I've been at site for almost three months now, and apart from generally settling in, my computer went and broke on me. That's been quite the disaster. I hate to say it, because I'd love to think that I could go back and hang out with Jane Austen and throw technology to the wind, but that's just not reality. I need me some tech. I love computers. Always have. And not having one is a hinderance. I can't plan lessons as I'd like to, I can't write, I can't watch movies, and - most importantly - I can't speak with my family and friends!
But, to bright-side this situation, I've been keeping productive! I'm almost done reading Anna Karenina. My flat is suspiciously clean. I've even done some push ups! And laundry...
Send help.
No, but after a mishap with the post office as far as getting a new computer sent to me, I've decided to buy one here. That will happen soon... I hope. I'm going to Lviv next week, so I suppose I'll check some out there, but who knows where I'll buy it from. Or how I'll buy it. I'm going to need a lot of help with that... I don't know any computer words in English, let alone Ukrainian. Speaking of speaking, my Ukrainian is getting better! At least I'm feeling better about it. I'm starting to read Harry Potter in Ukrainian. Or trying to, rather.
In more important update-y news, I love my site. My students are hilarious and brilliant and sassy. I'm working on being a better teacher every day, and I hope it's happening. I love the town. After traveling, it always feels like I'm really coming back home when I arrive in front of my flat. My counterpart is one of the most impressive people I've ever met. I'm so lucky to have been placed with her. We're already working on some projects for the school. I think we're going to do great things together, and either way, we'll have a lot of fun... Ah, and speaking of students, two of mine just sat down next to me in the computer cafe and they are watching me type. That's been a thing, they are all really interested in how fast I type. I tried explaining that they teach us typing in schools, it's like an actual class, but that didn't translate. Or they just don't believe me. Also, they have me rap for them often. These are two things I do just alright if I were to do them stateside (actually, if I were to rap stateside, I'd be thrown out), but at least I'm doing something that's cool to them. The novelty will surely wear off soon, and then I'll just be "that American" rather than "that fast-typing cool-rapping American" which I'm CERTAIN is what they call me when they're talking about me in Ukrainian. CERTAIN.
Anywho - I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm gaining all sorts of weight. Life is good. And interesting. And always confusing and wacky and I love it.
Happy Updates, all!
