My Evil Eyes.

Here's the thing: I would not be able to survive being part of the Peace Corps without a social network outside of Peace Corps. Don't get me wrong, I like my Peace Corps people quite fine, but it's a small world and I do enjoy being able to step out of the Peace Corps realm every once and awhile. In this regard, I am incredibly fortunate because I have the best group of friends in Baku that a girl could ask for - the Baku Evil Eyes.

The Evil Eyes are an International group of awesomeness who get together every week to play Ultimate Frisbee. I love it. We're a close-knit group that wake up early to play on the weekends and get together and enjoy each other's company afterwards. There might even be theme parties involved. I cannot express how incredible it is to be part of this group of people. I started playing with them last June and came to plan my Baku trips around game day. It's been a staple of my time in Azerbaijan and I hold it quite dear. I will never not think of this group of people when I reflect on my times in Azerbaijan. The Evil Eyes are one of my homes and I consider them an integral part of my Azerbaijan family.

This past trip to Georgia, too, was planned around Ultimate. A couple months ago, Kent brought up Baku Evil Eyes vs (the impressive, hospitable and brilliant) Tbilisi Flying Khatchapuris and I jumped at the chance to go. I was able to arrange Writing Olympics judging for the Monday after our 2-day tournament in Tbilisi, so all my plans worked out beautifully. We all hopped on that aforementioned almost midnight train to Georgia (minus Dorje who had to fly) as an official touring team. We arrived into Tbilisi around 1:30 with a game slated for 4. So, we ate, rested, and headed out.

From our Captain, Steve: "So, to business. How did we actually get on the field of play? Well we played as an Evil Eyes Team five times in total, against a variety of different [Flying Khatchapuris] Teams. The games were to 5 and we won 4 and lost 1. After that we mixed the teams up and played for fun."

So, we did what we had to do... Go in, demolish, and then have fun.

I love being an Evil Eye.

Meet Scout and Company.

Last month, I adopted a kitten from a friend in Baku.  Originally the whole idea started out as me taking her cat when she returned to America, but she was too attached, understandably.  She was talking about this kitten she saw outside of the Iranian embassy when I was there and how tempted she was to steal it and take it home.  But, with one cat already to deal with, she decided against it.  That is, until I made the offer to take Leo, I'm thinking.  Scout-cat disappeared for a couple days and my friend was worried, but she soon returned.  I call this "the time Scout got knocked up."

When I adopted her, I technically didn't know she was a girl.  I have never had a girl cat before and actually prefer male cats.  So, I almost didn't adopt her or at least was second guessing it.  I decided I couldn't leave my friend hanging and adopted Scout.  I had no idea she was pregnant.

Fast forward to Cindy's goodbye potluck dinner where the idea first was seriously considered by me (though I was in complete denial about it all).  From that night on, I slowly revealed the truth to myself and began to accept it.  

This morning I woke up to find Scout with 4 little kittens attached to her body milking.  They look like aliens.  I'm pretty sure I have homes lined up for all of them, so here's to the next 11 weeks I get to spend with 5 cats living in my apartment.

(Baskin and Robbins)

Meet Caitlin Jordan.

Being in Azerbaijan means I'm missing some going-ons in the States, obviously.  But, I think, this was one of the bigger events that I missed out on.

This is my new niece, Caitlin Jordan.  I'm an aunt for the first time!  She was born May 21 at 4:45 EST and weighed 7.9 lbs!  20.5 inches.  I think she has Melody's nose and Tony's mouth.

Congratulations Tony and Melody!  

I look forward to meeting her when she's 1 and a half!