So much more than a Church

This is a Cathedral in Russia. I've heard it said, that if you have seen one Cathedral, you have seen them all. Of this I disagree. Scaffolding surrounds this Cathedral as it slowly repairs. You see, World War II was not as kind to Stalin's USSR and many Cathedrals were turned into weapon factories. Others yet were bombed. The buildings and Russia's history would be lost if it weren't for the old Priests slaving away. Notice the bottom of the picture as it leads to the top. The architecture is truly remarkable.

TESOL

I started my TESOL class. I am excited about this and I know that it will aid in the success of my time with the Peace Corps. What suprises me the most about this whole escapade is that I NEVER would have seen me as a teacher. EVER! I have decided on being called Miss Laura. In Russian, if a G comes at the end of word it is pronounced as a T. If the last syllable of my last name always comes out as bert, I'm not interested. So henceforth in the world of syllabi and red pens I shall be known as Miss Laura.

Medical Clearance

Don't worry, I still don't have it! I have been to the doctors twice and it looks like I have at least 2 more visits! I really do have to sign my life away just to go abroad with the Peace Corps. Trying to get everything done is just out of control! Happy Days! I hope everyone has a nice long weekend!

Beautiful People

The people of Russia have been through so much! I have a great respect for these people and I love them so much! These two women were my Russian Language professors in Nizhnii Novgorod. The Russian language was difficult for me. I would go to class and hope that I wouldn't be called on and forced to conjugate some verb. Oh, and my shirt says, "We survived Russian Studies Program 2004" I miss them.

The Kat Pak vs. Stupid Soul Patrol

Who will win? If Katherine doesn't win, I am boycotting next season. It won't be too hard since I won't be in the country, but that isn't the point! It is the principle! I can't stand Taylor! I hate his dancing, his hair, the way he twitches, and his constipation squat. Oh my goodness! This can't happen!

Cow Tongue (lengua) Burritos

The guy stared at me across the table and told me about his cow tongue burrito. I was trying to eat my steak as he told me about the little Mexican joint that aided in his new culinary experience. Have you ever seen a cow tongue at the store? I have. It's wrapped tightly in Cellophane stuck to white Styrofoam. You can see dead taste buds wilted in little porous openings. That tongue was used as a lever during the mastication of cud from 1 stomach with 4 compartments. I'd rather eat a chunk of beef where someone can say, "Bessie used this to run." Not "Bessie used this to push partially digested food around her mouth." SICK! I am opposed to a tortilla filled with lettuce, tomatoes and tongue. Do they chop it or shred it? If you would like to look at a photo of a cow tongue to help aid you in your decesion of whether to eat or not to eat a lengua, follow the link. Best wishes.

The Gulf of Finland

I'm normally up for an adventure. Unless you catch me on a bad day. But, while visiting St. Petersburg a bunch of us decided to hike our way to the Gulf of Finland. The water was freezing! Our feet were so cold; it was terrible! Yes, there were ice chunks floating in the water. And yes the Russians on the beach did laugh at the white American women taking off their shoes and socks. But...coming from people who strip down naked and jump in the Volga, I don't put much stock in their laughter. As departure for the Peace Corps looms before me, I am preparing myself for the inevitable laughter sure to follow me as I coexist with another people group.

Does This Match?

My dear friend was wearing this the other day. Pink kicks, peds, black dress capris, a lime green shirt and a pink jacket. I wish that I had a photo, but I haven't purchased my digital camera yet. I love her dearly, but her fashion sense "sometimes" needs help. But don't we all...

Chicken Jell-O

I used to be a picky eater. Consistency mattered a great deal. Looks even mattered. I had to look at food from every angle before I would dare take a SMALL bite. I began to dread two words, "Tryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy it." As if holding out the last syllable would push me over the edge into the world of food exploration. This being said, I felt nervous about living in the former Soviet Union. I heard a lot about Borscht and that made me nervous. A soup based on beets wasn't how I envisioned my future dining experiences. but is was as my director said, "eat it or you're going home." I now love Borsht and can't wait to have it again. In the interum, we went on a trip and went out to a nice restaurant to eat. Not only did they serve Reeba "fish" which I hate! they served Chicken Jell-O. It is less than appetizing. I'd rather starve I said! and I did. (If I get any requests I can post the photo of it) You see, when you go abroad you grow up and you realize that the world is so much bigger than yourself. You begin to understand that if chicken jell-o is what they are serving, then chicken jell-o is what you are eating. And some of the things you swore you would never eat again once you get back to the US of A you begin to miss. And yes, sometimes I eat an egg roll just for the tast of cooked cabbage...

She's Adopted!!!

She's finally adopted. Thank you thank you to all who prayed! It looks like the Miller's might be coming for the summer. All FOUR of them!

Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you. Tolstoy. 1828-1910

I'm trying to look intellectual as I stand on the porch of Tolstoy in Russia. His home was dark; not suprising when you think of his literature. And my roomie Claire and I got in trouble for touching things we weren't supposed to. Does that suprise you? And of course, it is snowing.

Grey's Anatomy

I'm addicted to the show and the finale is tomorrow. This is insane! Will Izzy be kicked out because she is psycho in love? I thought that the Mer Der thing was REALLY over last week. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Tomorrow night, oh dear! Oh, and I've decided to start running again. When I lived in Colorado I ran all the time and loved it. So, I'm starting again. Yeah.

Adoption

This is Marcela. I call her "Marc-a-lela." She is my favorite oldest niece and I love her. And her audiencia is on Tuesday. Don't forget to pray that all the stages in the adoption go smoothly because this dear child has filled our family with such love. I would like to wish a Happy Mothers Day to my sister! It is so hard to live in a foreign country; and such a blessing!

Language Headache

Tom Cruise irritates me. I'm assuming that by the time I arrive in Eastern Europe, M I III will be fully dubbed over in Russian and ready for my enjoyment. It will probably be one of those experiences that remains impossible to avoid. "The American" will be invited and if I don't go, well, we don't want to entertain that awful thought! For instance while in Russia I watched the movie Taxi in French, dubbed over in Russian. And then IT came in like a black fog, the language headache. In the Russian language there is no word for frustration. So, I created the language headache. You fear that if you don't have something explained to you or said in English you might implode! For instance, apparently while we were all sleeping there had been a terrorist attack in Moscow; a bomb had exploded causing huge fires (2004, near Red Square). Well, my wonderful Russian host mother pulled me into the kitchen and in rapid fire Russian started "telling" me what happened. Um yah, all I understood was "Moscow." So then, I was pulled over to the burner where she kept lighting it, making the flames bigger and turning it off. Over and over. I'm thinking (maybe we are getting a new stove in Moscow? Wow, that's expensive. Or maybe she needs me to buy new matches?) All the while I am smiling and nodding. Finally, finally we turn on the TV and I watch the news. The flames from the burner were supposed to represent the words bomb and fire. Language headache.

What Kind of Potato Chip Are You?

In trying to avoid the things I need to do today, I found a test that is supposed to tell me my chip identity. Intrigued as to who comes up with this stuff I took the test. I don't like the results.

Laura, you're a Kettle Cooked Jalapeno Potato Chip

When you're on the loose the world had better watch out! A risk taker by nature, you don't mind taking it up a notch and letting it all hang out. And just like your signature potato chip, you're not afraid to shock people with your sassy and spicy style.You love being surrounded by people, especially when you can be the center of attention. And you don't mind going to extreme lengths to make sure all eyes are on you. Sound like a lot of surprises and fun? That's because you are. Zesty!

I don't want to be a Jalapeno Chip. I want to be something else. Story of life, contentment. Now I can go on with life knowing my chip identity. And to you who are reading this, don't miss out on this life changing experience.

My Peace Corps Nomination

I have been nominated for an assignment in Eastern Europe/Central Asia. As I have experience with the Russian language my recruiter agrees that a Russian speaking country would be ideal. So far Ukraine, Moldova and the Kyrgs Republic have been mentioned. My assignment is for 27 months; 3 months of language training and 2 years of actual service. Currently I am working on medical clearance. I am due to leave mid to late August.

Sad Day

Chris got voted off American Idol. I can't handle life now. He was supposed to BE the next Idol. I feel like boycotting the show and being dumb. How did Taylor Hicks beat him out? I can't help but hope that Ukraine has "Ukrainian Idol." That is IF I continue to watch a show that puts the fate of hopeful individuals in the hands of America.

It's About Time

I'm leaving for the Peace Corps in August and the question of the month includes, "Will you email?" I'm not a fan of mass emailings. And apparently I am behind the times with the whole online diary that has taken the world by storm. So I'm here so that while abroad you can 1.) see what I'm doing in Eastern Europe 2.) live vicariously through me. I'm hoping to get a digital camera before I leave (Dad, are you reading this?) so when I am abroad I can post pictures. I'll probably use this space to put the random thoughts flitting about in my head down.