Catching-Up

I know, I know. It's been 7 months since I've updated this blog. I received e-mails from various readers, asking if I was okay. And yes, to that question, I can answer that yes, I'm okay. I was waiting for something to happen before I blogged again.

At New Year's, I couldn't help but think "2011 will be just like 2010, but without the excitement of trying something new." That was a depressing thought. I could see the year mapped out clearly in front of me. And, it turns out, I was right. I had my many University classes to teach, my Russian to improve, the snow to curse...Winter dragged on this year. Our coldest day arrived at the end of February when it hit 22F degrees below 0. THAT was a cold night!

The problem with predicting the year to come, made me complacent and bored. I got that restless feeling that tells me it's time to move on. And, of course, I couldn't go anywhere. If Peace Corps has taught me anything it's that you NEVER sign a 2 year contract.

The positive points to 2011 have been the amount of traveling I've been able to accomplish. In January I met Mom in Paris for 3 days. It was SO wonderful to see her! And Paris is now officially my favorite European city. I sang "Happy Birthday" to Mom on the Eiffel Tower. It was a perfect trip! I also went to London, briefly, on my way back to Ukraine. I managed to squeeze in a show...I finally saw "Phantom of the Opera" performed! I can't tell you how much of a dream come true that was! :-)

Of course there have been various trips to Kiev (mostly business, but I manage to squeeze in some fun too!) Last week some friends and I traveled to Lenina...a small town located south of the Azov Sea in Crimea, Ukraine. It is so beautiful in Crimea. We swam in the Sea and visited with our Russian teacher. It was very relaxing.

And today, July 16th, is the beginning of a big adventure! Mom, Dad and Kaitlyn (niece) will arrive in Kiev in 3 hours! :-) We're traveling around Ukraine, Italy and France for the next 3 weeks. I'm so happy to have my family visiting me and I can't wait to hug them all!

I promise to write all about our trip when I'm back at site. Which won't be until the very end of August. And, just for the record, I only have 4 months left in Ukraine! :-) I'm excited for the next adventure...for I cannot predict what the future holds. And that's the way I like it.

More to follow...