well my title may be changing a bit. i have to figure out a schedule this weekend and change modes because it seems almost definite that i will be losing my 11 year old class. i am sad about losing them because i have become attached to them... this is when the flexibility in teaching needs to come into effect-- and it isn't always exactly what you want to happen, but everything will work out. it just isn't working for me to be IE and the 11 year old reading/language arts teacher. there are a lot of kids that need the extra assistance and just aren't being serviced because there isn't enough time or enough of me to go around. my duties will change a bit and some things will be taken off of my plate, but at the same time things will be added.... i guess it is a give and take situation.
the plan will be to lose my two 11 year olds, in order to free me up so that i have time for more IE students. there are a lot of expectations that need to be met and plans that are in the works-- i am just hoping that all turns out well. i am not sure that i am the most qualified person to teach the IE kids, which worries me. i can't complain though-- there are a lot of teachers who are wearing many different "hats"-- it is in our nature to worry and stress a little though....
so, my weekend is going to be spent planning for new students, reorganizing the IE program, and setting up schedules... i am definitely going to need a coffee at the cafe!!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Happy Halloween!!
Halloween... my favorite time of year! This will be the first year, in a long time, that i haven't really dressed up or had plans... but Halloween isn't celebrated here. Norvuz is a similar holiday, or so the kids were telling me. Children don't dress up in costumes for Norvuz (they actually wear their best clothes) and then knock on doors for treats or money. Of course, the kids were also telling me that they are told that they have to give the money back. :)
So, this week has been spirit week and tomorrow is the "dress-up" culmination! I have decided to go as a couch potato! It is the easiest and most comfortable thing that I think of.... especially without the "Halloween Express and The Superstore" around (meaning Walmart and Goodwill). Grem is going to be "disorganized" and i forgot to ask Kelly what she was going to be-- but I think it is something to do with Disney. I will be sure to take pictures tomorrow-- should be a fun morning (the kids get out at 12 because we have parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon).
Spirit week has been interesting and comical. Tim came in on "Wacky Tacky" day ALL DECKED OUT! I was a little grossed out by the whole hair thing--- but it was quite the get-up! He took hair from his head... and put it on his chest and hands.... and his face (gave himself a uni-brow)!
No one really topped his costume... but most everyone dressed up is some WACKY outfit.
I finally have chairs... so when guest come they don't have to sit on the floor. I like the new additions, but it makes my apartment seem smaller. It is definitely not as convenient as it was to hold belly-dancing in my living room. We have to move all of the furniture (or at least some of it). No big deal, all it good.... I even got some portable heaters! I was really excited about that since my apartment has ZERO heat at this point. My landlord has to install something before my heat works. I am warm and cozy now-- thank goodness I got them when I did though, because it has gotten chilly!
Belly-Dancing..... was fun, but tiring! I don't know how I am ever going to catch on to all of that "stuff"! It is tougher than I thought-- we are all struggling a bit. Of course, it was the first time... so maybe next time it will be better. Hopefully, by the end of the first few sessions I will understand what the names of the moves are -- it is in Russian, so I really didn't understand or listen to what she was saying-- just did a lot of watching and mimicking!
I am inserting pictures of our Sunday night adventure with Egey, Teymur, and Hakan. We met for a quick coffee and to set times for our lessons-- and ended up touring the city a bit (getting a great view of Baku at night). Another night of laughter and good times.
We also got together with Egey on Wednesday-- we met at the metro and walked back to Emily's place. I had brought pakhlava that one of my students had had her grandmother make for me-- but Egey insisted on going to the "magic oven" to get qoghal (which is a great Azeri treat with spices in the center). While we were in the "chuda peshka (magic oven)" Egey also bought a surprise-- sucuk. The sucuk doesn't look all that appetizing, but it wasn't bad. All it was was some sort of grape mixture with lots of sugar and walnuts. I have finally figured out why the dentists here are soooooo busy!! Everything you eat and drink is SWEET! After we laughed and ate a little Egey began the lesson--- the Russian alphabet is wowing me! Egey gave me the hardest word to try to pronounce and then reprimanded me for saying it wrong :) It is going to be a long road to conversational Russian! Emily is great at picking up what people are saying in conversation and deciphering what they are talking about-- but I have a lot of work ahead of me! :)
So, this week has been spirit week and tomorrow is the "dress-up" culmination! I have decided to go as a couch potato! It is the easiest and most comfortable thing that I think of.... especially without the "Halloween Express and The Superstore" around (meaning Walmart and Goodwill). Grem is going to be "disorganized" and i forgot to ask Kelly what she was going to be-- but I think it is something to do with Disney. I will be sure to take pictures tomorrow-- should be a fun morning (the kids get out at 12 because we have parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon).
Spirit week has been interesting and comical. Tim came in on "Wacky Tacky" day ALL DECKED OUT! I was a little grossed out by the whole hair thing--- but it was quite the get-up! He took hair from his head... and put it on his chest and hands.... and his face (gave himself a uni-brow)!
No one really topped his costume... but most everyone dressed up is some WACKY outfit.
I finally have chairs... so when guest come they don't have to sit on the floor. I like the new additions, but it makes my apartment seem smaller. It is definitely not as convenient as it was to hold belly-dancing in my living room. We have to move all of the furniture (or at least some of it). No big deal, all it good.... I even got some portable heaters! I was really excited about that since my apartment has ZERO heat at this point. My landlord has to install something before my heat works. I am warm and cozy now-- thank goodness I got them when I did though, because it has gotten chilly!
 |
| From More sights... |
Belly-Dancing..... was fun, but tiring! I don't know how I am ever going to catch on to all of that "stuff"! It is tougher than I thought-- we are all struggling a bit. Of course, it was the first time... so maybe next time it will be better. Hopefully, by the end of the first few sessions I will understand what the names of the moves are -- it is in Russian, so I really didn't understand or listen to what she was saying-- just did a lot of watching and mimicking!
I am inserting pictures of our Sunday night adventure with Egey, Teymur, and Hakan. We met for a quick coffee and to set times for our lessons-- and ended up touring the city a bit (getting a great view of Baku at night). Another night of laughter and good times.
We also got together with Egey on Wednesday-- we met at the metro and walked back to Emily's place. I had brought pakhlava that one of my students had had her grandmother make for me-- but Egey insisted on going to the "magic oven" to get qoghal (which is a great Azeri treat with spices in the center). While we were in the "chuda peshka (magic oven)" Egey also bought a surprise-- sucuk. The sucuk doesn't look all that appetizing, but it wasn't bad. All it was was some sort of grape mixture with lots of sugar and walnuts. I have finally figured out why the dentists here are soooooo busy!! Everything you eat and drink is SWEET! After we laughed and ate a little Egey began the lesson--- the Russian alphabet is wowing me! Egey gave me the hardest word to try to pronounce and then reprimanded me for saying it wrong :) It is going to be a long road to conversational Russian! Emily is great at picking up what people are saying in conversation and deciphering what they are talking about-- but I have a lot of work ahead of me! :)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
random meetings...
Gremily and I went to our "spot" (Cafe Caramel) to unwind and have some coffee-- we also shopped around a bit and saw some sights. we were wandering around-- out of the normal area and we stumbled upon a few things that were meant to be found by us--- one being the girl that we were "afraid for" on Friday night-- we were really thankful to see her alive and well. the second was "Naomi's Boutique"! and last but not least, we found some friends that are willing to teach us Turkish, Russian, and Azeri-- in exchange for teaching them English-- great deal!!
so.... i will briefly explain the metro situation on Friday. it was the first time that i felt uneasy on the metro and in Azerbaijan. i got a sick feeling in my stomach-- but for someone else. Emily and I had dinner at Tequila Junction and were heading home (at around 10 or so) -- we took the normal route and were waiting in the metro station for our train. it isn't uncommon for us to be stared at (we are the outsiders-- or as we are now saying "the exhibits in a zoo")-- but it is the first time that we noticed another woman getting being "stalked" in a weird sort of way. she sat down on the bench next to us-- and when we thought we heard the train, Emily and I got up. two guys (who had edged closer to the bench) immediately sat on either side of the girl. Em and i just watched a bit-- because nothing was really out of the ordinary-- except that she was looking at the floor and you could tell she was a bit uncomfortable. when we got onto the train-- she sat across from us and was smiling at our animated conversation (because we were laughing at ourselves) the train began to move and one of the guys came and stood right in front of her, as if to stake a claim on her. the girl got reacted how most would-- and didn't look at him or make eye-contact. she actually stared at the floor. at this point, both Emily and i were feeling sickened and uneasy--because we didn't know how to say anything to stop it. it was super frustrating not to be able to say something-- even to the girl-- our tongues were literally tied. after the first stop, some people got off and the guy standing in front of her sat next to her and the other guy sat next to him. i just watched the creepy guy stare at the poor girl -- almost to say "i see what you are doing, so knock it off"-- meanwhile, Emily is in a staring contest with the other weirdo-- she was shaking her head and giving him the evil eye-- normally that would deter the man, but not this one. we had to get off the train-- and leave the girl with the two men-- both of us felt sick! so.... it was super refreshing and relieving at the same time to see this same girl in a store that we randomly walked into. she seemed okay-- thank goodness.
our "teachers".... we met Egey and Hakan at the old wall of the city-- they asked if we would take their picture and the rest is history.... no, not really.... but we had a good time. they took us to a local cafe to have coffee. on the way, we each got a rose -- "it is tradition" is what they kept saying! it was sweet, but unnecessary. we had a good time at the cafe-- and made plans to meet up to start our teaching sessions. Egey and Hakan also took us on a mini-tour of the city-- we just laughed at the "sights" that Egey chose to show us -- "Azercell", "Bank of Azerbaijan"-- well those were the few that we laughed at-- we did see some beautiful buildings and places that we need to visit sometime soon. :)
singing fountains....
"little vegas"....
so.... i will briefly explain the metro situation on Friday. it was the first time that i felt uneasy on the metro and in Azerbaijan. i got a sick feeling in my stomach-- but for someone else. Emily and I had dinner at Tequila Junction and were heading home (at around 10 or so) -- we took the normal route and were waiting in the metro station for our train. it isn't uncommon for us to be stared at (we are the outsiders-- or as we are now saying "the exhibits in a zoo")-- but it is the first time that we noticed another woman getting being "stalked" in a weird sort of way. she sat down on the bench next to us-- and when we thought we heard the train, Emily and I got up. two guys (who had edged closer to the bench) immediately sat on either side of the girl. Em and i just watched a bit-- because nothing was really out of the ordinary-- except that she was looking at the floor and you could tell she was a bit uncomfortable. when we got onto the train-- she sat across from us and was smiling at our animated conversation (because we were laughing at ourselves) the train began to move and one of the guys came and stood right in front of her, as if to stake a claim on her. the girl got reacted how most would-- and didn't look at him or make eye-contact. she actually stared at the floor. at this point, both Emily and i were feeling sickened and uneasy--because we didn't know how to say anything to stop it. it was super frustrating not to be able to say something-- even to the girl-- our tongues were literally tied. after the first stop, some people got off and the guy standing in front of her sat next to her and the other guy sat next to him. i just watched the creepy guy stare at the poor girl -- almost to say "i see what you are doing, so knock it off"-- meanwhile, Emily is in a staring contest with the other weirdo-- she was shaking her head and giving him the evil eye-- normally that would deter the man, but not this one. we had to get off the train-- and leave the girl with the two men-- both of us felt sick! so.... it was super refreshing and relieving at the same time to see this same girl in a store that we randomly walked into. she seemed okay-- thank goodness.
our "teachers".... we met Egey and Hakan at the old wall of the city-- they asked if we would take their picture and the rest is history.... no, not really.... but we had a good time. they took us to a local cafe to have coffee. on the way, we each got a rose -- "it is tradition" is what they kept saying! it was sweet, but unnecessary. we had a good time at the cafe-- and made plans to meet up to start our teaching sessions. Egey and Hakan also took us on a mini-tour of the city-- we just laughed at the "sights" that Egey chose to show us -- "Azercell", "Bank of Azerbaijan"-- well those were the few that we laughed at-- we did see some beautiful buildings and places that we need to visit sometime soon. :)
singing fountains....
"little vegas"....
Friday, October 24, 2008
Diwali celebrations...
we have been preparing for our Diwali celebrations this week--- the kids had a great time learning about the Indian celebration-- and they especially loved the stations on Friday.
Diwali is known as the "festival of lights". small lamps-- called diyas-- are lit and placed all over the home and outside of the home. during the festival Indians exchange sweets and enjoy spectacular fireworks. new clothes are adorn and worn throughout the celebration. Diwali symbolizes many different things in India-- and recognizes some goddesses as well it--- but although it is represented in different ways, it signifies the "renewal of life"-- where the beginning of winter is marked.
Diwali is known as the "festival of lights". small lamps-- called diyas-- are lit and placed all over the home and outside of the home. during the festival Indians exchange sweets and enjoy spectacular fireworks. new clothes are adorn and worn throughout the celebration. Diwali symbolizes many different things in India-- and recognizes some goddesses as well it--- but although it is represented in different ways, it signifies the "renewal of life"-- where the beginning of winter is marked.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
some promised pics...
i have been slacking-- as far as updating all of you and taking pictures..... school has been a little crazy this week and some of last (the end of the quintile is here-- and the new system of grading and tracking students is a bit more time consuming. all is well though, they are done and conferences start next Friday-- plenty of time to prepare.
i thought i would include a few pictures from the past couple of weeks-- i have been terrible about taking pictures lately-- i think that the rain is getting to me! :) the weather is constantly changing-- but i think that winter is approaching fast because the wind has picked up. i need to get my heat turned on sometime (but they have to install something first)-- probably won't be happening this month, maybe next month! depends on if they are working on Azeri time or BIS school time-- there is a big difference.
elections are over-- and apparently the President won.... i guess he won before elections even occurred-- a little corrupt here. i haven't had an opportunity to read up on the whole thing (scandal) -- so i will do that sometime and then give you the highlights.
Jess is very thankful to all of you that sent in your votes-- he didn't win, Colorado did. i wish i could have seen the Today show because Jess apparently was doing push-ups and talking up a storm :) it was a valiant effort though-- so congratulations to Jess for being such a great sport and canidate!
travel plans are starting to take root and become definite-- so exciting! Olga, Lena, Emily, Kelly, (hopefully others) and i are planning a trip to the mountains for our November break (long weekend). i am really stoked about getting up there-- Olga showed me pictures from her trip at the end of September, and it is gorgeous! i think that i found the spot i will be celebrating my birthday next year-- you are all invited!! well, maybe i should really check it out first--- we are planning on traveling further up the mountain (to that point) in the winter!! so excited!! they said that we may have to walk because they close the roads! what an adventure!
after the mountain trip(s)-- i will be heading to Europe. i am looking forward to getting a few necessities, traveling to new places, and seeing Traci! Traci is meeting me in London for NEW YEARS-- it will be fun! after celebrating the New Year, we are heading to Ireland. when we reach Ireland we will be meeting up with Emily (Gremily-- one of my BIS co-workers)--- i really didn't think this out-- Emily and Traci may not be the best duo to be traveling with.... they are both trouble! :)
for those of you from my Keshequa years--- you may like to know that i chatted briefly with David Gonzales, and hopefully will be able to make it to Spain sometime while i am abroad! it is pretty in-expensive to travel around the here-- which is why i only plan on coming home for part of the summer.
okay, i suppose i should get some more work done-- my para (Shebnem-- who was awesome!) no longer works for BIS. she is enrolled in the university and the class schedule changed-- so working at BIS isn't possible for her--- which STINKS!! needless to say, my life (at school) has been put into a bit of turmoil-- new lesson plans, schedules, extra paper-work, and having to prepare to train another para. all will be fine though-- it will all work out and the stress will disappear! :)
hope to get some good pictures this weekend-- and next week-- we (a few of us) are starting some extra-curricular activities (BELLY-DANCING) and participating in book club. i am sure i will have some stories (that is if i don't fly away with my "helicopter arms" -- as my friends in North Platte like to say).
i thought i would include a few pictures from the past couple of weeks-- i have been terrible about taking pictures lately-- i think that the rain is getting to me! :) the weather is constantly changing-- but i think that winter is approaching fast because the wind has picked up. i need to get my heat turned on sometime (but they have to install something first)-- probably won't be happening this month, maybe next month! depends on if they are working on Azeri time or BIS school time-- there is a big difference.
elections are over-- and apparently the President won.... i guess he won before elections even occurred-- a little corrupt here. i haven't had an opportunity to read up on the whole thing (scandal) -- so i will do that sometime and then give you the highlights.
Jess is very thankful to all of you that sent in your votes-- he didn't win, Colorado did. i wish i could have seen the Today show because Jess apparently was doing push-ups and talking up a storm :) it was a valiant effort though-- so congratulations to Jess for being such a great sport and canidate!
travel plans are starting to take root and become definite-- so exciting! Olga, Lena, Emily, Kelly, (hopefully others) and i are planning a trip to the mountains for our November break (long weekend). i am really stoked about getting up there-- Olga showed me pictures from her trip at the end of September, and it is gorgeous! i think that i found the spot i will be celebrating my birthday next year-- you are all invited!! well, maybe i should really check it out first--- we are planning on traveling further up the mountain (to that point) in the winter!! so excited!! they said that we may have to walk because they close the roads! what an adventure!
after the mountain trip(s)-- i will be heading to Europe. i am looking forward to getting a few necessities, traveling to new places, and seeing Traci! Traci is meeting me in London for NEW YEARS-- it will be fun! after celebrating the New Year, we are heading to Ireland. when we reach Ireland we will be meeting up with Emily (Gremily-- one of my BIS co-workers)--- i really didn't think this out-- Emily and Traci may not be the best duo to be traveling with.... they are both trouble! :)
for those of you from my Keshequa years--- you may like to know that i chatted briefly with David Gonzales, and hopefully will be able to make it to Spain sometime while i am abroad! it is pretty in-expensive to travel around the here-- which is why i only plan on coming home for part of the summer.
okay, i suppose i should get some more work done-- my para (Shebnem-- who was awesome!) no longer works for BIS. she is enrolled in the university and the class schedule changed-- so working at BIS isn't possible for her--- which STINKS!! needless to say, my life (at school) has been put into a bit of turmoil-- new lesson plans, schedules, extra paper-work, and having to prepare to train another para. all will be fine though-- it will all work out and the stress will disappear! :)
hope to get some good pictures this weekend-- and next week-- we (a few of us) are starting some extra-curricular activities (BELLY-DANCING) and participating in book club. i am sure i will have some stories (that is if i don't fly away with my "helicopter arms" -- as my friends in North Platte like to say).
Saturday, October 18, 2008
friday and saturday...
so poor Emily had to move-- which is going to end up being a good thing because she will have a DRYER!! what i would give to have a dryer agian-- i will definitely be hanging witn Gremily on laundry days :)
so anyway, we moved the rest of her stuff into the new place-- which is actually in the same complex, so it isn't a terrible move. after we finished, Gremily and I decided to go downtown to get something to eat-- I NOW KNOW WHERE TO ORDER A STEAK!! we went to O'Malley's pub and restaurant. it was a dive inside, but the outside was nice (too bad it was a bit chilly tonight to sit outside). we sat and talked inside for awhile (waiting for our food), and a couple came in and sat at the table next to us--- and starting "communicating" with us-- we had a lot of difficulty because both sides were limited in the main language spoken-- at one point we had the server be the translator-- but it was a lot of fun! they bought our drinks and appetizers-- which was absolutely unnecessary, but they insisted because we are "guests in their place". as we were trying to decipher what each other were trying to say-- a man at another table (who had been speaking Azeri and Russian all night) spoke up and said, "you guys are having some difficulty, huh?" first of all, we were shocked by his perfect American accent-- because it turns out he is American-- and his son goes to our school! that is a bit of a story as well-- so anyway, the night got more interesting from there on out.
the couple left and said good-bye--- and Emily and I were finishing up our 'snacks'-- but then Natik (the man from our new friends-- the couple) came back. he sat with us because his table and cleared off--- so he lost his fries :) we chatted for a few minutes and then he told us to join him at Tequila Junction-- which is actually connected to O'Malley's Pub. that is where we found out that he was the owner of both places AND the SHERIFF! he was thrilled to have company with him-- and we quickly became his 'daughters'. we had a few more drinks and some AWESOME steak bits! i can't wait to go back for the food!!
while we were at Tequila Junction, we met some guys from Holland. they were really interesting and protective--- a little skeptical when it came to our 'dad' the sheriff--- but all was good! we had a great time-- and almost missed the metro as a result! both Emily and I are looking forward to a return trip to O'Malley's/Tequila Junction.
this afternoon we met Olga and her sister at Cafe Caramel-- the Saturday hang out--- we had a super time chatting and leaning a bit about the area and foods available. Olga and her sister speak Russian-- so it is really interesting to visit with them. Olga works with us at BIS-- she is wonderful!!
tomorrow is my work day--- tons to do.....
so anyway, we moved the rest of her stuff into the new place-- which is actually in the same complex, so it isn't a terrible move. after we finished, Gremily and I decided to go downtown to get something to eat-- I NOW KNOW WHERE TO ORDER A STEAK!! we went to O'Malley's pub and restaurant. it was a dive inside, but the outside was nice (too bad it was a bit chilly tonight to sit outside). we sat and talked inside for awhile (waiting for our food), and a couple came in and sat at the table next to us--- and starting "communicating" with us-- we had a lot of difficulty because both sides were limited in the main language spoken-- at one point we had the server be the translator-- but it was a lot of fun! they bought our drinks and appetizers-- which was absolutely unnecessary, but they insisted because we are "guests in their place". as we were trying to decipher what each other were trying to say-- a man at another table (who had been speaking Azeri and Russian all night) spoke up and said, "you guys are having some difficulty, huh?" first of all, we were shocked by his perfect American accent-- because it turns out he is American-- and his son goes to our school! that is a bit of a story as well-- so anyway, the night got more interesting from there on out.
the couple left and said good-bye--- and Emily and I were finishing up our 'snacks'-- but then Natik (the man from our new friends-- the couple) came back. he sat with us because his table and cleared off--- so he lost his fries :) we chatted for a few minutes and then he told us to join him at Tequila Junction-- which is actually connected to O'Malley's Pub. that is where we found out that he was the owner of both places AND the SHERIFF! he was thrilled to have company with him-- and we quickly became his 'daughters'. we had a few more drinks and some AWESOME steak bits! i can't wait to go back for the food!!
while we were at Tequila Junction, we met some guys from Holland. they were really interesting and protective--- a little skeptical when it came to our 'dad' the sheriff--- but all was good! we had a great time-- and almost missed the metro as a result! both Emily and I are looking forward to a return trip to O'Malley's/Tequila Junction.
this afternoon we met Olga and her sister at Cafe Caramel-- the Saturday hang out--- we had a super time chatting and leaning a bit about the area and foods available. Olga and her sister speak Russian-- so it is really interesting to visit with them. Olga works with us at BIS-- she is wonderful!!
tomorrow is my work day--- tons to do.....
Friday, October 17, 2008
fell behind...
i have fallen behind with my picture sharing and stories-- i have plenty to share and i will add to this post a little later-- but here are some pictures to check out.
Mandy Lea, the sock monkey is awesome! he is constantly making me smile! you are the greatest!
Mandy Lea, the sock monkey is awesome! he is constantly making me smile! you are the greatest!
Monday, October 13, 2008
elections....
the elections are on Wednesday, and the city is even busier than normal. we took bus 94 to Tim and Heather's for dinner tonight -- normally it is about a 10 minute ride, but it took 45 mins.! it was insanely packed-- to the point that Kelly was almost shut in the door! traffic is terrible-- worse than California!
i have been really busy lately-- will try to write about the elections and all of the new happenings in Baku sometime soon.... i have some great stories about a restaurant experience and the pub!
i have been really busy lately-- will try to write about the elections and all of the new happenings in Baku sometime soon.... i have some great stories about a restaurant experience and the pub!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
had to share....
my brother sent some new pictures of his adorable family-- and i thought i would share one of the pictures of my cute little "chunk"!
he is such a happy little man... when he is getting into things (the laundry)!
 |
| Kellen |
he is such a happy little man... when he is getting into things (the laundry)!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
mr. montana...
so, this morning i received a message from Jess (for those that don't know who Jess is-- i have a few links to sites of his on this blog-- Western Skies Strategies and US Cattlemen's Assoc.) -- he was letting me know that it was election time. i, of course, was thinking politics because of Jess's whole DC connection, but when i opened the message and began to read, i realized i was way off....
Jess was nominated to be "Comso's Hottest Bachelor of 2008"! he is already won the first round-- making him MR. MONTANA (see the competition he beat--the link below). he is the most outgoing, friendliest, sweetest guy (honestly) and needs some votes. he did not ask me to solicit votes or anything-- just wanted to let me know about the whole deal-- and to have me place my vote. BUT i thought i would take it upon myself to spread the word about Jess's "Mr. Montana" success-- AND invite my friends to vote for their favorite (JESS PETERSON) Cosmo Hottest Bachelor! did i mention that you should vote for JESS PETERSON??
Such a good picture of Jess.
Mr. Montana
Jess's Video
VOTE FOR JESS (or whoever you want :))
enjoy the entertainment-- the girls and i did! it is quite fun to "glance" at the sites.
Jess was nominated to be "Comso's Hottest Bachelor of 2008"! he is already won the first round-- making him MR. MONTANA (see the competition he beat--the link below). he is the most outgoing, friendliest, sweetest guy (honestly) and needs some votes. he did not ask me to solicit votes or anything-- just wanted to let me know about the whole deal-- and to have me place my vote. BUT i thought i would take it upon myself to spread the word about Jess's "Mr. Montana" success-- AND invite my friends to vote for their favorite (JESS PETERSON) Cosmo Hottest Bachelor! did i mention that you should vote for JESS PETERSON??
 |
| From picnik photos |
Mr. Montana
Jess's Video
VOTE FOR JESS (or whoever you want :))
enjoy the entertainment-- the girls and i did! it is quite fun to "glance" at the sites.
normal sights...
just wanted to add a few photos to the collections on here. we see a lot of this in Baku. definitely not your normal city-- at least the section of town that the school is located in (and that we live in).
Saturday, October 4, 2008
raining....
well, the fall season has hit Baku! supposedly it will be raining for a long while. it isn't too bad, if you can find a sidewalk! the drainage systems in some areas of the city are none existent, which means extremely wet feet and lots of 'flooded' roads. i had to take a 5 minute detour today, on my way to Emily's house--- because the roads and sidewalks were underwater.
we went to Cafe Caramel again today. i really like that place. the weather and the cafe atmosphere made me feel like i was in Washington, DC again. i can definitely see Cafe Caramel becoming a regular "hot spot". our trip downtown was another nail biter (of course not a terrible one)-- we got onto a new bus #26-- which we normally take to my house, but figured it had to reach the metro at some point, and it did! we are getting to know the area, so Cafe Caramel wasn't as hard to find this time around.
after the cafe we decided that since the weather was changing and the fresh fruits and vegetables weren't going to be around for much longer-- that we would start the 'freezing' process. on our way out of the metro station (that is after we got to the top-- roadside--- and had to go back under because we went the wrong way AGAIN), we stopped at a vendor selling lemons. we thought that putting lemon juice on the fruit would keep it fresher in appearance and hopefully taste-- who knows though. we then went to the market near my place and loaded up on apples, pears, peaches, and carrots. then we visited my favorite market (the one in my complex), where we purchased peppers and grapes. our big plan was to cut and freeze all of these things-- so that we had fresh (or as fresh as we will be able to get) fruit and vegetables for the winter. i wasn't sure if i should trust Emily with a knife or not-- she just recently cut herself and had to superglue the wound! AND then she takes the big knife-- she very dangerous! :)
she told me today that her friends call her GREMILY-- which is why you see her new "picture buddy" on the right-hand side of the picture.
all went well with the freezing process. no new cuts or loss of limbs! we had dinner and then tried to learn Azeri! actually we laughed at how ridiculous we sound when attempting to speak Azeri! it is soooooooo hard!!
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN THE GUESTBOOK!! Thanks to all of you that have signed already-- so glad to get your messages!
we went to Cafe Caramel again today. i really like that place. the weather and the cafe atmosphere made me feel like i was in Washington, DC again. i can definitely see Cafe Caramel becoming a regular "hot spot". our trip downtown was another nail biter (of course not a terrible one)-- we got onto a new bus #26-- which we normally take to my house, but figured it had to reach the metro at some point, and it did! we are getting to know the area, so Cafe Caramel wasn't as hard to find this time around.
after the cafe we decided that since the weather was changing and the fresh fruits and vegetables weren't going to be around for much longer-- that we would start the 'freezing' process. on our way out of the metro station (that is after we got to the top-- roadside--- and had to go back under because we went the wrong way AGAIN), we stopped at a vendor selling lemons. we thought that putting lemon juice on the fruit would keep it fresher in appearance and hopefully taste-- who knows though. we then went to the market near my place and loaded up on apples, pears, peaches, and carrots. then we visited my favorite market (the one in my complex), where we purchased peppers and grapes. our big plan was to cut and freeze all of these things-- so that we had fresh (or as fresh as we will be able to get) fruit and vegetables for the winter. i wasn't sure if i should trust Emily with a knife or not-- she just recently cut herself and had to superglue the wound! AND then she takes the big knife-- she very dangerous! :)
she told me today that her friends call her GREMILY-- which is why you see her new "picture buddy" on the right-hand side of the picture.
all went well with the freezing process. no new cuts or loss of limbs! we had dinner and then tried to learn Azeri! actually we laughed at how ridiculous we sound when attempting to speak Azeri! it is soooooooo hard!!
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN THE GUESTBOOK!! Thanks to all of you that have signed already-- so glad to get your messages!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)