Dear Mannequins,

I'm not much of a shopper--throw me into a situation where communication is limited, and shopping is even harder for me.

I bought a couple things this week, only because I was passing by and I loved what I saw on the mannequins. Pointing, and apologizing for my lack of Russian, and using my phone for them to show me the price, I got a new pea coat and some leather leggings. Both times the women stripped them off the mannequins and sold them to me. 

Dear Mannequins,

I'm sorry. I liked what you were wearing, that's all. I didn't want you to be embarrassed by being publicly stripped down. Know that it was not my choice. I would have been fine with the women giving me something that was tucked away somewhere, instead of your display clothes. Please forgive me. I hope you are not insulted or ashamed. I know that something will replace what I bought, and you will be covered once more. Thank you for your willingness to stand there and listen to me apologize.

Sincerely,

Ameri

Someone confident is someone beautiful.

My title is just a title. Don't read too much into it, read it and apply it. (or to not insult those of you who are already confident just smile and pat yourselves on the back)

As for my most awesomest post I want to share with everyone a picture I took and now will forever treasure.
I also dedicate this to Kenzie because she introduced me to Kinder Surprises.

Now don't turn up your noses to these kinds of treats. While trying to find these little gold mine's look for an egg shape in a wrapper like the one in the picture! It's a chocolate egg and whaaaaaaaa laaaaaaaaa you crack the egg and find.... a toy!!!!!!!! I confess I only bought two of the kinder toys shown in this picture but as you can see they are well worth it! I got the smurfs from Kenzie (maybe I'll add pictures of all the kinders Kenzie has) (it will shock your socks off) but the dinosaur is Yevgeni, my little buddy cause he was my first. That eagle thing will be donated to our store items. :)
My point is, we don't have these back home... for me, I've heard some say they have them where they live but not me so just adding to my list of reasons why this place is great.

peace and blessings
-Natalie N.

a real car?!

Today I realized what has been missing in my life.
Cars.

Honestly though for two months I have been in nothing but buses and metros. I drove in a car today and I had an overwhelming feeling of joy.

The convenience of a car.
The comfortable-ness (add that to your dictionary) of a car.

The air condition, the radio, the seatbelts.
It just felt right.

I just want my car and an open road.

And, a subway sandwich and Bon Jovi CD.

Love!
Auvi

A cheap-o's haven

Food in Ukraine is SO cheep. End of story. While we were in Lviv, we found a hamburger joint that sold burgers for only 6 Hryvnias. Remember that 8 Hryvnias is a dollar. So we got this huge burger for less than a dollar. Even McDonald's can't beat this.

Take a good look. I hope you noticed the corn, carrots, and onion slices.

And here's another view, just in case you didn't get it the first time.

They say the first bite is always the hardest

Love, Jennii

Rockin' It Out

Friday's are absolutely the best days ever because when you head to school that day you realize that after 4 hours of teaching its the weekend! It's one of those bittersweet moments where your excited it's Friday but you sort of wish you didn't have to teach. Tonight after teaching we headed over to the Hydes and played some rockband. Nothing like rockin' it out the night before L'viv! So excited to finally go traveling!

 <3 Mindy

Those Who Can't Teach, Head Teach

A few weeks ago, Auvi was sick and afflicted to the point where teaching wouldn't be a good idea. That's where I, the "amazing" head teacher that I am, stepped in.
I taught for Auvi, and decided to do a kitchen lesson. I made muffins in the microwave. I made some before class to make sure they would work. They did! Ooooh they were super good, too.
Class time comes, and I make bomb muffins. The kids were so excited. There wasn't enough room for mine, so I just put it in the microwave by itself after I had pulled the kids' out. The kids and I were having a great lesson, putting powdered sugar and sprinkles on our muffins. While the kids were eating, one student pointed to the ceiling and said, "TEACHER!" ....I look up and there is smoke in the air. I had forgotten my muffin!! I open the microwave and a big puff of gray smoke came billowing out of the microwave into my face. Coughing and coughing, I opened a window while the kids were coughing and choking (holding their throats for dramatic effect) In the other room, Rockie, Kami, and Kynde all thought that I was just being super imaginative in my lesson, as if we were "pretending" to be choking. They were all really impressed with my creativity until they realized I smoked the kids out of class.
Our coordinator, Larissa, came in and ushered the kids into the next room. I followed, feeling like a fool.

They say those who can't do, teach. Dewey Finn of School of Rock says that those who can't teach, teach gym. (or in this case, kitchen) This experience showed me that those who can't teach, head teach. *Sigh*

Love, Ameri