Pictures

have been missing from my blog and I'm sorry it's been so dry... well not this post, I finally uploaded some pictures! First off, the most exciting thing happened to me today, I got mail! After checking the post office everyday, I finally got a slip in my box that I know translates to you-have-mail-that's-too-big-to-stuff-in-your-P.O.-box. When I went up to the window, I had not only one but three packages needing my signature! I nearly cried out in sheer ecstasy, but I didn't because I was surrounded by intimidating "brick faces." Though I'll admit I was so excited, everything that came out of my mouth was half squealed haha.

So the first package is from my family and included basically everything on my wish list, making my life complete. There's Febreze (which I'm hugging right now), flip-flops, Ziploc bags of all sizes, plain hair-ties, an eyebrow pencil, Sharpies (thin and thick), tons of gummy bears, Starbursts Gummies, Sour Patch Watermelons, the cutest long sleeve shirt, plastic bags, and all different kinds of Taco Bell hot sauces!!!!!! I mean really, my family knows how to spoil me. Marianne, good thing you picked out a loose-fitting shirt because you know how to get me fat. Marissa, you're the Robin Hood of hot sauce packets! Mom, you're an expert packer and had your way with taping this sucker closed, love it! This care package not only reminds me of home but that I'm in my family's thoughts even when I'm halfway around the world. Thanks for all the love and work putting this together, I appreciate it so much! Expect some European chocolate and a handwritten card in a couple weeks Mom, Marissa, & Marianne :)

The second package I received was a Russian keyboard cover for my laptop. It's a thin piece of rubber with Russian (Cyrillic) characters along with English letters and it was really easy to put on. This will hopefully make typing in Russian much easier (for lesson plans, presentations, Rosetta Stone, etc.).

The third package I received had my NoNo refill blades and a buffer pad. I use this with my NoNo, which is an electronic device that (painlessly) lasers off hair. It's like shaving your legs but you don't need water, it lasts as long as waxing, and you only need to do it for 5 years max because the hair follicles die after awhile (so no more hair... ever). Well, that's the plan haha, I'll let you know if it works. The downside is I need to replace the blade every 6 months. Luckily, it's huge in Europe so I ordered it from England = cheaper shipping.

Also, I finally made a temporary school schedule! It's temporary because I still need to schedule in a few more classes and everything can change on me, but this is really good news! I love my classes so far and because I exhausted introducing myself to all my classes the first week, last week I taught everyone about California (the best and baddest state around). This week, I'm getting down to business and teaching American History, wish me luck!

If you remember from my last blog post, I was attempting to make a Mexican burrito. I cooked Mexican rice, re-fried pinto beans (turned out amazing), corn tortillas, and added cheese and sour cream, but it wouldn't have been tasty without this little ingredient, "spicy" sauce from the brand 3 Cossacks (thanks for the tip Sarah Cooper). I say "spicy" because although it's not spicy... at all... it does taste like Mexico more than ketchup. Burrito making success with relatively inexpensive ingredients! As you're looking at this sauce, I'm sure you're thinking "it looks like a giant hot sauce packet." Well in Ukraine, all sauces (like ketchup, mayonnaise, tartar, barbecue, etc.) come in big packets like this where there's a twist on cap at the top. It's definitely different but I'm getting used to it and it's easier to get the last bit out by rolling it up like you would with toothpaste. Plus, I'm sure it's better on the environment *hint hint America*.

Moving on to apartment pictures! Now here are the "before" pictures and I promise that in my next post, I'll show you the "after I cleaned and unpacked all my stuff" pictures. Deal? Deal :)

Read in a circle - front door, bathroom toilet & tub, kitchen & kitchen table, living room, bedroom, and more living room

My apartment is very nice for just little ol' me but trust me, it was hard work cleaning it all up (and still in the process). My toilet is broken right now, the windows don't have screens, and the bed lacks a mattress but I'm pretty lucky to have a couch that pulls out into a bed, a fridge (not pictured), hot water in my bathroom, and internet. I'm thinking about rescuing a stray kitty (my city has tons of stray cats) to keep me company but I'll have to OK it with my landlord first. The "after" pictures will blow you away :)

I was pretty busy with fun things last weekend. After lessons ended on Friday, I helped a Peace Corps Volunteer in Debalseva (Neva) with 2 other PC Volunteers (Dara & Richard) for a celebratory event explaining their HIV/AIDS seminar's influence on the town. Then, I went to Luhansk with Dara to help with English Club and celebrate a PC Volunteer's (Amy) Mom visiting Ukraine. It was tons of fun, a lot of PC Volunteers came and there was a lot of great food (yay potluck). There were a few Ukrainians there to keep us on our toes ;) but here's a picture of all the PC Volunteers (thanks Amy). Read in a circle - me, Wyoming, Hailey, Susan, Cary, Dara, Kurt, Nazgol, Becky, Amy, & Ted.

I'm on day 5 of not showering (water's not running), that Febreze will definitely come in handy haha. I'm off to lesson plan, clean a little, and watch the new episode of Breaking Bad. Hope you liked the pictures!