Well last week was my first full week back at school. It actually went smoother than I initially thought it would. I got a new schedule for this term, because there is a new teacher for the younger students (2nd-4th form). I must say that I love my new schedule. Mondays and Fridays are light and the middle of the week I have more classes which makes the cold walk across actually seem worth it.
On Friday, I got to teach the 4th graders. They are super fun, because they are just so excited for me to be in their class. They asked the teacher if I was going to be teaching them when I first walked in the room and when she answered yes they all started screaming while jumping up and down. It is one way to be greeted warmly.
The cutest thing happened after I finished co-teaching the lesson. A little girl came up to me and asked if I knew something. I could understand the “did you know” in Ukrainian, but I was confused with what. I asked the new teacher and she told me that the little girl was asking if you know her grandmother (by name). I told her I didn’t think so. Then the girl said “but she lives in America you don’t know her?” I said sorry that America is a big country. “I thought you would know her,” the girl disappointedly responded.
One of the thousand of icicles around town. It gets a little warm and then really cold the next minute. The sidewalks are like bumpy ice skating rinks.
Another funny and not so brilliant on my part was when I went into teach my 10th form class. As I walked in the student greeted me with the normal “good morning teacher.” Then as I’m making my way across to the desk that is in the corner everyone (literally everyone) was staring at my crotch. Apparently, when I was in a hurry this morning I had tucked in my shirt, belted my belt, but forgot to close the barn down. Oh good times! Forgetting doesn’t really surprise me that much as the fact I walked all the way to school in freezing temperature and didn’t notice a draft.
Speaking of freezing temperature, the weather is cold as you would guess. The think the part that is driving me a bit crazy is that one day it will be freezing cold and the next day decently warm for Ukrainian winter. The problem is that the ice/snow will melt a little, but then refreeze which makes the town like one big lumpy ice skating rink. I’m so glad my pops sent me yak tracks. They truly make a world of difference. The teachers at my school think they are great idea. Maybe, I could make a little money on the side marking up the price by $10 and reselling. Too bad the shipping costs would be ridiculous.
Val (my new PCV sitemate) and our first attempt at Spanish rice.
Friday, I hit a new mile stone. I’m in the 200 letter club (I’m the founder). I sent #199 and #200 to my dad and Kimberly. Then #201 just went out today to the lovely Sandra Christ formerly known Wischmeyer forever known as “Swimmer.” Wonder if I’ll make it to the 300 hundred mark by the time I COS. I would say there is a good chance of it. And for my 201 sent, I’ve received 170. So my great family and friends please keep the letters coming. My mailbox loves the lovin’!
Well this week is going to be short teaching week. I have four lessons tomorrow and then in the evening catch an overnight train to Kiev. Woohoo for mid-service medical checkup. I’ll be there until Friday morning when I arrive back to my town by another overnight train. Alright hope everyone at home is happy and warm. I hear Illinois might get a lot of snow dumped on her. Now before anyone shovels go for a 30 minute walk when it is windy and you will know what every morning is like for me. Miss and love you all.
Kate
WARNING: Don't sleep on wet curly hair...this is what you will look like in the morning.
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