Tae Kwon Do

Six schools in the district have been given the opportunity to have a Korean Tae Kwon Do expert at their site for the next 5 years. I am hoping that the 9 remaining schools will also be getting this opportunity. During this time students and adults can receive Tae Kwon Do lessons. Students will receive a Tae Kwon Do uniform if they attend 6 consecutive lessons. The 6 teachers can attend classes with students so to improve their English speaking skills.

Tonight was the first Tae Kwon Do class for adults. It lasted one short hour and introduced the basics, such as proper stance and walk. Surprisingly, and thankfully, it was tiring! During the hour I managed to laugh, sweat, and challenge myself.

Fortunately Koyuk was one of the schools chosen, but unfortunately Shaktoolik was not. So, I can at least participate in this activity every 2 out of 3 weeks. I look forward to improving my posture, balance, and concentration while learning this fun and popular martial art.

A Bootskate Experience

Yesterday I had great plans of getting organized and possibly going to school to plan lessons. However, as soon as Ming asked if I wanted to go skating on the ocean I knew I could not pass up the opportunity to get out in the warm (0 degree) weather and get some exercise. So we geared up and headed for the beach.

When we got there we were joined by some elementary students and later by some middle school students. Although Ming was the only one with actual skates, the rest of us showed off what we could do with our boots/shoes. Believe it or not, it was quite a workout!

The 1.5 hours we spent on the ice involved slipping, sliding, climbing on enormous blocks of ice, jumping on the rubbery overflow, and watching a breathtaking sunset. It was times like that where I thought "I LOVE Alaska. I could live here forever!" I don't know what the future will bring but I am so thankful for the opportunity I have right now to enjoy nature's little wonders :-)