happy halloween

Well guys. The Black Plague hit. I've been keeping it at bay for a long time, but the last few days it came in full force. My little vitamin C tablets stood no chance against the soul-shaking cough that was to inhabit my physical form. So I'm taking a short break from the touring and sightseeing and adventuring to just sit in bed with a pillow behind my head.

I'm also trying to decide which of my little students was the carrier of this disease, because somehow that will make me feel better? Whatever. I love those kids. Leaving them is going to be extremely difficult. I especially realized this after our Halloween party last week. Oh I was proud to be a teacher of those little devils quite literally, as you will see that day.

These 3 year old boys are the bane of my existence.

And also one of my top reasons for going to school each day.

And these little girls make me feel like a celebrity.

Oh they're divas.

And I love them.

I needed a costume last minute (no literally. school started in 2 minutes and i needed a costume) so I raided the nearby closet and came out with a child's leopard shirt.
It cut off the circulation to my arms.
Still rocked it.
maybe.....

Ms. Rachel and Ms. Amanda

aka.

The coolest cat and princess Ukraine's ever seen.

It's fierce. I know.

And then Amanda and I decided we needed to have a small dance party with the girls. So obviously we had to do a congo line. This might be my favorite few moments ever captured on video. It's just so....my life right now. And I can't believe it.

Happy Halloween everyone.

peace and The Monster Mash

rrw

дедушка

The Russian word of the day is дедушка. It's pronounced "jdedushka" and translates to "grandpa." (compare with бабушка, or babushka, for grandma) This is the word of the day because yesterday I did Macklemore proud and went to the thrift store, where I'm pretty sure I bought and wore a Ukrainian grandad's clothes. Or, a дедушка's clothes. What can I say, I look incredible. And have totally mastered the Ukrainian pose. #ducklipsforlife

I know you were all so worried that you'd never see another selfie of me because my phone is no longer in my possession. Don't worry. I've obviously got it covered. There's no getting between a girl and her selfies.

And oh my gosh did I just do an "outfit of the day?!"

 #ootd #styleblogger #sothisiswhatitfeelslike

The jacket and shoes were purchased at the thrift store. Because someone was super smart and brought shoes that make her feet bleed. And my host sister and mom insisted on the jacket because they have some that look just like it. We're twins now. Precious. no but really, it is. They take such good care of me. Speaking of jackets, I wish I had a picture of what went down in this place last night. The second night I was here my host family invited me to go skiing with them in December. Obviously I was all over that, but was sad because I had no ski clothes with me. My host dad said he'd figure something out and last night he pulled out his old ski jacket and had me try it on, including a helmet he must have found somewhere.

It buried me, but dang it, it'll work And I'll be the most attractive skier on the slopes come December.

In other news, I'm still teaching English. The kids are adorable, especially when 1:00 pm hits (or 13,00 as they say here) and I get to say, "Goodbye! Goodbye! See you tomorrow!" Yeah, that's when they're most adorable. And I guess in this picture too.

I teach a class full of girls. It's a party. They give the most precious hugs.

Although...should I be worried about this?

Well, now that I've showered, emailed, drunken my herbal tea (given to me by the bishop so pretty sure it's ok), eaten my Ukrainian cake/eclair wonder thing and blogged, I think I call it a night. Yeah all you Americans, it's nighttime here.

peace and marshrutkas

someday i'll tell you about my experiences on these beauties

rrw