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Friday, January 18th

Friday, January 18th

Today we leave the island!  We got out at 9:30 and had a chance to explore the little village.  Most of the shops were closed but we did get to hit a few little nik nak shops.  On the way home I got to read 75% of a book called "Twenty Boy Summer" by Sarah Ockler.  I wanted a young teen/adult novel that had a love vibe.  No, I am not interested in books like Twilight  but I do enjoy a good love story.  Thus why my favorite movie of all time is....The Princess Bride!

A few weeks before I left for Ocracoke Island, I came across a show called "Show the States got their shapes."  On one of the episodes it discussed the dialect of Ocracoke island.  I was so excited to discover this work chart for local slang.  =)

Came across some of these babies in one of the local shops.  You could have a bit of history for $200!  I did pick up some awesome t-shirts (size medium for the FIRST TIME EVER!) and a necklace.

I LOVED my stay at Ocracoke and it really taught me about the island lifestyle.  Not being in the rush to get anywhere and enjoying the moment.  This trip has really taught me a lot about my lesson planning for school. I feel more organized and ready to take on the new semester!

Thursday, January 17th

Thursday, January 17th

The share fair went great!  I was so nervous and I felt like I fumbled through a lot of my presentation.  When I was in high school I was such a shy person.  If you would have told me 10 years ago that I'd be infront of groups of 30+ giving presentations, I'd drop dead on the spot!  But no.  I'm not the greatest public speaker but I'm learning.  And being able to record my lectures and present it to students really helps me work on my skills.  

After the share fair we went on a very COLD and WINDY adventure on the beach.  We went 4x4 to another point on the island.  The weather had drastically changed and I was freezing to death!  I don't remember ever being that cold in my life.

Wednesday, January 16th

Wednesday, January 16th

What another beautiful day!  I cannot believe that it's almost 70 degrees here on the island.  A perfect day to explore my new surrounds and adoptive home.

And that I did!

I started my adventure by visiting the Ocracoke Light House.  This 215 year old light house is not open to the public.  The very top of it consists of a one man hatch for the light house keeper to come in and out of it.

After a trip to the light house, we went to Springer's Point.  The home of Blackbeard and where he was beheaded.  Also the home to some very amazing scenes along the island.  I'm so glad places like this are protected!

After the trip to Springer's Point, we visited the Pony Pen that houses the wild houses of the island.  Then we took a beach walk.  

We ended the day planning for our share fair tomorrow AND I had the best cup of ripe strawberries!

Tuesday, January 15th

Tuesday, January 15th

This morning I went for a job around Ocracoke Island.  It was about 6 am and the weather was perfect!  I will never forget jogging down highway 12 and passing so many coves full of ships.  So many locals passing me on golf carts and wishing me a good morning.

The weather was almost perfect this morning and it continued throughout the day!

After our afternoon activities we got a chance to visit the #1 Beach in the United States.  Growing up on the Outer Banks I was so surprised how different it was compared to where I'm from.  Beaches that were so clean and covered in cannon ball jelly fish.

I actually got to touch one with my finger!  It was mighty .... jelly feeling.

 Ocracoke is infamous for it's pirates!  It was the famous spot for Blackbeard due to it's difficulty navigating around the island.  Blackbeard resided on Springer's Point and was beheaded there.  His head was taken to Bath, NC while his body is unknown.  Many believe that his ghost still wonders there....

 This is one of the first facial photos of me from my -80 pound lost.  =)

 Voted the number one beach in the United States.  So beautiful!

Monday - January 14th

Today is the day for the big trip!  I'm finally going to my North Carolina teacher seminar in Ocracoke, NC!  I'm so excited, I have lived on the Outer Banks my entire life and have never been out to Ocracoke.  I've especially never been on a ferry for 2 hours 15 minutes!

I don't know what to expect from this trip.  I know whatever it is that I will make the most of it.  It seems that the seminar is about keeping teacher in the profession.

I've been on a ferry a few times in my hometown.  However, I've never been on quite like this.  Some how the open sound and sky made me feel so small.  I did a lot of good reading on that boat!  I haven't been able to read in a long time.  Current Book:  20 Boy Summer

The ride over was beautiful and the weather was perfect for an island adventure!  I can't believe I got to go on such a great trip, especially one that improves my teaching skills.

I stayed in the old NC Coast Guard base.  Full of history and a very beautiful facility.  After dinner of an amazing stuffed beef with broccoli, we met up in the conference room and discussed our plans for the week. We met up in the crow's nest of the building to view the sunset before bed.