My students are through their standards; I have been packing my life into Rubbermaid totes, zip-tying them shut (this is the most effective way of shipping in the bush) to send for my new district placement. I thought I was in the clear. Everything was going to be fine, now. Staying-out well-beyond my bedtime, the sun partakes in my merriment, and invited all living things, which had been hiding all winter, to come out and play. (I can honestly say- most recent mornings, I am drawn-out of sleep, before my alarm, by the concerto of countless, differing bird noises.)
My silly, hopelessly optimistic self should know better at this point in my life. I will never understand how people can be so miserable when they live in a place that is so beautiful and pristine that it doesn’t seem real. I live in a place that resembles a magical faerie wonderland; the landscape makes me smile and instantly brings me peace…Most recently, I was yanked back into the reality of my locale when I went to the Post Office to ship-out my belongings. I was told that there is not enough postage to ship-out my tote. (This is one of those times I would steal a glance out the nearest window to achieve balance because of the ridiculousness factor of such a statement.) I coolly and pleasantly informed the Post Mistress that she may want to get a hold of more because I have more coming soon, and so does the Elementary School Teacher…
This week, I tried again, and was able to successfully ship out a few totes, but was unable to acquire a receipt. This presents an issue because my teaching contract allows for reimbursement for district initiated moves; but with no receipts, I cannot file for those funds.
I contacted District Office to inform them about my dilemma, express concerns, and seek advice on the best course of diplomatic action. It took them a few days to find a solution, and in the meantime I did some extensive research of my own; I learned I am able to print my own shipping labels if I #1. Send everything Priority or Express Mail, which is an excessive use of district funds (when they are already experiencing budget/funding cuts), and is completely unnecessary when I won’t have any need for the contents of those totes until August. #2. Set up a PayPal account, and have access to all postage options. I attempted the latter, and my identity was in question, so I am trying to obtain all the appropriate documentation, turn it in, clear everything up, close-down the school, and ship everything out before I leave…
To survive in the bush, you must be adaptable, flexible, and self-sufficient.
There are people in my life that believe in me, and support what I do. District Office called today, and notified me that they had made arrangements with a local air-carrier; all I need to do is to have my things ready, so I can send-off my belongings with them- totally eliminating the Post Office, altogether. (Because our the district is composed of 14 isolated bush villages, main office has agreements with some of the carriers to fly-around official district stuff. For example, formal paperwork that needs a signature or teaching supplies/curriculum materials that needs to be shuffled around between sites, etc.)
I am extremely fortunate to have a few friends (both personal and professional) who I may always contact, no matter how seemingly trivial, for honest and tactful advice. Those folks are the subtle super heroes of my adventure in life.
My time in Pedro Bay has reinforced that most people are overwhelmingly negative. Those kinds of people become blinded by their own fear and intolerance, so that they eventually are crippled by their own unscrupulousness, and it is an exceedingly infectious disease. I have learned to carefully choose my battles; the true warrior knows that the true victor finds happiness within one’s self.
