Corner view…………………

29

Today was a free day!!  An extra day that won’t show up again for four more years!!

So what did you do with your extra day? 

I didn’t do anything special.  I wish I did though. I made breakfast, made lunch and then dinner.  did a couple of loads of laundry.  Also attended a meeting, had coffee with a friend and made tortilla’s with Renee’s class mates, who’ll have a Taco Bar this Friday to raise money for the Salvation Army.  Just another day!

Well It’s the end of my day here and as i sit and type this I realize how easy it is to take the day for granted, to just go through the motions and not make the day count for something. 

I don’t want to do that….  I hope to make March special!!

Happy Corner viewing and thanks Francesca for being such a terrific host!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

 Even though my dad is no longer with us, today was his birthday!

I miss him. I miss the talks we used to have, the laughs, him loving on my kids and just being Dad.  There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t stop to think of him and what things would be like today if he was still with us. 

we still celebrate your life Dad!! 

Happy Birthday!!

Could it be over?

 

it’s been an unusually warm day today and I’m wondering if it’s over.  winter that is, or am I just wishful thinking!!

The ice is melting fast , and I keep on hearing the heavy thud of ice hitting the ground from the roof our of house.  It’s been a cold couple of months and I can’ believe that I’ve almost been through a whole season of winter here in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. 

The locals keep on saying that this is the worst winter that they’ve had in a couple of years and I keep on telling myself wow and I made it.

It makes me remember what a friend once told me – there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. 

I have nothing to compare it too as this is my first winter ever in my life, so I’ll take the locals at their word.  I’m just thankful that I’ve managed to keep myself busy and that I haven’t had those long winter blue days……..

February is almost over and well March is going to be a breeze!!

Hope you had a great day!

what’s your sign?

Happy Chinese New Year!

My daughter comes home for lunch today and asks me what my Chinese Zodiac sign is….hmm I don’t know but I’m interested to know.

Well after some searching and reading this is suppose to be my year – The year of the Dragon!  That’s my chinese zodiac sign, the Dragon!

It says:  A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

I don’t really believe in this stuff but they’re always fun to read!

Curious what you are,  click here.

Happy Monday!

weekends are for…

staying inside and keeping warm, working with the girls on their science experiments and baking.

I hope your weekend was warm and pleasant.

yesterday

the 19th of January the Russians celebrated the Russian Orthodox festival of Epiphany to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ.

It was cold but I didn’t want to miss it so I braved the elements. I wore layer upon layer and went out there with a group to watch it.

While watching I couldn’t stop thinking to myself how crazy they are but then I don’t get it.  I don’t totally understand it but I appreciated it.

Here are some photos from my day and a video. (I meant to post these yesterday but after 4 and a half hours outside I just felt so tired after that!)

enjoy.

friday’s fave five

Anyone else think this month is going just a little too quickly?  Well it’s another week gone, and a good week actually!  things are getting into the rhythm that I want.

Thanks Susanne for Fave Five. it does help me to be in the moment and be aware of that thing(even if it is just one thing) a day to be thankful for.

Here’s my five for the week;

1.  emails from my sister.  And to know that everyone is doing well at home.

2.  a new kitchen gadget.  it’s one that I’m using a lot and I’m so thankful that I went ahead and bought it.

3.  if there is one thing I love about being able to live in different countries, it is the opportunity to learn and witness their cultural and religious traditions. Yesterday I braved the elements and went out to the Ural river where I watched the Russian Orthodox festival of Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.  I’m still reading and learning about it and trying to understand why they dip themselves in such freezing water.

4. work out buddies.  Let me just say this - it totally beats exercising by yourself.  And I know it makes that hour go by quicker.

5.  My first ever Zumba class.  This one I really enjoyed.  I felt so totally un co-ordinated but it was fun to learn some Samba, Merengue and Salsa moves. Hmm maybe one day I can put it altogether.

For more Fave five’s start with Susanne.

Happy Friday everyone.