Hectic Holidays.

I've been a bit MIA this past month, but I assure you it's for good reason. With the arrival of our new sitemates and the holiday season sneaking up behind us, this season has been particularly festive and filled with socializing and work. So, since I haven't updated as much, I'll just take you through the highlights.

Sitemate arrival. We got 4 new sitemates this month! With the arrival of new people, there were also welcome dinners, tours around town, general hanging out, and getting to know the new Ming family (while not forgetting those who've left).

Lale's return. Lale's back and I'm SO happy about it!

Sitemate Sean's birthday. Sean is one of the new sitemates here in Ming and, for his birthday, his friends came into town and spent it with him. We had great food, played fun games, and overall had a great time.

Christmas baking with my girls.

My girls came over after Sean's birthday festivities to bake Christmas cookies! As you (might) can see, the cutting out of cookies weren't the most traditional, but it was delicious and fun all the same. We made sugar cookies and chocolate mint.

Visitors!. Ming's had a ton of visitors this past month. As always, fun, but also tiring.

Sitemate Laura's birthday!!!. Laura is our Christmas baby, so we started celebrating early with a Chinese inspired dinner with homemade fortune cookies! I made fortune cookies for the first time in my life and, let me tell you, it wasn't nearly as easy as I thought they'd be. Some of our favorite 6s came to town to celebrate the birth of Laura and we played games all through the night.

Sheki Christmas. Sheki Danielle hosted a TON of PCVs for a Holiday Hoorah and it was great! There were cookies, Christmas movies, music, the fabulous hotel, Secret Santa, hot showers, and warmth (both company and temperature wise). What else could've we asked for?! Thank you Danielle for a great time!

So, friends, Merry (belated) Christmas! Happy (belated) birthdays to Natalie and Sarah, too! Next up, Baku New Years.

Hungry for the Holidays.

I love the Holiday Season. This wasn't always the case, but it most assuredly is now.

This is my second and last Christmas I'll be spending in Azerbaijan. So, I'm kind of going as all out as I currently can. There's a small tree involved as well as other little decorations around the apartment. Yesterday I also did my first round of Christmas baking (motivated mostly by a neighbor's help in getting my electricity box to work again and wanting to thank them). I'm excited; I have some presents wrapped, garland up, Christmas movies ready, and am currently trying to perfect my Christmas '09 playlists. T'is the Season.

I found myself thinking about how my past few Christmases were before coming here. I honestly don't remember the day of very well... actually, not at all. But, I do remember the basic sections of life I was at. I think I'm able to remember that only because of the albums I had in rotation each year. I remember Holiday '05 (the old 111 Records catalogue and a Drive-Thru band sprinkled with various other bands I knew) because I was on the road all the time baking for and hanging out in seedy bars and decent venues all around NC with my band friends. That year, I spent the coldest night of my life at an old friend's house... that is, until I came here.

Holiday '06 (Lydia, Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, Band of Horses) had some of the same, but it also included working at Bath and Body Works, trolling through Gravity Records, and reading at Folks Cafe way too much. I remember '06 for providing an especially amazing Thanksgiving and, on Natalie's birthday, the 22nd, my first tattoo. That was also the Christmas Break of Atlas Shrugged. I think I calmed down a bit Holiday '07 (still Lydia, The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, Stars, Joseph Arthur) but I was still working a lot and stayed in Wilmington for the majority of the time. Cinematique, Thalian Hall, and spending time with Heather processing French Existentialism are my most vivid memories from that year. With all of these memories, I thought about who I was each of those years and how I barely recognize the person I was in '05... and how much I miss being that girl. There are so many people I wonder about from that chapter in my life, but I guess all of that is the cost of 'growing up'. Nevertheless, each of my past Seasons have held some memorable events.

My Holiday '08 and '09 will be forever instilled in my head as the ones I spent in Azerbaijan (provided I don't suffer from some sort of amnesia; knock on wood). Though they're probably not as eventful as the hustle and bustle of American consumerism and fueled with to-go Peppermint soy mochas, I think they're special nonetheless. '08 was my first not in the States and as an actual PCV. I pretended New Years trees were Christmas ones and I was good to go. It also may or may not have included a hat making party. This year, with me having a place of my own, I'm able to just be me and share my holiday with the Azerbaijanis I like the most. We'll bake Christmas goodies, watch old Christmas favorites, listen to Christmas music and I'll get to give presents! I think that for sure qualifies as a wonderful Holiday '09.

Hope to see all of you next Christmas! The thing, aside from being a RPCV, I'm looking forward to next year is meeting my niece. :)

The Year of 2 Thanksgivings.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Top 3, at the very least. I've always been fond of the day, but a few years ago I experienced a Thanksgiving that I will never forget. Ever since that lovely Thanksgiving I find that I look forward to the next one with much anticipation. Last year was my first Thanksgiving in Azerbaijan, but this year was my first real Thanksgiving in Azerbaijan. And, I had 2 of them! I definitely made up for my McDonalds Thanksgiving last year (though it was still nice in its own taste of America kind of way).

My first Thanksgiving was the Peace Corps' Thanksgiving - the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Almost all of my group went to Baku to celebrate at the Charge D'affaires' place. It was a wonderful and generous invitation for him to extend. Meredith, the Country Director, and he provided turkeys and drinks and all the volunteers brought everything else - potluck style. Everything was delicious. We were all also able to stay with American Embassy workers and families. I cannot even begin to express how amazing the family I stayed with was. They were warm, welcoming, friendly and truly American. I was finally able to be in a family dynamic again and I realized how much I miss it. My stay with the family was more incredible than I ever imagined it to be. Not only was it a slice of America family wise,

it was also a complete revisit to the amenities and lifestyle I once took for granted. For the first time in over a year, I was able to use a washer... and a dryer! I currently smell like Bounce fabric softener and it is glorious! It was spectacular to catch up with old friends, eat incredible food, spend some time in Baku, meet new people, and watch a fabulous talent show (that included a speedo, Disney tunes, and human pyramids).

Mingechevir also had our own little Thanksgiving on the actual day. We did another potluck event and I made stuffing and mac and cheese. There was a good amount of more great food and I am still full! It was nice to have a small event after our huge Baku get together and spend quality time with those I spend so much time with. We also had 2 guests, but it was still intimate and great. Not only did I get to eat more yummy food and hang out with people I enjoy, I was also able to Skype my family back home and see everyone! Everyone! I saw my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and the baby! It was the first time I was able to see the baby and my brother as a dad. It was nice to "see" them and spend some of both our holidays with each other, even though we're worlds away.

This year I have a lot to be thankful for. I've come a long way in a year even though, at times, it feels like I've gone no where at all. My support networks are strong and I know I have stellar people in both of my worlds, friends and family. Being with my American Embassy family, I realized I'm able to find wonder in the simple things that exist back home. I have beautiful people in my life in Azerbaijan ranging from my first host family to expat friends and, of course, my Peace Corps family. And, finally, I have an incredible amount of things and opportunities to look forward to in the future. Who knows where I'll be or what I'll be planning on doing a year from now, but I'm thankful for all the prospects - as scary as they may be.

Let Them Eat Cake...

... and lasagna.  

There's never too small a celebration for us in Ming.  Any excuse to have cake or a dance party is good enough for us.  So, when we have a legit reason for it, we go all out.  Tonight we celebrated Andrea's birthday (a few days early)!  And, in tow, was a special birthday cake and made from absolute scratch lasagna, per her request.

My feat of the day was making the lasagna.  We don't have lasagna noodles here, so I had to make them... from scratch.  Since I was being all fancy and putting in the work, I decided to make them with spinach, too.  It took hours.  Prepping, mixing, kneading, resting, rolling, drying, boiling, cooling, draining... whoa.  But, in the end, they were awesome.  I also made 2 sauces for it and, of course, used lots of cheese.

Making things from scratch isn't abnormal for me anymore, but this seemed a bit intimidating to me.  I doubt I'll get to spend 5-6 hours on one dish once I get back to the States or wherever, so I'll enjoy it while I can.  

Last year on Andrea's birthday, we found out Laura was going to be our sitemate.  This year, I found out making a lasagna is worth all the work because good food goes far for our mental health.  Then, add a cake (of which we may or may not have had a giant slice each) and we're good to go.

Happy Birthday, Andrea!  Here's to another year of knowing you.

Ah, To be an American High School Student...

I work with some really great youth.  Of the special few, 2 of the girls I've made really great relationships with the past year, with tons of practice and work, have made it to the 3rd round of FLEX.

FLEX?  What's that you ask?  FLEX stands for Future Leaders Exchange and it's a US sponsored program that sends youth from post-Soviet states to America to be a high school student for a year.  Through American Councils, youth all over these countries take tests to qualify for the opportunity.  The 1st round weeds out the ones who shouldn't even be in the room for lack of English knowledge.  The 2nd round is a quite a bit more difficult and only 15% of the original pool make it to the 3rd round to write more essays and interview.  From the 3rd round, only about 50 people from the batch will be invited to study in America and usually only half of that number are from the regions of the country.  Given my calculations, that would average 4-6 from each region testing site (where usually over 800 take the 1st rounds' test).

I've worked with my girls pretty intensely the past few months, beginning in July.  It began as a film and writing club, but has since moved to watching Gilmore Girls (and movies, still), listening to podcasts, and reading books in English.  They've wrote essays and/or short stories for every movie we've watched, we've discussed issues, reviewed grammar and have built vocabulary (I'm pretty confident that my girls are the only ones to correctly use extraordinarily in their essays - I'm leaving my mark).  We've posed question after question, situation after situation, for anything I thought could pop up on the tests.  I wanted my girls to be able to show everyone how great I know they are.  They wrote their essays Monday (one of which was one I posed to them as a timed assignment the day before) and one had her interviews today.  My other girl is interviewing tomorrow.

I'm so proud and lucky to be working with these girls.  And, what's really amazing about this program is if they make it through, I might be able to see them in my environment!  It's been such an incredible experience being there to support them throughout these testing sessions.  Not only has it been great seeing them come out of testings confident and smiling, but I've also been able to see other kids, too, with all of their hopes and dreams unfolding slowly in front of them.  I've been able to see supportive parents who want their kid to have an opportunity they've never imagined would be available.  I've made sure to tell my girls' parents how incredible it is for the girls to get this far and I think they know how big of a feat it is, at least I hope so.  This has been such a motivating experience.

We don't find out until Aprilish if they've been invited to go, but, no matter what, these girls have learned and experienced so much this past year.  And, if they don't make it, they'll definitely rock it out next year.  One of my strongest girls was a smidge too young to take the test this year, so they would be in good company...  

That Second Year Mindset.

With it getting dark 6PM or before, I find that I have a lot of time. Time to watch movies, listen to podcasts and music, read, lesson plan and reflect on my life past and present as well as attempt to try to plan for the future.

I know my posts as of late have been quite reflective on my past year here, but tonight's focal line of thought was about who I was over a year ago when I was still in Wilmington wasting away my summer days hanging out and drinking my nights away downtown. I can't say that fun wasn't had, but that time post college and pre Peace Corps was also something very heavy, uncertain, and confusing. Looking back on my photos from that past life of mine, I can barely recognize that lifestyle anymore and I've come to think when I'm back in that environment, that I don't think I'll take back to it. We'll see, of course, and there will most assuredly be many socially awkward encounters, but I don't see that type of life as mine anymore. I guess, when I really think about it and come down to one feeling about the entirety... I feel so much older than that person then. And, with that thought, a huge part of me feels incredibly absurd as I know how young it is I am and how much life I have yet to live.

I never really understood how people become old and I never thought I really wanted to find that out, but I'm seeing that it just happens. It happens when you're living out commitments and planning for the future ones. It happens when you're reflecting on the past just to realize another day, week, month has passed. Being here a year puts that into perspective for me. And, I know, next year, at this time, I'll be getting ready to jet set out of this popsicle stand in search of my next one.

We're at the point in our service that the next step is all on our minds. We need to take those GREs, think about what it is we want to pursue when we get back, hope that the job market is ready for those ideas of ours... we're figuring out where we want to go afterwards, be it vacation or to live... I feel like it's just one of those times where complete uncertainty just hangs above our heads. I can't speak for the whole of my group, but I know it's on the minds of the ones I've talked to. But, also, while we're in our own heads trying to answer those unpredictable and badgering questions, we're still volunteers. And, I think, having that distraction is incredibly beneficial.

Being here a year has taken its toll, but we're more able to realize what we're actually able to accomplish here and, honestly, life as a volunteer is easier. We're used to this life and we know what is and isn't possible in the environment we're in. I feel successful in the projects and relationships I've invested in. If I can be so content a year in, I'm hoping that by the end of it all I can feel like I've done a good thing and a service to my country, Azerbaijan, and myself.

My countdown has finally taken it's turn. It's no longer counting how many months I've been here, but how little time I feel I have left. Next thing I know it'll be 2010 and my year to go home... granted at the very end of it, but it's the year, nonetheless.

Softballin': Fall Fun.

I love softball.  

We play softball in Mingechevir and it is awesome.  This season was something a bit different... it was all AZ6.  The experience was tumultuous but, in the end, it proved successful.  Not only was it AZ6 running it in the country - in Mingechevir, it was only girls.  I know that doesn't sound like a big deal for all you people back home who're able to mingle with the opposite sex and enjoy the company of anyone you choose but, here, it's a big deal.  The season started off slow with bad weather and very low attendance, but the past 2 weeks were pretty incredible and we were able to gain some very valuable players.  We even named one of our favorite guys, Mensur, Captain!  

Today was the one and only Fall Tournament for this year.  Only 2 teams participated, but it was fun nonetheless.  Tim, Lucy, and Danielle traveled in (though Danielle had to take an emergency trip home) and brought much team spirit and support.  Rolling into town this morning was Gence bringing Mathias, Chris, Katie, Elmer and a really great team.  With my Cubs gear on and a strong team led by a new Captain, we played.

The first game was a close one and Mingechevir squeezed out a 16-15 win with only minutes left on the clock.  Mensur did fabulously guiding our team, creating a line up and manning the field.  We even had a new All-Star player, Allahverdi, shine through the sweetest slide into second I've ever witnessed!  My girls (Sabina and Sama) even came out and played quite wonderfully.  It was a tight game and Gence definitely gave us a run for our money!

The second game was very low in points for the first few innings and Mingechevir's defense was phenomenal - I am so proud!  We were leading that game 8-5 (I think) with only 15 minutes left when the whole game took a huge turn for the worse...  In true stereotypical Azeri male fashion, a group of guys show up and try to force us off the field even though there was another free field right across the way.  Things escalated very quickly and reached a very frustrating peak which included a bit of physical contact from the Azeri guys toward one of our Volunteers.  We were seriously being attacked... over a field.  Since it was near the end of the game, we decided to be the bigger people and leave, letting them treat the guests of their country so badly.  What gets my goat is that they pushed out the kids!  The kids!  Thanks guys for being so selfish.

We pushed aside our frustrations, bonded over the absurdity, and took our lovely group photos.  As angry as the last part of the day made me, I can't forget how incredible of a season it's been (even with the slow start).  I got to continue working and deepen relationships I made last season as well as create new ones.  These kids we worked with are truly the special ones, in my opinion.  They're the ones that make me want to be here and the ones I enjoy spending time with.  These are the kids I'll look back on with fond memories and wonder how they turned out while secretly hoping they're still the special ones who're polite, respectful, and full of untarnished life.  They are why I'm here and I'm better for knowing them.

A Kick in the Face.

Sometimes, as I'm sure you're all aware, things just don't go right.  Today was one of those days.  The days where everything goes wrong - where one bad something falls right after the previous bad thing.  

I began my day on the hunt for money.  ATMs get really crazy at the end of the month and just causes me migraines that last all day.  I was hoping to beat the crowds and I did!  But!  I also got behind one of those people who have multiple ATM cards.  To make matters worse, the ATM was only giving out 1 manat bills at 20 manat increments.  So, after waiting behind one person for over 20 minutes, I had to leave to go to work.  Fail.

I strolled onward to work unable to pay my phone, water and gas bills because my lack of money as it all remained in my bank account.  Minding my own business and hiding behind my sunglasses, I tried to breathe and let go of the too typical ATM challenge.  Then, out of no where, pops in my old counterpart/director from my first Host Organization.  I had quite a few issues with this guy and I always like to tell myself he doesn't exist outside of those horrible stories I tell of him.  But there he was.  Existing.  And yelling my name.  I shouted out that I was on my way to work and moved on.  Fail.

I arrive at the lyceum and heard 

the loud children upstairs from outside.  'Oh, geez,' I thought.  After my Tuesday experience, I was not excited to step in that room.  I get into a classroom and I try to be happy and positive, I really do.  But the kids! 

They yell and don't listen and I either have to talk over them, yelling to be heard, or just sit there miserable while all of them yell.  Not fun.  The director at that school wants me to tach them English songs, so I went with 'Twinkle, Twinkle' and 'BINGO.'  The problem with this class is that I have no place being in that room.  They speak very little to no English.  Not to sound exclusive, but since I've come to Mingechevir I've worked with Intermediate skills at the lowest.  I'm not trained to be a TEFL and not having an Azeri teacher with me makes for a very rambunctious classroom with more disciplining than teaching.  I end up kicking a couple kids out, not letting really late ones in, semi teaching some songs, and playing a disastrous game of 'Simon Says'.  Fail.

I had a Skype date with a friend, too.  So, I thought, this will make up for my bad day.  I go over to the fancy hotel and wireless doesn't work.  Fail.

So, I walk home breathing in the Fall air, looking around at the plants that still live and the colors of it all.  I glance at the fountains and the sunset trying to fill my mind with positive things and focus on the good as opposed to the full blown migraine and day's frustrations. With some Fall-type tunes in my head, I stopped at a different ATM and successfully got money, stopped by the store with the nice cheese lady and, though they didn't have my chocolate milk (I didn't let it bother me), got some banana juice instead and yogurt.  I finished my walk home to rest a little when I get a call.  I didn't know the number.  I don't usually answer when I don't know the number, but with new trainees in country, I decided to, just in case.  And, I'm glad I did.  It was Nazim!  He is one of my best students and only real male Azerbaijani friend!  He's in the Army right now (as it's mandatory for all males here).  It was nice to chat with him and see how he's faring where he is (a not very safe region).  I immediately updated Lale that I heard from him.  Finally, something good.

Now, something very good is about to happen.  Step Up and brownie night with Sitemates Laura and Alexis.  It might sound a little lame watching Step Up again this month (once in my film club), but nothing's wrong with dance parties, cute guys, and a bit of chocolate overload.  My migraine is already subsiding...

Thank goodness for the simple things.  

7s Invade Ming.

In no way should invade be taken as a negative term.  In Ming's case, it's the accurate one.  Since the departure of our 4 sitemates and leaving us 4, it sure felt like a lot of people were in Mingechevir for a few days over the AZ7 PCV visits.  We were fortunate enough to host 6 new trainees and, I hope, fun was had by all.  

The purpose of a PCV visit is to get a glimpse into PCV life.  Although most of it is accurate, some of it isn't as well since some of us take a lighter schedule while guests are in town or they might just catch us at a time when not too much is on your plate.  I was very glad mine came on days I actually do work, so that was, at least, something.  Last year on my PCV visit, we didn't do work at all, really, but did get a chance to finally relax from training stress (which is the more beneficial aspect to the visit, I think...).  So, I tried to find a healthy balance of work and fun.

The PCTs came in on Sunday and we were able to greet them and bring them all back to my place for the evening.  I cooked dinner, baked a big apple pie and served up some made from scratch banana nut muffins and biscottis.  It was nice getting to all hang out together the first night (and for all the subsequent ones) and kept many of the possible introductory awkward pauses at a minimum.  

Monday I was able to take my Trainees around Mingechevir for a walk before my afternoon Film Club.  I'm extremely proud of my FLEX girls, so it was great to be able to show them off a bit.  We watched our film, chatted for a bit, then it was time for us to go off to softball.  

Softball season is winding down this week with our tournament on Sunday, so we had enough people come out to play a game with us, the Trainees, and our kids.  I had a blast.  I love softball.  The night ended with us going down to Mingechevir's only haunt, the Wild West, where we had dinner, drinks, and an amazing (on the house) fruit platter at the end of the meal.  Laura and I were also able to take our Trainees through the city to look at all the lights (which would have been a shame not to... being in the Light City and all).

Continuing the tour of Mingechevir, we walked up to the reservoir the next morning.  We spent time there for a bit and I found a new spinny ride reminiscent of those dangerous playground spin rides.  Fun.  And dizzying.  My group had work at 2, so we headed back to change clothes before I started work at a new place.  This was a first experience for myself, as well, and it was a bit of trouble.  Basically, I go to a room filled with 25ish kids that don't know English... I think they want me to be a teacher and that is not what I want... at all.  We'll see what happens with that one.  The nice thing about after that, though, was we got to come home and relax before dinner at Laura's.  Our last night together was with good food, great company, and Apple to Apples.

It still amazes me that we've been here for a year and talking with the new people really drives that in so much more.  Having the 7s visit was a great experience and it was truly wonderful getting to know them and begin new friendships.  It was a blast staying up with Kathy and chatting the nights away, watching Anthony Bourdain with Kathy and Eli, talking on the balcony with Derek, experiencing a truly Azer moment (however frustrating) with Jessica and Alisha, walking around with Judy, sharing our first year stories with everyone, playing Apples to Apples with a new group of people, getting to chat with the ones I didn't really get to when I went in for Hub Day and to hear about what they're going through right now while also thinking how me and my group felt the same then as they do now.

As exciting as all that was, I was beat the day after.  I said my goodbyes in the early morning, went back to bed, woke up for a bit and then slept til the next morning.  

Next up, Softball Sunday.

If I Had Known Then...

Last week, I returned to Sumgayit.  It wasn't the first time since I got out of PST (Pre-Service Training) that I went back, but it was the first time I went back when a new group of trainees were also there.  The AZ7s have arrived and are going full force into cultural immersion in Sumgayit trying to learn the subtleties of the culture and gaining language and work skills to function as a volunteer.  

Going back was probably one of the strangest experiences I've had in this country.  It wasn't bad, at all, but it was incredibly surreal.  I was in the same exact place I was a year ago watching a new group go through what I and my fellow 6s went through.  It was odd being on the other side seeing them adapt to the 'wonders' of Sumgayit for their first real week and suddenly becoming qualified to lead a session at a Hub Day (and not playing Scrabble in the back row) and being a source to answer questions about volunteer life.  I guess we're officially not the newbies anymore.

With my return to Sumgayit was also my return to my old host family.  That was pretty much the one condition I had upon returning to facilitate a session.  I wanted to stay with my family.  Volunteers aren't supposed to go into Sumgayit when the Trainees are there; so, to be able to go back while they were there and do everything I wanted to do was nice.  In returning to my family, I essentially returned home.  A year ago, I was the bumbling quiet American girl in that house trying to communicate in baby phrases and barely making appearances out of my room. Not saying I'm not still that person in some ways... I definitely still pause in conversation, but it was easy this time around.  My family has a new Trainee staying with them this year and it was amazing to be able to serve as a translator and a guide of sorts for her.  I broke that family in for an American and seeing how comfortable she already seems to be... well, you can tell.  I can honestly say, full heartedly, that I love that family.  When I go there, I am in the company of a group of people that genuinely cares for me and enjoys my presence however bizarre it may be.  My dad still jokes with me about playing sports and is still proud when I tell him how games go and how many points I score.  My mom still brings up all those embarrassing stories of my first weeks in country while still being the most loving and animated woman I know here.  And, my sister still teaches me new things about my family and gives me fabulous back massages.  My days back home were incredible and filled with laughter, great food, fun stories, and, yes, a few misunderstandings, but it was cozy, familiar, and secure.  I also came home with 3 jars of my mom's murabbe (fruit preserves), so that was a bonus.

Since I was there on Sunday as well, I found myself at a familiar hangout - the Dove. The Dove is a spot where, every Sunday, you could find an American.  PST is filled with language classes, training sessions, studying, homework, and other tedious assignments.  Sundays were our only day off.  So, at the end of the week, some of us would play some soccer and/or grab a beer (or more) to unwind until we began another intense and tiring week.  I made a comment to the 7s there that it was surreal being in that same exact spot I probably was a year ago but with a whole new group of people.  As out of place as that is for me now, it was a good experience being able to go back and get to know the new group on a more social level in an environment I knew well.  

If I had known then what I know now I would've been able to get about and understand more, but I would have also lost the extreme optimism I had when I first came in.  It was surprising to see how into Peace Corps they are right now and it was a shocking experience for me to see how far away I've gotten away from that this past year at site. It was nice to be reminded of the excitement and enthusiasm that I might have lost.  I think it is extremely beneficial to take what I learned from this return to my Azerbaijani roots and return to site with a different attitude about my service.

So, thank you Sumgayit, family, AZ7s and new friends for those good days, the flood of old memories, and the needed mental refresher.  

So It Ends.

Mingechevir has been saying goodbye to loved volunteers slowly.  June marked Cindy's departure.  September was blue as Bev made her way back to the West Coast.  And, now, we've said our 'so longs' and 'heleliks' to Nate and Mariko.  Last week, Nate and Mariko hosted their final Hub Night and it was a bittersweet event.  We ate good food, played fun games, cleared out their apartment of stuff and took our final Ming pictures.  

It's just beginning to hit me that we're down to the final four for the moment until the 7s come over in December.  While we will have some new faces popping in in the next couple weeks with the 7s coming to visit, we won't have new 'staples' for a bit of time.

So it ends.  This chapter being the newbies in a city where American volunteers have already grown accustomed to the way of life is over.  Now we're the ones who have routines, ideas, and contacts who get to treat the new volunteers as wonderfully as ours treated us.  

Chapter 2 - Year 2 has begun.

Welcome new volunteers!  And, goodbye old friends.  Inshallah I will see you all back stateside.

A New Season, A Year Down.

My favorite time of year begins today... Fall.  It's extra special this year, too, because not only is it my mom's birthday (Happy Birthday, mom!), it's my one year mark of being in Azerbaijan!  It's kind of a milestone for me marking my first year completed and knowing that there's only a bit over a year left.  Not at my half way mark yet, but it's coming...

All of this is making me think that I really need to get motivated and start up all the activities I want to do over these next 15 months.  It's about time I start to focus on a bigger project, write some grants, and come up with some fresh ideas work wise.  I'm starting to do all this by revamping what it is I do.  I'm less focused on Conversation Clubs and general activities and am approaching this year with a  mentor type of attitude.  With Lale, my go-to girl, working in Baku until December, I needed to rethink what it was I wanted to do.  So, at the moment, I'm working with younger girls with their English and Critical Thinking skills through film, essay writing, podcast listening, and more photo clubs.  I'm also toying with some other ideas, but I need to flesh them out a bit more.  I'm also actively opening my house to these girls and other older youth to come over, hang out, and have some one-on-one time to improve skills as well as attempting to provide a safe haven of sorts whenever a growing teenager needs it.  My way of being a PCV is to try to impact the people I feel close to as much as possible.

With Fall coming also brings cooler weather 

foods in season!  Pomegranates have begun popping up in the bazaar and streets, apples fill trunks and cars and are getting to be cheaper, I saw spinach for the first time not too long ago, and soon persimmons and clementines will show up!  

It's getting to be that perfect weather time where wearing long sleeve shirts, sweaters and jeans is comfortable.  It's almost that time where a steaming hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is refreshing and you can feel it go down your throat and hit your stomach.  Soon it won't be unbearable to cook a meal in the kitchen because of the heat and I can snuggle up in a thick blanket without sweating profusely.  

Sadly, I know, the perfect chunk of perfect weather will pass and become freezing quicker than I I had the chance to enjoy it and I'll be wanting it to be hot again, but I'm not going to think about that quite yet.  Today I'm enjoying the mild day with my coffee under a light blanket.  

Happy one year to me and my group and Happy Birthday, mom!

Goodbye Tiny Cats.

This week marked the 11th week of me with kittens.  It was only half of them as on the 1st Andrea took Baskin and Robbins.  3 cats were a lot easier to handle than 5, but it was still a bit much.  Alexis was in line to take Runt cat and then it would have been just me, Scout, and Beast cat until I would be able to find her a home.  

Well, things change.

Monday night/Tuesday early morning, Runt cat died.  I don't know what happened, but when I went outside for the morning feeding, Runt cat didn't run up per usual.  I went searching and found him laying in his favorite sleeping spot not breathing.  I take a bit of comfort seeing he was in his spot, so he might have just slipped away peacefully. 

So, Alexis took Beast cat Wednesday night.  

I'm not going to lie; it was harder for me than I originally thought it would be.  Beast cat was my favorite and the one I got attached to most; but, by the last day, I also noticed Beast cat might have inherited her mom's needy gene as well.

Now it's down to one cat and myself.  The way it was always supposed to be.  And, now, I can be like the cool grandma that just visits and catsits for all the kittens without actually having to live with them all.  When I'm tired of the mewing, I can peace out.

It's strange to think about me having these kittens for the entirety of this summer.  A lot has went on and changed since their birth.  I've found out quite a bit about myself during this venture, too...

The most notable realization of mine during this time?  Although I love cats and the thrill of raising kittens was fun, wacky, and exciting, I will never have the patience to be a crazy cat lady when I get old... lesson learned.

Baku Goodbye Tour: Quiches and PCVs.

The next day consisted of lunch with a PCV pal, Amy, and hanging out.  For dinner, we went to Kent's and I got to spend more time with good company.  I had come up with the idea, too, to make a meal for the lovely Amy and Kim for being so gracious as to hosting me in Baku this week.  On the walk from Kent's, I asked Kim what she would want and she said something

 with eggs.  I let my mind wander for a few and thought it would be good to make a quiche.  It's easy, good, and a great brunch food that's light enough for us to all still be hungry at dinner time.  I thought about my amazing friend, Sarah, and her idea for a quiche and I ran with it tweaking where I saw fit.  I was able to spoil my friend and myself with cheddar, broccoli, and a Diet Dr. Pepper!  I'm still excited about how awesome it was.  Keep in mind, I haven't had cheddar since last September, same with Dr. Pepper.  I've only had broccoli twice since being here.  All the aforementioned products are hard to find here and, when you do, it hits your volunteer budget pretty hard.  

That night, we had the final goodbye dinners for Kim and Rob.  Rob left from the restaurant and Kim left early the next morning.  Sad face.  We saw Kim off at 5 am and I'm still coming to the realization I won't be seeing her next time I'm in Baku.  I already miss her a lot.  Goodbye Kim and Rob!

This was also the night of the big hoorah for the AZ5s leaving.  After dinner, dessert, and some lingering about, I headed to the party.  I ducked out early that night because of Kim's impending departure.  I got back and woke up at 4:30ish to say goodbye again and we all helped with taking her stuff down 6 flights of stairs.

I moved from Amy's after Kim's departure and headed over to a friend's to hang out.  It was a quiet day that consisted of a good lunch.  We made our way over to Finnegins for happy hour

 and met up with other volunteers.  Me and Laura snuck out to get apple pie where Bev and Natalie met us and I ran into new friend Evan and Pam!  Baku's a small place, apparently.  This was the majority of the AZ5's last night in town, so we said goodbyes and moved on. 

Sitemate Alexis' birthday was Thursday as was Philosopher's Lunch with Amber!  We trekked over to the Baku Roasting Company, a slice of America in Baku, hung out, chatted, and enjoyed coffee and American music.  I also got to see new friends Kent, Josh, and Evan!  Told you, small place!  I liked it!  I got jacked up on coffee, but was still, somehow, incredibly tired at Bev (and Alexis') dinner at Adams.  Indian food was yummy, but I was dead tired so me, Agsu Rachel, and sitemate Laura peaced out for soft serve at McDonalds.  It was a nice, quiet night and we watched the Bourne Ultimatum.  Or, more accurately, they watched it and I fell asleep a few times.

The rest of Baku was calm and lovely.  I spent quality time with Agsu Rachel and Jacksta, enjoyed sushi, salads, and sandwiches, saw new friend Evan (again!), worked (a little), had a softball meeting, said goodbye to the best 5 ever (Bev), and took the mental health break I needed away from Mingechevir and the 5 cats.  

Baku Goodbye Tour: Rooftop Movies and Metkarting.

I came into Baku on Friday to begin the rounds of saying goodbye to people I've come close while in this country.  There's a lot of goodbyes going on, some see you laters, and a very few (for me) definite plans on actually making those see you laters into realities.  I was in Baku so early, primarily, to spend time with Kim, my Fulbright friend who's a pretty cool cat.  She used to live with Irina, the friend who gave me the pregnant cat.

My first night in town, I had dinner with Kim and some of her friends.  I got to meet new people, enjoy a new group of company, and, probably the most surreal part of the night, I ended up at a rooftop movie overlooking a lit up Old City and the Caspian.  It was probably the most picturesque sight I have seen here, but I didn't take a picture.  I simply took it all in and watched Rushmore on the roof amongst new personalities.

Next on the agenda was Kim's goodbye party, which was the major reason I planned this trip in.  Kim made a delicious cake, we ordered pizza, hung around the house until we left for metkarting.  I don't think I can express how strange and awesome this metkarting really was, but I'm going to try.  We go down a creepy little hall to arrive at a huge open air area.  We cross a bridge and there's a pool next to us.  We look to the right and see 3 large white canopy beds.  In front of us was a bunch of tables and several lounge areas as well as a dance floor, a couple more bridges, and a DJ's area.  That's not even the best of it... all of this was inside a go-kart track!  What!?

This was the pool.  There are 2 shower heads at the end, too.

This was, to put it lightly, the most random thing I could've imagined for this country.  But, as we found out, random is awesome.  In true Peace Corps fashion, my Nalgene kept me and several others company and it's contents was strong.  So, what else do you do at a wild club with a ton of expats?  You have a dance party and you metkart.  Sweet.  We stayed there for the majority of the night and left too early, we realized upon arrival of somewhere else.  C'est la vie.

Kent and Kim's amazing Matrix moves.

Rob rounding the track.

That was my first 2 nights on this trip of goodbyes.  They were incredibly surreal and pretty much completely awesome.  

Learning Azeri From Spiderman?!

Hanging out in Baku, I stumbled upon this with the help of Kim's roommate. So, AZ7s,  enjoy your first glimpse of the strangeness that is Azerbaijan and learn some Azeri while being entertained (while you still have fast enough internet to take pleasure in random videos)! Nush!

A Major Necessity.

Peace Corps has opened me up to a lot of new things and experiences.  I have new dependencies and addictions and have gotten rid of old ones.  One of my newer needs is TV on DVD.  I watch more TV here than I ever did in America and have caught up on a lot of pop culture that fell by the wayside when I was home.  Now, I know I'm now missing new shows and all that jazz, but I doubt it will be as important to me when I get back.  It makes sense to me... watching a lot of TV as when it's really cold, going outside isn't preferable, and neither is it when it's super hot.  

I don't really discriminate what I watch here and my standards now are quite low, so I've seen a lot of shows that really aren't that great, but I have watched a couple that I believe are pretty incredible.

The Wire

I don't know why I ever thought this show wouldn't interest me - it has murder, corruption, and some good looking men, everything a good show should have.  It started out slow and I wasn't sure if I was really into it, but it developed quickly and the next thing I knew, I was hooked.  I now firmly hold the belief that this has been the best show I've watched in this country... perhaps ever.  It's gritty, hard-hitting, enticing, and completely addicting.  If you haven't watched it, you should.  It really hits its stride in the 3rd and 4th seasons.

The West Wing

I remember watching this on and off in the background with my dad, but I didn't understand the complexity of this show until watching it here.  Now that it's been able to get the focus from me that it deserves, I've come to thoroughly enjoy this show.  Maybe it's the combination of entertainment and reminders of DC visits and America, but this really is a fast talking and captivating show with humor, drama, and American idealism.

Mad Men

It surprises a few people that I like this show as much as I do, but I truly find this show fascinating as a time piece and a drama.  It's entertaining while also giving me a glimpse on what was a reality for some of my close friends back in the day.  Don't get me wrong, there are parts of the reality that I don't like and makes me feel uncomfortable, but that's kind of the beauty of it.  The advertising environment is compelling and the characters intricate.  I think that the acting is fantastic, for the most part, and that, if for not anything else, watching the change that occurs during this time period is enough to keep one interested.  This is one show I wish I were able to watch every week back home.  

I could go on and share all the other shows I've watched, but I kind of fear that you all would think the list absurd in the amount, so I won't.  I will, though, tell you that I have watched the entire The X-Files series as well as Grey's Anatomy.  I've rewatched all the TV I brought here with me and have probably done so multiple times.  I'm sure that within the next 16 months, I'll watch a lot more and find new favorites, but, for now, these are my tops.

Who knew I'd be going half a world away to watch so much TV?  

Hub Nights and Sarah's Survey.

Wednesday nights have been my favorite night of the week since I moved to Mingechevir.  Every Wednesday night, me and my other sitemates get together for dinner.  We rotate houses and responsibilities every week and meet up for a delicious meal, venting sessions, and, sometimes, games!

I've been fortunate enough to have enough sitemates to sustain this type of thing and, also, to have sitemates that are all very good cooks!  It's interesting to see what each house cooks every week as it's typically a reflection of who's house we're at.  I know for yummy and healthy food, there's Alexis'. For rich, layered and aesthetically pleasing? Andrea.  There's always ornate and time consuming wonder dishes at Nate and Mariko's.  Laura's is good for dishes that collaborates everyone's tastes.  At Cindy's, we were always able to rely on delicious dinners that comprised of comfort foods and, sometimes, homemade cinnamon rolls.  I don't count Bev, really, in this rotation as I usually cook there as well as here, but(!) Bev has always provided an open house, kitchen, and mind for any idea that I had for her nights, which I'm grateful for (especially during host family living time).

Hub nights have continued to be a consistent time where I get to spend quality time with my sitemates and enjoy all of their company.  Since Cindy's been gone, it's changed a bit, but I know in the next coming months, it's going to change drastically more.  Soon it'll be down to AZ6s, but, then again, eventually we'll have our new AZ7s to, inshallah, spend this time with.

And, now, for a stellar friend of mine:

This is my really great, fellow 3eb loving, coffee needing, super smart, and totally amazing friend, Sarah.  I met her in a COM class at UNCW that she didn't even need!  Luckily for me, though, she took that unneeded class and we became friends for the duration of our college careers.  We took this picture after a long drive on a school night at the end of a 3eb concert in Richmond; it was awesome.  Hopefully, one day, we'll be incredible professors at the same campus so that we can have coffee dates in or around the library where we can chat about our days, students, publications, and life.  We'll remember the days of Wilmington with joy and spend nights drinking wine and being academics.  But, until then, she's busy being a student and future TA who has a really cute blog.  In said blog, she had a survey and tacked me onto it.  Since I like her a lot and think that it's too adorable she does this, I'm partaking and being a pal.

Here’s how it works: USE ONLY ONE WORD!

1. Where is your cell phone? bed

2. Your hair? mess

3. Your mother? Sunny

4. Your father? reminder

5. Your favorite food? Asian

6. Your dream last night? ill-advised

7. Your favorite drink? coffee

8. Your dream/goal? contentment

9. What room are you in? mine

10. Your hobby? unsure

11. Your fear? failure

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy

13. Where were you last night? home-ish

14. Something that you aren’t? religious

15. Muffins? okay.

16. Wish list item? vacation

17. Where did you grow up? rural

18. Last thing you did? read

19. What are you wearing? PJs

20. Your TV? none

21. Your pets? needy

22. Friends? fabulous

23. Your life? fleeting

24. Your mood? impatient

25. Missing someone? always

26. Vehicle? nonexistent

27. Something you’re not wearing? necklace

28. Your favorite store? Target

29. Your favorite color? royalty

30. When was the last time you laughed? Apples

31. Last time you cried? movie

32. Your best friend? far

33. One place that I go to over and over? beach

34. One person who emails me regularly? Ellen

35. Favorite place to eat? kitchen

My Favorite Game Show

What is Jeopardy!?

Yes, I'm a nerd.  I grew up with Jeopardy! being a constant in my life.  Every night at 7, we would tune in to ABC and settle in for a half hour.  It was a time where I realized that trivial facts actually did matter... it also served as a competitive section of the day between family members.  I've always tried to remember arbitrary little facts because you never know what category will pop up on the show.

Since being here, I realize that I miss Jeopardy! a lot more than I thought I would.  It was a quaint 30 minutes a day where my dad, brother, and I sat around and attempted to beat all the real contestants.  

I recently discovered this website that stores all the questions to every game.  Granted, it's not the same as actually seeing Alex Trebek and spending time with my family, but, for now, it'll work. 

When I go back, perhaps I'll be able to continue being decent competition with all that "Jeopardy! trivia" I'm learning through past games.

Paddle Boating on the Kur.

Mingechevir's a pretty sweet site, in my opinion.  This idea was further reinforced by a site celebration we had for Nate and Mariko's anniversary where we paddle boated up and down the Kur Cay!  

Ming Bling: 6; The Declaration Boat. 

                        

The happy couple + Ming PCV 

backbones (Lale and Gulshan).

What a splendid way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Heradazzlus and Shinanigans.

(Alexis, Jackie, and me being hippies)

Last week, I went off to Lankaran for a bit of work and play.  The work aspect was helping Jackie and Jane with their Yay Kamp for Arts and Crafts week, which truly proved to be an exhausting and fun experience.  The play?  Beer Olympics.

Beer Olympics?  What?  Kim?  What?  You?  Those are probably a few of the key things floating through your head about this revelation I've made about myself and my activities...  well, then, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.  Being a bit off character and doing something I never even thought about doing during college (when kids are supposed to do mess like this), I decided Azerbaijan would be the best place to partake in these shinanigans.  And, let me tell you, it was fun.  Getting dressed up was a ball, hanging out with too many people was great (and a bit overwhelming and insanely intense), and playing various games was pretty fantastic. 

My team was a super cool one.  We were Heradazzlus.  Each one of us have Philosophy as a soft spot in our hearts and all 4 of us have the formal studies finished or are about to begin.  We had Bev, who was the biggest sport during the craziness, Alexis, Charlie, and myself.  We all wore togas that were bedazzled (yes, bedazzled), had appropriate head bands and accessories, and wore our nerdiness on our bare arms.  Fabulous.  

Lankaran was a great time.  I was able to further get to know some of the kids that are leaving in the next month or so as well as reinforcing friendships I started almost a year ago.  I got to travel down south, take some day trips with neat people (of which I'll write more on another time), and experience something that I pretty much avoided for 3 years.  I also learned something about myself, too... apparently I'm a beast at Flip Cup.  Awesome.

Mingechevir at its finest.

Beast cat.

This is Beast cat.  I don't know if it's a he or a she yet, really.  But, I can tell you, this one has been the strongest kitty since the litter was born.  Thus, the dubbing of Beast.

It was the first one to get fur and color, the first to put up a fight, the first to open it's eyes, and, now, it's the first one learning to legitimately walk.  Sometimes when it's awake, I bring it into my room and let it hang out with me.  

I know I'm not supposed to pick favorites, but it's getting hard...

... well, that may be a lie.  They're all my favorites for different reasons.  

I miss AC.

Please refer to the right of the screen and try to sympathize.  Not even the heat index.  My thermometer outside says 100 and it's in shade.

Ming Fling: July 4th

Mingechevir was a hot spot for the country this July 4th and, as much work and stress as it was, I believe it was completely worth it.

Months ago, while preparing for a hub night, an idea sparked in Cindy's kitchen.  The basic thought was to throw Cindy a massive birthday party at the reservoir with good people, great food for the grill, and spectacular festivities for all.  This was not born just out of sitemate love, but also because she shares her birthday with America and we thought we needed to do it up right.  

Somehow between that time and this past July 4th, the event grew into an all day thing including a weird presentation, America themed everything, educational centers, field day games, Capture the Flag, softball, 80+ kids, 13+ translators, 4 random English speaking guests, and 30+ PCVs (without Cindy).  Holy cow!  And, don't worry, we did not forget the after party.

Alexis did an amazing job with all the post daytime event's happenings and we had a party that I'm pretty sure we'll be talking about for a while.  The reservoir was pretty beautiful, swimming was incredible, dance parties were had, grilling was done, s'mores were hoarded, punches were thrown, music was listened to, chats were had, drinks were drank (probably excessively), and, I think, fun times were had by all.  

The beauty of my 4th here was that it probably consisted of everything I would've done at the beach in Wilmington, if I were there.  It was a very surreal and amazing time.  Looking forward to the 2nd Annual Mingechevir 4th of July next year!