Random

I got to thinking about some of the things that make me laugh on a day to day basis, and I want to share those with you! (This is not a complete list, as I laugh about 80% of the day)
1. I shop at a store called GROS, do my laundry and clean things with a product called BARF, and buy all my home supplies at a store called GAUDI.
2. There are stoplights here, but they dont use them. Instead, they stick a policeman with a stick in the middle of the road to do battle with the angry drivers who are trying to get somewhere. I think it is supposed to make traffic move faster, but instead it backs it up for miles, and creates this strange phenomenon where everyone honks in a chorus. If you listen long enough you can hear a melody sometimes!
3. Fashion here is very interesting... first, you decide what shirt you want to wear for the day and you put it in the other room, then you forget what you picked out and find a pair of pants that are completely different than the shirt and put them together. I have no idea how they do it, but somehow they make it work. It never quite matches, but it is that "its cool to not match" look. I've tried it a few days, but I jsut cant seem to pull it off.
4. Store owners here only buy one of most things they want to sell. If a store has empty shelves, it is thought that store does great business. They dont restock the shelves though! Sometimes, if you ask in just the right tone of voice, they might sell you the item from the box in the back- but not always.
5. My dog thinks he is an attack dog
Ahh.... the list could go on and on... Whoever said laughter was the best medicine was dead on with that one. I guess its either laugh or cry... I'm choosing, at least for today, to laugh!
Paca

Ahhh!! Astana!! What a place!

OK-As I said in my profile, I'm not the most technologically savvy person in the world, so it should not surprise you that I have put the picutre on here sideways and now cannot figure out how to turn it the other way. So just turn your heads and enjoy it sideways!!
My mini vacation was AWESOME! The picture to the left is the center of the New Square, the piece de resistance if you must of the city of Astana. You can go all the way to the top and see the entire city. It was interesting to see though- because in the back of your mind you must remember that every bit of this newness is for one purpose- to exalt the president of KZ and his self imposed superiority over everyone else in the world. He is training, and encouraging others to train, an entire generation of "You owe me something" people- people who would rather steal, lie and cheat than spend a day working to earn an honest living.
It is quite a catch-22 for those of us here. On one hand, we want so badly so see those Western things- anything that will remind us of home, but on the other hand the forces than drive the modernization are the exact ones that we fight every day just to survive here.
I'm off my soapbox- but one funny story! I got in my first fight. Now, before you read farther, please promise me that you will not think less of me after you read it! ..... Ok- my friend and I had had what we affectionately call over here a brown booger day. Its one of those gross, hot, smelly days where the pollution is so bad that it turns everything brown and people are exceptionally rude! Now all that we wanted after a day like that was some ice cream. So we go to the stand where we are greeted by one of the rudest people that I have ever met- and I had enough very quickly. I dont know enough Russian yet to yell at people, but my friend did, so she translated for me. I would then tell her what I wanted to say and she would translate that for me and I would yell it at the lady. This went on for several minutes, both of us hopping mad! My friend just laughed, between translations of course! It was reminiscent of those fights that you see on the elementary school playground between bossy little girls. It was terrible! Anyway, we left, without ice cream, needless to say. Somehow though, that made things a little better- it made us feel better at least.
I tell that story because I want you to know that I am reminded everyday that I am still a human being, even though I moved across the world to do something that is way bigger than myself. Praise the Lord He gives me those moments where everything is put in perspective. Was it really necessary for me to scream at that poor woman- probably not- but it sure was good to realize again that its not about me at all! She didnt care what I wanted- at all; and on so many levels, its not about what I want! Paca (Russian for later)

A little something extra!!!

I know this is the post that you have all been waiting for! I finally named my dog- Lagniappe! For those of you of the Cajun persuassion, you know this word- for all the rest of you, let me provide you with a little education! Lagniappe literally means, "A little something extra" and that is exactly what this crazy little dog is! He isnt much more than the extra part of another dog, poor little thing, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in whining and ankle biting! I'm also starting to understand how parents feel. No one wants to see me anymore- they make a beeline for the dog- and if he isnt there, it is a tragedy! Quite funny, but I guess I'll keep him around awhile!

here he is... still nameless, but so cute!

I know you guys have been waiting with bated breath for pictures of the new puppy, so here they are! He still doesnt have a name- so any suggestions that you have are welcome... just dont get your feelings hurt if I dont use your name!! Yes- I have a big foot, but next to that puppy, it looks big enough to ski on!!
He has been fun so far, but he doesnt quite grasp the concept of sleeping during the night. He would much rather play, but he wont play by himself. He's only 8 weeks old, so hopefully this will pass and I'll finally get some sleep!