La La Latvia

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Stop 1...

Fours days after getting off a plane, it was time to get back on a different one! Rorey, Bekah, and I were headed to Austria for a few days! We traveled on what is possibly the smallest plane I have ever been on. The stairs folded out the side of the plane and we walked past the little propellers before climbing in. I was a bit nervous about the tiny size, but the flight was great (read: slept the entire time).

Stop one on our three part spring break was Vienna, Austria.

It was sunny and warmer than Riga! We laughed lots, saw lots, walked tons. And of course, enjoyed lots of yummy food!

The bells were ringing in
celebration for Easter!

Mountains! (maybe not, but still more
elevation than Riga offers

We saw Batman vs. Superman, did some shopping, tiptoed through a butterfly house, went to a ballet at the theatre, and enjoyed the beauty the city had to offer. I also did a solo venture to Hundertwasserhaus... a funky fun apartment building/art piece.

Karlskirche (baroque church)

Hundertwasserhaus

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Butterfly house

Dessert!

Hochstrahlbrunnen Fountain

Off to stop 2...

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Saying goodbye...

Before that next Spring Break adventure could begin, a small tragedy struck Room 123.

It had been observed weeks earlier that dear Betsy's coloring was a bit off. She had a lot of black something on her. One or two of the students had pointed it out, and Kristine and I had done some googling, but she didn't seem too affected.

Of course, that changed too. Betsy became less active but more reactive. It seemed every time a student went to a book from the library, little Betsy would puff out her gills. Then she began hiding more. And then she just wasn't really moving. Even when multiple tiny fingers would tap on the tank.

Kristine and I were keeping a close eye on Betsy, and after two days of her not moving from the same spot, we figured it was time to call it. So after school on Thursday, the day before the break, the somewhat/sometimes moderately-cared about class fish left the classroom.

When the kids returned after the break, it took them a while to even notice the tank, and Betsy, were gone. They were sad to hear, but they had also noticed she was acting differently. Naturally their first question was, "Are we getting a new one?!" .... haha. hahahah. no.

They did prepare a funeral for Betsy one day at recess. I wasn't aware it was happening but they did tell me about when they came in. They all said a few kind words. I'm still not sure if they dug a hole and buried something as I got contradicting stories. But at least they found their way to say goodbye.

TWO MONTHS LATER....

While discussing what unit to use when measuring liquids, one question was how about the amount of water in a fish tank.
Ivan: Let's look at Betsy's tank!... wait? Where is Betsy?
Rest of class: (gasps) (giggles)
Others: Dude!! Betsy died! Like two months ago!
Ivan: really? huh? okay.

Apparently, they hadn't all said goodbye.

UK

Latvia is part of the Schengen zone, meaning you can travel from country to country within that zone without having to do passport control every time you hit a border. Which makes traveling from place to place faster and easier. But it also means my year-old passport is still relatively empty. Fun fact: I have yet to get a Latvia stamp despite living here for two years.

Even if my passport hasn't been getting much abuse this spring, my suitcases sure have!

Way back in March it all started with a weekend in Birmingham, England for an IB conference. It had been a fast and heavy few weeks in grade 4 so I was kind of looking forward to an escape. Once I had settled into my hotel room, I was a bit worried I wouldn't want to leave that cozy little home. But I did, and the conference was awesome! There were 15 of us in my section, but probably over a hundred professionals at various points in their education careers. In my group we chatted about inquiry- what it is, how we use, how to make better inquirers of our students. It was nice to be with people who had the same questions, and some great ideas, outside of my school community.

The conference leader was also really mindful of her attendees and graciously did not assign too much homework or reading for us. So I got to walk about the city a bit as well. March in the UK can be miserable, but thankfully it was wonderful instead! There was a massive mall with several familiar brands and the city was full of great food options. So overall, that weekend was well balanced and very fulfilling!

I couldn't get a decent flight out on Sunday, so I had to take Monday off as well. I came back to school ready to really get into teaching again and push my kids forward... except it was the week before and Easter meaning Good Friday and then Spring Break. So, while we did learn and do lots in those three days, I was also focused on getting laundry done and repacking that suitcase for the next adventure...

Sunday, April 3, 2016

#kcanderson2016

Photo credit: Killer Creations
Photography and Design

After a few way-to-fast days with my family, it was time to head down to Detroit for Kelsy's wedding! I will admit, it was really hard to leave my family (mostly those two little babes) but, I am so glad and feel truly honored that I was asked to stand alongside my friend on her big day! Her big, beautiful, super fun, wedding day! Seriously, look at this beautiful bride -->

Photo credit: Killer Creations
Photography and Design

Kelsy had picked me up at the airport earlier that week and as we made the drive back to Grand Ledge, she told me all about the plans and her super organized details. The thing I have always loved about Kelsy is her laid-back style and silly sense of humor. Naturally, these things were reflected in her wedding. No wedding is planned without stress, but a week out from the big day, Kel was calm, collected, and mostly just ready to party.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner. We went to a nearby brewery for drinks and delicious food. Then went back to the hotel where we made over a hundred little favors for wedding guests to leave with. Saturday morning we met in the bridal suite and got the day going! A few hours later it was time for photos. Most anyone who knows about Michigan will know that planning anything in February is risky because of the weather. But even mother nature showed up and provided sunshine and warmish temps... as well as some wind, but that's easy enough to hide in a photo.

It's amazing to me how different it feels to stand as a bridesmaid in different weddings. It is always an honor and a joy and tons of fun. But still, within that there are differences. With Kelsy, it was a huge sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment almost. Dana and I joked that 'our little girl' was getting married. I suppose after more than 10 years of friendship, when you've been with someone through their awkward phases, greatest accomplishments, and devastating times, they truly do become part of your family. I couldn't stop reflecting back over the weekend about my friendship with Kelsy. And with over ten years of friendship, I had a lot to reflect on! It was fun to think back about the early stages of Kelsy & Casey and what her thoughts were then. Dana and I had a sense even back then that he was different. And it was amazing to think back at the development of their relationship, appreciate where it is now, and celebrate the wonderful future ahead of them.

I can't begin to explain how beautiful the ceremony and reception were. Every detail reflected the charm and love Casey and Kelsy share as well as their fun personalities! From the flannel tops and sneakers we all wore to the Upper Peninsula shaped groom's cake, the wedding was adorable and fun from start to finish! I was able to catch up with several high school friends and had a great time dancing and celebrating my best friend's wedding!

The most difficult thing about living overseas is missing out on major events back home. I am so honored Kelsy asked me to be in her wedding. And I am so glad it all worked out that I could come home and stand proudly by my friend as she entered the newest chapter in her life. It is never easy to miss out, even for the little things, and so for something as big as this it was totally worth it! I love my family. I love my friends. No matter where I am in the world.

Friday, April 1, 2016

My little loves!

Two years ago I was blessed to meet my nephew the day he arrived. When I learned this past summer my sister was due with baby #2 in February, I was immediately thinking about the fact I wouldn't meet him or her until months later... certainly not ideal. Then I realized I would be coming home for a friend's wedding in February! So instead of weeks and months, I was only a few days late to welcome the newest little addition....Charlotte Marie

My friend and the bride-to-be picked me up at the airport and we planned to have a mini celebration to kick off the week before her wedding. But I was secretly counting the hours until I could snuggle with that little peanut!

And snuggle I did!!!! As long as she was sleeping. Even though she was only a few weeks old, that little one liked to be moving and checking out the world if she was awake! Luckily for me, she was asleep for most of the day. Unfortunately for my sister and brother-in-law, this meant she was awake nearly all night. I wish I could say I was super helpful and they were able to get some sleep while I cared for her, but I have auntie ears not mom ears-- I snoozed away on the couch and didn't hear a thing.

But I like to think I helped a bit during the day. Giving Amanda a chance to shower, or eat, or sleep a bit. She was even able to leave a do some solo grocery shopping one day. All while the little one snoozed away!

Of course, it wasn't all about Miss Charlotte! That little guy I met two years ago has suddenly become a toddler, and sometimes he seems even older! Dylan is gentle and kind and funny as can be- not that those traits are surprising, just look at his parents and extended family! His passion for trains is still going strong, so mom and I took him to the museum to see the trains. And then to lunch where we got to sit an old train car! Our morning ran a bit long and soon we had a hungry, sleepy toddler on our hands. But you wouldn't even know it! I know his 'terrible twos' shine through at times, but thankfully this wasn't one of them. :P

Before I knew it, Friday had arrived and it was time to head off for the wedding. I was planning to drop the car off, say a quick goodbye and then go. But after spending a few days with my favorite little family, I knew a quick goodbye wasn't going to work. So we headed over there a bit sooner and I was able to get in some last minute snuggles and giggles with the littlest loves of my life!!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Winter adventures

One of the best things about Latvia that Morocco couldn't offer is the winter! True winter, I mean! With snow and all! And similar to Michigan, Latvia can go from hot to cold in no time at all. And since that is true, we (Rorey, Bekah, and I) decided to take advantage while we could and have ourselves a little snow day! On a Sunday of course, because we have jobs and Latvia doesn't stop school for a few several inches.

We all recently invested in some snow pants and were eager to break them in. So we bundled up and headed to Mezaparks! -- a large park on the outskirts of Riga. We've gone before in the fall for some pedal cart riding and another time for a 5k, but this was our first snow fest!

We walked down to the lake, and then out on the lake. I know that growing up in Michigan should mean I have a high comfort level for all things lake related, but walking out on a frozen body of water is not okay with me. Rorey took off with ease... almost. She did totally fall on her butt after slipping. But then she was up and off. I carefully took step after step until finally hitting the 'shore'. When the thin layer (mind you, I might not have even been over the actual water yet) beneath me made a cracking sound, I was nearly ready to sprint up the hill! But I pushed forward (hands out in front ready to catch myself- because that's how it works, right). I should also mention that from where we were we could see at least 10 people out in the middle of the lake fishing away. And several others down a bit who were wind skating on the water. So, clearly it was safe. But you never know.

After ~~hours~~ maybe 10 minutes on the lake, we went back and followed the paths into the center of the park. We were climbing a small hill (granted it's nearly a record holder for fLatvia) and then realized we really didn't know where we were. Seemed like the right time for snow angel making.

Eventually we figured out our directions and found our way to the center of the park. We arrived in time for the snowman competition!! The park had put out bins full of large carrots, pine cones, sticks, and other natural items to use for facial features and decorations. People were quite creative! My favorite was the upside down snowman stuck between the trees. But there were so many different ideas and designs. Little snow people everywhere! Looking at all the different creations was lots of fun and once our noses were frostier than the snow beings we turned ourselves toward the car and heat!

The next weekend we had tickets to see Imagine Dragons. Not necessarily our first choice in band/concert to attend, but we won't be picky! And it was a really nice concert!

As much as I love living overseas, it really wouldn't be nearly as fun without these two ladies! I am so blessed by them and lucky to call them my friends!