Happy Halloween

Russia has not embraced Halloween.  I have only seen one billboard advertising something for Halloween. No costumes (other than "typical" fashion), no carve able pumpkins, no trick or treating, but it's ok.  I brought a little bit of Halloween to our last team pub night.

Put on your creative caps for the following food items.

Dirt Dessert Cups.
No Oreos for the dirt, but after numerous purchases, I found the right "dirt" cookie.  

I can't find a worthy pumpkin, so I will make my own.  Little (Yummy) Pumpkins!
Engineers have no creative caps, they had a hard time guessing what these little guys were supposed to look like. 

And since I didn't get to dress up this year.  A photo from last year's Halloween.

No idea who the guy is, but he was dressed as a backpack.  I couldn't resist the photo opportunity. 

Everything is interim....

I posted last week about a variety of recent reads.  Since that post, I finished Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life by Shauna Niequist.  An absolutely amazing book, worth a read.

I believe it may have been the last chapter, but I read a paragraph that actually caused me to stop and write down a passage.

Everything is interim.  Everything is a path or a preparation for the next thing, and we never know what the next thing is.


So incredibly true.  Maybe it doesn't do anything for you, but just typing still causes me pause and shake my head.  It may be the culmination of everything that has occurred, changed, or developed in my life the past year or so, but this quote truly hits home.

For anyone close to me, you know what my life was like in Indianapolis.  Then the move to Houston.  And ultimately, the move to Russia.  So many things have happened and yes, I "knew" what was coming, but I never truly understood the intensity to which each of these would effect my life.  Even now, when I sit and think about everything, I always seem to have a "pinch me" moment.

I may think I know my "current path" and think I am making necessary "preparations" for the future, but in actuality, I have no idea what "next thing" Ryan and I may encounter.  What I do know, and I am positive, that the possibility of the "next thing" is so enticing.

What will our next thing be?!?!?!  :)

Wednesday Walkies

A recipe that is good for both the body and mind.

Take 2 former teachers, form into 2 expat wives, place in Russia.

Combine 2 personalities with an inability to leave normal tasks with a mundane name.  Create clever, cutesy name.  Coordinate name with weekday.  *Note: It is okay to modify the weekday when other tasks or weather interfere.

Add 1 dog.

Begin to walk.

Final product: Wednesday Walkies.

*Note: In order to guarantee a sweet and refreshing treat.  Find a person that is as kind and pure of heart as Rose.  :)

"Yes, Rose.  I will sit patiently for that something behind your back."

"Oh, thank you Rose. "

*It was a bit chilly, so I decided to put a sweater on Macy.  Well, my lil pumpkin butt has grown.  We had to do some snip snips around the armpits.  

"Oui, I am so tired."

"Why are my legs so long?"

Wine and Ballet

The two were not combined, but both were events this past Saturday.

Wine
Ryan and I went to Abrau-Dyurso for their Wine Festival.  Earlier in the week, Kevin, the team's project manager mentioned the event to Ryan.  The three of us spent almost 3 hours talking and sampling various wines from around the area.  Champagne was also available, which I did more champagne tasting than wine.  Cognac vendors were also present.  Ryan and Kevin sampled various cognacs, but after one sip, I passed on the rest.  It was a fun event for a Saturday afternoon and we came home with a couple wine glass souvenirs.

Quick photos. 

It does not look full here, but the crowd quickly grew. 

Ballet


A few weeks ago, we received an email announcing that a ballet troupe from Moscow would be traveling to Novorossiysk.  The performance would be Sleeping Beauty.  I confirmed Ryan would be in town and went to buy the tickets.  At the time, I thought, "we have nothing else to do on a Saturday."  After our wine tasting, we came home, ate a quick meal, changed and we were off to the ballet.  It was something different and a nice way to get out of the house.  When we arrived, we realized that a couple other people from the team were also there.  If we are living in Russia, I find it only appropriate that we attend at least one ballet performance.  I am wondering if they will perform the Nutcracker near the holidays?

Quick photo before leaving. 

A Trip to the Salon

I have been really unsatisfied with my hair.  I went pretty blonde this spring and continued to keep the blonde highlights.  Our trip to Greece and the sun involved with the trip seemed to increase the brightness.  I made a hair appointment to have my hair colored.  The pictures do not show a huge difference, but I see the change.  I feel like I have gone to a "blonde" that fits better with my natural color.

Before.  Sorry for the "camera in the mirror" picture, I thought of the picture right before leaving. 

I walked to the salon.  I have been so critical of the weather, that I thought it is only appropriate to document the pleasant weather.  

Continuing on the journey.  Notice the mountains without clouds.  Big difference?

Still walking.  The water is to my right.  When I can, I enjoy walking to my salon appointments, it makes me feel "independent" not to use our drivers. 

I took a picture at each turn.  It is about a 20 minute walk.  

Almost there.  The salon is on the ground floor of the tall building.  I also love the fact I captured a Lada (white car on left).  

After.  Hair is a bit flat after a windy walk home. 

I do not know if you can see the color difference.  I do know I love it. :)

Baking with Baby Food

I am not a fan of butter, oil, etc when baking.  More often than not, I substitute any butter or oil amounts with equal parts applesauce.  For example, a recipe calls for 1/2 cup oil, I use 1/2 cup applesauce.  I have yet to find unsweetened applesauce or even sweetened applesauce.  Prior to our move, I had anticipated I would make my own applesauce.  Scratch that idea, I use apple baby food.  All recipes have been successful and buying baby food is so much easier than making my own applesauce.

Last week, after the Brownie Blunder post, canned pumpkin was recommended.  I have yet to find canned pumpkin, but was advised to make my own.  I considered making my own pumpkin puree and am still considering the idea, but when I was in the baby food section, stocking up on apple baby food, I saw a large amount of PUMPKIN baby food.  I grabbed a few containers and returned home to try my luck with a recent recipe discovery, pumpkin cupcakes.  To my surprise and delight (and Ryan's approval) the pumpkin cupcakes were a huge success.  I was going to make a cream cheese frosting but I could not find a good cream cheese that day, so I reverted to a marscapone frosting.  Not only did Ryan approve, but our driver Vitaly commented that they were very delicious.  I have a tendency to give our drivers various baked goods.  I think Sergei is too shy to comment, or maybe he hates my baking.

Baking with baby food is a success!  I have found a few more pumpkin recipes that call for canned pumpkin and I plan on using pumpkin baby food.  I may try making my own pumpkin puree.  Ryan is scheduled to leave for another business trip, so I will have even more free time.  Now, I just need to find a pumpkin.  The "Russian" pumpkins have been a bit odd looking, I just want a beautiful, orange, round pumpkin.  

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Marscapone Frosting.  Delicious recipe (called for pineapple), very yummy!

I tried to get "fancy" with the frosting.  I put it in a ziploc bag and tried to do cute "designs".  Ryan's favorite turnout is on the left, mine is on the right.

Since I am on the topic of food.  I have been busy in the kitchen.  A few pictures of my other "creations."

Dinner the other night was Shrimp Jambalaya.  I found a Jambalaya package we brought with during the move, purchased at Harry and David's.  I added fresh onion, jalapeños (grown by me) and shrimp.  It was good but not my favorite.  I wish I would have added other/more spices.  Ryan thought it would have been great with some spicy sausage.

Honey-Jalapeno Chicken with Soba Noodles.  I had a lot of jalapeños ready on my plants, so I was using as many as possible.  Very fast, easy, delicious recipe.  Yum Yum!

The Honey-Jalapeno Chicken called for cilantro.  I had a ton of extra and I couldn't throw it away.  I have learned that our local grocery stores tend to carry then change their mind and not carry certain items.  I love, love, love cilantro so I decided to freeze and save it.  You never know.  

My research online said to puree with olive oil, freeze in ice cube trays.  I didn't know if the cilantro flavor would soak into the plastic ice cube tray so I took precautionary measures.  

Frozen cilantro cubes.  I was sure to label, I don't need Ryan biting into one, not knowing what it is.  :) haha  By the way, definitely no Ziploc bags in Russia, this bag (and many others) was brought in our sea shipment.  

The Important Study Buddy

I am not an expert on studying techniques.  It has been a couple years since college graduation and my studying requirements have not been demanding.  The recent addition (well not so recent, it has been over a year) of Russian lessons has brought back the need to study.  My Russian lessons in Houston were amazing, I had an excellent teacher, other ladies to encourage me during lessons and a desire to learn a new language.  Also, the knowledge that I would be living in a location that did not speak English, really lit a fire under me to study harder.

I have continued with Russian lessons in Novorossiysk.  I have another excellent teacher, the lessons include only me (but that's ok) and my desire to improve continues.  Also, the HUGE language barrier during everyday activities (grocery shopping, aerobics and cycling instructor, our drivers, little old ladies asking me questions) has definitely added some gasoline to the fire.

It is here, that the important study buddy comes into the picture.  I truly feel everyone should have a study buddy.  Personally, it makes studying so much more "interesting" and "entertaining."

Allow me to describe why my study buddy is perfect:

*As soon as I take a seat at the table and spread out my material, my study buddy forgoes her rest and relaxation leaping to attention and is ready to "assist."

*Her lack of verbal communication does not promote whispering or endless chitchat during study time.

*She is not allowed at the table.  I do not have to worry about her taking up too much table space or impeding my elbow room.

"I am here to perform my study buddy duties."

"The toy may be slipping, but my dedication remains."

Unfortunately for her, all her great attributes lack one key study buddy requirement, she provides no intellectual inspiration.  Fortunately for me, her entertainment value is priceless. 

Part Time Reader

I forgot to mention this yesterday, but I am also a part time reader.  I wish I could say full time, I absolutely love to read, to get lost in a story, or to find that next great book.  I have recently devoured a few books.  Usually when Ryan is away on business, I find my lack of cooking and grocery shopping leaves me with a substantial amount of reading time.  Also, in conjunction with his long, recent business trip, the weather (I know I have mentioned it a lot) was also very conducive for reading time.

A couple books, I have found, to be worthy of mentioning.

One Day by David Nicholls
I was originally drawn to this book because of an Amazon recommendation.  I was also intrigued to learn that it was either in production or actually out in theaters.  I am one to read a book before I see a movie, so I figured, since I don't go to the movies in Russia, I should read the book now in preparation for my holiday return to the States.  The book turned out to be really good.  I read it during my long flights and layovers to and from Bangkok.  Not to spoil anything, but there is a "GASP" moment.  I say this literally, I had my gasp moment on my flight from Vienna to Krasnodar.  Nearby passengers turned to look and many also were witness to my gasp following, rapid blinking in attempt to hold back tears.  I am not one to post quotes, but a quote towards the end of the book really caught my attention, I found myself reading it over again.

“What are you going to do with your life?" In one way or another it seemed that people had been asking her this forever; teachers, her parents, friends at three in the morning, but the question had never seemed this pressing and still she was no nearer an answer... "Live each day as if it's your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.” 

The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve

I would have finished this book in a day if I had passed on the gym and Russian lesson.  I kept with my daily schedule, but voraciously read during every possible free moment.  It is by no means a happy, go lucky book.  The books starts with a sudden, life changing discovery and follows a wife as she pieces things together.  Regardless of the seriousness, I could not get enough.  I followed this book with a very happy, go lucky, chick read.  All was good. :)

Current Read:

Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life  By Shauna Niequist

Again, an Amazon recommendation, but Amazon has me figured out pretty well.  Well, that is, when they are not recommended the latest blood and gut movie.  Ryan always uses my Amazon account to order movies, so his purchases interfere with my recommendations.  Luckily, he doesn't order books, so my book recommendations seem to be spot on.  Cold Tangerines is a great compilation of short stories.  Each chapter is a different topic and it is a memoir.  The author has chosen a great set up for her book and I find that when I need to put it down, I keep saying, "Oh, just one more chapter."  This book may also be the reason for my frequent posting.  It has really caused me to look at the most mundane things as spectacular, or worthy of celebration.  Sounds crazy right?  I have never been a philosophical person, but this book is perfect for my current "life setting."  A nice summary quote from the book:

“Today is your big moment. Moments, really. The life you've been waiting for is happening all around you. The scene unfolding right outside your window is worth more than the most beautiful painting, and the crackers and peanut butter that you're having for lunch on the coffee table are as profound, in their own way, as the Last Supper. This is it. This is life in all its glory, swirling and unfolding around us, disguised as pedantic, pedestrian non-events. But pull off the mask and you will find your life, waiting to be made, chosen, woven, crafted."

Maybe this post will provide a reading recommendation, maybe not, I just thought I would share some recent reads.  Have you read a good book recently?  Amazon is phenomenal with recommendations, but I am always interested what others are reading.  Feel free to pass any recommendations this way! 

What do you do all day?

Frequently, and even more so, recently I was asked "What do you do all day?"  It is not necessary to ask Ryan this question because he can simply answer the question with one word, "work."  He works extremely hard and puts forth an incredible effort to do the best possible job he can.  I do not mean to sound like he is the only one, everyone on the project is working extremely hard and are clocking long hours at the office, if they are in Novorossiysk.  Many days are also spent traveling outside Novorossiysk for business.  Ryan's extensive work schedule leaves me with plenty of hours to fill.  In the beginning of this blog, I was doing a monthly Day in the Life of....but that quickly became dull for me, I can't imagine what readers must have thought.  So, in order to answer the question, "What do you do all day?" I will give a synopsis of yesterday and today's highlights.

Sweating at Sta-Fit


Sta-Fit is the gym.  I go daily and some days, twice.  At times, I wonder if the employees think I do nothing else.  The gym is my little piece of home, it is modern, has everything I could want, and gives me a great reason to work off some extra energy and extra calories.

Battling the Weather
Recently, the weather has become my enemy.  We are not getting along.  It has kept me cooped in the apartment, has restricted Macy walks, and makes an all around irritable Virginia.  Yesterday, I took pictures to share.

Clouds rolling over the mountains.  I think they are mountains, but coming from the flatlands of the Midwest, I think everything is a mountain. 

View from other balcony. 

Rolling farther. 

Oh, look who it is. :)

Macy
The last picture leads to my next activity.  Professional dog sitter, Macy entertainer, servant to the canine.  Whatever you choose to title it, Macy and I spend a lot (too much) time together.  We take lots of walks (when the weather cooperates), play lots of fetch (in apartment and outside).  She enjoys following me around the apartment all day, as long as it does not interfere with her naps.  We also take frequent bathroom trips outside, which was the signal I was receiving in the photo.  Above her head, if I could add a thought bubble, it would say, "Um, excuse me, stop taking pictures, I have to go outside!"  If I wasn't able to read her mind, her melody of toots was a clear signal she needed to go outside.  

Learning Russian
It's a slow process, but I am seeing growth.  Lena, my instructor is amazing.  Not too much to say about this.  I have lessons every Tuesday and Friday.

Hunting and Gathering
The title makes it sound more fun, but basically, I go to the grocery store, a lot.  I enjoy cooking and it takes frequent visits to multiple stores to gather all the ingredients I need.  Others may complain about the amount of time it takes to grocery shop, but I have come to view it as a sport.  "What will I find today?" "Will I beat my shopping list and find all necessary items?" "What obstacles will I encounter?"

I took a quick photo before leaving yesterday.  Bring on the rain, I was ready!

Last week, during a shopping trip, I encountered a cashier that was a breath of fresh air.  She spoke English, was bubbly, sweet and very excited to meet an American.  Yesterday, I was at the store and when it came time to check out, I looked and saw she was working.  She was so excited to see I was back and I was just as excited to see her.  It's funny how such a simple, small encounter can make an experience so much better and put such a big smile on a person's face.

English Teacher
A new development and addition to my schedule.  I am working with the daughter of a Russian colleague at Ryan's office.  She is 10 and knows a fair amount of English.  I forgot what it felt like to plan and prepare for a lesson.  I have only met with her twice, but it is great.  She is enjoying the lessons and I am loving it!  I meet with her every Tuesday for an hour.  Yes, I know it is only once a week and only one student for an hour, but it is what I needed to fulfill my inner teacher.  I spend so many hours researching the next lesson, planning and preparing that it is a much appreciated task.  Who knows, maybe I will starting tutoring more children.  Word seems to be spreading.

Domestic Diva
I cook, clean, do laundry and am an all around Domestic Diva.  Pandora radio provides the soundtrack to my "divaness."

That's all folks!

Italian Intervention

My brownies were a failure, but I have redeemed my kitchen diva status with a wonderful, homemade spaghetti dinner.  Ryan returned home from Moscow Saturday evening and he was not only greeted at the door by an overly enthusiastic Macy, but by the mouthwatering aroma of breadsticks, pasta sauce and meatballs.

After the breadsticks came out of the oven, before the meatballs went in.    Homemade pasta sauce, I didn't feel like jar sauce.  The theme of the night was rosemary.  I found fresh rosemary at the store and incorporated it in the pasta sauce and breadsticks. 

After one too many "GET OUT" Macy finally figured out her best way to help was from the sidelines.    I don't know if she is sad because she was banished from the kitchen or because she would not be partaking in the meal. 

Breadsticks.  Seasoned with rosemary, oregano, thyme, garlic and shredded cheese.    Brushed with a garlic olive oil mixture after baking.   First time making breadsticks, will (hopefully) improve with uniform sizing. 

Meatballs, pre-broiling.  Made from chicken, minced carrots and onions.   Seasoned with parsley,  thyme,  minced garlic and parmesan cheese. 

"Let us pull up a chair as I dining room proudly presents...your dinner."   Just a little Beauty and the Beast for all the Disney lovers. :)  No dancing plates or silverware at this dinner, but we did have some delicious wine, courtesy of our hotel in Santorini.  The wine was included in a gift package before leaving the island. 

Macy remained on the sidelines during dinner.  

Dinner was delicious.  My culinary skills have been reestablished and I am once again a kitchen diva.

Illness=Homesickness

Warning: She does not make an appearance often on the blog, but Negative Nancy is present.

Why is it that whenever I am sick, I ultimately become homesick?  I, yet again, am battling a cold.  I can't remember the last time I have been ill so frequently.  Before our trip to Greece I came down with a cold which seemed to last for weeks.  Recently, Ryan and I fell victim to either the 24 hour flu or food poisoning.  Let me tell you, husband and wife suffering from flu symptoms (I'll save you the details) at the exact same time is a true test of any marriage. :)  And, again I am suffering from a cold.  I have decided that my increase in illness may be the result of the following factors:

1. An increase in flying.  I have always heard that planes are breeding grounds for germs.  I have spent a large amount of time on planes the past few months.

2. Russia.  The weather has turned dreary.  I have not seen the sun (adequately) for the past few days and it has rained or drizzled 75% of each day.  Lack of sun may also be causing Nancy's appearance.  Also, Russia has a large number of walking chimneys.  It never fails, I cannot go out in public without being overwhelmed with cigarette smoke.  The chimneys and my sensitivity to cigarette smoke may be causing the increase of my chest/breathing problems.

3. Old age. I am 25.  Hahahaha, just kidding.  Nancy does have a sense of humor. :)

But in all seriousness, I do not like (no me gusta, Я не люблю) being sick and it is at times like these that all I want is to be home at my parent's house.  I am quite the drama queen when I am sick (my mother is definitely nodding her head in agreement to that statement) and my parents are excellent, patient caregivers.  I could really use some of my mother's chicken and noodles and some couch time in front of the fireplace.  I wouldn't even mind my father's loving, thoughtful, and sometimes overwhelming questions "Are you ok?" "Do you need anything?"

I am also missing the States and the little things about Fall that make it a bit more bearable.

*Campbell's chicken noodle soup, not the cheap red and white can, but their homestyle kind.  It doesn't compare to my mother's, but it is a nice, simple alternative.

*Glade, Febreeze, Yankee, etc.  Fall Scented Candles  I brought a Yankee Autumn Harvest and Yankee Pumpkin Spice in our sea shipment, but I am trying to resist the urge to burn the candles 24/7.

*A fireplace.

*Houston weather.  If Ryan and I were still living in Houston, I would most likely be out by the pool today.

Make sure you are sitting for this next one,
*Football.  I HATE football, but right now I wouldn't mind having a football game on the television.  I know it would definitely help Ryan, but I would be more excited about making chili and cookies and having friends over to watch the game.  I miss going to our friend's house for football games.  I miss more the time spent with friends than the actual game itself.

Even poor Macy is feeling blah.  Rainy weather means no walks and the mean clouds are blocking all the sun for her daily tanning sessions.

Lastly, because I can't let Nancy finish a posting, I will end with something I am looking forward to.  Ryan and I will spend our 2nd R&R of the year in Egypt.  We leave the first week of November and I am looking forward to abundant sunshine, warmth, touring, experiences, memories, etc.  

Brownie Blunder

Recently, I have been posting about successful, delicious new recipes.  I think it is only fair that I also post about some more "unsuccessful" recipes.  This recipe was not unsuccessful in design, execution, or presentation.  It was strictly unsuccessful in the Ryan Taste Test.  I have found a recipe that Ryan did not like.

As my parent's read this introduction, I am sure they may have giggled and laughed.  They were present at this recipe's discovery.  I found the recipe in one of my mother's many cooking magazines.  Ok, ok, I am sure everyone is yelling, "What recipe?!?!"

The recipe is for Gluten Free Brownies.  The recipe contains chickpeas rather than flour.  I know, I know, it's another one of my attempts to find tasty, healthy recipes and I failed (this time).  Personally, I believe I set myself up for failure.  I was so excited the brownies turned out, they looked good and smelled good.  I didn't give Ryan the chance to taste them, before I started jumping around saying, "they are made out of chickpeas, not flour!"  Ryan, giving me a slightly crazy look, took a bite and his response, "well, these are interesting."  That response translates to, "these are not good."

Personally, I didn't think they were bad.  They had a more fudge like consistency more than Ryan's preferred cake-like.  The recipe does call for instant coffee and you could definitely taste the coffee.  Regardless, the score remains, chickpea brownies:1 Virginia: 0.  No rematch will take place, I don't think Ryan will forget the brownies enough to allow for a second (nonjudgemental) appearance.

Let me know if you wish to have the recipe to try your own luck.  Just promise me, don't tell the taster before the actual tasting.  Oh, and Dad, be forewarned, I will be back in the States for the holidays.  You may want to question any "brownies" that may appear.  :)

Long Weekend in Bangkok

Ryan has been in Bangkok for 2 weeks.  As I type this post he is packing for his return to Russia.  We decided that since he was going to be gone for so long and there was a weekend between his weeks of training, I would join him for a long weekend.

It was well worth the long flight and layovers.  Bangkok was definitely a large, bustling city.  We enjoyed not only exploring the city, but also getting to take part in tours that took us to surrounding areas, outside the city.  We were booked with private tours, which gave our guide ample time to share an immense amount of knowledge.  I, surprisingly remembered a good amount of information and tried to pass it along through my photo comments.  You will also notice that this photo album contains a plethora of Ryan and Virginia photos.  Do not be alarmed, we have not become self absorbed.  We did not know this in the beginning, but our tour guide was an overeager photographer.  "I make picture for you?" was the phrase repeated numerous times, approximately every 5 feet or 5 minutes, whichever came first.

The trip was fun filled, educational and interesting to say the least.  For those of you familiar with different areas of the city, we did venture out to Soi Cowboy and we could see Nana Plaza from the hotel.  Was the JW Marriott there first, or did Nana Plaza form near the hotel with the wealthy business men?

Ryan planned an amazing dinner for my last full night in Bangkok.  We had reservations at Sirocco.  It is situated on the roof of a skyscraper in Bangkok, I believe the 64th floor.  The food was delicious and we had Hangovertinis.  They were martinis created for the cast of Hangover 2 while filming in Bangkok.  Sadly, I forgot to grab my camera, so there are no photos in the album, but feel free to Google Sirocco.

I hope you enjoy the photos.  Luckily, you don't have to experience the sweltering heat and humidity that was present.  One major downfall of Bangkok, high heat and humidity with a vast assortment of street vendors, particularly fish vendors.  I had a few gag moments.

Bangkok, Thailand

A Happy Belated Birthday....

October 2nd, Macy turned the BIG 1 !!!!!!  My lil punkin butt is such a big girl!

Kim was sweet enough to buy her a "birthday cake."  It is a small package of cookies wrapped in cloth with a 1 candle on the back.  On her actual birthday, I was a bad "puppy mom" and was away in Bangkok.