tLuo/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbQQdloGaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/KJKYTc6tLuo/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbVpMQDLKI/AAAAAAAAAKs/yJXronPDeS8/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbVpMQDLKI/AAAAAAAAAKs/yJXronPDeS8/s320/IMG_2404.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TJbRQsQHGOI/AAAAAAAAAKc/L3KRzZ9LVAE/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" />this is Kelly's board in the religion room<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday was a half day because the Homecoming game was at 2. Thats right everyone...we get out early for football games...BOOM! Red Cloud won too which was just awesome... because it may not happen again all season. I spent most of the game with Jessie and TeeJay and met Jessie's daughter who is just adorable beyond words!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The real adventure of Friday though was taking the second and third grade on a walk to the potato cave. The kids had made it as far as the parking lot of the playground with Jacob and Jessie when I heard tons of screaming and saw an instant circle form. I thought maybe there was a squished toad in the parking lot...but much to my surprise when I got there I saw a SNAKE! And it was trying to bite the CHILDREN! Worst walk EVER! I found out later that Zuya actually stepped on the snake by accident and I am glad I did not see that because I probably would have had a heart attack and died. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img height="200" src="http://enokidancer.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/bullsnake-forked-tongue1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the non poisonous bull snake </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img height="212" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kdLaDR9gL_o/TAR9W3t_auI/AAAAAAAA07A/R04DgCc3ZTw/s320/DSC_2613.JPG" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">and this is a very poisonous rattle snake. Needless to say I was not going to get close enough to determine which one was trying to bite the kids. I just yelled at them to move as fast as possible. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After the football game on Friday I came home to Mal and Aj making apple crisp. It was almost more cute then our house could handle. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;">Friday night Maria and I went over to OLL and watched the Basketball Diaries which was a great movie but really just depressing. We had fun though and I miss all of them during the week so I am glad we got to hang out. :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thursday was a short day because the afternoon was devoted to literacy day. Ms. Stacy and I were together and we read the darling children Friend Frog and then went outside and played Frogs and Falcons...if anyone is wondering it is just like Sharks and Minnows...but on land. Haha. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wednesday we had a two hour delayed start which meant that I did not see my kids until after lunch...not real sure why I needed to be there at all. But I did get to spend all morning with one of the first graders. I found him eating a banana hiding behind Ms. Stacy's door crying. Apparently he was upset that he did not get to finish breakfast before the bus came and was pretty much inconsolable all morning. His dad works at the school so we walked down to visit but even that didn't stop the tears. In the end we went to the playground and swung until it was time for lunch. After lunch he was fine (as I thought he might be) it is funny how thrown off the kiddies can get by a change in their routine. I also judged the talent show on Wednesday night and it was a lot of fun. The high schoolers are very funny and were a welcome break after so much time with 7 year olds. One of my students, Aaliyah, walked in which was pretty awesome and her sister who is in Kindergarten even told a joke! (Why did the bunny cross the road? To get to the other side!) I made sure to inform the senior boys that they had been put to shame. I had a dance party with all the small children afterwards too which was pretty much the highlight of me week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs640.snc4/60073_685725428781_20012325_38483851_3834622_n.jpg" width="240" /> Aalyah is also the worlds youngest new DJ</div><div style="text-align: left;">There was also a homecoming bonfire on Wednesday and the burning of the RC along with many other festivities. I must say, I am now fully aware of every mothering instinct I have because they were all freaking out at this event. I do not think there is any other place in the country where people are so relaxed about safety. I guess it could be a little refreshing...but it is also terrifying when you are not used to it. The first thing that happened was the fireworks shooting out of the bonfire...not to mention the smoke bombs being thrown through the air and the sparklers being left on the ground during an extreme fire warning on a windy day. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?! After all that they lit the RC on fire which was basically a flimsy metal structure with burning gas soaked rags...AND KIDS STARTED JUMPING THROUGH IT! Oy vey. But for the grand finale they had fireworks...which was great, except that the caps were hitting people and they were landing on the grass and more smoke bombs were being thrown and kids were jumping over fire works and I think that I now know how it feels to live in a country that has violent riots. One word everyone...SCARY! Everyone lived though so thats good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs640.snc4/60073_685725383871_20012325_38483849_127614_n.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The only other exciting thing I have to fill you in on is camping last weekend. We went to Custer state park because even though "I know Custer was a very bad man...he does have a very nice state park" (Oh Anne Grass). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the way there we stopped in Hot Springs for dinner at the China Buffet which was great fun. We had many wonderful fortune cookies and lots of inappropriate dinner table conversations. It was great. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Almost all the volunteers came and it was a great bonding experience freezing outside and peeing in the woods together. Yay for being one with nature! Most people were in tents or the cabin but some of us thought it might be a good idea to sleep outside...some of us also decided that was stupid because we were freezing and went in to sleep on the cabin floor after all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The next morning was the start to a very surreal day. Benji, Michael, Maria, Kelly, and I all went in a car that was taking a detour to Rapid for shopping on the way home. On the way out we went to breakfast at a dinner in Custer...only they stopped serving breakfast when we walked in so really we ate lunch. As I was sleeping with my head on the table do to exhaustion I heard the people at the table behind us striking up some nice conversation with Benji who apparently looks like their son. Next thing I knew there was a grey haired bearded man with a very unique nose standing at our table. He told us that he was a musician and then proceeded to show us his many magic tricks. It was amazingly entertaining. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A short while after they left our waitress came over to tell us that our meals had been paid for...by them. SAY WHA?!?! We ran after them to thank them but they were trying to sneak out. All they said was "pass it on". It was like something straight out of Pay It Forward. And it was only the beginning...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As we continued driving towards Rapid I was not only still really sleep but also becoming increasingly more car sick. Before I knew what was happening Benji and Michael decided that we should all go to the Cosmos... because why not?! It sounded fun. Poor Maria was asleep the whole time and when she woke up she asked what was going on and we simply told here we had arrived at the mysteries of the universe and she needed to get out of the car. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In case you are as unfamiliar with the Cosmos as Maria and I were you may learn more about them here....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cosmosmysteryarea.com/">http://www.cosmosmysteryarea.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked before we went on this adventure if it was going to make me ill because keep in mind I was already pretty car sick at this point. Well I was assured that it would be fine...and I can assure you that it was not. No more Cosmos for me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After our adventure to the mysterious Cosmos we continued on to Rapid and the rest of the day concluded without much incident. We enjoyed a delicious spicy dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings that pretty much made my life because I had been wanting to go since my arrival in South Dakota. I acquired a nice new hat while I was there too...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well...thats all folks. </div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-8326324646295820522010-09-06T19:11:00.000-07:002010-09-06T19:11:10.282-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, I have made it through week two! HURRAY! And only one more student got sick at school...AWESOME! But now Miss Erin was sick all weekend...boo. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Friday we were out of school early for the football game. The stadium has no lights so the team can only play during the afternoon, and all the student have to get home, so that they can turn around and come back! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TIWdgVyyDKI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6MBOcQqwPcY/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TIWdgVyyDKI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6MBOcQqwPcY/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Maria, Jackie, Tim, and I left early, are view was just so great! We went on a tour of the middle school and the High School, and I found my lost water bottle in Maria's room. HURRAY! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I did not go to the planned dance party adventure in rapid because I was ill. I also missed the porcupine pow wow and many other fun adventures due to the fact that I spent a majority of the weekend in bed. Sad day. I hope that I will be up and running by tomorrow though! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Observations by the principal are this week. I'm a little nervous. I'm still not sure I am doing well with someone of these programs because no one sat down and told me what to do yet. I'm sure I will figure it out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I tried to go on a walk on Sunday when I thought I was feeling better. I will leave that description to EPIC FAIL! It was very pretty out though. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I have eaten my weight in soup. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How is this time even possible?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This weekend I was also introduced to my first Anime show. The Fullmetal Alchemist. I started off just wanting to express interest in things my house mates like...I don't hate it though. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I really did not have a very exciting weekend to report on. Hope no one is bored to death yet. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I got a wonderful phone call from Chicago, it made my day. I had a call to Smith that made my other day too. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I am still having an awesome time. Potential trip to Bolder to see Gaelic Storm in concert next month! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Meet the new class pet Alfred. He lives outside my window. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...i'll always be with you.” - Winnie the Pooh </span>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-66030576640248911202010-08-31T21:49:00.000-07:002010-08-31T21:49:38.342-07:00I'm Pretty Sure God Lives in the Second GradeThis week is off to a GREAT start...for one...I have enough time to write before the weekend! And for another, every day has been a complete and total challenge of my mind and patience and I love every single minute of it!<br />
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On Monday I had my first student throw up...all over the BRAND NEW math book. I guess they really did not want to do math. But on a serious note, I felt so terrible. They were out sick the last day of school last week and were sick all weekend and I did not even see it coming. When I got the old "Miss Erin is my head warm?" I figured he was just feeling a little of...but no...he was REAL ill. To make it even better...I was all alone with no one to help me keep track of the 20 other students while 1 was in the bathroom being sick. It was a total fiasco, but it all turned out JUST FINE!<br />
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That afternoon we started the Accelerated Math program. It is a really great concept, but I am not convinced that the light of my students is being put to its best use when we have them bubble in a form. That being said, when the fourth grade teacher came in to help, I had never ever seen the kids so well behaved and trying so hard to please. It was really refreshing to see them in that new light. I just wish there were a more fun and exciting way for me to tap into that energy.<br />
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After such an AMAZING ADVENTURE in school...I got to (drum roll) DRIVE THE SCHOOL BUS ALL BY MY SELF! Thats right boys and girls...I am officially, completely, and totally, a bus driver. BOOM! It was pretty stressful because I had no IDEA what roads the run followed and no clue where to drop of anyone. To make a rather long story short, I had a 2 hours drive through construction (which was a one way dirt road) and went to both the western and northern edges of the reservation, and there is no diagonal from point A to point B. But it was SUPER FUN!<br />
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Today the kids had some very talkative moments, but also some really WONDERFUL ones.<br />
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When we started math lessons we talked about all the reasons we might need to know math, because so many of them were moaning and upset about it...but at the end of the lesson they were all sad about having to put their things away. It could just be because they wanted to make me happy, but if that was their goal it worked! (and to make things even better, no one barfed on their math book today!)<br />
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Last night I made a large map of pine ridge, and toady after we talked about maps we all drew a picture of our home and had the chance to tape it on the map. Not only did the kids love that they all saw a place they knew (we had to go around and share!) but it was really a wonderful unifying experience for our community, I am so glad I did it.<br />
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Today was also the moment when I really felt like I saw this light and presence of God in my students. Maybe its just because Kelly had been teaching them to look for God everywhere, but I don't think that was it. The first time was when I was playing connect four with Tyler (he could not go to gym because he has staples, apparently it was a rough day on the bus). I looked up through all those little yellow bars and saw this beautiful smile and suddenly felt so connected and close. IT was really a wonderful moment that I can't even begin to explain.<br />
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Later on this afternoon we had to send a student to the assistant principal for bullying, he knocked down someones stuff. At the time I was so frustrated with him and really at my whits end, I feel like I have to remind him of things all day long and it never settles in. Despite all that, he looked up at me this afternoon with the drawing of his dog and was so so proud of himself and really wanted approval and I realized that I did not hold the least bit of resentment towards him. Even my most difficult student brings me such joy and makes me want to rise to the challenge all the more.<br />
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Basically, my kids are amazing. I haven't even made it through two weeks and I could not imagine life without each and every one of them.Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-2770978647001499812010-08-29T20:22:00.000-07:002010-08-29T20:22:25.185-07:00Mission First Week of School COMPLETE!Well I made it out of the first week of school alive. Its wonderful! My students (there are 22) are very FULL of life and it is so exciting to get up every morning to go and be with them. I could not ask for a better first class. They have already started to challenge me with their chatty ways but I think that once we get settled in and take stalk of each other things will be great.<br />
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Some quotes of the week include<br />
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"Miss Ewin I just have to go home and get my sleeping bag!"<br />
yup. Thats right. I have a student who can't say the R in my name but you know what? I LOVE IT! This moment was because I had some students who were dawdling to get ready to go home and I made a comment that some of them were acting like they wanted to spend the whole night at school with me! I told them that as much fun as that would be Miss Erin needed to go home and so did they. Maybe some other day kids.<br />
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"There is a man in my computer!"<br />
So this week I was in charge of getting the second graders all tested on the computer with the reading and math program. Well...it was sort of a debacle. No one could sign on the the computers. And that was temporarily fixed, until a class signed off all the computers. So our wonderful wonderful computer geniuses were helping me by signing them on via remote access. (they saved my sanity!) However, you can imagine how a bunch of 7 year olds reacted to their computers doing stuff "all by is self!" It was amazing. But then they got one one of the computers to I-Chat and ask what computers still needed to be signed on...and how was I alerted to this? By the voice of little Sam telling me there was a man in his computer. I was very concerned at first but once I realized who it was I could not help but laugh. In the end everything was taken care of...It was just wonderful.<br />
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We did not have school this Friday because we took the day to observe a funeral. A 2010 graduate of red cloud, and the computer teachers daughter, was tragically killed in a car accident last weekend. It was really hard to have to attended the funeral of someone so young, and from what I hear, so very full of life and love. I think that the most difficult part for me was not only having to see Betsy so devastated over the loss, but to realize that this was probably just the first of many funerals I would be attending this year. (but I can always hope it will be the last).<br />
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My students asked to write letters which I found so wonderful, and looking at what they had written almost made me cry. They are so full of love and support and so frighteningly familiar with death.<br />
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Friday afternoon Jackie, Amanda, and I went to do the house grocery shopping for the week. It was nothing short of overwhelming. We had 3 shopping carts full of food and spent more money that I had ever spend on one trip to the store. I can't even begin to tell you. on the bright side, we should have plenty of food to get us through the week!<br />
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Friday night we had a concert at the house which I regrettably missed because it took so long to do all the shopping in Raid. When I got back some people were heading out to a casino...and I had never been to one...so I figured why not go for the fun! We drove 2 hours (it was off the reservation) to a town called Deadwood and I am pretty sure their only source of industry is casinos, and maybe a few bars. There were many wonderful shiny lights and I lost about $10. (no more gambling for me! I can not make an informed decision to stay away). Kate won $40 while I was sitting next to here which was pretty awesome...for her. hehe.<br />
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We left at about 2:30 which meant that we got back at 5 in the morning...and guess who drove the whole way...YAY for not going to bed on time!<br />
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Yesterday and today I spent a lot of time lesson planing and trying to figure out various and assorted programs the school has in place...It has given me a massive headache.<br />
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Here's to hopes of an awesome week 2!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-70758650329247275292010-08-22T21:43:00.000-07:002010-08-22T21:43:32.836-07:00The Much Awaited UpdateFor anyone who could not guess I have been ridiculously busy the last week. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH4R_yO6ZI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JWrmNh9T298/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH4R_yO6ZI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JWrmNh9T298/s320/IMG_2300.JPG" /></a>this is what happens when you play two games of euchre at once. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Starting with last Thursday-Sunday</div><div>We went on retreat to the Sioux Spiritual Center to spend some time together and get ready for the year ahead. There was much guitar playing and singing and I finally learned how to play euchre and did not by any stretch of the imagination get enough sleep. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH3fKsSeYI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qash7TP9xBI/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH3fKsSeYI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qash7TP9xBI/s320/IMG_2292.JPG" /></a>pretty stars!</div><div><br />
</div><div>There was a meteor shower during the retreat so one night a group of us stayed up to watch the stars. I was very upset when there were clouds out covering everything the night that was supposed to be best for viewing. Another night we also played capture the tambourine in the dark, it was great fun even though we lost all 4 games. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Roger White Eyes, who also works at Red Cloud, pored a sweat for us one night and it was an amazing experience. It was a tight fit because the lodge was so small and there were so many of us but we were able to squish in. At first I was pretty hot but after a few minutes it was not so bad. I don't know that I would have ever considered praying in a sweat lodge before I moved but it was really and amazing and uniting experience that I'm not sure I could really explain in words. I am just very glad to have participated and hope to go to some more sweats in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH4_DAjnVI/AAAAAAAAAFk/vOBrH0OavSU/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH4_DAjnVI/AAAAAAAAAFk/vOBrH0OavSU/s400/IMG_2325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>By far the best part of retreat was when we decided not to o to bad the last night...but it was an accident I promise. Liz, Maria, Bryan, and myself had all stayed up to play euchre...and Bryan tried out having multiple personalities so that we could play while maria serenaded us on guitar. Once we were done it was already 4:30am so the logical thing to do was walk up the hill and watch the sun rise. (makes since right?) Well theeennn once we were up the hill we found a bunch of circles made of stones which were clearly left by witches, and when Bryan told us there was an abandoned cabin near by we had no choice but to go on a hunt to find the witches lair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH422Ejx8I/AAAAAAAAAFc/sisahjIpeVw/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH422Ejx8I/AAAAAAAAAFc/sisahjIpeVw/s320/IMG_2321.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We were told the hike was only going to take 15 minutes but I am skeptical...either way when we finally made it to the cabin we were glad that we had made the trip. The house did not seem like it had been empty that long but there was no floor so I cant imagine people had been living in it like that. There was also a broken piano in the basement that looks like it may have fallen through the floor which hurt my heart a little bit. </div><div> (poor piano!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5KrV13EI/AAAAAAAAAFs/XTZ1ZH61QWM/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5KrV13EI/AAAAAAAAAFs/XTZ1ZH61QWM/s320/IMG_2329.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5VEhqDVI/AAAAAAAAAF0/oT9C_HCwSx8/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5VEhqDVI/AAAAAAAAAF0/oT9C_HCwSx8/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" /></a></div><div>When we were done at the cabin it was about 5:30 or 6 and Bryan knew of another abandoned farm house so we decided we might as well go there too. On the way we found some mountain lion tracks...but none of us were eaten. The second house was much creepier and looked as though it had been abandoned in a hurry. We decided to scope out the inside and were a little concerned that someone might round the corner with a shot gun at any moment...but the house was pretty obviously empty, despite the mayo and mountain due left on the table. AWKWARD! We were all very relieved when no spirits came after us and headed home soon after in time to see Father George heading home and Amanda waking up for breakfast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5jMMyagI/AAAAAAAAAF8/kRLU_Mq7BZ8/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH5jMMyagI/AAAAAAAAAF8/kRLU_Mq7BZ8/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We were all able to nap for a little while before mass at 10 and then the drive home. However, we decided not to go home, but to go and see inception so that Bryan could make is reference to a comment from earlier in the night. So the four of us and Jenny piled in a car and drove to rapid, but the movie didn't start until 4 so we ran some earns and went out to lunch first. The movie was amazing...and probably made more amazing by the fact that we had not gone to bed yet. The weirdest part was when we walked out into the parking lot and I saw a car bumper sticker that said "withes do it in circles"...its like they knew everything! creepy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6Hc2WxSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/PkJG3LMN2DI/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6Hc2WxSI/AAAAAAAAAGM/PkJG3LMN2DI/s640/IMG_2333.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH58PEPgmI/AAAAAAAAAGE/B26TjQKrgc0/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH58PEPgmI/AAAAAAAAAGE/B26TjQKrgc0/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" /></a> rawer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6UGebaeI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XZgWLLkUuJs/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6UGebaeI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XZgWLLkUuJs/s400/IMG_2334.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6nJKxXII/AAAAAAAAAGc/_qMifspOVcU/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/THH6nJKxXII/AAAAAAAAAGc/_qMifspOVcU/s320/IMG_2335.JPG" /></a></div><div>Moving on to this week...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Most of our time was spent in meeting and setting up my classroom. I must say...my room is pretty darn cute. I can not wait for the kids to fill it up with life. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I had the chance to spend some time with my classroom aid, Jessie. She is a Red Cloud graduate and Americorps volunteer and absolutely amazing. We have already decided that we are Batman and Robin and plan to dress as such for Halloween. I'm pretty sure we are kindred spirits. I also had to miss a lot of time in the classroom because of bus testing as she was absolutely wonderful about helping to get stuff set up. </div><div><br />
</div><div>On wed. Maria and I went to Rapid to take the driving portion of our bus test. I passed the walk around and the Parking but made a stupid mistake when we were driving and even though I pointed it out right away it was an automatic fail. It turns out that Bob must not have been in a good mood because both Maria and I had to come back on Thursday...but this time we brought Luke and everyone passed. HURRAY! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Friday we went to Gordan Nebraska to spend some quality time as a house. We were at the Italian Inn and I got to eat fried pickles which was probably the highlight of my week. They were delicious. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Saturday I let my self sleep in as long as I wanted which was fantastic! When I woke up I went to the store with Liz to finish shopping for the dinner we were cooking and then finished painting my bedroom...I LOVE IT! After I was done painting Liz and I cooked some delicious food so that we could have a thank you dinner for Bryan over at OLL. (he taught us all how to park the school bus and was awesome). For dinner we had pasta salad, sweet potato fires, corn, and BBQ (fake chicken for Hillary and Erin!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div>Dinner was fun and afterwards we watched Big Love because OLL is obsessed with polygamy. I was pretty confused by the whole thing but oddly fascinated by the show. It was nice to be able to visit and get to see a part of their life because they spend so much time coming to us. It was like watching an animal in its natural habitat. (Just kidding you guys!) </div><div><br />
</div><div>Today I spent most of my time in the classroom setting up and writing lesson plans, school starts tomorrow so I hope that everything goes well and I can write about what a wonderful day I had! </div><div><br />
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</div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-58120776612582181212010-08-11T23:19:00.000-07:002010-08-11T23:19:30.235-07:00You could a job...DRIVING A SCHOOL BUS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TGOQ6tBfz1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/7BcDLimo4VY/s1600/IMG_2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TGOQ6tBfz1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/7BcDLimo4VY/s400/IMG_2256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So yesterday I turned in my Ohio license for a South Dakota license and took the written portion of my CDL (So that I can drive a SCHOOL BUS)! And I PASSED! It was pretty amazing. After passing the test we all went out to lunch in Rapid at a place called Bostons.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TGOQdptWNOI/AAAAAAAAAEc/-TEv3_wx7-Q/s1600/39963_677268756021_20012325_38204150_514381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TGOQdptWNOI/AAAAAAAAAEc/-TEv3_wx7-Q/s320/39963_677268756021_20012325_38204150_514381_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I did not think I was going to tell this story but looking back it just seems so funny that I should share with you all. So while we were at lunch it some how came up that I liked guys with Irish accents...not that I have met many...And Carla decided it was a fetish and proceeded to say "Hey Time... aren't you Irish"? The way that she said it and the timing were so perfect that I burst out laughing...while my mouth was full of water. Now, I can not remember a time where I have spit water out while laughing...but this made up for all the times I had managed to choke it back. I spit water all over Sarah and what was left of her lunch...I still feel pretty awful...but it was all very funny. Maybe you had to be there.<br />
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After we came home from Rapid we had our first house meeting. It was mostly discussing business but it was nice to spend time together as a house and start looking ahead to our year together...and also to be jelly fish together.<br />
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Once we finished our meeting I had the privilege of driving the big white 12 passenger van to OLL for dinner. For the past 2 weeks they have been coming out here for dinner and our meetings so it was nice to be able to come to them for a change. It was dinner for breakfast too so it was pretty worth it!<br />
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As for today...<br />
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I GOT TO DRIVE THE SCHOOL BUS! Thats right...keep the kids indoors. Driving the bus forward isn't so bad, I just have to make better friends with the gas peddle, but for anyone who knows my driving we know that won't take to long. Now, going backwards in the bus is a whole other story. That sucker is HUGE! I never use my mirrors in the car...but you can only use side mirrors in the bus...it's a weird adjustment...but I'm sure I will get used to it.<br />
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Dinner tonight was off the grill...and there was a surprising addition of grilled grasshopper covered in chocolate syrup...I did not partake.<br />
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Tomorrow we are going up to the Sioux Spiritual Center for retreat so I will not be writing again until Sunday...Just don't worry...I have not fallen off the face of the earth... hopefully. <br />
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Peace and Joy until then!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-57625199540160607372010-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:002010-08-09T19:41:35.009-07:00Todays life lesson: Don't fight with barbed wire...You won't win.Today I got to go on a FIELD TRIP with Liz and Kate to Rapid City! WOOHOO! Originally we had nothing to do all after noon and we were going to have a nice leisurely trip, go out to get some lunch, do some room shopping, get some food, be calm. BUT NO! We got all call on the way there to let us know that we needed to learn bus parts today at 3.<br />
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But that is OKAY because we are rock stars. So the whole way up we jammed to some awesome music, there was a lot of dancing, and also a lot of speeding. We sped our way through target and managed to pick up some pretty awesome lights. Only $9! (I'm pretty excited about that part). After Target we made it in and out of Walmart in 30 minutes...BOOM! We EVEN stopped for subway, ice cream, and gas, and were only 7 minutes late for bus parts. HURRAY!<br />
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Sadly, I drove the car full of grocery bags up to the house and when I stepped out the door to walk over to the garage the sky opened up. I was really wet...but it was still kinda fun. Learning the bus parts was quite an adventure. I can now say that I have been under a bus...exciting I know. Hopefully I will remember them all for the test Thursday!<br />
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After dinner tonight I went on a walk which is how I learned todays life lesson...<br />
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And now that I have told you all my story of the day I am going to study up on buses and bus driving and meat hooks in semi trucks so that I pass the written test tomorrow.<br />
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Much love!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-39419196216622659582010-08-08T21:01:00.000-07:002010-08-08T21:04:14.580-07:00Remember that one time I couldn't move in the morning? yeah me too....In hindsight yesterday might have been a little bit to much running around for my own good. When I woke p for mass this morning I couldn't move to turn my alarm off because I was so sore from my gorge scaling adventure and swim, but do not fret, I was able to get out of bed in time for mass at 11.<br />
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After mass I went with Liz and Maria to the pow wow, well, to outside the pow wow. Liz has family out here that was working cooking food at the pow wow (her dad was adopted by a family when he was working out here as a volunteer). It was really wonderful to be out in the community. The two little girls, sage and beans (which is a nick name for the record) set out on a mission, and it was to get us wet and muddy. We went down to the stream and it started as us racing leaves under the bridge but quickly escalated to being ankle deep in some crazy mud. I wont lie though, it was totally fabulous.<br />
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Once we managed to escape from the creek we went with the girls to the carnival section of the pow wow. They really wanted us to come on rides, but we were not interested in tossing up breakfast and lunch all over them. In the end I went down the fun slide, Maria rode the tea cups, and Liz who was unsuccessful in dodging rides ended up on the bullet... upside down. It was amazing just to be living in the moment and feeding of the joy that everyone had.<br />
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We also had Indian tacos at the pow wow, only Maria and I are both vegetarian which proved to be a challenge. At first they thought maybe we just wanted fry bread and nothing else, but after some communicating we convinced them to give us everything but the meat. It was pretty fantastic.<br />
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Tonight was spent eating dinner as a volunteer community, and talking about the pillar of community as a volunteer program. It was really great to hear so many people with so many similar ideas and goals for the year, I know it will not always be easy, but I am very excited for the best efforts we will be making to live as a community this year.<br />
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I am currently practicing self care (Greta I hope you see this!) and putting myself to bed. I hope you are all enjoying a peaceful evening!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">"I carry you with me into the world,</span><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">into the smell of rain<br />
& the words that dance between people<br />
& for me, it will always be this way,<br />
walking in the light,<br />
remembering being alive together" ~ Story People </span></div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-70618442602081954002010-08-08T00:32:00.000-07:002010-08-08T12:18:11.583-07:00Time to cram two days into one!Sorry about missing a day (in case anyone was disappointed) I was so tired last night that I fell asleep before I was able to write.<br />
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Yesterday we had to opportunity to hear Basil Brave Heart speak, and let me tell you, I could listen to that man speak for the rest of my life and be completely content. He spoke to us about his experiences coming to red cloud as a students, and working here now. (he came to the school in 1937). Listening to him speak about how he was able to merge the Lakota and Catholic faith really hit home for me, as I am currently going through the process of trying to balance my own faith with that of the many communities I am a part of.He also spoke very truthful about his struggles with identity crisis, and though it was difficult, I think it was important for all of us to here.<br />
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After the morning was finished a group of us went to...THE RODEO! I have never been to a rodeo before so I was pretty excited. I saw some rather small children thrown of bucking horses (this was a little concerning at first but that all jumped up right away and were fine). I also got to see on of my future students riding which was really cool! I wish that I would have been able to meet her but time did not allow.<br />
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Post rodeo activities included a nap, and some food, and a walk with Urse and Maria. The walk was really nice, but the sun set was out of this world. I tried to take some photos...but they really do not do it any justice.<br />
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When we got back from our walk it was time to head over to the pow wow. Even though we missed the grand entry I found the whole experience to be very cool. We were able to see some traditional dances along with "fancy dancing". What I found most interesting was the blend of both traditional and modern culture. For instance, many of the young adult dancers would be waling around with their clothing on...but also sporting backwards baseball caps. It was not the combination that I found so intriguing though, but more the seamless transition between old in new. I found it really cool that the younger generation has found away to embrace all parts of their culture.<br />
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Moving on to today...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TF7gBYi_ZdI/AAAAAAAAADk/KBZkDM8LZ0E/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TF7gBYi_ZdI/AAAAAAAAADk/KBZkDM8LZ0E/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" /></a> yes...Tim is feeding a puppet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TF7hvhYSVAI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6JePHGOJ_JU/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TF7hvhYSVAI/AAAAAAAAAEE/6JePHGOJ_JU/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" /></a></div>This morning I got to sleep in which for anyone who knows me at all was AMAZING! After we had all eaten breakfast and made lunch we drove out in a 12 passenger van and one car to Sylvan Lake in the black hills. I do not know if I have ever seen a place quite like it, it was beautiful! We all had lunch and almost all of us went swimming in some very frigid waters. After the swim I went on a hiking exploration of the area. I spent most of my hike climbing down a gorge, I was the only person around and it was really some fantastic alone time.<br />
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When I got back from my hike I was going to jump into the lake to cool down...but what actuality happened is that Kelly and I swam across the lake to the dam. I was pretty tired out from hiking which I didn't really think about until after I was in the water, but despite that the swim was great!<br />
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On the way home we stopped for ice cream (it was delicious!) and later on we stopped for buffalo!! (they were in the road, and apparently had been ramming into sturgis bikers for quite a while). After my first encounter with a wild buffalo herd I saw several antelope grazing along the side of the highway and also many a prairie dog peaking its head out of its underground city...I felt like I was lost on an expedition in a foreign country.<br />
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My evening was pretty calm after such a big day. We made some delicious pasta and salad for dinner and washed it all down with some lime aid (I know that everyone has just been dieing to hear what I ate for dinner) haha.<br />
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All in all the past two days were pretty rockin!Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-58855199279785829552010-08-05T23:34:00.000-07:002010-08-05T23:34:41.368-07:00I have officially been to Nebraska!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Hurray for checking more things of my life list!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Today started with breakfast for all the volunteers and more greetings by staff and principals and such. I was really glad to have the opportunity to be together with all the volunteers, I missed out on meeting people last night because my headache and I were in bed...but I felt much better today!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We went to mass again today, but I did not volunteer (or be volunteered) to lead songs, we did still have music though and it was quite nice. I also had the chance to go exploring on a walk this afternoon which was some really great alone time for me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tonight for dinner we went to get Chinese in Nebraska, I hope this is giving you all a since of how much there is going on here. haha. In order to get there we had to drive through the city of White Clay which is officially my least favorite place in the country. It is a town just over the border and just off reservation that exists for the purpose of selling alcohol (the reservation is dry, it is against tribal law to even be intoxicated on reservation land). As we pulled through every building had people who just looked so battered and discouraged and lost sitting outside. It broke my heart to know that people had created a town just to profit of the misfortune and struggles of others. I may have lost a little bit of my faith in humanity after that.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Despite the downer of driving through White Clay dinner was really great. I enjoyed being with people and building the friendships we had started. Our car even tried to go to a movie, but there were only 4 to chose from ad none of them really spoke to us. Maybe next time. I am excited to be able to count Nebraska on the list of states I have been too...I hope to visit all 50 before I die.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over all it was really a great day of getting to meet people and get a feel for the community we are going to have, it is really very beautiful. Even though I mis everyone that I have met in life I am so grateful to feel so happy and at home and truly feel like I am exactly where I need to be right now, I hope I can hold onto this feeling all year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>In other news...if its not obvious...I'm on a story poeple kick. you should check it out... <a href="http://www.storypeople.com/">http://www.storypeople.com </a><br />
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<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"I'd like to leave you with something valuable, she said. You probably already have, I said, but we take most of our lives to remember that, even in the best of times" (Story People)</span></span></span></div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-1304207800088207572010-08-04T19:40:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:42:01.099-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">This is the bus graveyard...where buses go to die...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I did not get a permit to drive the bus today, but I did get to help out preparing the sweat lodge. We started at about 9 and plugged on through until 1 but it was really a lot of fun. It was great to get to work with some of the other volunteers and also to be outside and totally present in the land. We pulled many weeds, broke one weed waker, ran over a couple rocks with the lawn mower, carried a very full load of wood, moved rocks and rugs out of the lodge, it was all pretty intense. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFofyWA6-sI/AAAAAAAAACE/Gra--8ocwXc/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFofyWA6-sI/AAAAAAAAACE/Gra--8ocwXc/s200/IMG_2027.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFogf22_-HI/AAAAAAAAACM/V0bnVZVFmhk/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFogf22_-HI/AAAAAAAAACM/V0bnVZVFmhk/s200/IMG_2029.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div> before after </div><div>Once we were finished we went back and had lunch witch included some more of the most amazing potato salad I have ever had (I'm sad its gone!) After lunch I came back to shower and rest and ended up with a whopper of a headache, I have spent the rest of the day in bed hiding from the sun. This also meant that I was not able to go to the sweat with the other volunteers tonight, but I am sure I will have many more opportunities over the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFoebeU6MJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/oghc-HwQ9v4/s1600/IMG_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFoebeU6MJI/AAAAAAAAAB0/oghc-HwQ9v4/s320/IMG_2030.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Tonight, because everyone was at the sweat or the airport, I had dinner by myself. I realized this was the first time in possibly months that I had dinner alone. It was a very strange feeling...it wasn't bad...but just odd. Lucky for me this may not happen to many times over the year... especially because we still have no kitchen. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also heard all kinds of news from camp today which really brought me down. It is hard to feel so excited and alive here but also know that I am missing out on such an important part of my life. If any of you are reading this know you are all in my hearts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFog5HMxfjI/AAAAAAAAACU/-1A3AvKAbWw/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFog5HMxfjI/AAAAAAAAACU/-1A3AvKAbWw/s320/IMG_2031.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Thats all I have to report, I have to be up bright and early for many hours of orientation. For now, the office and bed and happy thoughts of no more headaches! </div><div><br />
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</div><div>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You see me better than I am, she said & I'm worried what'll happen when your vision changes"</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span>story people, vision change) </div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-43120983450673262422010-08-03T21:03:00.000-07:002010-08-03T21:03:18.203-07:00School Bus Oh School Bus...If I had not told you yet while jumping up and down...or you did not understand me in my fit of jumping up and down, part of my job this year will be driving the school bus! So today was mostly spent sitting in a group reading the manual so that we could pass the test to get a permit.<br />
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So after many hours of cramming, breaking for dinner, and doing some more cramming, Luke came to tell us that we in fact could not go to take the test because the rules have changed and we need originals of all our documents...which only a few people have. But on that note I now have until Monday to take the written test which makes me very happy.<br />
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This morning we went to take a tour of OLL which is the other middle/elementary school campus affiliated with Red Cloud. The tour was led very enthusiastic by a returning volunteer (and by that I mean we learned that the bus garage is where all the buses are. It was fantastic!) After our tour we went to "play on the playground" but we were all pretty tired. I did however watch two full grown men use a teeter-totter...pretty fantastic.<br />
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I am currently taking a break from the guitar jam session in the living room...Kelly and I are starting a folk rock band complete with the music of rise up singing. I was so excited to find someone to share in its joy with me! hehe.<br />
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There was also an amazing storm this afternoon. It blew in out of nowhere and the winds were incredible but it was gone just about as quickly as it came. I was really happy when it cooled things down from the normal 95 to about 70...right now its 63...so refreshing!<br />
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Tomorrow in the absence of the bus trip we are going to help rebuild the sweat lodge on campus...I'm sure I will have lots to report, I'm pretty excited!<br />
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PeaceErin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-39241240794042744352010-08-02T21:09:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:09:15.049-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I don't have much to report on today. We started our volunteer orientation which was nice. We started off the day with breakfast (and brownies FOR breakfast!) After that I was nominated to lean the music at mass even though I had no idea what I was doing. IT turned out alright though and I was proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone in order to contribute to the community. </span></span><br />
<div>This afternoon I was able to see my classroom. I looks like it has a lot of potential...but the floors are mustard yellow and the walls are light yellow so I will have to find a way to work with that. I do not know who picked that color combination but I can tell you it was picked at least 30 years ago. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I helped with cooking dinner tonight, but we had to cook at the gray house because our kitchen looks like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQ2AdJC0I/AAAAAAAAABU/u0UKAZQrc5k/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQ2AdJC0I/AAAAAAAAABU/u0UKAZQrc5k/s200/IMG_2025.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div>The people working on it are very nice and said that because we would be up and out of th house early tomorrow they want to try and come early and stay late and hopefully finish it...but we will see.<br />
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</div><div>We also went on a tour today but it was with a group of tourists which was a little odd. At one point we thought maybe our houses should be part of the tour. I had the opportunity to walk up to the grave yard were chief red cloud is buried which was just nifty and then we also went into the cultural center which is currently housing a really cool art show (no pictures aloud...sorry). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQ_xGk7qI/AAAAAAAAABc/zBhrW3gTvzU/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQ_xGk7qI/AAAAAAAAABc/zBhrW3gTvzU/s400/IMG_2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Tonight after dinner I went on a walk while the sun was setting. I did not get to start as soon as I had hoped...but some day soon I am going to watch the sun set from the top of one of the hills! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQT5Gw_ZI/AAAAAAAAABM/gEeW3SD-zp4/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQT5Gw_ZI/AAAAAAAAABM/gEeW3SD-zp4/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Tomorrow we are going to take a tour of OLL (the other school with volunteers) and then learn about driving the buses! Should be a rockin good time! haha. </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeRannUNxI/AAAAAAAAABk/BWt6fGNb93g/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeRannUNxI/AAAAAAAAABk/BWt6fGNb93g/s320/IMG_1992.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFeQDvSnVFI/AAAAAAAAABE/1A61dPd4H7E/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-89018730994916886382010-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:002010-08-01T23:00:10.328-07:00"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.'" (a section of the reading from todays mass)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">Today started with a trip with all the other volunteers to mass at a small church about 45 minutes away. The mass was very nice and it was a completely different experience than any I have had before. The alter was covered with a star quilt clearly made by a member of the congregation and decorated with many traditional Lakota spiritual symbols as well as the more common place catholic church items. After mass we had fellowship over some very red juice and both original and chocolate animal crackers. None of us were brave enough to try the spray cheese. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">What really stung me this morning was hearing the news that a 13 year old member of the church had committed suicide this past week. What made it even worse was the harsh reminder that this complete devastation and loss is fairly common, I am not even sure how to to handle hearing news like that over and over. It also stung because I am very much in the honey moon period and this was a harsh reminder of why it is I decided to come here and the sort of struggles these people face day in and day out. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">On a happier note I was totally overcome with the welcoming atmosphere of the community. I am so painfully aware that I am a stranger here, and could easily be perceived as an intruder, but everyone was so kid and welcoming, it was really wonderful. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">This afternoon five of us took the volunteer car up to rapid city to bu groceries. I drove on the way there and the view was just breathtaking. On the way back we stop at an overlook on the side of the road just as you cross into Pine Ridge. The vast emptiness of this country is so calming and peaceful, there are really no words. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFZcn4Wp4CI/AAAAAAAAAAk/m28cjVtjdRA/s1600/38944_675467595561_20012325_38133042_5418033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFZcn4Wp4CI/AAAAAAAAAAk/m28cjVtjdRA/s400/38944_675467595561_20012325_38133042_5418033_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">Looking out at this open land with nothing but hill and sky as far as you can see is really very humbling. I think that it reminds me how powerful and beautiful the earth is, something that has been very easy to forget while you are living in the city, I have really never seen anything like it. (on a side not everyone who told me I would fall in love with the land...you were so very very right). </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFZevCk5YcI/AAAAAAAAAAs/EegGIJuIDDk/s1600/IMG_1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFZevCk5YcI/AAAAAAAAAAs/EegGIJuIDDk/s400/IMG_1989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">(this is last night...the sun is only setting on half the sky!)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">Tonight we had a social and dinner at the Jesuit Residence. It was great to get to meet even more people and to become closer with the other volunteers...there was a lot of laughter at the table...and it was wonderful. After dinner we went on a walk and then came back and a few of us went to the house with a kitchen (our cottage is currently having the kitchen remodeled) and had some tea. We did the same thing last night and it is really a very peaceful end to the day. I am hoping to make it a habit (at least until the weather takes a turn to winter). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">Tomorrow we are starting our new volunteer orientation, I'm not sure how exciting it will be to report on but I am very excited to get started! </span></span>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4267587236078322864.post-31500230301365631792010-07-31T13:59:00.000-07:002010-07-31T13:59:26.475-07:00I made it!For anyone who does not know I just moved to South Dakota! (YAY) and will be spending the year volunteering and teaching second grade on Pine Ridge Reservation. I am so excited to get started!<br />
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</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSM6pyXppI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Ahd1BrUOi-E/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSM6pyXppI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Ahd1BrUOi-E/s200/IMG_1966.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSNSEMaEYI/AAAAAAAAAAU/cJDW29dSSjo/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSNSEMaEYI/AAAAAAAAAAU/cJDW29dSSjo/s200/IMG_1971.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yesterday after a collective "sitting on suitcases" party I left camp and packed into the car with Jake, Mattie, Xavier, and all my stuff. We had a wonderful drive to the Akron Canton air port and informed all slow drivers that they were "not so cute"! When we finally got to the airport one of my bags was 10 pounds to heavy which resulted in my pulling things out and trowing them at people to put in a box and mail...but it all worked out. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>My first flight went to Denver. It was made amazing by the fact that I could watch TV the whole way (not something I often get to do) I fell asleep to a top chef marathon...yummy. I landed in Colorado only to learn that my flight was delayed an hour so I grabbed some dinner and went back to the gait only to find out my flight was back on time (CHAOS!) but I made it on the flight so that was spectacular.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSOcFVavbI/AAAAAAAAAAc/mLIahIVHtPQ/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pTL6ZeuxIXo/TFSOcFVavbI/AAAAAAAAAAc/mLIahIVHtPQ/s400/IMG_1979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>By the time I finally landed in Rapid City it was about 10:45 local time...so 12:45 on my internal clock. I was pretty pooped. I was thrilled to find both my bags and guitar had made the journey safe and sound! The drive to red cloud was rather dark, it was amazing to drive for so long and see nothing but silhouetted hills and more stars than I could ever count, the land is truly as beautiful as everyone promised. By the time we arrived at Red Cloud it was about 1:30 in the morning so I just through some sheets on my bed and had a good long sleep. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I woke up this morning no one was around so I started to unpack but was quickly located by other volunteers and we all went to have breakfast together in the gray house. I felt very relieved to have started meeting people, they are all very friendly and seem like amazing individuals, I am excited to get to know everyone over the next year. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After breakfast I went on a walk guided by Amanda and Jackie. I have to admit, I am pretty much in love with the scenery. There is nothing but grassy hills and scattered trees for miles and it is all so peaceful and calm. I was a little taken back at first by the number of grasshoppers I saw. Every time you moved your foot hundreds of them would starts jumping in all directions. I awarded my self 10 points when one jumped straight into the side of my water bottle...you could here it clink. As we continued on we saw two wild horses which is somethings I never would have imagined seeing in my lifetime, but it appears they are quite common here. We also saw some zombie horses, I did not venture close enough to see how they smelled, but I imagine it was not good. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The walk took a little longer than expected and we were all quite warm by the end, but we made it back safe and sounds and went to take naps. I hope to have many more adventures to report soon (and pictures to supply you all with) but that is all for now. Thank you to everyone for the love and support the past few days, it has meant the world to me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>"We are going, heaven know where we are going, but we know we are."</div>Erin Diffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03586138459711091235noreply@blogger.com