Happy 2011! And, while I'm at it, Happy February!
I'm a little late to greet the new year. But, February 1st is the beginning of the new semester, new teaching groups, new classes offered to me through Ukhta.... And I've actually made some resolutions. Not for the new year, but for this next chunk of my stay in Russia, starting right now. (And, no, of course I will not tell you my resolutions.)
So, I'm going go into February like it's something new.
I started this new February with a surprise (but all-in-all pleasant) home visit from a doctor, a low key day around my apartment, a visitor for tea, and a hour and a half knitting lessons from the guard who sits at the entrance of the dormitory. I decided to hang out on her couch for a while as an apprentice while she retaught me how to hold my hands around the needles. It's fun watching the interactions between the students and families who enter the dormitory and this guard...especially right at 11pm when she has to close up the building. She starts to speak up louder, telling whoever is in the shower that they better get out. She tells the girl who wants to get milk at the store quickly before she locks the entrance that she better run fast and only get milk, no alcohol or anything. She gives an eye to the people who straggle in five minutes after 11, or just a friendly tease. I'm so curious about these women who work at the door. They have such authority and so much knowledge of what goes on in the building. I think I'll be apprenticing a little more.
I'm a little late to greet the new year. But, February 1st is the beginning of the new semester, new teaching groups, new classes offered to me through Ukhta.... And I've actually made some resolutions. Not for the new year, but for this next chunk of my stay in Russia, starting right now. (And, no, of course I will not tell you my resolutions.)
So, I'm going go into February like it's something new.
I started this new February with a surprise (but all-in-all pleasant) home visit from a doctor, a low key day around my apartment, a visitor for tea, and a hour and a half knitting lessons from the guard who sits at the entrance of the dormitory. I decided to hang out on her couch for a while as an apprentice while she retaught me how to hold my hands around the needles. It's fun watching the interactions between the students and families who enter the dormitory and this guard...especially right at 11pm when she has to close up the building. She starts to speak up louder, telling whoever is in the shower that they better get out. She tells the girl who wants to get milk at the store quickly before she locks the entrance that she better run fast and only get milk, no alcohol or anything. She gives an eye to the people who straggle in five minutes after 11, or just a friendly tease. I'm so curious about these women who work at the door. They have such authority and so much knowledge of what goes on in the building. I think I'll be apprenticing a little more.
I'm a very pleased to hear that you'll be apprenticing with these ladies -- you're right. They're absolutely fascinating. :) Make sure you dress warmly enough too, ok?
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