Valentine's come and gone...

Surprise!!! Cherished Photos!!!

(above) Sophomore playing handgames

Another sophomore (leaving out names on purpose) and I

Senior Pow-wow dancing (fancy shawl)

Junior posing with his dancing regalia

Wrestling team- we've bonded through weekend tourneys

Sophomore class president & bright girl.

Two former students (juniors)

Freshman & Sophomore Handgame players

Girls' basketball team (at Redfield)

Why hello!!! Yes, you are correct- I finally POSTED PICTURES!!! And being the nice person I am... the pictures come before the writing, thus allowing you the decision to simply look at the pictures or to delve further into the magical storyland of Red Cloud...

It is after-school today, and what? NO A. S. PROGRAM? Why? Well, I suppose a number of reasons, really.... but my main reaction is- who cares? I love an afternoon off!

So I thought it would be an afternoon off, yet it turns out when there is no structured program, students congregate in my office! (I must admit to enjoying this experience)... It gives me time to further understand and connect with a few students, yet it also leaves me less time to write my blog... which is one reason this will perhaps be truncated and finished later (bus #3 is sitting alone & cold right now, soon to be enjoying the presence of Emily and company)... but currently my office is hopping with a frequent visitor--- JESSE!

I commented a few weeks ago about this boy named Jesse who is planning on becoming an Iron-Chef...like the TV show, and he wanted me to say a few more things about him, so here goes.....

1. He is Superman, Batman, and Spiderman combined into one.

2. Because of my recent blog post, which thrusted him into fame (as he so believes)...he is officially too cool to talk to me.

3. 1/2 second after saying that, he adds that if I added a picture of him, I would receive more hits on my blogsite. :) (will do later)

4. He likes to eat apples.

There you go ladies and gentlemen.... Jesse Waters (which was also his decision to post his full name).... :) Soon-to-be, Mr. Everything.

I must say- it has truly been a good day. I came to school ready to accept whatever the students offered, in terms of issues, fun interaction, and the usual graces of the day... (I also pray each morning for grace to simply and authentically 'be' with these precious students). I don't mean to say precious as in 'pinch their cheeks' precious, rather, the type of 'they don't yet realize their worth' precious. Thus, I reflect on this past week, knowing that I am grateful for all aspects of this job, even the ones that are frustrating at times... since I am in the front lines of learning more about myself by way of interacting with Red Cloud students...

In no apparent order, here are the events of my past week... quite varied, yet continually meaningful and... well... fun!

It is now late evening, and I am continuing this post after another basketball game. I don't think I have exactly discussed how much basketball is the core of many things here at Red Cloud- social interaction, community togetherness, fundraising (I was asked three times tonight to buy a raffle ticket for propane), and school spirit. I worked at the concessions stand, and it is marvelous bonding time with juniors. I must say... they really do a fantastic job of tormenting me with their little tricks and such... to which I most often respond with genuine gullibleness. I think that's maybe not a word, but hopefully you understand, and if you're as gullible as me, you'll think it is! :)

I couldn't reflect on this week without mentioning the chaos that was Valentine's Day! I spoke last week about selling "crush-o-grams" which were a popular fundraiser, for sure! I sold out of them and began selling "kit-kat grams" (do with what you have, right?) :) Anyway- it was a success on almost all accounts... except for those whom made several comments all day about not receiving one- I did feel quite bad for those students. I also received a card from several different students- which were all hand-made and adorable!

Ah, and this past Saturday I went skiing for the first time in seven years. Yes, you may be chuckling to yourself as the mental image of me on the bunny slope fills your mind. However, I have a different picture for you to paint- and perhaps it is even better! So I get to the ski area, and as luck would have it... they are out of ski rentals for the day... until I coax my way into the front of the 'paper line'... (I think my friend Nicole actually made this happen)... anyway, I get skis just as the Rapid City power goes off, disenabling the ski lifts.... so Nicole and I are feeling ambitious- and decide to CLIMB the first slope I've been down in 7 years. I know, pretty impressive, right? Well, it was only 1/2 way up the bunny slope... ha.... yeah, but still! Climbing none-the-less. I skiid (I want to mention at this point that I always find it difficult to write the word 'ski' in various forms) down a total of 7 or so slopes... but it was super fun... and I was able to hang out a bit that night with some dear friends....

I will briefly skim over the fact that I also missed my exit on the interstate coming back- putting me well on my way to- what I believe was- Interior, Sd. HA. Speaking on your cell phone isn't all that great while driving. Enough Said.

Did I mention my hair smells like popcorn?

I need to finish up here soon, because I have this new goal of getting 9 hours of sleep a night this week. I feel as if I'm the best version of myself with that much sleep... and quite frankly, who doesn't want to be the best version of themselves, right?

I have another Lakota quiz in class tomorrow... and not wanting to brag, I'll briefly share that I receive more than a perfect score on my last week's quiz.... :):) (clearing throat, trying not to sound overly confident)... I did have some senior guys quiz me today on my Lakota for tomorrow- Yeah, I need to study.

Well, this about concludes what I would say is a rather random yet fun-filled rambling of Pine Ridge and the stories which are embedded in this experience of a lifetime.

Truly, gratefully, and- still smelling like popcorn,
Emily