back at home in time to enjoy Kazakh week

we were away last week in the capital of Kazakhstan, which is Astana.  It was different to my city Atyrau. 

It was grand, it was beautiful and when I walked into one of their malls it was hard to believe I was actually still in Kazakhstan.

I guess that says a lot about the city we live in, Atyrau.  although in the one year I’ve been here I’ve seen a lot of construction and things changing, but they are moving forward.

 

The kids are back in school and this week they’re celebrating Kazakh week.  It’s things like this that make me really appreciate the ‘expat’ life that we live.  Joshua and Tanysha are excited that there’s a Yurt in the school lobby.  It’s quite amazing. 

All week they’ll be learning about this country that we’re calling home for now and that makes me happy.

I hope to share with you this week what I’ve learnt too.

Happy Tuesday!

corner view–time for myself

Corner View is a weekly appointment - each Wednesday - created by Jane, and hosted by Francesca.  It’s where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.

 

whenever I can put my feet up, that’s some ‘me time’.  with a book in my hands is even better.

whenever I put my workout shoes on ‘that’s definitely some ‘me time’ and I love it.

for more corner views on this theme start with Francesca.

(p.s. travelling right now so I’ll visit you all soon….)

it’s Monday

most Monday’s I’m excited to begin a fresh week and  I’m ready to go!  Ready with my list of things to do and go, go,go.

Not today…….

I’m feeling tired, sore and just yuck. (Maybe I had too much of a good time during the weekend!)   Do you have those days, when you just don’t feel like doing anything?  Well today is one of those days for me. 

But, there’s things that have to be done, and thankfully lock down is over (for now).  We fly out tomorrow to Astana for our interviews for visas.  I hope they’re granted!!

Happy Monday to you all!

weekends are for…..

a lock down, block parties and enjoying our community.

It was an eventful week here in town and it ended with the decision made Saturday morning to lock down our community.  No one was allowed in and no one out.  It was a little scary.  We only hear about what’s happening on the news and of course word of mouth, and you know how that can end up.

But we made it work.

Tomorrow is another day and the beginning of a new week.  I hope things settle down.

Happy week!

corner view–impression

Corner View is a weekly appointment - each Wednesday - created by Jane, and hosted by Francesca.  It’s where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.

The Yurta.

The size and shape of it. It’s color and texture and above all it’s smell.  It all left an impression. Just after that one visit, it left an impression.  

I want to explore more Yurts, find out more about them and maybe get an opportunity to camp in one.  I hope!

 

For more impressions, start with Francesca.

p.s. just wanted to let corner viewers know that for those of you who use word press, I’m sorry I can’t view your blogs.  for some reason ‘wordpress’ is blocked over here in Kazakhstan.  that’s why I haven’t been around to visit and comment.  I’m sure I’m missing out.

50 mm Indoors

I’ve decided that I have to start using my camera more.  It’s a great camera but I don’t use it enough and I’m sure I’m not making the most of it.  

I’m one of those ‘point and shoot’ people, and I almost always just leave it on auto focus.  I want that to change.

Anyway I found this website which I’ve been reading and I’m learning a lot. But of course reading is one thing and doing is another.  On this website I found some assignments to do. I’m guessing it’s to encourage us to use our cameras.

Anyway this weeks assignment is 50 mm – Indoors. I prefer to take photo’s outside so this is a challenge for me to find interesting/random stuff indoors to shoot.  

wish me luck…..

here’s my first photo……. (after many takes!!)

 

Happy Tuesday!

me and long lists…

it’s Monday and I find myself with lists of things to do.  Things to get done throughout the week for my kids, for my husband and generally for the smooth running of my home.

well this week, I’ve decided to throw in some “me time”.  I’m telling myself that’s it’s not being selfish, but really it’s for the benefit of everyone. 

this week I’ve planned to have coffee with friends, scheduled a mani/pedi (BTW I’ve never had one here in Atyrau!!) and maybe even get a massage.  I’ll let you all know how they go.  Thailand raised the bar when it comes to massages and mani/pedi’s…….so it should be interesting.

Don’t forget to have yourself some ‘me time’.  Actually share with me what you plan to do for ‘YOU’ this week!

Happy Monday, Happy Week.

I did it!

Today I participated in my first ever triathlon!  Even though I feel like that’s an accomplishment in itself, I think I’m more proud of the fact that I swam the Ural River.  Yes, the river that I’ve heard so many horrible things about – I got in and swam, and yes I even had a few gulps…. but  I’m sure I’ll live!

I had fun and I finished the race. That was important to me.

it’s the first one that they’ve organized here and it was done well.  I was happy to be a part of it!

getting ready to swim,  my daughter was a little worried – of course she’s heard of the river stories too!!

apparently I had a slow ‘transition’ – who knew it was all about transitions.

bike ride -

All done! – JJ who was a bit worried for me was happy that it was over!

Friday Fave Five - out and about…

it’s Friday and I’m thankful!

Thankful that …….

1. the after school swimming program started this week and I managed to convince all my kids join in.  Even Renee who has resisted for a long time.

2.  I discovered a few more stores in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.  Shopping here is totally different to shopping in Thailand.  Here I go because I have too, not because I want too!!! (maybe I’ll share more in another post!!)

3.  I finally went out to lunch with the empty nesters in our community.  sometimes it’s difficult to cross over and I find myself just sticking  with the ‘other moms’ of young children.  I had a lovely time and I think I’ll do it again.

4.  getting back to bible study.  I always look forward to getting back into this routine.  We’re studying “Red Letter Prayers”, facilitated by Andy Stanley.  it was an eye opener!!

5.  I remembered to take my camera out with me and I managed to take some photo’s while I was out and about.

here’s a few of them below….

For more Fave five’s start with Susanne.

Happy Friday!

***** BTW just wanted to say that those of you who use wordpress, I’m sorry but I can’t view your blogs.  For some reason wordpress blogs are blocked in my corner to the world.  Sorry I can’t come visit you.  I’m sure I’m missing out.

enjoying the mornings…

I have to admit I’m enjoying the quiet mornings to myself.  All my kids at school and hubby at work and the house to myself…..it’s beautiful.

 

I think we’ve decided where we’ll be going this fall…….back to the US of A!  My kids are excited.  I will be once we get through the time consuming process of the visas. 

I hate that about travel!!

Hope you are enjoying your Thursday morning.

corner view– growing

Corner View is a weekly appointment - each Wednesday - created by Jane, and hosted by Francesca.  It’s where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.

August ended a couple of days ago and with that it’s official, we’ve been in Atyrau, Kazakhstan for a year.  I can’t believe a year has already passed.  It’s been an interesting, wonderful and sometimes challenging (especially when it comes to the weather) year. 

Actually it’s been wonderful and I think it’s ‘growing’ on me…..

for more on this theme, start with Francesca.

today was

Father’s Day!

being Papua New Guinean’s Father’s Day is today.  We’ve celebrated in June with our fellow Americans and also in December with our Thai friends.  That’s why when I kissed and wished my husband a Happy Father’s Day today he was confused!!!

Well we went out for dinner with some friends (who are Australians and so their Father’s day is celebrated today) to have dinner together, celebrate the Dad’s and just to enjoy each others company.

to my husband…

Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.
- Anne Geddes

You are that someone special!
Love you babe, Happy Father's Day!!

this is an old photo taken a couple of years ago.

Happy Sunday!

Happy September

August finished of on a high……looking forward to September!

Have a great month.