Travel. Home. Pizza.

    Well everyone, I made it to St. Petersburg, Russia. It has definitely been the longest 3 days of my life, especially since I lived one day twice pretty much. Really odd. The first flight to Chicago was absolutely horrible. We were on this tiny plane, the very back of it, and the heater was blasting. Talk about claustrophobic. Luckily that was only a 3 hour flight. After a short layover in Chicago, and our last american meal (fries and a chicken sandwich), we took off to Germany. That plane was luxurious compared to American Airlines. The flight attendants smelt amazing (their cologne) and were soooo nice. They brought around fresh towelettes, drinks every hour, plus we got two really good meals for airplane food I thought. There were touch screen mini tablets with various movies and the plane wasn't all the way full so we had a lot of room, it was very nice for an 8 hour flight. Once off the plane I decided that I really like German people and airlines, so I will have to go visit Frankfurt besides just the outside of the airport. The last flight I honestly don't remember that well because I was so tired I zonked out for the whole flight. So overall the trip went really well.
       Once in St. Petersburg  Ala (our native coordinator) picked us up from the airport and took us to our apartment. It was so cold outside though, like your mouth went numb and it was hard to talk after a while. On the way to the apartment I discovered that there are tons of apartment buildings here! Like thousands and there aren't any houses. It is really odd at first because I am so used to home where there are pretty much only houses and no apartments. But I think I could get used to it. I also learned that Russians are crazy drivers, they aren't bad drivers because they are always dodging people, it is fun though. Our apartment is super cute and homey. It isn't huge, Lex and I share a room with two beds, our head teacher has her own room, and then there is a bed in the living room. The kitchen is small, but I like it. The bathroom/laundry room is small as well but has heated floors which is nice when you get out of the shower. Not to mention scented toilet paper that is green. It is definitely starting to feel more like home.
       The past couple of days we have had to go around to the schools, which are super cute and the kids are adorable. One of the schools is an hour away that I teach at ( I teach at 2 different schools). We have also gone to the store which was interesting. Their milk is on shelves and not pasteurized, they have a ton of bread and pastries, and cheeses. Everything was in Russian though so I honestly don't know what half of the food is. Should be an adventure. Also, we exchanged some money into Rubles which is their money system, that was fun because I felt rich even though I really am not.
        On Thursday we went into the city and found the University where we get to learn Russian!! I am so excited to actually learn some of the language. Then we went to a restaurant where we got Russian Pizza. It was surprisingly super good. They had pepperoni, cheese with blue cheese, chicken pesto, and ham and mushroom. I was pleasantly surprised that they were all delicious. On the way home we went to a Cathedral that had a significant icon in it, It was beautiful and so peaceful. There were a ton of paintings and people giving thanks to their loved ones that had passed on. It had a huge dome on top with stunning paintings throughout. I can tell that I am really going to like this city.
        Well that is how the first couple days of Russia have gone so far. They have been long, extremely long because of jet lag, but fun and exciting. I am beyond excited for the next 4 months and getting accustomed to the Russian lifestyle. Sometimes I lay in bed at night and think to myself, "This is going to be one great adventure," and can't help but smile. We start teaching on Monday which will be stressful but I cannot wait to meet my kids. I will post pictures soon, but until then I hope America is treating every one well. Do svidaniya.
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Great things always start out a little scary; but oh so worth it!

    To say I am not nervous to go live in a different country for 5 months would be an understatement. The truth is I am totally scared, but a good scared. The scared that makes you want to go out and accomplish things to prove to people that you CAN do something. I mean if we never took the opportunity to do things that were a little scary at first, our lives would be pretty dull. So I am beyond excited for this adventure!
     I leave for St. Petersburg, Russia on Tuesday at 10 AM. Our flight stops in Chicago, Munich, and then St. Petes. I am sure it is going to seem like the longest day of my life, but I am stoked for it. I mean I get to be in Germany for a little bit! Plus, what is waiting for me once I get there will be one of life's greatest adventures.
     I have been packed to leave on this adventure for about 2 weeks now and counting down the days continuously until I finally leave.  I have definitely learned that it is really difficult to fit 5 months worth of clothing, shoes, etc in one 50 pound bag, a carry on suitcase, and a backpack. Luckily I have managed to fit a lot of things in them.....my advice. USE AIRSPACE BAGS!!! They save you a ton of room, but don't let it deceive you because your suitcase still has to be under 50 lbs. They truly are a life saver though, oh and try rolling your clothes because that saves space as well. Last tip, try to bring clothes that are neutrals so that you can mix and match your outfits. Just some things I have learned from packing for a foreign country!
    I am honestly, thrilled for this adventure. I cannot wait to get over there and immerse myself in the Russian culture. I cannot wait to teach my Russian kids English and I am stoked to go see Europe and see Russia. I never would have believed someone in October if they told me I would be on my way to Russia in just a few months but I am so grateful I took the leap of faith and pursued this. If now isn't the time to travel, then when will be? I say don't procrastinate adventure because life is short. Live it to the fullest and learn to love other cultures.

2014: Another Chapter.

Well, I guess everyone has to do the cliche New Year post, so of course instead of being an individual I decided on conforming to the crowd this time. Maybe because I am bored, but mostly because I will probably need a reminder of my goals next month. So here we go...
2013... a year of many laughs but many more trials. From friends leaving on missions, to ankle surgery and not being able to play the sport I love for four months, it was definitely a tough year BUT I learned a lot. So who says that life has to be fun all of the time, every year can't be amazing just like every day can't. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to appreciate the good times and honestly we learn more from the rough times anyways. If you are reading this and you are going through a trial, my advice to you would be to keep your head up and know looking back on it this trial will actually be a blessing. Thank you 2013 for the lessons, I will forever remember them.
Now for 2014, I am probably more excited for this year than I should be but all I have to say is bring it on! Some of my goals for this year include....

• Accept my strengths and weaknesses.
• Run a 1/2 marathon.
• Start piano lessons again.
• Be more selfless.
• Smile more.
• Never take anything for granted, including my loved ones.
• Write in my journal more consistently.

So if you took the time to read this boring post about what I plan to do with my year, first I have to say thank you. Second, my advice to you is make this year a year to remember. Smile more, love more, laugh more, and serve others more. Most of all, live the life that you have always wanted to and don't let anyone keep you from your dreams. Good luck.