Seeking Sunshine

Our week off in February is called 'ski break' and while many of my students did go skiing, I went for sun! There was a charter flight from Riga to Egypt. I joined several other co-workers and headed south! Apparently, Egypt is the Florida of this region and I think heard equal amounts of English, Arabic, and Russian over the last week. Nothing like my past and current worlds combining!

The town of Dahab is quite small. It's on the Sinai peninsula, tucked along the gulf off the Red Sea across from Saudi Arabia. The area was beautiful. Not 40-years-of-aimless-wandering beautiful but certainly enough to keep me in awe for a week.

The main reason for the location was for the scuba diving opportunities. The dive center was located right at the hotel. On Monday we packed wet suits, flippers, masks, and lots of tanks into a truck and headed down the coast a bit. I love swimming, but idea of being meters deep underwater with all my oxygen attached to my back Freaks me out. I decided I would be content to give snorkeling a try and leave it at that... Easier said than done. The water was rough and the giant waves didn't help much. I think I did more thrashing about than swimming on Monday. Poor Bekah had the pleasure of trying to teach me to snorkel. She eventually just kind of swam away leaving me to figure it out. Pretty similar to how I learned to swim now that I think about it. Eventually, I was able to keep my face in the water and saw a few fish and coral and what not. Once I knew I could do it, I just wanted to be done. hah!

Tuesday we left little Dahab and went to Cairo for the day. We left at 6am and returned to the hotel around 2:45am (I think. Checking the time wasn't exactly priority at that point). The flight up to Cairo was really cool because it was a clear day. That is a lot of rocky desert. And Cairo is HUGE. I felt like we just kept flying over the city and then landed in, what had to be, the farthest possible spot on the airport grounds. The hotel owner graciously planned the whole day for us. There was a driver waiting and wonderfully sweet guide who met us at the museum and toured us around for the day. We started at the Egyptian Museum which one could possibly mistake for Fort Knox based on the amount of the military posted outside. Although, after learning a bit more about Egypt's recent history and revolution, it makes sense. Inside the museum we were able to see several impressive statutes and archaeological finds. We also saw King Tut's glorious stash and famous mask. There were also lots of mummies- including a horse and crocodile- and sarcophagi of all sizes. After the museum we stopped for lunch by the Nile, thankfully this did not include and crocs. And then onto the pyramids!

I had heard from several others that the pyramids are not as grand as you might envision. I thought they were impressive! What really surprised me was that the city has pretty much grown to them. From one angle the desert is behind. From the other, is the massive metropolis of Cairo- ancient wonder meet massive urban center...what a crazy juxtaposition! We climbed up the side and crawled down into one of the queen's tombs. Some of my fellow travelers tried riding a camel... been there, done that. ;) The Sphinx was the last stop at the bottom of the hill. We got there just in time to snap a few pictures and get shooed away by a guard. The guide offered to show us a lovely restaurant for dinner, but we all opted for street-side shawarma instead. I love shawarma. Then it was 2 hours back to the airport maybe 40 miles away. 2 hours. I can't do city driving.

We arrived back in Sharm just after 11. Unfortunately, the last 'convoy' for Dahab left at 11pm. So we spent another 2 hours sitting in a van waiting until the 1am convoy. They grouped all us tourists together for our drive through the desert and an 'armed' truck followed along. See mom, I was totally safe ;)

On Wednesday we camped out at a cafe on the beach front. I was happy to enjoy the sun and warmth, but Bekah suggested snorkeling again. The water was a bit more calm so we gave it a try. The views were much better at this location and I actually wanted to keep my face in the water! I was looking down mostly at the fish right beneath me. I glanced up quickly only to notice a jellyfish directly in my path! I quickly pushed back and swam around. A bit later the same thing happened only it was too late to back up! Luckily, it was just a plastic cup this time and not a jelly fish. Sadly, the cup wasn't the only piece of trash in the water.

The Blue Hole

Thursday was the Blue Hole. The most loved diving spot in Dahab. The reef is extremely close to the 'beach' (if you want to call it that). The reef was awesome! So many fish and corals and there was no bottom to be seen. The Blue Hole is 460 feet deep. The dive instructors were telling us that all kinds of things have been seen in there... even sharks! Just down from the Blue Hole is another entry point called the Bells. It's another deep access point. The divers entered, dropped, and swam through an arch into the open ocean. We were 26meters above them doing a similar thing. Looking out into the empty, open blue ocean is a very odd feeling. The divers were talking about how great it is... again, I don't think I would like it. I kept an eye on the reef at all times! From the Bells we followed the current and the beautiful reef back to the Blue Hole.

Friday and Saturday were also spent at the beach front cafe soaking in the sun, sipping on fresh strawberry juice, and ignoring the approaching end to vacation. We also did plenty of shopping in the local places where all prices are negotiable and shopkeepers expect a little battle. Of course we got everything for 'special price' because we were 'lucky customers.' ;) I even heard "how many camels?" again... I have to say though, the shopkeepers in Dahab did less harassing than those in Morocco, which I certainly appreciated. We also went into the mountains one night for dinner. It reminded me of the night in the desert, but I love a good bonfire and clear sky full of stars!

Sunday was back to the airport and Latvia. Egypt was wonderful and I enjoyed blue skies and sunsunsun. But I was also happy to return to Latvia. I guess that's a good thing, too!

A perfect handful

In my first class I only had 7 girls, the other 12 were the silliest, most sensitive, sarcastic boys. I quickly learned that in order for any of my students to learn, I had to have all the boys engaged. The girls were laid back enough that they followed along with anything.

My second year, I had more girls than boys. They were full of drama, cried when the wind blew, and prided themselves on acting ditsy. I so badly missed that first group.

This year, I have more girls again. 12 girls. 5 boys. Five. They bring a new meaning to the term handful, but I adore them all. The girls are great too, but they often require more attention than my curious and independent little gentlemen. But this week I decided to spoil them.

They, the boys, are Loving this unit on energy! I usually break them up when we do group work, intentionally, of course. But this week I am allowing them to be a reading group all their own. The book is advanced but most of the boys are my higher readers anyway, and as per usual, they will drag the more-unfocused one along with them. The book is called 'Alternative Fuel Cars' and I almost forgot I had 12 other students today as we discussed the vocabulary and read through the introduction.

They began predicting what life will be like in 50 years, or in 100 years, because "scientific advancement will make us live to be, like, 1,000!" They took turns reading. They challenged each other to define words without looking. They started talking about what kind of alternative fuel they would use... one said air, another said his iphone, and one said foot power, to which another responded, "Dude. That's called a bike." THEY did this. I watched, and laughed with them, and every so often redirected their attention. But beyond that, there was little I had to do.

I sometimes (maybe too often) get frustrated with the boys. Usually the same 3 because they lack a mute button and are always making sounds. Always. They don't even realize there is sound coming out of them. But the truth is, I love hearing from my boys! They are a little group of brothers that fight, and compete, and encourage, and look out for each other. They rarely, if ever, complain about each other. They are a team. Today, I was supposed to be their coach, but they barely needed one.

Sure, I had to say, "please sit down" at least 100 times. And I had to remind one to keep his hands to himself, also at least 100 times. And one was covered from toe to hip in mud. But it was one of the best reading groups we've had thus far.

They may be a handful. But I am glad to call them mine.

Oh no, Dinamo!

On Saturday night I went to a hockey game! Hockey is a pretty big sport here and Riga's team, Dinamo, is part of the KHL. It was their last game of the season... after attending, I see why they aren't headed to the finals. (hehehe)

The arena is actually really close to my apartment, maybe a 20 minute walk. But since it was snow-raining, my neighbors and I taxied. haha! There were seven of us total at the game and the tickets were pretty cheap. We were in the 10th row right behind a goal.

Several of the others had gone to the game Thursday night or last weekend, and they didn't have super things to say about the team.

Dinamo scored in the first period. Then the goalie let three in within the first half of the second period. Three. All right between the legs.

Dinamo did manage to score again in the third period and then in an attempt to even it up, they pulled the goalie for the last few minutes. This seems to be something they do often. And it seems to backfire on them frequently. Like it did Saturday night, when the other team got a breakaway and easy tucked it into an empty net.

2-4. Good try, Dinamo!

It may not have been the most intense game of hockey I've seen, but it was a fun night! Maybe next season....

Betsy Betta

My students are nosy. I suppose most people are because it's just our nature. But I have a few very nosy students. They must have been snooping around in my teaching plans and somehow discovered a way to beat me at my own game.

And that is the short, vague description of how we got a class pet. 

They had several discussions of what pet to get.... fish, tadpole, snake, cat, dog. One little boy is allergic to pet dander so cats and dogs were out. (Although, I don't know when they were ever in) 

Our most recent writing unit is persuasive writing. So as a perfect tie-in I had the students write me a letter about what our perfect class pet would be. Most voted for a fish or tadpole. One voted for a gorilla. One for a baby pig. Another voted for a dragon... I told them it didn't have to be a real suggestion. 

My favorite entry featured a straight line labeled "snake" and read: 

A. It doesn't have fur 

B. It's NOT a cobra 

C. No one is afraid. 

I'm not sure all his points were correct... that line looked awful cobra like. 

My assistant and I also discussed what animal we would be able to tolerate. We both vetoed snakes right away. And hamsters/rats/guinea pigs. Neither one of us is paid enough to chase one of thise around the school. A parrot was also tossed out and then we both laughed and laughed at the idea of adding another chatterbox to our classroom. Another coworker was also trying to push her seemingly immortal newts on us. 

We both took the weekend to do some research and think things over. While a turtle would be fun, it would also be quite costly. And while a turtle in Morocco was easy to maintain, the same is not necessarily true in a cold, dark climate. 

Betsy Betta

So it was announced, Class 3F would be getting......(drum roll)..... a fish. 

They were excited. Thankfully. I was trying to push the new addition until forever  after the February break, but I was asked almost Daily when the fish would come. So on Thursday I stopped at the mall and went to Dino Zoo (fantastic name for a pet shop, btw)

They had Betta fish kits featuring everything but the water and the fish. Perfect! I grabbed the larger one (which is still small) and asked the girl for a fish. There were several red fish, blue fish (one fish, two fish) but I chose one that was more of a white-slightly pinkish color. She also gave me an extra bag of water for the fish. 

After a very fast, swervy, heavy on the brake taxi ride to the apartment, I put 'fish' in a jar so the next morning I could seal the lid and get to work without worrying about a flood and flopper. 

I assembled the little fish home at school and left it sitting empty on the counter. My students were so excited until they realized it was empty. I figured 'fish' had been through enough at this point, it didn't need little hands and eyes attacking it just yet. 

After the big reveal, many "awwwwwws!!!" and several "look, it's a fish!" I gave the students yet another assignment. Two actually. The first was write another speech convincing their classmates of a name for 'fish.' The second was to do some research and learn how to take care of it. As they promised they would (and Kristine and I know they likely won't). 

They wanted Betsy next to the ocean,
in case she misses home

Many of them suggested "betta" for the name, so we decided that could be the surname. One student suggested naming the fish Mikyla-- because "then Miss Mikyla and the fish could be twins." 

The front runner names were Hi!, Betsy, Pencil, and Charlie. If based on the best speech, 'Charlie' should have been the name. But the class vote went to 'Betsy' because "the fish is a lightish color and would be good as a girl" So, Betsy Betta joined our class on February 6. 

They did a good job researching information and started writing it all on the board. They are hoping to train Betsy to do a few tricks... we'll see how that goes.

one-twelfth

How is it already February!? Maybe this is just the first time I've looked at the date in a month but whoa! February already.

Here's a look back at why January kept me so busy...

School starting again on the 12th was awesome. I am used to going back shortly after the New Year, so to have almost two full weeks was really nice. I guess half of the month was gone already.

Just before starting school up again my neighbors/co-workers had a game night. We played Settlers of Catan, a game I played a few times while at Somerset, but it's also one of those games where the people who play it are often a bit cut-throat and serious about it. Thankfully, there were too many of us so I was teamed up Rorey. I made suggestions every so often, but really Rorey called the shots. We actually won!

The first week back at school was the last week of a unit. So in a few days time we had to review all the things we had done and learned and create a final project. The project we had planned to do before the break fell through, so the final projects were a bit silly. But the kids enjoyed it and most did a great job.

That Friday, I joined the people I carpool with for a few games of pool. My father trained me well, so I thought. My skills were nothing compared to theirs! We played two games of boys vs. girls where the boys cleared the table before we even got a shot. Yet the girls won both games because the same guy scratched on the 8-ball. Twice. It was fantastic. And it was really nice to play pool again!

Saturday night was Poker night. I don't know poker so I watched and picked up a few tips and pointers. Next game I will lose 10 euros and give it a try.

And, as per usual, Sunday is spent planning for the week ahead. We started a new unit that I was quite excited about and am trying to make really hands-on for the students. It's going well, but requires a lot of prep and planning. And then there's math, reading, writing, phonics, cursive, homework, field trips, and so many more little things that have to be fit in as well.

The art teacher planned a field trip for the 3rd grade classes to a local art exhibition. The guide only spoke Latvian and even though the art teacher and my assistant could have translated, one of my students volunteered to do it instead and even passed a few glances at the other two when they tried to help. This student once told me she hates field trips, but she looked pretty happy at this one. And she did a fantastic job translating from Latvian to English!! So impressive.

Speaking of Latvian, I've been taking classes. It's a slow process, but this last Tuesday it was just me in class. Ruta asked me several questions in Latvian that I was able to translate and answer! She probably felt like she was speaking to a three year old, but I answered. :) The more language class I take, the more empathy I have for my students with low English. I am really working on how fast I sometimes talk, but I know sometimes their little brains just can't keep up.

Last Sunday I took a break from planning and went to an art class. Yes, an art class. I am Far from an artist. As much as I would love to have the skills to draw a beautiful flower, it requires ALL my brainpower, not just the right side. It was surprisingly enjoyable though and I think I will go back. It's good to stretch outside of one's comfort zone.

This past week I went out on Monday night to the Fat Pumpkin. An adorable little gluten-free, vegan-friendly cafe in old town. We were celebrating a friend's new job in Peru. Sad to see her go this summer, but also excited for the opportunities ahead. On Wednesday, I went to sushi with a few more co-workers. And on Thursday, the carpool people gathered again for a movie night. Usually we watch a documentary, but this time we opted for American Sniper.

bandit, champion, calculator, eye, hazard
direction, centimeter, metamorphosis
calculator, ballerina, filthy

Friday was the Vocabulary Parade. All the elementary school students selected a juicy word and created a costume. Then we paraded through the high school classes and the middle school students cast votes for best costumes and words.

Kristine: headphones ::: Mikyla: ornate

I spent all week trying to figure out a word. On Thursday I realized all the Christmas decorations were still in my classroom closet... I covered myself in tinsel and a goofy headband and was ornate. Of course, my students thought ornament which goes on a Christmas Tree and kept telling me I needed to be green. Also, red tinsel can and will stain your skin a lovely orange hue. Lesson Learned. All the costumes were cute and fun and the event went well.
Sadly, there is a nasty sick bug making it's way through the school and I had SIX kids out on Friday. I was bummed that they missed such a fun event and am hoping to see them tomorrow. I haven't had all my students since before the break!

And now it's February already. I am afraid to blink...

SnOw COLD

Okay, so I can't really complain because I left Michigan about the time those single digits rolled in. And while it was cold here in Latvia, it wasn't that cold.
But it was snowing!!
It only snowed once or twice before I came home for the break. Even then, it was just a little bit of snow. But now there's plenty.

I ventured out to the grocery store and quickly realized a difference between my life here and life back in the states.

Running to the store there meant dashing to the car, maybe having to use the windshield scraper-- although usually I just crank the defroster and turn the wipers on high. hehe!! ... maybe that's why the Tahoe's wipers don't work right... hmm.

But I don't have a car in Latvia. I have two legs! I enjoy walking and there is a nice park between my apartment and the store so it's more lovely than anything. But, I was still in my American frame of mind. I left the apartment with no gloves, no hat, a thin scarf that's really more decoration than anything, and boots that zip up and lack traction on the bottom.

Whoops!

I realized rather soon into the journey it was cold and started walking faster. But then my feet started to slip. I was trapped! Either go slow, freeze, and don't fall. Or walk faster and risk landing bottom first (hopefully) in a puddle. Seeing as I am naturally clumsy I chose to take it slow.

The path didn't really get much better. All the snow and ice falls off the roofs and builds up on the sidewalks. But the streets are just as slushy. And then the wind whips through as though trying to push me over. I couldn't see the bottom of the water built up at the street crossings, and those boots with the zipper... yeah. I might have to hide those in the closet (once they dry out) so I don't forget and wear them again.

I was so thrilled as I walked into the store, silently praising myself for making it there without falling on my ass. Then realized, I had to repeat the walk again but with a bag full of groceries. hmmm...

Good news, I made it. And so did the groceries! 

High Class

Traveling can be great, and it can be awful, but the most important thing I've learned is to roll with it.

I got to the airport and followed the kiosk to get my boarding passes. When I went to check my bag, the guy told me I had a middle seat and asked if I wanted an aisle. Okay. I asked him about my second flight, since he was looking, and he said he could put me anywhere on that one. He moved me up to the fourth row, window seat. I thanked him multiple times and then ventured off to say bye to mom and dad.

I passed thorough security and grabbed some lunch then went to my gate to find a plug for my phone- my favorite game at the airport.

About 45 minutes before the flight the same airport employee came to the gate counter. People started packing things up and standing in line. Always a wonder to me because you have an assigned seat so why hurry. Unless you're one of those people bringing way too much crap on board with you and you know you need to use way more overhead storage than you should be. Don't be that person.

I watched everyone line up but didn't feel the need to move. Until I was paged to the gate counter. Then I moved, rather quickly. The same guy was there and I approached showing him my passport. He grabbed a new boarding pass, came around the counter, and whispered, "I upgraded you to business class. Enjoy your flight."

To say I was confused would be an understatement. I thanked him again, and walked away trying to hide a huge smile and figure what the hell just happened! I looked at the boarding pass comparing it the one for my second flight to verify it's authenticity. Eventually, I boarded the plane, half expecting to be told at that time it was all a joke. 

As I settled into the huge, comfy, extra-back support seat I couldn't really hide the smile anymore. My cheeks were burning. I stretched my legs straight out and couldn't touch the seat in front of me. I was actually trying to hit the seat and couldn't. 

The couple to my right were clearly experienced classy flyers.. they had their shoes off, magazines stacked, and a glass of wine each. Before boarding even ended. The couple to my left seemed to also be new to the business class section-- they kept looking at me and I kept looking at them trying to figure out what to do, how to act, and why a "glasses case" was part of the fancy seat. If you have glasses, shouldn't you also have a case? 

Despite it being a later flight and the fact my seat went nearly flat, I didn't actually sleep much on the plane. The excitement was too much! (I was also convinced until the end of about half-way through the flight someone was going to come tell me to move) I did watch a few movies and enjoyed a glass of champagne. (Actually, it was really gross champagne.) The food was served in various courses on real plates with real silverware. It was the fanciest plane food I've ever seen. The taste wasn't much better-- I guess it was only business class ;) 

When the pilot came on to announce preparations for landing, I was almost bummed. But I was also very thankful. I've really started to resent that long flight, but this one was definitely nothing to complain about. It might make the next long flight really difficult, but I'm sure I will manage. 

I don't know why I was upgraded. Mom says I flirted. My coworkers say its my dimple and little giggle. I think it was because I treated the airline guy with some kindness. I don't know. But I really wish I did, because I would do it Every Time. Every Time. 

And, if it doesn't happen next time, I can roll with that too. 

worth it

I feel like I am working harder this year than I have in the last two years of teaching combined!! It's exhausting. It's frustrating. Sometimes, it feels defeating. But other times, often the smallest moment, it's the most rewarding experience I could ask for. And at the end of the day, even the worst ones, I love my job and am often reminded that it's worth it. Here are some of those small moments...

I was helping a student with an assignment at her desk. But, like most teachers, I was also watching and listening to the others about in the classroom. Two girls were looking through last years yearbook in the classroom library. One is new this year and the other was introducing her to all the people in the yearbook and pointing out all the photos that featured her. When they got to the 2nd grade class photos, this was their quick conversation:
Returner: "That's my old teacher. She was kinda mean."
Newbie: "Yeah, that's why I like Miss Mikyla, she's nice."
Returner: "Yeah! Way nicer"

One mom brought chocolates to the conference for my assistant and I. She insisted they weren't from her but instead from her son. She went on to explain that he loves coming to school this year. Even when he was ill he wanted to come to school. She went on further to say how difficult last year was for her son because the classroom expectations were difficult for him to comply with. Where was her son during this you may ask... he was break dancing in the class library. Which he then continued to do throughout his entire presentation. Not just dance moves, but also different voices. The whole presentation. His NeverEnding wiggles sometimes make me laugh, but they usually drive me nuts. But it's also who he is!

At the end of each month the elementary school has an assembly. Teachers select a few students to be recognized for showing a specific character trait throughout the month. Those students are given a rubber bracelet with the character trait printed on it. It's quite the honor! 
At the end of the day the little boy who received the 'creativity' band came up to me while the others were packing up and said, "Miss Mikyla, I want to give you this awesome paper glider because I am creative and you can play with  it if you want." 
I accepted the awesome paper glider- which looked more like an upside shark- and immediately started flying it around the room. I have another student who likes to be too cool for everything. I pretended to nearly crash land into his head to which he responded, "Oh my.... I can't believe an adult teacher is playing with a paper airplane." Before I could tease him (lovingly, of course!) the awesome paper glider creator came over to inform me I had to share the awesome paper glider with Kristine, my assistant. I told him we would see about that. :) 
He ended up being the last one at pick-up time. He looked around noticing that all the other students had left and we shared this fantastic conversation:
CreativeBoy: "I have to walk home now don't I?" 
Me: "Yep, have a good night. Or, you could use the paper glider to get home..."
CreativeBoy: "well... I am practically a bird so that could work."
Me: "What!" 

And these are just a few of the little moments.

blink blink

Oh Man! How does the time go by so quickly!!!! Alright, another fast update....

International Dinner: Very fancy. Quite fun. I love when the students can dress in cultural costume. It's so fun to see the different patterns and colors!! Most of the classes sang, but the third grade did a skit. They performed Baba Yiga, a Russian folktale. Some were narrators, others were silent actors. Then halfway through the whole cast changed as there are two Grade 3 classes.
After the performances it was time to eat! Parents bring in food representative of their culture and guest can travel around from booth to booth sampling! I had SouthKorean sushi, Indian curry, Canadian venison and maple syrup, Swiss chocolate and cheese, Russian pancakes, and falafel from Israel. It was a delicious evening!!

Report cards were due the following Monday so the day after the International Dinner, I didn't leave the house. I wrote. And wrote. Four paragraphs per kid.

We started a new unit all about healthy lifestyle and balanced choices. (I am really mastering that work/life balance.) We took the kids to the local grocery store for a scavenger hunt where they had to find things from each food group. It was the first official field trip, although some of the students said it didn't count because we walked there. The poor little market was infiltrated by little bodies, not once, but twice because the other third grade class followed shortly after mine.

Parent Teacher Conferences. Actually, the student did most of it. I was not told that the digital portfolio students had been working on would be presented at these conferences. So, despite the many lessons and things we could (should) have been doing the day of conferences we instead took almost the whole day to polish and publish the sites. The end results were cool though and the students did a great job presenting. Plus, most of them took the whole 20 minutes and saved me from having to talk a bunch! ha!

Conferences were Thursday after school and Friday morning. Once they finished we were free for a four day weekend!! I went with three others from the school to Istanbul for the weekend! It was really the first I have left Latvia since moving here back in July. (Finland doesn't count because I wasn't even in Latvia for 24 hours). I was Istanbul last November too and it was fun to go back. We stayed near the Galata Tower and had the Best possible view. We had a great few days of relaxing, wandering about, shopping, and eating. Oh the food! It was good!

As wonderful as the trip was I have to admit I was eager and excited to return to Riga. No real reason other than I love this place. It is indeed my home!

We returned from Istanbul for a three day week. Thursday was our first 'real' field trip. My class went to the Lāči Bakery. The students watched a quick film, made a giant pretzel, stamped out a few cookies, and got to hold some huge loaves of bread! We also got to wear some awesome outfits!! It was a blast and the students did really well. I am excited for our next field trip.

Friday I went shopping to find a dress to wear Saturday night and bumped into some from the school on my way. After successfully finding something I met up with them at new restaurant for a few drinks. And a wine-tasting of sorts.

Saturday night I attended the Marine Ball with a few others from the school. We spent the afternoon doing hair and nails and then enjoyed a fancy evening. The honored guest speaker was actually a student's parent and I saw several other parents there too. It was another fun night of dancing and laughs.

After an easy week and a fun weekend, I was of course greeted by an overwhelming Monday. I am discovering that things come in waves here. I survived one wave but forgot another was close to follow. Really close.

Dear Grandma Ree,

I love that you take the time to hand-write letters to me. And this week I was blessed to receive not one but three of them!! It made my day! And I do hope to return the gesture, but today a blog post will have to do ;)

Today is the International Dinner at the school. It's a chance to celebrate all the different nationalities represented in the student body. All the kids sing or perform. And then there is a large selection of foods from around the world (or at least the former-soviet block) to try. The teachers were all asked to bring in a dessert.

This is where not having an oven made for an interesting challenge. Can't really bake cookies in a microwave. Or maybe you can. But I can't imagine that being anywhere as delicious. I did recently attempt to make an apple crisp in the microwave/wantstobeanovenmachine. It was pretty good, but not enough to take to the dinner. Then I remembered that delicious peanut butter cheesecake you made! No baking required!

I found a recipe and headed to the store. That's where the real fun begins! Obviously, things here have different labels. So I shop largely by looking at pictures because all the words are in Latvian, Lithuanian, Swedish, Russian, another language, or a glorious combination of all. Except for English.
Finding 'graham crackers' was easy enough. Sadly, the 'decent' peanut butter was sold out. So I had to settle for the other brand. It's more like peanut flavored sugar-spread. yum. Chocolate chips... hah! I have to buy the bars and then do some demo. But that's kind of fun.

The powdered sugar though, that one proved to be a challenge. I walked around the baking corner several times. I know the words for flour and sugar. But powdered or confectioners sugar is different. I poked and shook several bags. I may have even sniffed at a few. Finally, I took a picture of something I was mostly sure was not powdered sugar and sent the picture to a friend here. It was starch. haha! They sent the words for powdered sugar and I walked around the area again until matching the label.

Everything becomes an adventure when living overseas!

I got home ready to start only to realize I have no measuring cups. :( Guess that tells you how much cooking and baking I have (not) done over the last few months. It was a lot of guessing and creative measuring but I managed to make it!! I even had some left over for an extra little one.

Obviously, they are not as good as yours, grandma! Nothing ever is!! But, I have to say they aren't terrible. ;)

Thanks for the letters, recipe ideas, and continued love and prayers!

Love you. Miss you.
ky

Smelly

Working at a private International school means most, if not all, of the parents are quite wealthy. And on breaks they travel to fancy places and stay in swanky resorts and shop at stupidly overpriced stores. But sometimes, they also bring gifts from those places.... I once had a mom give me some Victoria Secret perfumes. Awesome!

On Monday, a student came in with gifts for both my assistant and I. Perfume from some store in Turkey. I left school on Monday in the middle of a downpour. Thankfully, this time I had my rain jacket ;) On the bus home I was next to an elderly lady and silently accused her of wearing far too much perfume-- a nasty old, musty stench. I also had a headache, which was not being helped by the smell.

I finally got home and out of the rain. I removed my soaked clothes and laid out all my papers and what not that were also soaked. That is becoming a normal routine. I noticed the perfume box was also soaked. I opened it up and took a sniff. It smelled like an old box of clothes that have trapped in a cold and dark space gathering dust and mold for far too long. I laid it on the table with the other wet goods and decided to get rid of it later. 

Later came Tuesday when I walked in the apartment door from school to be greeted by an overpowering blast of that stench. That thick, slightly musty, headache-inducing smell had taken over the apartment!  The perfume box was not wet with rainwater. It had leaked. And the smell soaked box was acting as a strong air 'freshener.' I quickly turned around and took that bottle and box to the dumpster. Then lit seven candles and opened the windows despite the cold air.

A few days later, think my apartment is finally okay. And warm again!