Just random things.

1. When I told my students that in America we have an orange cheese, called “cheddar”, this cute, little 11-year old shouted out, “Che Schifo!” which means, “How disgusting!” I thought this was pretty funny since I grew up eating cheddar cheese, and never really realized how disgusting it kind of sounds. Now I will never speak badly about good old Kraft mac n’ cheese, or turn away mom’s homemade tacos with cheddar. But I can’t help but seriously wonder now, why is it so orange anyway?

2. Every day when I get off at the metro and walk out of the station to jump on the bus, the bus is quickly zooming by me to the bus stop which is about 200 meters from the metro exit. Everyday, I have to run as fast as possible to catch the bus, which isn’t so pleasant in boots. I have no idea how the timing is planned so perfectly that I have to run for dear life everyday, hoping the bus driver is nice enough to wait. He usually is and I get on the bus panting and out of breath with all the other passengers staring at me like I am some spectacle. Maybe God is secretly telling me I need more cardio.

3. I bought rain boots this weekend, and I love them. They are absolutely necessary these days, as the rain has not let up for months now. Sean and I took them for a test run and went for a walk in the rain. Sean made me walk though every puddle we saw now matter how deep it was. To anyone watching us, he may have looked incredibly unkind and unchivalrous. Little did they know, he was really incredibly jealous that he couldn’t walk through the puddles too and come home with dry socks.

4. I am officially addicted to hot cocoa. There is nothing I love more (except Sean) than ending my day curled up with a girlie book and a cup of cocoa. It is part of my routine. If we are out of milk, I panic, and run out immediately - day or night, rain or shine - to get some more to support my sick habit.

5. I have given up on my unruly 7-year olds. I realized I lost control when I had 2 kids beating each other up, 2 climbing on the mobile chalkboard, 2 standing on top of and jumping from desk to desk, and 1 running around outside the class doors. I talked to my boss today about my situation, and she helped me out by letting me off the hook. I hope whoever takes my place is really mean.

6. I am getting over a minor cold and serious cough, and Sean has been the perfect doctor. I decided to avoid the farmacy altogether since it is such a hassle to get medicine around here. Sean however has cured my brutal cough with his home remedy - lemon, honey and olive oil - and it actually worked. He’s so smart and I have one more reason to love him even more now.

7. I am not trying to sound all righteous or anything, but the smoking situation is out of control here. We can’t walk anywhere without a huge cloud of smoke billowing into our faces. We both come home reeking like we just puffed down a couple packs. The streets are littered with cigarette butts and people really have no consideration for non-smokers, mainly because there aren’t any. Kids start at the age of 12, and it’s really strange to me that no one is aware of the health risks. Like all the olive oil and garlic has canceled out the affects of smoking?

8. I went to meet Sean at his classroom after teaching one day, and there was a group of 16-year-old girls hovering over him telling him how handsome he is and asking him how long we have been together. They all scattered when they saw me. It was cute, and he was definitely flattered. I have to agree with them.

9. My haircut isn’t as bad as I thought....maybe I was being dramatic. Don’t get me wrong, it is not good, but I apparently look exactly the same with my hair in a ponytail. So, long live the ponytail, again.