Last weekend in 2013

Hard to imagine, but 2013 is come to it's end.

Today is December 29th and absolutely no year-end magic.  Part of it, I think, because we all come down with horrible cold.  Vlad is pretty sick since last week, cough and fever.  Kids sick too, Alisa on the mend, Friday was hard for her.  Max is running fever, coughing.  Alla and Jr. is the only one who's holding things together.
I got stuffy nose and sore throat on Thursday, but I had to work both days upfront and plus teaching class on Thursday night.  Friday night was very miserable. I hardly got any sleep, end up staying home on Saturday.
Today we end up working on college and academy and teen school stuff.  I end up doing all invoices and deposits for teen school and bible college. It's lot of work.

Alla planning New Year Eve celebration at her house with all cousins (Eugine&Juli, Dima&Tanya, Alex&Anya) she did invited us, but not sure if spending new year with 8 adults and 13 kids my type of celebration. It's kind of sad that nobody invites us over anymore, I mean everyone have their own stuff going on, and unless we organize something, everybody for themselves.

This year we all working too, I think first time I'm working on 31st.  Lena might work on 1st too.  Suck, but nothing she can do.  We have been talking about possible vacation in Mexico in February.  Also there's bunch of ideas floating about big trip.  I'm torn between Germany&Poland this summer.  Or Turkey, Greece and Israel.  Also there's possibility that KHR and Company will go to Israel again, I don't want miss that.  But at the same time there's so many other places.

Sick again

Got a super awful cold going on... smack me right in the face.
Come unannounced with headache, fever and crazy runny nose.

Catching up with friends

Since we came back from Africa, we haven't had a chance to see Lipnyagov sisters.  This meeting has been long anticipated and dreaded too.
I guess Lena had not too pleasant memories about her conversation with Valya in Leawenworth last January, and Katya in Capetown.  What a great way to kill a friendship is to go on vacation together.

After going over our calendars we decided to visit them on Monday, before Christmas.  But, this visit went way more better than I thought.  We got to catch up on everybody lives, share tons of memories and even had some discussions about Christmas.

Valya, got her bachelor, but was diagnosed with mass in thyroid.  Surgery is scheduled in January.
Olga still working at eye clinic, wants to go on vacation, still same curly head
Katya, went to Italy, Germany, France in November, planing trip to mexico, we might all go together :)
Anna finished nursing school, got a boyfriend, might get married this summer.

About Mexico - I would love to go there for 5 days, little get away in the middle of winter, and last week in February will be perfect, since Dr. A going to Disney Land.  Katya will be our planner - she will call around and find the best deal.  Who knows...

As always we stayed late, never run out of things to talk about and left after midnight.

Three monkeys

Love those three

Visit from the Aanderuds

Today at work we had a visit from the whole Aanderud gang.  

Got to meet Eirik and Joren for the first time.  Those kids are adorable.  I knew Teig and Juni were special, but now that I have met them all, I told Dr A that he's very blessed.

Christmas concert

Since we moved to Oregon, I herd about Apostolic Faith church and their annual concerts for Easter and Christmas.  This spring will be 14 years since we arrived to Portland.  Every time we either miss it altogether, or find out way too late to attend.  This year we actually planned to go and went.

It was not very long program, about 1:20 at least.  Lot of people, but very nice seats.  Lena, Julie Puzur and I went ahead of time and arrived 15 minutes before.  Zhana did come but she was late and missed 2 full orchestra performances. Very interested topic for the musical.  Very impressed with quality,  disappointing some of the content.  Songs: Jungle Bells and Christmas in the City.  Really???!!! At church...

Restaurant Uzbekistan

Our annual,  actually first annual appreciation dinner is today.

Volunteers

Officially national rate for volunteers is $22.00/hr.  I'm clocking in about 15-20 hours per week. 

3 rules

And they not for male + female relationship only.

Jazzy brunch

What kind of meal is too late for breakfast and too early for lunch?
It's called brunch!

We had one of those today, after we managed to roll out of bed after 10:30 am and found no bread in the house, well there was a half of loaf in the freezer, but that doesn't count.

Long time ago we heard of this bagel place in Gresham called Jazzy Bagels.  And as the saying goes no best time like present, we decided to go and get bagels. As soon as this was decided, order was taken (from Alex) directions understood, we left the house.  Navigation took a long route via Powell, instead of Division Street.  Place was under construction and not easy found, we had to circle twice, before we found them. Not attractive outside, but once you open the door, heavenly smells greets you.

Surprisingly they have a lot of room, and lot of table were occupied.  I guess there's lot of people having a bagels for lunch.  So much to select from and i had a moment of panic...Agh!
Suddenly there were a guy right next to me, wearing bright orange jacket with the most attractive smile and warm brown eyes.  Next few minutes we had the weirdest conversation about bagels, cream cheese vs. butter, languages and whether Borat was nice guy and the whole time I have a hard time to keep my thought coherent, because of him.  That the first thing I notice about people is their eyes, and this dude had incredible windows to the soul. lol
He was gone as quick as he come, and we were next in line.  So much to choose from and we decided to get a dozen, seems like the only choice.  We got cheese, cinnamon and raisin, everything bagel and blueberry, chocolate, salt and garlic. I guess baker dozen is 12 + 2 :)
We end up with 14 bagels for $10.00.


After we got home, I made myself yammy plate with cheese bagel toasted and buttered, fried egg and cherry tomatoes.  It was so good!

Now we have plenty bagels that will kept us well fed all week.  Although I'm not sure it will last that long.

Right before we left, Lena asked for menu and we were pleased to find out that do have full cafe with sandwiches and drinks.  They open from 6:30 am until 4pm and not that far from our house.  Yay, bagels!

Gift shopping

Agh!!!! I did it.

I actually did it this year. 

Went shopping online for a gift for Sarah and Archer, and bought things for myself.

First I checked out her Amazon gift wish list. Found some items for baby like books, bath toys etc.  After placed order for over $50 with shipping, got myself 3 books for $5.99 each.  It's part of series and it's Kindle books, so I guess it's okay.

Then, I find Sarah list has Victoria's Secret PJ - with a  link to the VS web.  After I found out that  pj is on sale, for $39.95 I placed the order, should arrive before 24th.

Did little browsing, checked their sale rack and clearance items, found some swimwear on sale, didn't realize that tops are sold separate from bottoms, even though it's sale, still good $36 for outfit. I'm still planing for that Mexico trip, so swimwear from VS is the must! Found some cute colors cotton bras 2 for $49.98 had to have.

All together with free shipping end up been close $150.... well, at least I can return it if I don't like it.

Miracle provided by WestJet

Canadian airline truly believed in "happy customer is the best advertisement" and in Season of Miracles.

watch this video that went viral this week.

I like the last statement at the end: - "If everyone work together, we will have a miracle"

Mr. Tonus in town

All the way from Russia visiting here Mr. Tonus,  stop by school today. My sister and brother got to have a picture.

Thursday a surgery day, a very good day

Every Thursday after 2pm, I had to remind myself every 15 or so minutes that Thursday is a good day.  After doing Mohs all day long I'm so tired.

If starting our morning we're laughing, signing, joking, dancing - after two in the afternoon it's barely dragging our feet. Both Dr and nurse tired and my feet are on fire.  All I can think of is sitting down :)

Today is no exception,  after out little talk yesterday,  Dr. A act strange.  I do understand him, I had a whole weekend to adjust. I love working with him, he's a  such compassionate,  caring guy with a huge heart.  And seen how just one person abusing it, totally misplaced work ethic, that makes us as a team look bad.

To be honest I told him and girls yesterday тhat I really don't care who she's sleeping with. 

It's not my business and I don't care.  What I care is you need to be 100% present in mind and body when you at work.  Not sure where in the world her head was yesterday.  But she dumped one of the solutions for Mohs that we don't have a replacement for.
When I found out this morning I really got mad.  It's just a matter of time before she makes crazy mistake.

Frozen Fog Wednesday

It's a frosty frozen foggy morning.  Dad builds sets for kids play for school, and this huge house sitting in garage in my carport.
Left car on the driveway - took a long time to de - iced.
Roads were so icy, as soon as I got to freeway it was fine.  Wish I had time to stop by and took picture of the foggy sun, and frosty trees.
Beautiful!

Crafts and stuff

Couple weeks ago, Elsa and I signed up for Cookie decoration event at Calvary church in Vancouver.  

Yay! 

Last time we went to the similar event all the way to Tigard, OR.  This time, Main St, downtown of Vancouver.  I pick Elsa up at 5 pm, had a coffee drive thru and hit the traffic.  Took us almost an hour to get there, find a parking lot.  There were lot of people, volunteers, bigs' and little. Members of the church did a wonderful job with organization, supplies, even the customized gift bags were a nice touch. 

Walk, gossip and drama

On Tuesday and Wednesday,  Angie, Dani and I go for a walk at lunch.

It's our one on one time for gossips, heart to heart conversation and of course laugh and lot of plotting together.

Dinner at Andina

Our work Christmas party was scheduled for December 9th.  

Little early but much anticipated.

After I look at the menu, I seriously considered not going at all.  

Andina is fancy Peruvian restaurant.  Lot of sea food, and most of the items on the menu were in Spanish. (assuming it's Spanish, not Portuguese.  It very expensive restaurant.  Leah have been there for drinks before and Nate was there for dinner.  Both were impressed and strongly recommended to go for experience if anything.

Sonja and Justin offered to give me a ride, that seal the deal.  With all shopping done the day before here I'm standing on 182nd and waiting for my ride.  It was chilly evening, with a snow in the forecast.

Freezing cold!

Us or our city not created to suffer from the cold weather.  Pipes are bursting left and right, heat furnaces broken down, people get hypothermia, no snow, no rain. Just cold!!!

Sunday well spend

And by spending I meant spending money.  Left house around noon.
Shoe store, clothes store, another shoe store, more department clothes store.
Break for lunch at Local Cow - Burger place in Gresham with Alex.
Now more shopping :-)

Sleeping in

When Lena not working, we got to sleep in on Sunday. Everybody keeps semi-quiet, unless d. Volodya comes over.  He is a dad uncle, the only closest relative on dad side, except our aunt, his sister t. Katya and couple cousins.
When d. Volodya comes over, it's always on Sunday mornings, mom serves him a tea or coffee, light breakfast that he shared with dad and Alex.  He is getting old, and keeps saying that he doesn't have much longer to live, but as long as he alive, he will keep coming.
Every family has one of those 'unique' relatives.

Ya hala!

Went to this cool Lebanese restaurant Ya hala on Stark street.
Food was good, little cold, but loved their mint tea and baklavah

Baby it's cold... inside!

Woke up this morning to cold house.  Heater went south. It's only 58 degrees inside, with 19 outside. So freaking cold!!!

Crazy weather day

Woke up this morning to crazy weather. Wind, flurries, ice and Oregonians... bad combination.
Left house, made it ti I84 okay, and then whole fun begun. As soon as I got to I205 cars upfront and behind start slipping and skidding - scarry!
Decided to turn around and head home. Took Glisan exit and made it home okay.

Long surgery day

The atypical fibroxanthoma very aggressive type of the skin cancer. During the surgery today, it's very unfortunate, but cancer was nerves deep and requires radiation as well as additional surgery if it's went bone deep.
I was tired, doctor was tired and I'm sure patient was tired too.
Another excitement of the day was call to 911, found out that one of the Nate's patients was so sick that both doctors felt that immediate  hospitalization a must.
I helped Dani to set up surgery trays today. Thinking about learning this task, never know when I can help.

Teen class - Travel

I'm teaching second part of the Travel class to the teens tomorrow night.  Per previous years - second evening spent watching a documentary.  Not sure where and how I found this amazing movie called "A map for Saturday" - a journey of the 25 y.o man from NY, who quits his job and took off for 11 months backpacking trip around the world.

Very informative in the ways of backpacking travel. It's a long movie, and we don't have time to watch the whole thing, spend an evening today to go over it, choosing most "important" parts.

Every time I watch that again, I get travelling bug acting up.

I need vacation now!

The End of Season of Light!

Letters to you

I talked to a friend about you last night, and you send me text at the same time. Coincidence?
I was thinking of you all evening, remembering your smile, your eyes, your arms around me, your presence near. Not sure why memories were torturing me again.
I send you thank you note, and asked how things are, unlike other times, you actually told me about job, stress, unknown future.
Wish I can do something,  wish I can hold you right now, wish I can promise you that all will be okay.
But you don't need me, you don't want me feeling sorry for you. 

Not easy

One of my coworkers cheating on her husband.  Found out couple weeks ago, and can't have our easy relationship back.  I'm not judging her, but I'm heartbroken for her spouse and little boy.  Every single time she takes late long lunch, or have an appointment scheduled or have errands to run, I cannot help but question it.  All day long she texts non stop and quick chating on FB.
It's not my place and none of my business but I wish something would happen and put a stop to it.

7th night of Hanukkah

Weather scare

Oregonians are funny people. Especially those who lives in the Portland metro area. I've live here for years and only twice we got some serious snowstorm.  But every year everybody freak out with 2% chances of snow.
Come on!!!!!

New phone

Got myself a new phone today: Samsung Galaxy S4 woot woot!!!!!!

Great Harvest

One of the perks working at the doctor office is getting free lunch from pharmaceutical company.  There's one but to that. It's happens sometimes that catered food is not only not kosher, but not acceptable even by my non kosher Jew in me.
Fir the most part, lunch served is what we as a team decide on and order. Today was one of those days when we got to pick what we want.
Great Harvest it is.
Love their bread, cookies, sandwiches.

End is just a beginning

All things under the sun come to the end, said the old wise Jew.

King Solomon, knew what he was talking about. But, end is not the dead stop, end of something also means a beginning of something else. End of the weekend is beginning of the week, end of month, beginning of the new month. End of the year, leads to the new one. Everything new brings new hope, new ideas, fresh start.

Let's start our last month of the year 2013 anew! Happy Monday!

Phones, internet and long lost friends

Just recently I was "talked" into joining "Viber", "Voxer" and "What'sUp" - those all free apps that available to download on your phone for immediate use.  Free apps to send/receive SMS, pictures and phone calls from anywhere in the world for free, as long as both sender and receiver use same program.

Well... here I am, downloaded "what's up" about month ago and instantly connected with long-time friend who currently lives in Russia and only way of communication until now was gmail quick chat.  Now we able to quick text message each other anytime as long as we both up.  Which is a nice thing, no surprises here.  Then one of my cousins from Kazakhstan texts me in the middle of the night, receiving text from unknown # with country code for KZ - it's took me a few text both ways to find out which cousin is texting.

During Thanksgiving dinner conversation switch to phones, cost, apps - typical.  All 3 of my brothers were quick to recommend to get "Viber" which I did. Uploaded my photo, one of the recent ones, from August.  And the very same night got a text from unknown # - asking if I remember that person. Frankly, no. Country code is one I'm not familiar with - had to google it.  After 20 minutes of conversation texting back and forth I found out person is from Germany, we used to be friends, met online long time ago.  I don't usually give my phone # to people that I meet online.  It must be some very good friendship. I have absolutely no recollection of.

Another surprise today - another text from unknown # stating that they cannot remember who I am.  Well, I don't know either, after I google the country code - Grece - (!!!)  I used to know 2 people from Greece.  Both were bloggers on livejournal from long time ago, one of them still had my phone # saved. Only this time he absolutely have no memories of our friendship whatsoever!

Well... let's see if new apps will uncover more "friends" from previous life :)

Instead of...

... welcome to my blog.

This is my official English version blog.  For my Russian-speaking/reading friends please continue reading my "Между строк" as I'll try to update regularly from now on.

What is this blog about?
Long time ago I happen to find an awesome quote: " Life is just a blog, waiting for us to post about it..."  Every post here will be about life, about surprises and trails that life offers.  I never quite give up my dream to become a journalist.  I know that some dream will remain just that... dreams.  Blogging is one of the many outlets to let steam out, to get the word out, to hear and to be heard.

Since 2003 I was very active in blogosphere, it's all start with Livejournal, then wordpress, top-reading blog on invictory portal with thousands visitors weekly, now it's all here.  Russian and English versions have it's own place. Yay!