East and West

The city where I live has two very differnt parts. The east has retained all the original culture-the more conservative dress, traditions, etc. The west has become much more 'westernized' with malls, American fast food resturants, large grocery stores, etc. I live in on the edge on both parts so I'm not close to the western stuff, but the neighborhood is a bit nicer. I like the area since it seems more like really living here in this country..not in the States.

party in the break room

Yesterday we had a big Valentine's party at work yesterday with LOTS of sweets. I love the other teachers I work with. Such fun! We had a break between two meetings so all the teachers waited in the teachers room. It took me a bit longer to get there and when I arrived they were blasting music and dancing. They pulled me in for a traditional dance, but our fun got cut a short since we had a whole school staff meeting too.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tomorrow all the students and staff at our school are wearing red to celebrate V-Day. One of the teachers today asked me if we did anything for V-Day...funny. Anyway, have a great day!

It's snowing and here's my heater!

So it's snowing! Yippee!

I was talking to someone yesterday and trying to explain the how the gas heaters work here. I have two of them in my house, one for my room and for the living room. My roommate uses an electric since she hates the smell of gas. I don't have central heat, but the two heaters keep it warm while they are on. I am thankful for my small apartment, it makes it easier to keep a bit warm. I'm thankful to be having an electric wall unit installed in a few days which is both heat and air conditioning.

My sister, my friend...

Over the years of living overseas (more than 5 now) I have gotten used to being away from people and things in the states. Still, I often miss my sister. My wonderful free spirited sister! She and I are so different, but that's what's so great! We 'get' each other, but live life so differently. What a blessing that God gave her too me, and to the world!

Thanks to skype and her new job we can chat off and on most days just checking in. This past week we decided to go on a trip while I am home this summer. I am super excited about how our adventure to Mexico will turn out. She is also living a bit south of my parents and I am excited to see her new place, her job and her life. I haven't seen her life since she was in college and now she's in the real world and doing great. I am so proud!

I love days like this.

Today 2 different people told me that the way I speak the language here is great. The taxi driver on the way to work didn't know I wasn't from here. On the way home another guy couldn't believe I have been here for such a 'short' time. If you call almost four years short.

Anyway, I know I am not great at speaking this language but it's really nice when people are impressed. ( ;

Random Stuff

So since I haven't posted in awhile here is some random stuff going on in my life.

1. I still have my Christmas tree up! I can't believe it. I took down everything today except I had to leave the tree a few more days. I plan to take it down soon, but I decided to wait till I have my winter break (which starts on Tuesday).

2. I haven't showered in a day and half. That is so strange for me. I usually NEVER miss a day. It has been so cold and getting up early to be even colder doesn't seem fun these days. I did was my hair both mornings so I don't look like a slime ball. ( ;

3. I went to the ministry of interior today and in only 3 or 4 days I will have my year long visa. Yippee!!!! And then hopefully in a few more days a license. Then after that a car, but we will have to see how long that takes.

Happy Holidays! More exciting news to come.