Purdue

One of my favorite things to do while visiting home in the fall is heading down to good ole' Purdue for a football game. This year has proved to be a Boilermaker Fan nightmare, but we still had a great time. Darron and I were fortunate to be able to sit upstairs with his parents for the Notre Dame game (we won't discuss the score). Despite the loss, it's always a great feeling to be back at Purdue!

Moscow won the bronze

According to Mercer's cost of living survey, Moscow has lost it's reputation as the worlds most expensive city. Tokyo knocked Moscow out of the top spot with Osaka, Japan coming in second. Moscow comes in third! Who wants to win bronze? It's the gold you go for isn't it? One area where Moscow did get the "gold" is hotel rooms--still the most expensive!

Leaving for the US for visa....AGAIN

Well, it's that time again where I am headed back to the US to get another temporary visa! Darron heads back two days after me. This should be the last temporary visa we have to get--our real one will be ready soon. Below is the website Darron and I have used for our Russian temporary visas...and my friend Jen Meyers used the same one! The form is really easy to figure out and they do a great job of keeping you informed via email as your paperwork goes through the process. In case you want to come visit (hotel Damasius is FAB!)...here's the link...

http://www.russia-visa.com/

Off to the airport!

Rubbing the Dogs Nose...

I had read about "rubbing' the dogs nose" but thought it was something only the tourists did! No Sirree Bob! Russians are very superstitious! In the Ploschad Revolutsy metro station there are statues of dogs--all with shiny noses--from the Russians rubbing them for good luck. I was amazed at how many Russians took the time to walk by and rub a nose! I've also noticed that even the dogs feet are starting to look polished and shiny! Whatever works right? I'm no fool...I make sure to rub every time I go through that metro station...one can never have too much good luck!

Dreaming of a non-white Christmas.....WHAT?

Today I ran across this article online which I found to be extremely interesting-- and thought you would think so too! Cloud dispersal techniques, currently used for Victory Day and City Day to ensure no rain in the capital city, could be used to rid Moscow of it's chilly winter coat! They use silver iodide, dry ice, or cement powder to make the clouds drop the rain before it reaches Moscow. What about cross country skiiing? That was on my list of things to do!

http:/www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6824041.ece

Girl's Night at Jamie's

My friend Jamie's husband had to go to London for work. We decided to take advantage and have a slumber party (guy friends note--we did not have naked pillow fights)! We had a gourmet dinner at McDonald's, made cupcakes, and just laughed.

A bit of a sugar high?

The finished product! Like the colorful frosting?

Couldn't post without a pic of Jamie's kitty Hammy. She provided us with lots of entertainment!

American Woman's Group (AWO)

Part of the expat culture in most foreign countries includes these "groups" for expat wives to join. The purpose of such groups is to provide social opportunities for spouses (who are often alone for long periods of time because their husbands work so much...sounds familiar to me!), and to meet other expats in the area. The Moscow AWO is a wonderful group to belong!

I mentioned the AWO after I went to my first meeting (April 8th- the 5th day of living here), but since today was the kick-off meeting, I decided it warranted another write up! Today was "interest group" sign up where we get to pick all the fun activities we want to be a part of this year. I have decided to volunteer monthly at the Children's Cancer Hospital (Spread the Sunshine), signed up for Daring Diners, and Mary's Friday afternoon stitch. I might also try Nordic walking and Understanding Russia. Don't want to over commit, I need my facebook time! Oh yeah, and cleaning time! Must talk to Darron about getting a maid. Too many things to do!

Our meetings are the first three Wednesday's of each month at the Hard Rock Cafe.