Double Ack!

/ Tracy Abell

During last night’s vice-presidential debate, Gov Palin gave a folksy (gag) shout-out to her brother who teaches at Gladys Wood Elementary.

Gladys Wood Elementary?


I just checked my file and yes, indeed, when living in Anchorage I subbed there. Not only that, the school’s principal called me at home and asked me not to come back the next day after the out-of-control kids complained to their parents about me saying I’d rather take my dog to an assembly than them.

Palin keeps reminding me of so many fond memories of Alaska: yearly oil bribe (Permanent Fund Dividend check), machine gunning wolves from airplanes, whack-job politicians, driving around in the icy dark trying to locate the school for that day’s sub assignment, “hunters” demanding they be allowed to shoot moose from the side of the highways, whack-job politicians, gun racks in every truck . . .

36 thoughts on “Double Ack!”

    • You know, it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet but the politics and libertarian attitudes wear thin very quickly. I was very naive when I moved there and thought there’d be a strong environmental ethic. There are certainly many greenies but also lots and lots of brownies with their hands out for the oil money.

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  3. Really? You lived in Anchorage?
    Before we moved to Chicago, we were considering moving to Anchorage… even visited w/o kids and went around with a real estate agent. We turned it down. (Job salary was a lot less than they had promised and well, we went in March… need I say more??)
    Speaking of moving, DH says that if a certain someone is elected President, we are moving out of the country. I don’t think that is going to happen, BUT the kids are pushing for Australia and I’m for France!!!

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    • March in Anchorage isn’t much fun since the whole city smells like melting dog-doo. Truly. But March is great because of the gains in daylight! I felt almost manic then.
      I’m with your DH on moving but I also said that in 2004 and here I am. I’m hoping with every fiber in my body we don’t have to make those decisions. Just in case, may I visit you in Australia or France? (I’m leaning toward Spain).

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  4. Really? You lived in Anchorage?
    Before we moved to Chicago, we were considering moving to Anchorage… even visited w/o kids and went around with a real estate agent. We turned it down. (Job salary was a lot less than they had promised and well, we went in March… need I say more??)

    Speaking of moving, DH says that if a certain someone is elected President, we are moving out of the country. I don’t think that is going to happen, BUT the kids are pushing for Australia and I’m for France!!!

    Like

  7. March in Anchorage isn’t much fun since the whole city smells like melting dog-doo. Truly. But March is great because of the gains in daylight! I felt almost manic then.

    I’m with your DH on moving but I also said that in 2004 and here I am. I’m hoping with every fiber in my body we don’t have to make those decisions. Just in case, may I visit you in Australia or France? (I’m leaning toward Spain).

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  9. What a wonderful blessing. Thanks — and same to you!

    Yea, though we walked through the valley of the shadow of death last night, I do not believe for a minute that she and her running mate are headed for the White House.

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  12. Where was the spew alert Tracy?! There was a big article in our local paper last night about the shortage of substitute teachers… For a brief moment I thought of applying. Hmmm. I think not.

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  13. My best friend lives in alaska (moved there w/her family).
    She sent me a picture of one of the rooms in a furnished
    house she is renting – it actually has a deer head mounted
    on the wall. I was thinking, do people really do that?
    Then Sarah Palin showed up in the media and I realized yes, they do! Lol.
    Personally, I’m waiting for the SNL skit tonight…

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    • I just watched the skit and Gladys Wood Elementary was mentioned again. Aargh!
      But, it was worth it because Tina Fey made me laugh and I can’t get enough of that these days.

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  14. My best friend lives in alaska (moved there w/her family).
    She sent me a picture of one of the rooms in a furnished
    house she is renting – it actually has a deer head mounted
    on the wall. I was thinking, do people really do that?
    Then Sarah Palin showed up in the media and I realized yes, they do! Lol.

    Personally, I’m waiting for the SNL skit tonight…

    Like

  15. I just watched the skit and Gladys Wood Elementary was mentioned again. Aargh!

    But, it was worth it because Tina Fey made me laugh and I can’t get enough of that these days.

    Like

  17. You spewed! I wish I could’ve seen it.

    I don’t recommend the sub pool ’cause it’s much of the bad about teaching with very little of the rewards. In my opinion, of course. And remember, I’m the one who prefers dogs to children. HA.

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