a Christmas wish

I just want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and/or happy holidays!  I'm off for vacation and probably will not get around to blogging until after the 8th of January...which is my dad's birthday.  Remember why you celebrate this season and be grateful for what you have!  The Colts got a win so I'm satisfied; now if the Pacers can do the same!  Seriously though thank you for reading my blog and caring about Bulgaria and me!  I have been blessed with so much!  I believe God is the reason I am here and all I do is for Him/Her!  Cherish your time with family and friends, your health, and so much more this Christmas time!!  The United States has fallen on hard times (however you care to phrase that) but we still have a lot more than others!  Everyone have a safe holiday season and walk carefully on the snow so you don't slip!   I love and miss you all!!  Till next year!

Sorry I didn't post yesterday.  Before I forget I'm not sure I'll have time to post next week.  Thursday for sure!  My sister's family made me a calendar with pictures and things every month and then every so often my sister wrote little questions or statements on a certain date.  For instance a recent question was "how's your Bulgarian?" and I must say it is suffering.  Well one day this week she told me to buy myself a little xmas gift.  I took care of that about 1 month ago when I bought plane tickets to Frankfurt, Prague, and the Czech Republic!  Not really a "little" xmas gift but a gift I am very much looking forward to and, frankly, need!   Xmas here right now is a little like xmas in Florida; you don't even know it's xmas time really!  Sure there are decorations every now and then and all the kids know "Dyado Kolada" is coming.  But overly I have to say xmas is sneaking up on me!!  Yes I have a small tree, thanks to my mom's family, complete with lights and some Colts ornaments (can I ask for a win for xmas?) , a couple strands of lights that are up and blinking as we speak, the Nativity scene, again-mom's family, and today I bought a Santa hat that I plan to wear a lot next week .  But I have to say it really doesn't feel like xmas.  That might change if there was some *@#& (I don't want to specify because that might slow down/cancel the buses and I really do not want that to happen right now.)  That's pretty much all I got right now.  Thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of a very close friend of mine.  Love and hugs from here!!

mish mash 4

I was walking down the street the other day when someone waved, or said hello-I can't remember, and now I take that for what it is.  BUT when I stop and catch my breath I remember how that didn't happen when I first got here.  That makes me happy.  I just came back from buying some big poster paper and when I was coming back to the apartment my baba scolded me because she hasn't seen me and I haven't visited her in awhile.  This is just a collection of stuff I'm sure you have figured out.  So I'm doing handprint/footprint reindeers with the two younger classes in the Kindergarten and handprint salt-dough keepsakes for the older group for their parents for xmas.  I was in a magazine, store, copying a poem the other day and printing directions to the hostels I will stay in for my xmas trip and trying to explain "there is a concentration camp in Krakow that I was to see" but then I realized "oh, I forgot the word for war" so here I am trying to explain, and Jewish escaped me too, "the time when some German people didn't like other people and put them in camps and they worked and died."  That''s NOT funny, but it sure was funny hearing myself trying to get myself out of that one!!  Bless her heart, I think she got the picture.  I love it when people help me try to explain things!!  So it's December 13th and almost xmas time!  I havn't NOT been in the xmas mood but haven't overly been IN the xmas mood.  Today at school Nargis was on the computer and playing DJ at the same time with xmas songs (until she threw a Ricky Martin song in there and threw me off) and I got more in the mood and singing along!  Nothing like "All I Want FOr Christmas Is You" to put you in the mood!  THANKS UTUBE!  So, I had to go to a store anyway for my poster paper, and ended up buying some xmas lights...the "cheaper" ones.  In the sttes when we try to buy something don't salespeople alway show the more expensive item?  Even of 2 same items they bring out the more expensive ones?  I walked in the magazine and saw this box and was curious.  She showed me what it was and then took it out of my hand and put it back on the shelf and said "these ae cheaper.  These are expensive."  She even plugged them in for me; I figured I should buy them to add to my other lights my family sent me last year!  OH, final thing for today!  I am requesting your prayers for...me.  I need to make a decision and believe God will show me what He wants me to do.  Everything is fine, nothing to worry about (for those people like my mom who would read into that).  I just am going to need help figuring out what God wants!  It would be so easy if He gave BLATENT/OBVIOUS signs; alas it doesn't work that way.  Love and hugs from an unusually-warm-day-for-winter Bulgaria, and me!

favorite things #5

It just occured to me that it's about time for another "favorite things" blog.  I love the fact that when I go from the Kindergarten to the English school (for my adult classes mon-wed) I pass chickens and roosters on the street out for their daily stroll.  Not something I run into everyday in Indianapolis!  I took notice of them yesterday while walking and had one of those moments, one of those "I don't think I've ever shared the street with chickens and roosters before!"  I love the fact that, after making smores with some of the high school boys in the hostel last night, one of the boys was very excited when I told him I would give him some marshmallows to take to his village so he could show his family.  I also love that he wanted to show his family.  I love the fact that he wanted to pay me for making him a smore because he used something of mine.  That attitude, after experiencing the "gimmie, gimmie, gimmie" attitude of many children/young adults in the states that I am used to dealing with, is very refreshing!  He fought me on my "no" for awhile and then finally I got through to him when I said "I win because I'm 40 and you're 17-case closed!" He did make me promise to let him treat me to a coffee sometime which I appreciate.  I love it (and hate it at the same time) when, sitting at dinner the other night with an 8th grade boy talking about doing stuff and being bored and all and me explaining that I'm here for activities and to do things with youth, he says "but what will we do when you leave?"  AW!  I love it that my girl students want to show me the dances they are working on when I go visit them in the hostel.  I also have to say, no matter how well I know the language, I still have to have people translate for me, or repeat what I say, when I talk to people because of my accent or because I say things in a more confusing way.  I'm thinking about the Kindergarden and how the teachers help me with directions and all because they understand me.  It's like they use a shorthand/clarrify things for me.  Believe it or not, I love that they do that for me!  I love the fact that I have to ask what is popular on the radio in the states because I hear so many English songs here but have no idea if they are from years ago or are popular in the states now.  I love the fact that, years from now, I'll be somewhere in the states and hear a song on the radio that I hear over here and the memory will take me back here.  Memories are such powerful things...and I will have enough to fill a book!  I lso love he fact that you all back in the states go to such lengths to show me that you care about me!  THANKS MOM !!  Next time, have Ron mail it!!Love and hugs from here!

Aunt Rosie

This blog is going to be about my Great-Aunt (I think) Rosemary who passed away last Wednesday.  Not quite sure about her age but whatever her age she didn't look it!  The weekend before I left Indy for Bulgaria my Aunt Jan had a party/get together for the family up in the Goshen area, where my mom's from, at her house and my mom and I went.  Rosemary came to the party but also wanted my mom and I to have lunch with her at her house.  She made us the nicest lunch and asked me all about what I would be doing in B.  She was so interested in the work of the Peace Corps and in the work I would  be doing!!  I'm really glad that is my last memory of her!  I was telling her all about the 3 goals of the Peace Corps (1-to provide interested countries trained men and women, 2-to expand the minds of Americans about peoples served, and 3-to expand the minds of peoples served about Americans.  This is a rough idea and in no way exact, but you get the idea!) and she was so interested she asked me to write them down!  My family is full of strong women figures who serve as excellent role models for me and she was no exception!  I have to admit that I don't know as much about her as I do my own grandma.  She was the geneological, tracing the family history, person in our family.  It took a good friend of mine here to make me realize that now she is watching first hand the activities of the Peace Corps and myself from Heaven!  I will also say that it comforts me to know that Rosemary, Luanne and Gma Miller, are together in Heaven!  Now they have a dog to take care of and who will take care of them!  The sunshine here has left and the rain (and wind) have arrived!  I knew it couldn't last too long!!  Love and hugs from here!

World AIDS Day

Let's see here, what to write today.  Today is World AIDS Day. (Just a side note here, all these international days like today and International Women's Day on March 8th I really was not aware of until I joined the corp; kind of interesting.)  Once again Nargis, the teachers, and the student who went through the Life Skills Trainings (covering sexual health and all that goes with that) have put together a nice presentation/informational session for the students of the English School.  The teachers decided to have it during the day instead of 2 of the "extra" classes (not really extra but I can't think of another word to describe them) at the end of the day.  That's all nice and good and way to go collegues(yea!) BUT my schedule was already full at the time they wanted  to have it and I didn't feel right about cancelling my other committment; I have a class in the Kindergarten.  This is really what sustainability is all about (with the exception that usually the volunteer slowly backs out of the planned activities instead of being a no-show at the start of the activities!)  The reason that one of the students and Nargis, my counterpart for the newbies to the blog, went with me to the trainings this past summer was so that they feel they are able to, and have the resources to, do things on days like this after PC leaves Bulgaria.  I have to say from my perspective, they've got it way covered!!  The teachers I work with are always so eager to help with whatever.  I don't see sustainability being a problem here!!  Today is another sunny day here but not as warm.  My mom sent me a "20Q" game and last night I had it in my coat pocket and pulled it out after supper and the students loved it and took turns trying to stump it.  I' m thinking about smores tonight for the girls floor in the hostel but not quite sure yet.  Thoughts, and prayers, are with my family in the states!!  Love and hugs from me!!

"my" Sarah

I like dogs but have not had one since I was in high school or around then; it's been awhile!  Of course you all have read, or maybe not, about how many homeless dogs we have wondering around, depending on the kindness of people for food.  Sarah, one of the homeless dogs (street dogs as they're referred to here) that I was immediately drawn to once I arrived here 2 Julys ago, was a little like my dog.  She wasn't mine in that she went home with me inside my apartment or I was the person who was responsible for her, but she was "mine."  She went EVERYWHERE I did!!  This past weekend I almost even fell because I went to walk away after talking to someone and she was under my feet so when I went to walk I tripped over her!  As you all can probably tell by now and the use of the past tense referring to her she passed away over the weekend.  What I choose to focus on and write about was the fact that S. had only 2 good legs, her front ones and her back ones just kinda dangled behind when when she  "walked."  She was the definition of perseverance and "gumption," the never say die attitude, the "so what if I only have 2 legs" attitude.  She didn't let a little thing like the lack of 2 legs slow her down AT ALL!  She did not feel sorry for herself and stop living (or chasing cars)or curl up in a ball and wait to die, figuring she wasn't getting anywhere (no pun intended) so why try.  She was with me just about everywhere I went, even if it was far away!  One time this past summer I went to meet some students at the stadium to watch a football, soccer, match.  The stadium is kind of far from my apartment but S followed me the whole way...and back!  You can think it sounds a little silly when I say she was inspirational but think about it; here was a dog with only 2 good legs that still chased vehicles, I guess a donkey cart is a vehicle, got into fights with 4 legged dogs, and generally did everything a 4 legged dog would do!  She had a handicap; didn't stop her.  I am really going to miss seeing her come and meet me after I get home from work and stand still while I pet her!!  I really will miss looking behind me and not seeing her there!!  Now S is in a place where she can chase cars with the use of 4 legs and has an over supply of food all the time.  I'm going to miss you S!  Thoughts and prayers are with my family!!  Love and hugs from here!

"I'm thankful for..."

This is a Thanksgiving post.  In my adult classes this week we are starting with a "I'm thankful for" chain of new English words.  we did this is PST with B sentences to help our memory and language skills.  We're also learning a little, just a tad, about the holiday Thanksgiving.   So, what am I thankful for??  I have so very much to be thankful for I don't really know where to start!  I have to say first and foremost I am thankful to my God who, without my God, none of this would be possible!  I have my God to thank for everything I have, from the shoes I wear to the ability to teach the English alphabet.  I am thankful for my family and friends in the States who support me 100%, pick me up when I need encouragement, and keep me informed with news from the states and from their lives.  I am thankful for my friends and family I have here in B who welcomed me with open arms into their hearts and community.  My fellow volunteers are an incredible support to me, both with ideas and, more importantly, understanding...because they're here too and, chances are, dealing with the same things.  I'm thankful that I have this incredible opportunity to serve and represent my Country; maybe even helping, in my own little corner of B, the image of America and women.  Since the Peace Corps is leaving B in 2013 I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have been given this chance, to have been chosen as one of the last volunteers in this beautiful country!  I believe everything happens for a reason; there is a reason I was supposed to come here.  Because of that I keep working, even on days that I really don't want to and it would be so easy to curl up and watch E tv or read an E book.  I've said it before and I'll say it again; I'm living a life right now that most people only dream of and because of that fact realize I am not only here for me, my grandparents, and M,C, and W.   I am here for everyone who would love to do what I'm doing but for one reason or another, can't.  I am incredible thankful for Nargis, my B connection and, no matter what she says, an excellent E. speaker!  I am thankful for my collegues here who help me with anything and everything; even so far as planning Thanksgiving themselves since I have other things to occupy my time this year!  Kudos to them (bravo na tqh) for picking up the slack.  On this day to give thanks there are so many things I have to be grateful for in my life!!  To all those of you reading this in the states, HAPPY THANKSGIVING and remember why we celebrate!!  It's not just about eating too much, taking naps, and watching football; it goes MUCH deeper; at least for me it does!  Love and hugs from me!!

"I misunderstood."

Thank you for your prayers!  I spent about a total of 12 hrs traveling on Friday and only about 5 in Sofia.  That's ok; I went to see a friend this past weekend for a pre-Thanksgiving weekend so that was enjoyable and made all the traveling worthwhile!  THen on Monday night before my adult class I found out I won a Tgiving themed goodie basket for turning in some paperwork from someone at the the corps!  Thanks Jason! So tonight's blog has to do with something Nargis told me about a week ago.  I was trying to explain, in B, that a friend of mine had an appointment in Sofia the same day as me (turns out I misunderstood her, she didn't have one).  One of the B words for an appointment/meeting/date is very close to the English word "engagement."  I thought I would switch and use that word, after all I had been hearing it more than the word I had been using.  Well when I told Nargis she got all excited and started asking me all these questions like "how did she find him" and "he's American right?"  I thought she was excited because I was going to be with my good friend in Sofia (she's very good about that.  She realizes I'm away from "family" and my PC friends/connections are very important to me!) and she thought I was telling her my good friend was getting married!  Quite the misunderstanding.  But Nargis told me later on that when there is a misunderstanding between people that means the misunderstood thing is going to happen.  Another little superstition that, I'm not aware of, isn't practiced in the states.  Tgiving is appreaching and I/we have nothing planned with the students here.  I feel a little bad about that but Halloween was 2 weeks ago, I have more going on this year than I did last year, and there just wasn't time to prepare anything.  We had a big celebration last year and that makes not doing much/anything this year easier for me to handle.  Well, time for me to get to other things!  Love and hugs from me!!

nothing special!

This is going to be short again because I'm leaving tonight after my adult class for a Dr's appointment. I would like to request prayers for my appointment tomorrow.  It's nothing big or anything to be too concerned about...really; my mom even agrees and she's a retired nurse!  That's about it; sorry so short! Love and hugs from me!

mealtime2

So I finally looked at the actual temperature and it is -1*C; cold both in *F and *C!  I think I have covered this before but it's been awhile so will tell you all again.  It's very common here to eat out of a common dish at mealtime.  At first of course I took special notice of this fact because it wasn't what I was used to doing.  Now I have gotten so used to it when I went gosti with my visitors from the states I just helped myself, after everyone was seated of course, to the food in front of me and didn't think twice about sharing the same dish with everyone else!  The couple of times I have been invited to special meals, for weddings or funerals, everyone sits around a very small table, women at one and men at the other, called a "sofra" and a communal dish is put in the middle and if you don't get your spoon or piece of bread in there there will be none left for you!   I have to say I have gotten quite used to this way and will probably have to be "scolded" when I get back to the states and reminded that's not how meals are eaten, in my family at least.  It's coming up on Turkey day and I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving already!!  I think we're set to do the turkeys again and will do without the baked potatoes since they didn't go over very well (people did not seem to like them and did not eat them all).  YIKES!  Time is fying!  That's about it from here!  The sun has made an appearance and is warming things up a little in my glass-enclosed terrace and the door to my terrace is open and a precious little heat is entering my den/office area which is nice...for a change!  Love and hus from here!!  Thoughts and prayers are with a friend in the states, and as always with all of you as well!

Halloween pics2

the 10th graders with their
jack-o-lantern

the 11th and 12th graderswith
their jack-o-lanters

one of the 8th graders with their
jack-o-lantern

one of the 9th graders with their
jack-o-lantern

we played "pin the nose on the
pumpkin" 

Ibrahim was the winner of the
spaghetti eating contest.

we had 5 contestants

they were so ready and eager
to begin eating they forgot
to sit down!

another 9th grade jack-o-lantern

we had teams of 2 throw grapes over
the blackboard to each other.  We counted how
many each pair caught in
their mouths. 

these guys are super funny and
do a silly "skit" at every party!  They
dress up and everything!  Ibrahim even
has a chest!

another pair of dancers.

you can see their "child" in the
background.  He's the one
with the white hat.

need I say more??

here he is in the baby carriage!

oops!

Halloween pics coming tomorrow!  It's late and time to think about bed for me.  My adult English classes keep surprising me!  I think I'm teaching them something new and it's old hat to them!  Maybe not old hat but they are past the verb "to be."  This just means someone, that would be me, has to start learning how to teach past tense in my native language!  I've go all the books and resources to help me; it just would've een easier for me to start from "the very beginning."  But hey, I'm here to work!  Thoughts are with the members of B26 running a marathon this weekend...in another country!

Halloween2

Today's blog is a very short one.  Tonight we are having a Halloween party at the English School!  The best part about this is that I had very little to do with it!  Not that I want to get out of work or anything like that (stop laughing!) but when the people from the community get involved it becomes more sustainable!  Which is the biggest part of why we are here; cultural exchange and sustainability!  I'm trying to read 2 very short spooky stories (in English)  and hope they work.  we are playing 4 games, picked by my peers here, and carving pumpkins.  Should be a nice time!!  Love and hugs from me!!

a new home

This is starting to be a broken record!  Sorry for last Thurs's no blog.  Last Thurs was moving day and I was a little busy!  Actually I had lots of help and I felt like I didn't do much but supervise and direct every once in awhile!  Some of the boys got out of class (yep, that's right!) to help with the heavier stuff and the ladies that clean the English School came to clean my new apartment before I moved in.  And yes mom, I told them they didn't have to that I would do it and even offered to help but I was not successful in either attempt and finally just gave up and figured I'd be more in the way.  So I'm about 90% done with moving all my stuff around and figuring out where I want everything.  My new apartment[ only 1 floor up(thank goodness, but I guess I can't really say that because I didn't move the majority of my stuff; THANKS GUYS AND SCHOOL LEILA'S)] HAS A (oops!) big main room like my other apartment but this one has a wall with a sliding wooden door seperating it into 2 smaller rooms.  This is great for Winter when it gets super cold; that way all the heat is trapped in one small room (that's why people choose to sleep in very tiny rooms).  However I have discovered a drawback (a negative sort-of).  On sunny days, I forgot-my terrace is also closed in with windows, when the heat from the sun's rays get "trapped" in the terrace I can open my door to the terrace and let in all that warmth!  BUT the wall to the part of the room where I sleep gets in the way and that room/part doesn't get the warmth from the sun as much, a little but not much.  All in all it's a nice apartment!  Maybe a little bit bigger because the owners used part of the outside hallway to make their kitchen and extended the apartment that much further.  I will say that since the apartment is the uppermost apartment and the last, or first one, of the 3 my apartment blocks the wind for the other 2.  Because of that it can be a bit colder but, with my radiator and space heater I do fine!  I have taken a friend's suggestion and started stuffing the plastic bags they give us when we go shopping around my kitchen windows.  I did that in my last apartment an I actually think it helps some.  A way to reuse AND it helps keep me warm!  Since I moved on Thursday, had to finish getting things ready in the apartment, and it was a 4 day weekend for schools (no school Mon b/c Sunday was the 2nd and last elections and the school is used and then has to be cleaned on Monday and Tuesday was the last day of our Fall break) I really didn't go outside this long weekend.  It's been nice and sunny these past days, which is awesome, and wasn't too cold when I went out this afternoon.  I'll give you a temperature as soon as I get one.  Not much else is happening here.  With the 2 days off this week it's only a 3 day week which is always nice.  My thoughts and prayers go out East and the people who experienced the early, bad snowstorm!  Love and hugs from me!!  I almost forgot, HAPPY HALLOWEEN A DAY LATE!!!

for the dogs!

This blog is going to be about dogs.  More specifically the homeless dogs running on the streets.  Bulgaria has it's share and then some...and some and some and then some.  Since they don't belong to anyone in particular they depend on the kindness of people to feed them and more than a couple are VERY thin.  I have some that "live" around my apartment and my neighbors' apartments.  I feed them whenever I can and the couple who lives close feeds them too.  I just had visitors from the states and they had been to the Ukraine and they said there were never dogs running around there and they were never seen.  We have LOTS!  There is one in particular that caught my eye when I first arrived.  Her name is Sara and she, and every other dog here, loves to chase cars, donkey carts, and any other vehicle that moves!  Because of that she has been hit countless times.  She is the definition of persistance and perseverance!  She walks everywhere the other dogs do by using her front 2 legs and her hind legs just kind of dangle.   It's very sad but it's also very cute at the same time.  The fact that she only has 2 legs doesn't stop her from doing anything!  If the other dogs see a strange dog and go to investigate, she's right there...only a tad bit behind them!  I've even see her start a fight with another dog!  You would think she would stop chasing cars after getting hit but NO!  Now the cute part.  She's not mine but she's mine.  She follows me EVERYWHERE: the store, the post office, school, and even the Kindergarten!  I have to prop the door shut when I go to the Kindergarten because she will follow me inside, she's done that before.  She would let me pet her for hours and is such a pretty dog.  THe other day I was in front of my apartment and had stopped petting her and was ready to go upstairs BUT Sara had other ideas!  She pulled on the corner of my heavy jacket with her mouth as if to say "where do you think you're going?"  I have to say that's a first.   My neighbors have told me she will sit at the bottom of my apartment building and she knows, somehow, when I'm going somewhere.  She was doing so much better and could even put pressure on one of her back legs but must've gotten hit again because now she can't even put the smallest bit of pressure on them.  There are about 5 dogs that regularly hang around at the base of our apartments and they are all such pretty dogs!  I'm learning all sorts of things about the eating habits of dogs, how they can "sense" food in the wind and how bread is a favorite.  There seems to be an order of who gets to eat too that I haven't figured out yet.  Sometimes I'll buy some bread and start feeding them and one of the dogs, Gina, sniffs it and walks away.  One of my neighbors told me she only wants fresh bread and if it's the least bit old she won't eat it.  Talk about picky!!!  I've enclosed a picture and you can see for yourself!  One more thing.  They love to "sing" along with the call to prayer!  Love and hugs from me!!

just lovely!

The past 2 days have been beautiful!  Just when I pulled out the heavy winter coat that my sister let me bring (thank you SOOOOOO much) I've been able to wear my light jacket and maybe no coat this afternoon!  I have to share a funny story.  The dogs have become my friends and, at least Sara, follows me most places, including to the Kindergarten when I have classes!   Well, sometimes when I go to Nargis' house, my counterpart, she follows me and she knows where Nargis lives.  Today is a non English school day for me but I had to talk to her and she, Nargis, was on her way to the Mayor's office which just happens to be past her house.  I met up with  N in front of my apartment.  Sara and another dog, her brother belchu, followed me but we were walking too fast for Sara to keep up; she only has 2 good legs and walks with her front legs only.  She must've assumed we were headed to Nargis's house because on the way back from the Mayor's office, lying in N's front yard were Sara and Belchu!  How funny is that!!!  I feed them, since they really don't have homes, whenever I can and because of that they are with me wherever I go.  My neighbors have even told me Sara will wait for me at the door to my building.  She's just so cute and I was immediately drawn to her because she walks with only her 2 front legs!  It really is quite a sight to watch her!  Well I'm finding out that my English classes are too easy and I have to try something else.  The Halloween plans are coming along and I think we might be able to do something in the afternoon, so all the teachers can come, and something at night too, which is better for spooky stories.  We were talking in the teachers room today and one of the teachers started coming up with ideas.  HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!  I have to say, sometimes I don't think they need me here (which does not hurt my feelings in the least- I'm more than happy to take a backseat); they come up with great ideas on their own!  Besides being a georgeous day everything is like usual!  Not sure who all reads these but Wally and Kathy, Catherine, and Daniel and Connie, my letters to you came back for some reason.  I'll wait awhile longer and then resend them.  Love and hugs from me!  

and it starts....

Ok, I'm a little more settled now.  Since I am busier I am going to do my blogs on Tuesday and Thursdays.  I'll try to do more but at least those days.  As of right now those are the days I have more time.  I have had 1 week of English classes and I think they have gone pretty well.  My classes in the Kindergarten started last week also but I have a year under my belt (have experience) working there so it shouldn't be that different.  Halloween is the focus of the students' energies now and we are working on putting something together.  The students brought it up and I met with one student and she gave me some ideas, how AWESOME is that!  Something I don't think I have mentioned in a blog yet has to do with houses in winter.  Since there is no central heat it's not that easy to heat your house.  I told you people here use wood burning stoves and I have a radiator.  Some people have little space heaters as well.  What I haven't shared is that during winter the rest of the house is pretty much shut off and the living area is the 1 room with the stove.  For example, when I went upstairs to see my new apartment I noticed it was basically divided into 3rds.  My new balcony has been closed off to the outside and is now part of the living area.  The wall seperating inside from outside has been taken out and replaced by another wall with a sliding door a few feet in front of the original wall.  The kitchen/bathroom  area is seperated by another wall with a door that is kept closed.  That way all the heat stays in the small center room and everyone is warmer!  My apartment here is probably the size of my bedroom in the states and I'd never thought of dividing it into 3rds!  I will say though it stays much warmer that way!  "Necessity is the mother of invention" (not mine and not sure at this moment who said it) and creativity (that's mine)!  I hope this blog is understandable; I was having a little trouble explaining myself.  Love and hugs from me!

things are happening!

So I'm blogging to ask you all to give me the rest of this week and maybe a little next week until I resume blogging.  this week I started my English classes and at the Kindergarten too and it will take time to get my new schedule down.  Found out when I got back from vacation I have to move apartments, only upstairs if the plan works, so that is also happening now!  I will try to resume telling you guys about this wonderful country at the latest Wed of next week.  I am fine and it is cooling down, almost like we just skipped fall!  Love and hugs from me!

I'm home!

Oh my gosh!!  The last couple weeks have been fun but went very fast and now is when the busy stuff starts!  Thanks to 2 of my friends from the states who came over for a visit and asked me to show them around, I traveled to some of B I probably wouldn't have if I were on my own.  We had so much fun and it was so exciting to see this country, which I have grown to love and is and has been my home, through their eyes.  They got to ask questions I can't, and frankly don't want to, about politics and such and, because I just don't have the time to delve into everything I want to here, were able to learn things about this history that is so very interesting!  I had a great time and have to thank them for everything and ESPECIALLY wanting to come and see the beauty that is Bulgaria!!  This country has so very much to offer from mountains to fields to the Danube to woods and nature!  Bulgaria needs other people to realize that and come visit and make it prosperous!  I have to get some preparations done for my class so have to call it quits for today.  I also think I changed the days of my blogs but right now I can't remember which days!  Love and hugs from me!

mish mash3

I know it's been awhile but I have been pretty busy and I'm sorry for not blogging.  Everything happened at once it sems like and I'm leaving tomorrow to go get some friends from the states, do some traveling, and then have some me time.  So all this to say that I will be on a blog break until the 10th of October.  Last night I had an informational meeting for the adult English class that is finally happening.  Nargis and I had a bet how many people would show up; she said 25 and I said 40.  We were both wrong although I was closer and she owes me a chololate bar!  I have 3 classes of 15,14, and 15 during the week and 2 classes of 12 on Saturday.  Neither Nargis or I could believe it, they just kept coming!  So I really could use your thoughts and prayers as we begin these classes.  See, it seems like the opportunity for those classes just came up within the last week.  Then I have been preparing for the Kindergarten; this year I'll have 3 groups instead of 2.  So things have gotten busy all of a sudden!  You know, one of my collegues said today about the new English classes that they were very glad for the P.C. and that the Corps is very lucky.  You know I think it is us who are lucky enough to be able to promote our America!  Of course it will be extremely hard but that's to be expected!  Love and hugs and talk to you the 10th!

Bulgarian Independence

I'm going to take the next couple days off from blogging probably.  I really do have a lot to finish up.   Tomorrow is the Bulgarian Independence Day.  I looked at what I wrote last year and didn't like it that much so will do a new one this year, but short.  The B's got their Independence from the the Ottoman Turks in 1908.  The 6th of this month was Unification Day, the day that the Southern part of B became independent and the northern and southern parts of B were unified, both being independent.  There is a lot of history to write about, names and dates and the like, but I'm going to save that for another time when I have more time!  The moral of today's blog, not like there usually is, is don't be afraid of making mistakes!  That's how you learn!  In my opinion there's not enough of that here; you don't do something unless it's RIGHT!  That way there will never be learning.  You can't be afraid to get it wrong!!  Trying and getting something wrong is much better than not trying at all!!  Love and hugs from here!!  Thoughts and prayers are with my language tutor's family and especially her brother Ali.

it's finally happening!

Once again this is going to be pretty short.  I just got done walking all over town putting up fliers for the English class I'm finally having.  The Director of my school was nice enough to let me use the school during the evening to have the classes.  Exactly how many classes I have no idea yet.  We're having an informational meeting on Monday and that should tell me a lot.  The number of people who show up will determine how many different groups I have and how many classes I will have during the week.  I'm prepared to be very busy!  Well, technically I'm not all the way prepared yet but I am ready to be very busy, that's why I'm here!  Nargis and I made a bet as to how many people would show up for the meeting; she said 25 and I said 40.  We'll  see!  Anyway that was this afternoon.  I'm trying to get this report done before I leave on a vacation so I won't have it hanging over my head while I'm trying to have fun.   A couple from my church back in the states is going to be in the neighborhood and decided to drop in and see me!  I leave next Wednesday and will be gone until October 10th but not all of that is a vacation!  Today was fairly windy and kinda cool when the wind blew but very nice!  It made me think that I can't believe we're having this nice of weather and it's the middle, almost end, of September!  That's it for now!  Love and hugs from here!

How did I do that???!!!

This is going to be short and sweet and to the point!  I was working all day, missing my blog time, on a report for the corps and I finally got it opened!  Not sure what I did differently that it opened; whatever it was I was glad I did it!  I went to school this morning thinking I was going to write "welcome" in different colored cardstock and decorate one of the plain bulletin boards.  I asked some teachers if they wanted to help me and that led to a whole different idea from one of the teachers!  I was more than glad to push my idea aside, especially because it involved bubble letters which had seen better days!  I've never been good at bubble letters.  Then I found out that I'm going to be pretty darn busy this year!  The English class for the adults of my town is starting soon and will be a challenge!!  In addition I have 2 more hours at the Kindergarten than last year.  Sorry but that's what you get tonight!  Now that school has started I'm trying to stick to my new schedule which means I'm supposed to be in bed in 7 minutes.  Oops!  Love and hugs from here!!  Prayers and thoughts are with my language tutor's family!

first day1

Now that school has started my blogs should become more regular.  I'm starting to sound like a broken record but sorry about not having a blog yesterday.  Yesterday was more of a halfday really.  The teachers, students, staff, and some parents gathered outside to hear various addresses from the Director and our school's financer.  You know it just now occured to me that on the 3 occasions we have had reason to hear different speeches outside like today (graduation, the last day of school, and now the first day of school) it has been sunny.  Who knows what we would do with everyone if it ever rains?!  I'm assuming inside the school would be plan B.  The different grade levels stood together along with their form teacher which is a little like a homeroom teacher.  After everyone spoke the different classes met together with their form teachers for a little and then the day was done.  Nargis, her husband, and I headed to a town nearby for their festival.  We did some shopping and walked along and looked at all the venders selling their items; everything from plastic guns to bras!  I bought a sewing "goblin" with larger holes to stitch through and actually might be able to sew this one!!  It was a nice day and again on the drive home I was reminded how I really am living a dream.  I was the passanger in a car driven in another country coming from another town in that country with people who genuinely want to show me all about their culture!!  It was another "pinch me" moment!  Love and hugs from here!  Thoughts and prayers are with my tutor, her family, and especially her brother Ali.  Please pray for him if you wish!

frst day

Sorry about yesterday!  I went to the next town over and had lunch with the volunteer there.  I had lasagna that wasn't bad considering I as eating an Italian food in Bulgaria!  So tomorrow is the first day of school here.  Last year I was in Samokov for a youth development thing and missed the first day festivities so tomorrow will be new for me.  I think the non-my town students are moving into the hostel maybe even as I type this.  I think tomorrow is more of a formality thing than an actual school day.  We also have school this Saturday and then have a 3 day week next week because of Independence Day on the 22nd, the actual holiday, and the 23rd, the day everyone gets off because it's the Friday after a holiday day.  This is going to be a boring blog because I have to get ready to leave in a little.  This is going to be a better and more productive year for me as far as activities are concerned!  There are a couple things I want to try and start and several things that will continue from last year.  Things are fine and it has gotten hot once again.  Love and hugs from me!

worth it?

The idea for this blog came from a letter I got from my mom today.   She was telling me how everyone always asks her about me, am glad I joined the pc, and if I feel like what I'm doing is worthwhile.  First of all let me thank all of you who I know and don't know who are asking about me, thinking about me, and praying for me!!  I really believe I couldn't do this if it weren't for you all!  The support I get is just awesome!!  I know there are people who pray for me and support me that I don't even know and for that I say a big thanks!  You all have a big part in whether I feel what I am doing is worthwhile.  My blog is helping to meet the 3rd goal of the corps:  "Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans."  By all of you reading my blog you become more immersed in the B culture and learn more about B's.  Just because I am who I am I will probably always feel like I can do more.  A short story kinda to this point.  I was sitting down with my neighbors the other day, maybe 2 weeks ago, and they asked me if I would forget them when I leave.  I said "no" and then to further illustrate my point more I asked them if they would forget me.  Before I could even finish the sentence they all nodded and said "no!"  I said "see, you guys are my family over here; how can someone forget their family??"  I will admit that sometimes when I'm sitting in the teachers lounge at work and not doing much of anything I can't help but think "why am I at school when I'm not doing anything?"  But it's then when I have to stop myself from thinking that way and tell myself that I am doing something, even if I don't feel like I am.  I'm practicing my language and learning about B culture.  By me being there I'm helping meet the 2nd goal: "Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of Bulgarians."  Everytime I get a letter or new pictures or a package I either tell my collegues the latest story about my niece deciding she didn't want to go to school, share new pictures, or share treats from my packages.  I took the little wind-up bunny my aunts sent me to school and watched the teachers play with it.  The recordable card with my aunt's voice on it was a big hit!  There's also the English classes I go to and the students who know English better because they get to practice outside of class (the credit goes to them).   There will always be stuff I should do!  What I have to focus on is the more intangible stuff, the relationships that I build with people.  One of my favorie sayings that I'm not sure where came from is "build people, not monuments."  That's how I see my job!  As for am I glad I joined the corps?  YOU BET!!  From the first bus ride from Phili to New York to catch our plane here by way of Munich I was so impressed with the people I would spend the next 27 months of my life with (sorry English teachers).  It was so refreshing for me to see 80+ people so eager to lend a hand!  It kind of restores your faith in people, kind of like the line to give blood instead of the line to get gas did after 9/11.  I have met people who will be lifelong friends, both B's and Americans.  I wish that everyone had the chance to travel at least once in their life.  I think everyone should be exposed to another way of life, another culture.  We have so much to learn from each other no matter which country we're from!  I'm enjoying myself!  The ''American "in me will always think I could and should be doing more!  The truth is, just being over here is 3/4th the battle!  Love and hugs from me!  And GO FEVER!!

Ramadan

This is my long overdue blog about Ramadan.  Ramadan is broken into 2 different celebrations about a month apart.  The start of Ramadan is always different I learned b/c  the times are based on the Arabic calander which is lunar.  The first “part” ended about a week ago, maybe 2.  This is called Eid al-Fitr.  From sunup to sundown observing Muslims fast.  In addition to going without anything to drink or eat, there is no smoking, foul language, or sexual relations.  There are certain people who are exempt from abstaining from nutrients; women who are on their cycle, the sick and elderly, and pregnant or breast feeding women.  I also read something about if a person is traveling a certain distance during the day they are exempt.  THere are certain people who, if they can't participate, have to "make up days" while others have to exchange fasting for feeding the poor.  Come sundown, let the feasting begin!  The mosque by my apartment looks so pretty at sundown!  Illuminating from the top windows is a neon green light signaling it's the appropriate time to eat.  This meal is started by eating 3 dates.  The last 3 days of this Ramadan are feasting and family/friends days!  People make baklava and other sweet things.  As my counterpart says "this is the sweet Ramadan!"  Money is also given to children.  There is so much more for me to learn and I'm sure there are even things I've included here that are not the most accurate!  But it's all new and different to me and I'm enjoying learning and so appreciate the willingness of people here to allow me to participate!  That's it for my blog.  Let's not forget the events that took place over this weekend 10 years ago!!  The United States became more united for awhile, and then wasn't as united.  It's one of those things I'll never forget where I was and what I was doing.  When I was little and my mom would say something about how she remembers exactly where she was during such and such a time, when Kennedy was shot for example, I thought she was nuts!  How can someone remember such minute details years on down the road?  Now I know how.  I shall never forget.  Love and hugs from me!

BLAH!

I am so sorry to have ignored you all the past couple days!!  I have some friends coming to visit (YEA) and I've been trying to get our trip planned.  Now that sometimes I'm at work too, the actual school building, my usual blogging time comes...and goes.  So between working on the trip and going ha gosti I haven't blogged the past 2 days.  Sorry about that and I plan to tomorrow!!  Love and hugs and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER OF MINE!!!!

Unification Day

So today is an official holiday, Unification Day.  Today is the day that, in 1885,  Southern Bulgaria, called Eastern Rumelia at the time, became united with North Bulgaria and won it's freedom from the Ottoman Empire.  Northern Bulgaria was an independent entity as of 1878 due to a war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire where Russia was victorious.  However Eastern Rumelia still belonged to the Ottomans as an Ottoman province.  This was called The Treaty of Berlin.    Well, the Bulgarian citizens didn't think this was very fair and on Feb. 10, 1885 Eastern Rumelia revolted against the Ottomans.  The end result was the part of B that had been under Ottoman rule, the Southern part, joined Northern B as being Independent.  I asked my neighbors this morning about today and they equate these happenings to the Civil War; The United States (North and South) became united and Bulgaria (North and South) became united.  B also has another Independence Day, I guess this is more of a day when the 2 parts were united then an actual Independence Day, on September 22.  Of course more on that later!  Love and hugs from here and hoping things in Texas don't get that out of control!  Say it aint so Peyton!!

bubble days

It's a little later than I normally write but "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!"  I've tried to translate that into B so many times but it just doesn't come to me; I need to sit down and figure it out.  Today is a non-work day because tomorrow is a holiday.  Strange you may say or just an excuse for a day off.  When I think about it I really like the idea but don't think it would go over too well in the states.  Tuesday is a non-working day; it's a holiday (more on that tomorrow).  Who wants to end the weekend by going to work on Monday just to turn around and not working on Tuesday?  It's a little pointless and quite frankly, kinda a waste (my opinion).  So when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, and maybe even Wednesdays but I'm less certain about that, Mondays and Fridays are also non-working days.  However the Monday or Friday non-working and non holiday days are made up the previous or following Saturday.   So today and tomorrow are non-school, for teachers-the students don't start until the 15th, and non-working days for everyone but to make up today (non-holiday) everyone worked this past Saturday.   I know France does this too because my sister told me in France they call these days(days like today that are off but not holidays) “bubble days,” at least I think that’s what she told me.  Of course no one is thrilled about working or going to school on a Saturday but you get used to it.  They have a good plan for illneses too.  If a certain % of students in a region have, for example, the flu, the Ministry of Education calls off school and childcare for that region for a certain amount of time.  I know I go to work when I don’t feel the best or just have a little cold (I‘m talking in the states) and then I have the potential to spread my germs and make others sick, which only makes things worse.  If I don’t have the option to go to work and parents don’t have the option of sending their children to school/childcare when something is going around, all the better.  Of course then a whole different set of problems arise, like what to do with your child while the parent is at work, that need attenton.  Of course the students could care less; they get to stay home from school, and I think the teachers think the same in that they get a break from their students!  Anyway, this is how it’s done here and I think both are nice ideas.  Again, just my opinion!  Love and hugs from here!!

nyakoi otgovori

I thought for today's blog I would answer some questions my aunts included in their letters to me.  For me the summer flew by!  I did get to travel some but for work.  I went to Hisar and Sliven for 3 Life Skills conferences and Tryavna for my mid-service conference.  My actual "vacation" was to Vurshets to see my host family from pst.  I traveled to help a friend with her 4th of July party in her town but that was on the way to our msc.   I am looking forward to this school year in terms of building on what we did last year here.  I will admit that I need to step it up in terms of my actual "job-job", the youth development part.  I am enjoying living here and the experience!  I see myself looking at things in a new and different light.  For instance:  I love the Colts and Pacers and don't know what I would d if they weren't in Indy anymore, but when I hear someone is holding out for more money or complaining about whatever, this goes for every athlete, I just have to sigh and think how much even a fraction of that money could make a huge difference here.   I look at how hard people work here "just because" it's necessary for survival.  No complaining...well kids will be kids no matter where you go.  To me the hardest workers here are the babas, the grandma aged women.  Seeing things from the view of another country certainly gives one a different perspective!  It is very hard for me to believe I (we) are at the 1/2 way point of our service!  When I look back on the last year and how much I (we-meaning my town) got done or how much I didn't get done I think "man, if only I could have last year back than I could get so much more accomplished!"  But what I forget is that nothing I get accomplished this year would be possible without all I accomplished last year, the connections I made and the relationships I established.  So I look forward to this year, doing different things and building on some things we did last year!  Oh yeah, there have been people extend their service for another month to a year after they close their service but it goes year to year and no one knows about our group; the B26s, yet.  Love and hugs from here!

my visit to the mosque

Sorry about yesterday!  I was talking to one of the English school students on skype and they told me to come gosti to their house.  By the time I got back it was later and other things got in the way!  I'm very excited for this blog though!  Last Friday I went to the Jimea (or Mosque.  Nargis even told me another name but I forgot) and had a wonderful time!  I have to admit I thought I was going for the Friday "service" {Christians have church on Sunday and Muslims have their service (that's what I'm going to call it for the blog) on Friday} but it didn't turn out that way.  The lady who took me with her cleans the mosque and took me along while she and a few other women cleaned.  She explained things to me.  I have to back up.  Knowing I'm going into a mosque I know the longer the clothing the better.  It was also hotter than all get-out.  Do I wear a (longer) short sleeved shirt with words for Jesus and God on the back in the shape of a cross and walk into a mosque with God and Jesus images on myself (highly visable) or do I wear a plain (much shorter) sleeved t-shirt?   I chose the longer sleeved t-shirt with words in the shape of a cross on the back much to the shugrin of another volunteer friend I was telling about my day.  She, my friend Nevrea,  showed me the prayer beads; beaded necklaces used to pray and each bead represents a wish.  So here I am in this holy place in a different country and a different religion from my own, being careful what I touched, what foot I used to enter with, the right, and treating everything with kid gloves (very carefully).  I'm sure a little part of my friend, Nevrea, and the other ladies we were with were looking at me and saying to themselves "why is she being this hesitant with everything and treating everything like a prized posession?"  Let's face it, if someone wanted me to show them around my church in the states and handled everything SUPER carefully and was SO impressed by everything I would be thinking "come on, it's just a church!"  After she showed me the prayer beads she asked me if I wanted some (I have to admit from the first time I saw them I wanted some) and I said "I can?" and she told me I could and brought all of them over so I could choose.  She showed me this one with the name of Muhhamad on top and a name symbol on all the other beads and told me this was the original one.  I told her if that one was the original, not really quite sure what that means here, I did not want that one and she told me I could if I wanted.  So that's the one I choose.  After we were done there she asked me if I wanted to hear women reading and I said I did if it was possible.  She took me to the smaller mosque, shoes come off when entering, where 13 Muslim babas were reading from the Quran.  W read left to right, they read right to left.  They kinda sang/chanted it.  When they got to a stopping point they motioned for us to join their circle and we did.  Since the language that was spoked was Turkish Nevrea had to translate for me.  I went around the circle and shook hands and introduced myself.  While I was doing that they were reaching into their bags and throwing wafers to the spot where I was to sit.  We listened some more and then left.  I thanked them and told them how interesting it was and, of course, was invited back.  One baba did speak to me in B and she asked me why I was here, if I was alone, if I believed, and other things I can't remember now.  I have assurances from several people that they will include me when they go to the mosque but we'll see.  Since school will be starting shortly I'm not sure how much more during the week I'll be able to go visit but I look forward to it!  Prayers are out East with all the flooding and people who lost family memebers and/or their belongings!  Love and hugs from here!

jobs1

A couple days ago I wrote about the "bathroom attendant" job.  Another job that a person could have here that is different, at least I think so, from what we have in the states is the money collector on the bus.  There's the driver and then there is usually someone else who takes the money.  Sometimes there's just the driver and he takes your money as well as drive the bus; I think it depends on the owner of the bus/the bus company.  Sometimes you pay when you get on and sometimes you wait until you get off.  Sometimes I feel so sorry for the people in change of collecting the money.  I've been on super crowded busses before where you had people standing in the aisle and yet you have to make room for someone else to get by you!  After awhile of traveling from your town to anywhere, the drivers and their collectors start to look familiar.  I don't know any of the drivers/helpers names that drive the busses I usually take but thay are familiar and we always talk.  I remember the first couple times I traveled to get my litchna carta I got off at a certain spot; Nargis was with me.  Well the next time I had to go for something else Nargis wasn't with me.  When I went to get off the bus the lady said "here?"  I said yes and got off the bus.  Months later I found out she was right, I was confused and should have stayed on the bus!  I'm kinda memorable and stick out so it's not hard to take notice of where I get off or other things I do.  One time I was riding a smaller bus, only going a short way, and it was HOT and the air unit on the bus didn't work.   The driver asked if anyone had a problem with him leaving the door open to get some air flowing  while driving.  At least I think that's what he asked, I could make out the word "door" and there was nothing else I understood, but I assumed he was asking about leaving the door open.   After he asked his question I heard the word "American" (99.5/100 times he's refering to me) and assumed he was asking me if I as ok with him leaving the door open.   Well tomorrow is going to be a non-blog day for me.  I'm going to celebrate my birthday with another volunteer, who didn't really get to celebrate hers either, so we decided to celebrate together!  Talk to you Monday or Tuesday!  Love and hugs from here!  Glad to hear family on the East Coast is doing well!

smores

I  made smores this morning for my neighbors!  I had to improvise a little because my stash of graham crackers went to making graham crackers and milk for breakfast, I had forgotten how good that actually is, and  I only have the small marshmallows, but we made do.  One of my neighbors was making lootenitza and had a fire going.  After the first one I made, using small sticks I found lying around to roast the marshmallows, Maria went upstairs and got me some shishkabob sticks to use.  Germs and getting dirty seem to be a big thing here!  The other day when someone very kindly gave me a watermellon I went to wipe some of the dirt off the side.  The man who was sitting right beside me pulled the waermellon away from me and told me not to do that, I would get sick.  I told him that's why I drink a lot of water!  I'm not sure what it is about getting dirty or me getting dirty.  The other day I went to lift the handle of the huge lootenitza frying pan and again my neighbor told me not to, I would get dirty.  I replied that I have a washing machine, my 2 hands for hand washing, and a shower if I get dirty.  Huh.  This morning after the smores Ivan, neighbor,  and I had a small conversation about the school system in the states.  He was asking me questions and I was having a hard time remembering things I did in school 25 years ago!  But I do intend to get him some more information because that's one of the reasons I'm here, for cultural exchange.  So I'm going to try to get on the site for the Indiana Department of Education and get him some information...in B.  The people who were sitting outside the Mayor's office that I went and visited the other afternoon want me to go visit today and I'm going to try.  Maybe this time if I take my water bottle full of water they won't buy me coffee!  We'll see!  My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the East Coast!!  That was one of the first things out of Ivan's mouth this morning when I went down to chat; he was telling me about the earthquake that was felt from "Washington to Boston."  Love and hugs from here!

doing the potty dance

I've written several times in my blogs that jobs are a little hard to come by here.  While that is true there are some jobs here that we don't have in the states, or if we do I'm not aware of them or they aren't very prevalent.  One of them is a bathroom attendant.  I remember one time when I was in high school and my youth group from church was having a fundraiser for one reason on another.  One of the things we did to raise more money  was have a "pee fee."  We just put a sign up on both the men's and women's restrooms stating the amount and put a collection box by the door.  Over here unless you happen to be in an airport, hotel, restaurant, or any other more public place (not counting bus/train stations) it's going to cost you to use the toilet.  Not much, maybe 30 or 40 stutinkie (like our cents) but sometimes it's totally worth it!  Not only does this person sit and collect money, they also give you toilet paper.  Also over here you have to assume there's no toilet paper in the toilets (the bathroom, banya, is a place with the sink, the toilet, toiletna,is the place with the toilet) which is usually he case.  But the price comes with toilet paper, as well as a very appreciative bladder!  During our PST we were told to carry toilet paper with us just in case.  Another important fact, the toilet paper doesn't go in the toilet, it goes in the waste basket beside the toilet.  I'll stop right there on that one.  So that's one job that people can have in B.  It's another hot day here, like 34*C.  Yesterday I think I set a record for cups of coffee, yes that's right-coffee, in a day.  Now the cups aren't that big and when I say a cup I'm talking about maybe 1 and 1/2 dixie cups.  When I was headed back from the market I ran into some people I had met the previous Monday and they called me over and asked me to have coffee, so I did (#1).  Then yesterday afternoon, this was something I really enjoyed and I felt good about, I went back and to that same spot and talked with some of the same people and again was treated to coffee (#2).  I, literally, just finished that cup when another guy from the morning came to talk with us and he gave me a cup (#3).  That's kinda what you do here though!  That last cup was probably at 4:15 pm; when I was lying in bed trying to get to sleep at, most likely, 12-1am I couldn't help but wonder if that was part of the reason.  Of course the fact that I live above a bar has nothing to do with it I'm sure!  Love and hugs from here!

"Hey you! Come here!"

Say you're walking down the street and see a friend of yours and would like to chat with them (in the states).  You proobably yell for them to come see you, something that's not done here, and maybe motion with your hand while yelling.  Ok, take that hand motion and do it upside down and a little sideways, so your arms are making a "sweeping the street" motion instead of pulling the air to your face motion.  When someone wants to get my attention, or anyone else's, they make that motion.  It took me a good while to get used to it, I still hesitate, but that's what I see when someone wants to get my attention.  To me I think of "shooing" someone away instead of "come here" when I see that but am used to it now.  I can't remember who I was with the first time I saw that but I do remember being confused, in fact I think I started to leave and that person had to call me back!  Of course the hand motion is accompanied with "ella!" which means "come here" but it still was confusing at first for me, like getting a mixed message.  I was thinking "here they SAY come here but MOTION for me to go away.  That's not it at all!  Like the head nods "yes" and "no," the B way is backwards from the states way,  or the states way is backwards from the B way; whichever you prefer.  Being  Monday, it's market day.  So I went and bought 2 tomatoes (I still have some from Meliyan's baba),  3 cuccumbers, a bunch of bananas, some carrots, and peaches to make compot, to can, with my neighbor's help.  When I got back from the market I had 7 tomatoes, 5 cuccumbers, the bananas, the carros, the peaches, a watermelon, and some peppers.  I know everyone is cleaning out their garden but I think it's nice they think of me!  This afternoon I'm going to play "Connect 4" with a bunch of men who sit in front of the Mayor's office speaking Turkish and doing nothing.  We'll see if they like it!  Sugarland, Maroon 5, and Train; God bless you for caring so much about Indiana!  (Yes I know the bands are NOT reading this but still)  Love and hugs from here!

daily recap

So nothing that I wanted to do today happened.  I wanted to talk to a man about my washing machine and he wasn't at work.  I did meet a bunch of new people though so I guess that is good.  There were a bunch, maybe 6-8, men sitting outside the Mayor's office on benches when I went to talk to Nedzjmi and this one made a comment on the dogs following me...that aren't mine just usually with me.  He asked me the dog's name, Sara, and then asked me mine.  We talked for awhile; it's always good to meet new people, just don't ask me their names!  Then I went to get my hair cut but the lady who cuts my hair wasn't home.  Her husband told me to come back tomorrow.  So I took a little walk.  One of my goals this year is to do more at the mosque here, learn more about Islam.  I've been there once but need to experience and learn more.  While walking I saw a grandpa outside his house, he waved at me:), wearing a black "cap" or headpiece Muslim men wear.  It was a little while before I said to myself "this is a good chance!  Ask him if he speaks B and then ask him if you could go with him to the Mosque or what time is the service on Friday or ANYTHING about the Mosque!"  Continuing the discussion with myself a little birdie reminded me "it's not 4:00 yet and not a proper time for gostis."  Another little birdie countered;  "they won't care!  You need to do this and this is how you meet people and therefore learn!"  So I finally decided to walk a couple houses back and ask him.  All the arguing I did with myself, probably only about 1 minute went by, cost me the awesome oportunity!   He was inside when I went back.  Next time!  So I went back home and was in my comfortable apartment clothes when I remembered my baba goes to the Mosque.  I ran down to her apartment and asked her if I could go with her if she was going tonight.  She wasn't going and asked me why and I told her I wanted to go and was wondering if I could go with her.  She told me no and then, after talking about that for awhile, she told me I needed to have a child.  I told her I don't want a child but she told me everyone needs to have at least one.  My (imaginary) boyfriend that I broke up with soon after we started dating is still in her thoughts and she keeps telling me I need to go to him.  I tell her I don't want to, that I have things to do here, but that doesn't seem to matter.  I told her we broke up because I don't like decieving anyone, no matter how big or small, and going along with this didn't sit right with me, So I "ended" it and told her we broke up.  Only it doesn't seem to matter because she is still fixated on the imaginary boyfriend I broke up with, that I didn't love by the way.  So  that was my day.  Prayers are with my family and the people of Pakistan who suffered a horrible bombing of a Mosque today that killed 40 people and injured many more.  That, I think, was part of the reason I wanted to reach out today.  I still might.  Love and hugs from here!

the thief of peaches

I am so sorry!  I totally spaced my blog yesterday and then when I did remember it was too late!  I almost did the same today!  I was looking over the topics I have written down to blog about and nothing really stood out for today's blog but I got another idea just now talking to Nargis.  This is something we, ok I guess I can't generalize, I haven't thought about until now.  The reason I notice it now is because I am reading a book in B.  Every year my tutor, who is also the literature teacher at our school, gives books to students in certain grades to read over the summer.  She gave me the book that she gives to the 8th graders.  I have been gone and doing other things I haven't gotten around to starting to read it but opened it the other night.  Out of maybe 2-3 nights of reading I am proud to say I have read...... (drumroll please).........a total of 4.......paragraphs.  I have a longer list of words I have looked up then the actual paragraphs takes up space in the book!  But everyone tells me it's a great book, and I want to prove to my tutor I can do it, so I will continue at this pace of reading 4 words and looking up a word and so on.   So as I was reading and noticing how many different words Emiliyan Stanev uses that mean exactly the same thing I started to think about English novels...and how WE do the exact same thing!  Do English authors use the word "cold" everytime they want to convey that feeling?  No, they use "brisk" or "chilly" or "freezing" or other descriptive words that aren't coming to my mind right now.  Depending on the mood the author wants to create and the feelings they want to convey, the word choice varies.  I'm sure authors don't consider  "well someone who wants to learn English will be reading this book so to make it easier for them I'll stick with the word 'cold' throughout the book."  It would be so much easier for a reader who is learning the language but, let's face it, BORING!!!   Take the words "raining" and "misting."  Both words mean water is coming from the sky.  When I think of "raining" I think of staying inside because, well, who really wants to go out in the rain if they don't have to? (I said IN the rain, not AFTER...who didn't love to jump in puddles when they were younger?)  When I think of "misting" I get the feeling of dampness, being in a hurry so you don't get too wet; I think of outside.  2 words, same meaning, 2 different feelings conveyed.   I understand the authors point of view of choosing different words for different situations, I'd do the same thing, but it sure doesn't do any favors for those readers trying to learn the language!  Tonight, paragraph #5...and it's a long one!  Love and hugs!

like the birds

My parents, or at least 2 of the 4 of them, don't appreciate the cold and snowy Indiana winters.  I admit the ice is a pain.  Of course now that I'm here my dislike of ice has only grown!  Anyway every year in the fall they leave Indiana and do like the birds do; "head South for the winter."  Of course they make trips back and forth from Florida to Indiana during the wintrer but to escape the harsh, some years, Indiana winters they head where it's warmer, down south.  That's not the case here like it is in the states.  Here the more south you go the colder it gets.  Why you ask?  The answer to that is because of a little thing called the Start Planina mountain range, referred to as the Balkans quite a bit, and even further south are the Rodopes, another mountain range.  The Balkans divide B into north and south, they stretch the length of B; from Serbia to the Black Sea.  Since I'm up north, pretty much anywhere I go, unless it's mid summer and it tends to be hot all over, I can expect it to be cooler.  A couple wks ago in Varshets one of my volunteer friends forgot this fact, so did I but I wasn't planning on wearing shorts or skirts anyway,  and was kinda chilly.  Not sure how else to elaborate on this just to say that, living in the north where it is generally warmer, if I get cold...I'm in trouble!  There's no where for me to go (ok yes I can go to someone's house that has a wood burning stove but that's not my point) and I won't be visiting my parents in Florida at least for another year!  Well, it's time for a hair cut (it may be a few days before I actually make it to the "freezyor") and I have to go pay my water bill this afternoon.  Love and hugs from here!

filler up!

Before I start I just have to say my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Indianapolis  and especially those effected by the tragic event at the State fair this past Saturday!  One of my jobs I quit to join the Peace Corps used security personnel and at least 1 person who worked at my old job also worked security at the fair.  A former coworker of mine told me one of the victims also worked at my old job.  I hear he had 2 children and saved a little girl.  Just goes to show anything can happen at anytime and life is short!  From what I saw and have read there would have been a lot more deaths if concert-goers would not have helped the injured and people trapped.  Now on to today's blog.  A couple things I have forgotten to blog about until now, well more that a couple but I just happened to think of these, came to my attention while visiting my host family last week.  Again it's something I'm exposed to on a daily basis but have gotten used to it and didn't think to mention it.  Cars are driven on the right side of the road over here same as in the states.  The steering wheel is also on the same side (except on some imported cars I think).  Gas here is full service like it used to be in the states and probably still is someplaces.  When I was little I remember going to get gas with my mom and when we got to the gas station my mom, or dad, would tell the attendent how much gas we wanted and that person would pump our gas while we waited  in the car.  I was surprised to see that service still happens the first time I was in a car and we stopped to get gas here!  Today is another hot day.  I went to the market today and got my fresh veggies for my salads and some bananas too.  I spent a lot of time this morning talking with Marie and Ivan, my neighbors.  Maria has a name day today and was giving out chocolates.  Besides being rude to turn down chocolate offered by someone on a name day or birthday, who would want to?  Love and hugs from here!  Please think of and pray for those effected by tht events at the fair!

"Look ma! No hands!"

I saw something while in Varshets that reminded me of the a time when I was a child.  I'm sure most people reading this remember learning to ride a 2 wheeled bike.  I have some pretty interesting stories that I don't think I'll share here! Let's just say that if there was an obstacle in my way, I was attracted to it.  NOT around it, past it, or by it; TO it!    Including bodies of water and especially things much igger than me!  Anyway, learning how to ride without training wheels is like a rite of passage for kids.  My parents worked and worked with me, and I'm sure got pretty frustrated at times, because, I'm kind of assuming here because I don't really remember, unlike my younger sister I was not blessed with the "third time's the charm" ability, my gift is more like "try and try again and when that doesn't work, try again."  (Love you Steph!)  No matter who teaches you, a sibling, your parents, grandparents, or someone other than family, it's something that every child goes through.  So this past Saturday night was the night for the traditional horos, the dances in B that the majority of the people here "just know," kinda like riding a bike.  There I was with my host mother and sister and her friend ready to do some dancing(yes I dance!) when out of the corner of my eye I see a baba at the end of our line with her grandkids.  She was teaching them how to horo!  Like learning to ride a 2 wheeled bike is passed from adults to their children, learning the different horos is passed from adults to children here.   It was interesting for me to see and I did immediatlu think of the times when my parents worked with me so diligently, thinking that "maybe this time she'll get it."  Of course after a few moments of "look at them!  That's so cute" (to myself) I had to stop concentrating on them and start concentrating on what I was doing so I would not step on anyone's feet!  When you think about it, I'm kind of in the same boat as they are, just years older.  The rain the other night and part of the day cooled things down and it's not quite as hot as it was.  In fact this morning, ok-11:00 is  not really morning, when I saw my neighbors downstairs and went to talk to them, Ivan put his jacket around me because he thought it was a little chilly and I had on short sleeves.  How nice!  I just had some students over to make rainsticks.  It was about 12:30 and so I asked them if they wanted some macaroni and cheese (and it wasn't just because I wanted some!)and they said they would eat some and so we had mac-n-cheese.  The rainsticks didn't quite turn out as I would have hoped but they work, it sounds like rain!  I tried something different for the blog comments so could I ask someone to comment please so I can see if it works?  Love and hugs from me!

my dyado

My dyado, grandpa, from my family in Varshets died this past December or January.  My parents from the states and I had just spent time with him when they came to visit last October and it was hard for me to believe he passed away because he seemed fine!  So when I visited my host parents in Varshets the beginning of August and they went to his graveside and asked if I wanted to go along I decided to go with them.  The plots are just like in the states with cement headstones with the person's name and birthdate and when they died.  The plots come with a chest high aluminum or metal table with the width of 2 2x4's and about 20 inches long (I'm guessing and I'm not very good at measurments).  When we got to the graeyard the table was covered with a "tablecloth" and all kinds of food was put on it.  Fish, banitza, zucchini, salad, a  banana, fresh bread, and other food I have forgotten.  Then my baba, grandma, started putting some of everything on a plate and then put the plate of food on his grave.  There was also a little holder to put candles and like an incense "cup.  A candle was put in the cup to light it on fire and then my baba made tiny circles in the air with the cup over his grave and over the food that was breakfast.  After each completed circle they crossed themselved like they do in the Catholic church.  Thinking about it now I'm not sure if they went to the left shoulder or right one first.  From what I remember the Greek Orth. church does this too but the opposite side first than the Catholic church.  So when we enjoyed our breakfast, he also had a plate of food.  It is also customary to bring a small bottle of water and a small plastic bottle of wine to the graveside.  Again it's the same idea, when you take a drink you also pour some of the liquid on the grave.  My family had water and wine but also beer, a carbonated lemonade drink, and of course rakea.  I was encouraged to light a candle and drink and then to pour a little of the beverage on his grave.  Here I am thinking "it's 10 on a Saturday morning and I'm drinking rakea and beer with my family" and trying to eat enough that the little bit of alcohol doesn't go to my head this early in the morning; rakea is pretty potent stuff!  Since the graveyard is kinda just out in the open and not in a more formal, set-aside place like in the states there is no one who really works there.  Because of this out in the open area situation, and the fact that B has many animals just roaming free, many families put up a gated area around their graves, no one wants cattle grazing on the weeds closeby their loved one or, worse yet, a dog to...I'll let you finish that thought.  Every Saturday morning my baba, host parents, and my aunt do this same thing.  After we finished and packed up everything my baba washed the marble(?) walkway around his grave with water.  I thank them for letting me see this tradition!  As I sit here typing this I think the rain has stopped.  It started raining, not a downpour the whole time, yesterday at about 5pm and continued all night, at least it was raining when I went to bed and when I got up this morning.  The rain helped to cool things down a bit and that is a welcomed relief!  Love and hugs from me to you all!