ten.ten.ten.

My favorite marsuka stop on the route toward Lviv. Spudnik inspired.(sorry pops it isn't level, took it quickly from a moving marsuka)

First and foremost, I wish Juanita R. Stone a very happy birthday. Grandma, I hope I’m as cool and interesting as you at 85 years young. No average old lady here, just one hell of a grandma. Be ready to go get tattoo when I’m home for Christmas.

Currently, I’m exhausted. My friends were here early in the week and I feel like I have been going nonstop since last Wednesday. This week school has been busy and also a little stressful. Yesterday, morning I got up to go into the nearby city to catch a two hour bus to another volunteer’s site. There were around 12 volunteers at a meeting to exchange ideas for teaching and English clubs; called a collaborative.

After another 2 hour bus ride north back home, I had dinner at TamTam (equivalent to Wal-Mart) with Terry, Melissa, and Jon. Later, Melissa and I headed back to her flat to hangout, eat some popcorn and watch a movie before falling asleep. This morning we lounged and watched ‘Into the Wild’ while waiting for Film Club at 2pm. At the library near the center of Lutsk, we viewed and discussed ‘Endless Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’ It was a little confusing for the Ukrainians who attended but I think overall they enjoyed the film. I returned home a little after 6 o’clock.


Me being a cheeseball in front of the biggest church in Radehiv.

Right now I’m just trying to get stuff ready for another busy week. Tomorrow I’ll go into my lessons completely blind because one of the teachers wasn’t around to get instructions and the other teacher couldn’t located the book I was suppose to use. Mondays are also English club in my town and Ukrainian tutor session. Here's to a 'Manic Monday.' Oh how I'm going to 'wish it were a Sunday.'

Incoming mail is at an all-time low. Me sending it out isn’t at much faster pace. Right now I’m trying to save pennies where I can so I can have some money to do a little Christmas shopping before getting on the plane to the Land of Lincoln. As porky the pig would say ‘that’s all folks.’

Kate

Scariest Prediction of the Week: This winter is suppose to be the coldest Ukrainian winter in the last ‘1000 years’ (that’s how it was actually reported on the news).


Last letter of ABCs of Happiness; sign from Ashley's school (where the collaborative was).

'People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't, you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy enough to pray when you're in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments.' - unknown

Elona, Alona, Alina, Ahhh!

North Central Cardinals in the house! Kelsey, Sarah and I on a drizzly day in Lviv.


The girls and I with our hottie soviet soldier/host at the password restaurant.


My favorite 6th form class. (please notice the Bears beat the Pack again this day, hope that holds true for the real second meeting).

Howdy all!! Sorry for the non-Sunday post. I have been quite busy this last week. Let me give you the run down.

Monday- Normal schedule at school. Ukrainian tutor for an hour. Evening English Club
at the library.

Tuesday- Another normal day at school. Read about the Bears win over the Pack, woot woot!!! Happy 57th Birthday to my pops. Announced that I’m coming home to Chilli for Christmas.

Wednesday- Morning classes before going to Lviv via marsukas and buses to meet up with Kelsey and Sarah (two NCC college friends).

Thursday- Exploring the city with major stops at a really cool restaurant with a Soviet theme where you have to say a password to get in and you take a shot as soon as you walk in the door. Later in the evening we watched a performance of Swan Lake at the Ballet and Opera House.

Friday- More sites: Castle Hill, Markets, and old but very cool Cemetery outside of the city center. Then in the evening headed to Zolochiv.

Saturday- Girl’s Weekend at my link mate’s (Kelsey) site (Zolochiv) where we had a book share and Mexican food cooking.

Sunday- The long trip back to Lutsk via marsukas, trams and buses. Hung out with the local Lutsk volunteers for dinner.

Monday- Sarah and Kelsey got to visit my school and teach some of my 6th and 7th grade formers before venturing back into Lutsk to check out another Castle.

So compared to my average week this was a pretty eventful one. Monday I had a really great day at school. I explained how the Chicago Bears were playing the Packers and the whole idea of a rivalry to my favorite 6th form class. It only came natural to select team names in a vocabulary competition that we use Bears and Packers. The battle of transportation vocabulary was intense but the Bears captured a 7-6 win over the packers. (Looks like it was a preview for what happened on Monday Night Football).

Getting to hanging with my college friends was really great. They were my first visitors and will be my only ones until the spring. I enjoyed showing them around and trying to share the average day of my Ukrainian life.

Girl’s weekend at my friend Kelsey’s place was awesome. There were seven volunteers and then my two friends. My visitors and I went to explore a castle Saturday afternoon because it was quite gorgeous after some rainy and drizzly days in Lviv. We traded books, art supplies, cooking ingredients and some other misc. stuff. It was a lot of fun because I got to see my PCV friend Shannon who I hadn’t seen since swearing in last December.

Overall, this past week was great, but I’m super worn out. So this week and weekend is going to be about relaxing and get things organized around my room. Hope everyone is having a great start to their autumn and that your weather is less dreary as mine.

One of the most challenging things of the week: keeping Alona, Alina, and Elona names straight in my 6th grade class. It probably doesn’t help that they sit in a row together.

Love and miss you all.

Kate

77 days until I land in Chicago!!


A very illegal photo of Swan Lake.


Super cool and old mural in a church near the center of Lviv.

Autumn Flower Day

Trapped beauty.


Soft landing.


Easter colors.

This past Friday was the day of Autumn Flowers. Each class at school makes a composition of flowers. Then they are all displayed in the foyer of the school. At 11:30, students gather to do different readings and performances with the theme of autumn. They then were dismissed at 12:15 for the day. The older students would be coming back at 7pm for a disco in the school’s sports hall. I haven’t yet been brave enough to experience one of those. I’m sure I will sometime this winter.


Pond on the south side of town.

The school week was a pretty average one. I did have some issues with my 8th grade class. They don’t seem to understand rule number one of respect. It is enough to make me want to throw something. I don’t which is probably the reason I have discovered gray hair #2 this week. Oh, what I’m giving of myself to do this experience. I will give them a few more chances before I just say screw and teach other classes who listen and actually want to learn.


'You talkin to me'

Yesterday, I had a great experience in the post office with two girls who work there, 20 & 23. I checked my mail: nothing. Then I went to the counter to buy some avion envelopes. One of the girls said, “you drink pivo…with man… in Kivertsi. Is that you boyfriend?” She was referring to my PCV/ clustermate Jon. He came to town this summer to hang out and grab a beer. Apparently, we were being watched. I said no. I tried to explain just a friend but I’m not too sure they believed me. Since it was a slow Saturday at the post office, they were asking me a billion questions. I told them I would walk home to grab a small photo album. I came back in the next 10 minutes; we probably talked for another half hour. I invited them to my English club tomorrow night. I guess I’ll have two more Ukrainians watching 30 Rock and Friends. Oh good times.


"hey guys! I got a halfa watermelon."

Thursday, I went into Lutsk to meet up with Jon and Melissa. While Jon was finishing up with classes, Melissa and I took the opportunity to browse the second hand stores. I scored a sweat pair of Nike sweat pants (I’m sure my mother along with Sarah Perrone is thrilled I owe yet another pair) for less than $2. When Jon finished we headed to a restaurant before we all headed back to our houses. I must say that borscht and other Ukrainian soup are really hitting the spot as the weather slowly drops. Oh and most importantly in this visit, I picked up ‘Eat Pray Love’ that Melissa grabbed for me from the Peace Corps office. So it is round number two for this book. I can’t wait to see the movie.

Well that is about it for this week. Hope everyone is great and your autumn is starting off as well as mine. Miss and love you all.

Kate


Jon takes getting his man mug very serious over a woman's glass.

Fresh Cut & Flames

Becky and I. I'm sporting the new curly look.

I don’t know if it is the fall weather but I’ve been in a great mood this past week. It is cool and sometimes rainy, but on the days it isn’t it is absolutely beautiful. The leaves are slowly starting to change color. Today, I thoroughly enjoyed my marsuka ride back from the nearby city while looking across a field with trees off in the distance as the sun went down. Beautiful.

This Saturday I went in to Lutsk (25 mins away city) to hang out with my local Volynska oblast volunteers. We celebrated the belated birthdays of Melissa and Katie. We were originally going to go to watch the local football team play but unfortunately we mixed up the dates and it was the night before. We didn’t let this dampen our mood. Still went to two of our favorite Ukrainian restaurants for dinner and drinks.

When we got back to Melissa’s apartment, we busted out the Cranium (thanks Tink). My team (Ashley, Jon and myself) won the first quick game. Soon after that game rapped up, we decided to just pick from the clues and have anyone shout out the answers. It was pretty entertaining at this point in the night. I just want to put out there that I think more cookies were consumed than alcoholic beverages.


Jay & Ashley doing their best Sears & Roebuck catalog impression.

This morning woke up early considering how late we stayed up the night before. For at least an hour Melissa, Ashley, Becky and I chatted in Melissa’s bedroom while others still slept in the living room. I don’t know if it is because I’m slap happy in the morning sometimes but we were just cracking up about the most random things. I haven’t belly laughed so hard in awhile. Eventually when people got up and moving, we made breakfast before people started heading out.

In the afternoon, Jon, Melissa and I headed to the city library to participate in a film club. My Ukrainian friend, Tanya, came in from Kivertsi for the first time to check it out. We watched ‘The Princess Bride’ for the most part the Ukrainians liked it; the best part of the movie for me is the little kid who is wearing Chicago Bears gear in the beginning of the story. After the club, I hit up Tamtam (Ukrainian Wal-Mart like store) before grabbing my stuff at Melissa’s flat and heading back to Kivertsi.

The weekend just capped off what was a really great week for me. My classes went pretty well this week. I actually feel like I’m getting through to my students and they are more interested this year. Also I had an awesome English club Monday evening. I had a group of 7 young women from ages 16 to 24. We pretty much decided this week that I’m going to bring magazines that I have read them and chat. They like to keep it more informal and just hangout instead of a really structured meeting like power points that I had done in the past. Hey less prep for me so I’m not going to argue about it.


Flame throwers/dancers in the center of Lutsk.

Oh, and my biggest news I got my hair did. I finally took the plug and let a Ukrainian cut my hair. One of my 11 form student’s moms has her own little salon. Well it is more like a one room little shop in the basement of the cultural building but none the less it was a pretty legit set up. The lady spoke just a little English. I made sure that before she started my student translated that I DIDN’T want Ukrainian bangs nor did I want a lot taking off. She trimmed it up and gave me some layer so my curls would lay better. Overall, it was a great experience for 20 UAH (Less than $4). I tipped 10 UAH and had to insist that she take it. I’m thinking next cut I might throw in money for some color.

So life is all good from Ukrainian. The middle of this week, I hit a spill of homesickness where I really just wanted a hug from someone. It is strange to think that if I don’t see another American, I can easily go a week or two without real human contact. But I loaded up this weekend when I was with my American crew. I hope everyone is well at home. Know that I love and miss you all.

Kate

PS Happy 11th month anniversary of being in Ukraine to me.

September.

September is a time of remembering. On September 11th, 2001, I was merely a freshmen going to my second period class when a friend mentioned something happening to the towers in New York. I can remember walking into a classroom watching the footage of the first smoking tower with Katie Couric’s voice in the back ground. That day lives were tragically lost. Forever on this date, I’ll keep the families and friends of all the victims in my prayers.

September is my favorite month. When I was a kid this was the time of year that I felt settled into the routine of school. The weather cools down as well as the humidity normally disappears. In high school, my Friday nights would be consumed with cheering as loud as possible at whatever high school field the battle was taking place at. Oh, how I miss football games and cheering on my teams: Grey Ghosts, Cardinals, and Da Bears.


In Ukraine, it is also the time of the year for alot of canning and jarring. This is apple compote in the making.

September is the best month to mow the yard (one of my favorite things to do). All you need is a pair of old shoes, crappy jeans, and a t-shirt. Leaves start to change colors on the trees. A drive up Route 6 is very beautiful as well as up 29 along the river. Sitting outside and watching leaves fall and blow by is great in late September.

September is my birthday month. I get to celebrate being one year older with family and friends. Birthdays have been quite hopping for me this year. I had a great time celebrating last weekend with Peace Corps friends. Then yesterday, was a teacher at school’s 55th birthday. That is at the age one can retire from teaching if desired and that means one big birthday bash. Next weekend is another two PCVs’ birthdays so there will be another get together while cheering at a local soccer game. My pops’ birthday will wrap up the month on the 28th with a big 57th birthday. Don’t worry dad you will remain 52 at least until you hit 60.


The large spread in the cafeteria for the big 55th bday party.

Currently it is sunny Sunday morning here in Kivertsi. I have enjoyed my bowl of cereal, read a little in my B-I-B-L-E (like the kid’s song), and now just rocking out to some Christian music as I update the ole blog. I need to get some lesson planning done for my classes tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll have my second meeting with my Ukrainian tutor. He was a friend of two previous volunteers in my town and will hopefully be able to help me step it up when it comes to my skills with this tough as nails language.


My 5 rules and Phone Jail that helps me keep my students in line.

I had some classes this week. My normal schedule will start tomorrow with 5th-11th forms. I will also make some guest appearances in the younger classes because they are so curious about the strange American that eats in the cafeteria unlike most of the other teachers. The classes I did have this week went surprisingly well. I’m excited about this new school year and plan to get more involved. As soon as the gym repairs are finished I want to start an afternoon sports club for girls. I also want to have two groups for English clubs as well as continue working with the town’s social program and putting on English club for people who are above 11th form.

Feel like I’m finally settling in, about time considering I have been here almost 11 months. Well I hope everyone is fabulous back in the states. Now that my summer traveling is over, I have more time to write letters especially during free periods at school. So keep those letters coming. Love you and miss you all.


An early Happy Birthday to my good friend Brianne "Maria" Parra. Hope you don't get to 'hammered' on Tuesday. Welcome to the 24 club.

Номер двадцять чотири (Number 24)

Just some of the mail I got this week.

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear meeeee, Happy birthday to me!!! I am officially 24 years old. Don’t necessarily feel it. I can say with confidence that I’ll always be young at heart, or at the very least inappropriate.

So this is how my birthday week went:

Monday & Tuesday:

Last official summer days. Tried to settle back into site after traveling around on my trip.

Wednesday:

First Bell. It is a Ukrainian tradition to have the 1st graders announced and presented with gifts from the 11th graders who are the oldest in the school. Education officials made some speeches. At the end of it all, an 11th grader boy hoisted a 1st grade girl on his shoulder walked around while she rang the “first” bell of the new school year.

School year kickoff party. I went to a local restaurant with 26 teachers (I think there is 30 in all at my school) to celebrate another school year. We ate and drank for the first two hours and then hit the dance floor. At this point, some of my school teachers are a little tipsy and ready to bust a move. I satisfied them calling me to the dance floor with a little shakin’ what my mom gave me. I eventually requested Lady Gaga, “poker face” then followed. It was too funny to see teachers from late20s to late 50s getting their grooves on all at 3pm in a brightly lit banquet hall.


The Ukrainian circle that they love to dance in.

Thursday:

Got a small run in during drizzly weather in the morning. Then for the rest of the day organized my room and had a fabulous time doing that because yes mom I’m that anal. (I didn’t have school because my vice principle told me not to come in until Monday because the schedule wasn’t ready yet.)

Friday:

First dry day of the week so I took advantage of the sunshine by doing 3 weeks worth of dirty clothes by hand and then getting them out on the line.

I got into Lutsk by 5pm met up with my most local volunteers went out for some drinks then dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Drinks at Madagascar in a very African setting and then home to get a good night’s rest.

Saturday:

Chocolate pancakes for breakfast. A little second hand shopping. Gathering of volunteers coming into Lutsk at the cheapest/most tasty pizza place. Pre-gaming with birthday vodka. Awesome Ukrainian restaurant for dinner. Energy drink at our rented flat before the madness of a Ukrainian club. Bed 4amish.


Meet your very friendly Ukrainian Peace Corps Volunteers.

Sunday (my actually birthday):

Plenty of sleeping in. Ukrainian lunch. Turned in the key for our rented flat. Birthday Brownie surprise at Melissa’s apartment. Home at 7pmish for palmente cooked by yours truly and a movieathon before bed.

Today:

School for tea, cookies and candies with my teachers. Figured out my schedule with my vice principle. Got an amazing package of board games that will work awesome for ENG club from Tink. Now just hanging out and might possibly go for a walk since the sun is actually peaking through the clouds.

Thank you everyone who sent me a package, card, or face book message for my birthday. Being away from home isn’t preferred on birthdays but this one was definitely special in Ukraine. Miss you and love you all.


Me and My Best-y (Allison) here in Ukraine.


Highs of Birthday: brownies, being told I was very Liz Lemon, dancing, & great crew of people to spend it with.

Kate

Euro Trip 2010

My trip was great. I traveled around to five new countries with my Peace Corps friend Allison and her sister. We stayed in hostels and for the most part did the trip on the cheap. Each city had its own personality as well as interesting characters. It was a great two and half weeks spent with many memorable moments.



Here is a bullet point list of some of them. When I eventually make it home ask and I’m sure I can give you more details of to what it was like. (Check out Facebook for all the photos)



Budapest, Hungary:
Dancing at the Club until 3 something to popular American songs we didn’t know
Hot, intense march up to Buda Castle
Enjoyed the beautiful scenes of the Danube



Zagreb, Croatia:
Ate a lot of delicious Italian food
Religious holiday so closed museums but hoping café life near our hostel
Gin Rummy with a cute Australian guy



Vienna, Austria:
Royal Place of the Austria-Hungary Empire
Belvedere Palace and gardens
Sisi Museum and Apartment
St. Stephan’s Church
Night Film Festival at City Hall & International Food



Prague, Czech Republic:
Propaganda Pub & Pub with taps at each individual table
Prague Castle, St. Charles Bridge, Lennon Wall
Great Free Walking Tour
Delicious bohemian goolash
Awesome Romanian, Australian, and New Zealander fellow travelers



Krakow, Poland:
American like amenities of Poland
Two more good free walking tours
‘Schinder’s List’ movie sites
Market Square
St. Mary Church
Tour of Auschwitz Concentration and Death Camp



Got back to Ukraine this past Friday after 14 hours of travel and for the distance we had to travel that’s roughly 17mph. Now, I’m trying to settle back into Ukrainian life. I got a lot of laundry to do. Feel like I need to give my room a good cleaning and organizing before the school year starts.
Can’t believe summer is of 2010 is over. Crazy how fast time flies. Hope everyone back home had a good one. Miss you all.

Kate