This has not been an easy choice to make. I love it here at NazareneBlogs. However, time has come to move out of the nest and start flying on my own.
Looking forward to seeing you there – and if you had me in your blogroll (which I highly appreciate) – please update the link – that would be even more appreciated.
See you at my new place 
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
I was watching Jesus movie (the ’99 one) last night and Jesus said this in the very end of the movie. The end credits rolled in, with quiet music playing in the background, and I sat on my bed in the darkness, looking out into the window.
“I know that You are with me… I just wish I could see You or feel You…”
For more >> click here.
I haven’t been exercising for over a month.
It sucks.
It all started with bad weather but evolved into a problem with my knees. On one hand, nothing too serious – it’s treatable. On the other hand, being forbidden from any physical exertion stinks royally.
Granted, I have been a naughty girl and haven’t followed the doctor’s orders to a letter. First of all, I couldn’t exactly say “I can’t walk or do anything” at the Picnic. A big part of our staff is relatively new (and this was their first Picnic), so I wanted to bear some of the load in helping and organizing.
Secondly… my best friend and I haven’t seen each other in a long time – and sitting in a cafe when Sun finally made its appearance seemed like a dull idea – so we walked around Kyiv. Too bad I can’t show you the photos from our trip because they were on my cell phone that I’ve lost on Monday.
But even besides all those little exercises, I miss working out. I miss coming to the gym and exhausting my body.
The reason? I can sleep well and dreamlessly after gym.
For the past month, it was mostly my brain that was in overdrive and since my body wasn’t as tired as it was used to, I had hard time falling asleep (at least when I *tried* to fall asleep – as opposed to wanting to sleep at work due to the weather, once again). When I did sleep, I dreamed. I don’t like my dreams often – they are too real. I haven’t flown in a long while – I miss those dreams. I did drive, however, but it was a mess.
It is 10:02PM but I think I’ll try to fall asleep now. I am mentally exhausted to a point when I simply don’t want anything. My body and my mind are two separate entities at the moment.
Sometimes I stand at the 15th floor balcony at the office, sipping my hot Earl Grey tea during a break, and I watch the construction people working. They are dismantling old little one-story storage units in order to make more parking space. Forklifts are whirring, people are swinging sledge hammers… I envy those workers. I’d love to exchange places at least for a day. They swing their hammers at the brick walls, their minds free to roam and ponder on all kinds of things. I miss that kind of work – I’ve done a bit of it when I was younger and didn’t work at the Chamber. Granted, my official position with the teams was that of interpreter, but I mostly helped with the actual WORK (translating when needed)…
10:11PM. My cat seems to say that it’s time for bed too. She lies next to me, her blue eyes fixed on me, a ghost of a smile on her face. Yes, Liz can smile. And as I blink softly at her, she blinks back. It’s an expression of cats’ love – blinking.
10:13PM. Good night.
The Picnic is still in my mind – quite frankly, it is one of the few thoughts that wander around my mind looking for other thoughts to keep them company (they are feeling lonely).
On Monday, we all had to share our impressions regarding the Picnic and the areas we were responsible for – so for the next time, we could think of the ways to solve the issues that arose and making the event even more successful.
Since I was at the Kids’ Zone and had a lot of help from my team mates from the Chamber (instead of volunteers from other companies), there was a lot of feedback regarding the fun times we’ve had. One of the most discussed thing was how to deal with old ladies next year.
You might wonder… why should old ladies be dealt with. Well – because the old ladies who were here were so obnoxious and greedy that we were shocked. I can understand kids who want presents – but c’mon – if you’re three times older than I am, I expect you to have higher standards – I was brought up in the understanding that older people are wiser (most of the time) and that I should look up to them.
However, here, since the presents were free but they were only for kids, the “kids-less” grandmas resorted to all kinds of tricks to get the present. This is one of the things that drives me up the wall about the mentality of Soviet-time people (although it might be similar in other parts of the world) – the mentality that if something is free, then I should get as much as I can – regardless of the people who also might want what I want. The mentality that if some people can get something for free – I have to have it too – even if I don’t fit the requirement.
Anyway… I wanted to share a few memorable grandma moments that we all laughed about afterwards, when we got to the office on Monday.
The Chamber Lady
We gave out presents standing right next to a Danone fridge filled with yoghurt (that we also gave to kids). One of the ladies came (and she looked rather shabby – every year we get a few of weird people at the Picnic who got their tickets off someone) leading a little girl whom I clearly remembered I had given a present (she even wore one of the bracelets we put on kids who got presents). I looked at the lady (wondering whether the girl belonged to the lady at all or it was just a random kid she brought):
“Your kid already got a present.”
“No, she haven’t.”
“She’s got the bracelet and I have a good memory for faces.”
“Listen here, young lady,” the older lady told me menacingly.
I looked at her.
She continued, “I work at the American Chamber of Commerce. You have to give me a present.”
I stifled laughter at the creativity and calmly replied, “Actually, I am the one who works at the American Chamber of Commerce. You don’t work there. Have a nice day.”
She probably thought that I was just a Danone girl and she knew that the Chamber were the organizers of the event. Whoops, lady – you got it all wrong.
The Grandma Lady
The presents were given out only to kids and only one present to one kid (the presents consisted of numerous chocolate bars, a Coke can, several chocolate-filled cakes, and some toys).
One elderly lady came.
“My grandson is somewhere in the crowd. Give me a present.”
Having explained it numerous times, I smiled and calmly replied, “Bring your grandson here and I will give him a present. I cannot give presents without kids present.”
She huffed and walked away. In a few minutes, she came again (and dang, she did not observe the rule of personal space – I hate when people stand way too close to me when there is a lot of space around).
“There is my grandson, standing over there.”
“I will not give the present to you. Your grandson has to be here – in front of me.”
“Slavik!!” she yelled to the boy who was standing with his mom and someone else, then she marched over to him and brought him to me. “Here is my grandson.”
I looked at the boy. “We’ve given you a present already.”
The grandma looked at me, then at the boy. The grandson looked at his grandma as if to say “Told you. Why did you haul me all the way here?”
“Were you here with your mom?” the lady asked Slavik.
“Yes,” he replied.
“Oh!” She smiled and looked at me. “I am his grandma!”
“Nice to meet you,” I replied, not sure where this was going.
“Give my grandson a present.”
“He got one already.”
“Well, he was here with his mom. But I am his grandma!”
Shocked at the “iron logic” of the statement and implication, I told the lady, “But the kid is the same, isn’t he?”
They walked away, the grandma obviously unhappy. I stood there with my friends and wondered… Seriously, lady… you expect me to follow the logic? One kid – one present. What if next time he comes with his dad? Should I give him another present, for his dad? O_O
Kids’ Zone is one of the most optimistic zones at the Picnic but at the same time, some situations just dampen the entire spirit. It is wonderful to see a kid happy to get a present and when the parents are happy too seeing their little one excited. But when it comes to these conniving tricks and greed – whether from the kids / parents / grandparents… Come on – it’s not that I don’t believe you that you’ve got a kid at home (although with some you’ve got to wonder). But these presents are first of all for those kids who came to the event – is that so hard to grasp? So Kids’ Zone is one big pendulum of emotions – one moment you’re grinning ear-to-ear because you’ve witnessed a girl scream in delight at the prospect of chocolate bars… and next moment you’ve got to stop an old lady who is trying to steal (yes, steal) a package right behind your back. And it sucks – because I wish I could give those presents to everyone – but I can’t. And it sucks because I have to enforce the rules.
All in all, we fought off most of the weird ladies who wanted more and more stuff (and only lost two trays of yoghurt that someone stole when we weren’t looking)… There were several who asked politely for the presents and I gave in – one lady in her 80s was keen on calling me “sonny” (obviously in her mind, if a person has a short haircut, it’s a boy), but I didn’t care anymore. I was just glad that she was happy and that she wasn’t begging me for a kids’ present.
At times I wondered whether I am doing a right thing by refusing some older ladies… but rules are rules and there were kids at the stadium who haven’t received their presents yet… And people who don’t get the idea of teaching their kids to share bug me big time. If indeed there is a kid who stayed at home – then the kid who got the present (which had about 15 different chocolate bars) could easily share – or is it just my idealistic thinking?
What do you think? What would you do in my shoes – give the presents to those people or stick to rules?
We did it. We survived the Picnic and came out alive.
First of all – thank y’all who prayed for the weather. Like I mentioned before, the forecast looked rather gloomy – rain, rain, heavy rain, usual rain.
On Saturday morning, I pried my eyes open as the alarm clock buzzed and wondered whether I am still asleep – sun shined into my window. I shook myself awake but the sunlight did not go away – it was real – there was no rain!
We came to the stadium, fully prepared to be subjected to cold murky weather – and once again were surprised. I even had to take my long-sleeved shirt that I wore beneath my Administrative Team t-shirt. It was actually hot and many of my friends (along with me) got sunburned.
It was sunshiny until 2:30PM and then the clouds moved in. The last half hour before the gates opened, it was pouring rain. Yet afterwards, it stopped and for the entire evening we had a few light rain minutes but most of the time it was cloudy but not raining!
The drawback about the rain were the fireworks. Something obviously got short-circuited in the scheme of fireworks launch and after a couple of pretty Bangs! everything went quiet (including the walkie-talkie chats because everyone was stunned at the prospect of no fireworks). Thankfully, the pyrotechnic guys fixed the issue and in a couple of minutes we had the opportunity to enjoy beautiful music-coordinated fireworks.
Keep in touch for more stories from the Picnic to come. There were some really hilarious moments (and some that drove me nuts) – but all that will be later. I am still dead after the event (and SO disappointed it’s only Monday – the Chamber team needs rest…)
THANK YOU!!!
I woke up and the first thing on my mind was “God, can we please have good weather tomorrow?”
As I went about getting ready for work, mentally checking things that had to be done today in preparations, the weather was continually on my mind.
And then the tough question came to my mind…
“Are you going to like Me even if I don’t stop the rain tomorrow? Will you continue worshipping Me or will you simply say ‘He couldn’t do it’?”
And I stopped.
I stopped because I knew the right answer was “Of course, I will still be on Your side, God.”
But in my heart I was tempted to say, “Well, You could’ve changed the weather. I don’t like you anymore. You didn’t do what I’ve asked.”
… Because I KNOW He can change the weather! He did stop the storms, and healed people, and raised them from the dead. He’s almighty! What’s a couple of clouds for Him?
Yet I also know that He’s got a plan for everything. Quite honestly, it sucks to not know what is going to happen. I like to be prepared. But He is prepared. He has been prepared for July 2, 2011 for eternity.
*Sigh* I should go to sleep now. It’s going to be a LONG day tomorrow for the Chamber team. However, I really want to stick to “Thy will be done, not mine” motto.
That motto is tough to stick to when you really mean it.
Leaning comfortably against the pillows behind my back, my fluffy seal hot against my knees, the wheels of my mind tiredly scroll through the happenings of the day and forecasting the happenings of what is going to happen in two days.
What is in two days?
For those who don’t know, I work at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine – i.e. we get to celebrate both American AND Ukrainian holidays.
The Chamber Annual Charitable American Independence Day Picnic (aka simply “Picnic”) is the biggest event that we organize as the Chamber. Everyone is invited and usually we have up to 5,000 people gathered together for 6 hours packed with fun, laughter, free stuff, lottery, music, and magnificent fireworks.
Once again this year (as it has been for 3 Picnics before already), I am responsible for the Kids’ Zone. I couldn’t be happier with my assignment – it’s the best place ever to people-watch. Also, kids get so excited when they see all the carnival rides and everything and presents that it’s hard not to rejoice along with them.
However, today we are all “hoping against all hope” (hm, this verse, Romans 4:18, seems like the verse of the day since I’ve quoted it today already).
The reason? Or, rather, the reasons?
Weather forecast is that it is will be raining until next Friday. (The Picnic is this Saturday). In case you wonder what our rainy season looks like – watch this – this was taken from my apartment window this Monday. This is NOT a good weather for 6 hours on an open stadium.
Another fun thing is that due to the rains (it has been raining for over a week now), the bags for kids’ presents have drowned at the warehouse. Praise God this problem has been solved because we’ve got EURO 2012 bags (which is the theme of this year’s Picnic) instead to substitute the “drowned bags…” Another good thing is that the presents were not packed yet.
The restaurant that was supposed to host a sponsors’ afterparty on Monday, July 4th, cancelled the reservation… today. Turned out the lady who was our contact person left the restaurant job a month ago – and the current administration is against hosting the party. Considering that the name of the restaurant is Chao, that’s what we are tempted to tell them “Ciao!”… Unfortunately, their logo is already in print on all banners and invitations.
It’s going to rain, did I mention that?
Once again, just like last year, I find myself begging God for a miracle. I know that He might have His reasons for rain… but… I can’t help but stare into the ominous sky and plead “Just one rainless day – PLEASE – then the rains can resume. Just one single day, all we need.” Last year He did provide pretty good weather – it started raining around 8PM, but the people were there already and having fun. If it will be raining from the very start, not a lot of enthusiasts are going to come.
We shall see. We already had one Picnic where we had walking tents and flying toilets due to the storm. I wish I was working at the Chamber back then (it was just before I joined the team) – since everyone who were at that Picnic remember it vividly. Hopefully there will be no flying toilets this year and the Sun will grace us with its warmth.
And the fireworks are going to be MAJESTIC!
Joining in for the “One Word at a Time” Blog Carnival at Peter Pollock’s blog. Check the rest of the entries here. Today’s word is “Pets.”
A friend of mine posted that video on her Facebook account and I couldn’t help but remember the sweet baby Nome I once knew.
When I was in the States for the second time, staying with my dear friends, they had a wolf (and a shih-tzu). The wolf was quite old – 12 years old – when I met him, but still active even though his arthritis was getting worse.
When Steve told me for the first time that he had a wolf… well, I thought he was joking. But then he showed pictures and I fell in love with that mighty beast even before I saw him for real.
That is Nome (or baby Nomes as I called him – although that baby at his prime could easily put his paws on my shoulders standing on his back legs and he weighted a few pounds less than I did).
Steve and Debbie brought me to their home after the airport and as they were opening the door, I heard something on the left. I looked, and there, behind a waist-high fence was the magnificent animal. I looked at my friends, they nodded, and I cautiously went to check him out.
I am not afraid of the dogs and never was, but I wasn’t sure how to behave around wolves. I let him sniff my hand and then carefully petted him. He wiggled his tail and pressed his big nose against my palm. Steve later said that he never seen Nome take a liking to someone that fast.
Nome died a bit over a year after I got to meet him – but I am blessed that I got to meet him because usually wolves live up to 12 years – Nome was 14. The two months I’ve spent with baby Nomes were short, yet the friendship is priceless. The memories of how he could be both goofy and noble at the same time warm my heart as I look at these photos.
Do cats and dogs get to be in Heaven?
All I did today was sit / lie on the couch watching TV (I did make a salad for lunch and I baked a cake for late night snack, but those were two little exceptions).
Most of the time when I do that (and lately, that’s all I had the energy to do), I feel rather pathetic. And besides, drinking by oneself (even if it is tea!) is sad.
Yet today it was different – I was not alone with my cat. Mom was home.
So we talked a bit, and made lunch together, and laughed at the Pink Panther 2 that was on TV, and mom liked my cake…
I love it when she’s home. My cat appreciates that too because it means she gets twice as much food 
All in all, it was a perfect day off (tomorrow is Constitution Day here in Ukraine, so we have two days off… (plus the weekend). The only drawback was the rain – it poured so hard that below is what happened to the street I live on… The rain was the reason we spent the entire day at home. Also, it was the coldest June 27th in the recorded history of Ukraine.
I am on my balcony, alone tonight again.
This week was stressful. Everyone is anxious considering that we’ve got the Independence Picnic coming up and we had a hugely important meeting yesterday with the president of Ukraine and most of the “important people” who rule Ukraine. Since everything had to be perfect (obviously) and there were a lot of things to think about since we were dealing with VIPs who are used to everyone running around them. Thankfully, everything went perfect and our boss was very pleased. One mission accomplished.
Picnic is a worrisome thing however. The weather forecast has not been too exciting – rain, rain, and some more rain and thunderstorms. When you are planning a picnic for 4,000+ people outside on a stadium… Well, rain is one of those things that you won’t be needing. However, God pulled some magic weather tricks last year, so I am praying that this year He will come up with something fun too.
My manager is leaving on Wednesday. I think the job is jinxed. Ever since we’ve got that position (we only got managers a year and a half ago – before it was just teams of coordinators and assistants), my team had three managers. Neither lasted very long.
Have to confess, I did not really expect this manager to stick through it because at the Chamber you’ve got to grow into the position – it is extremely hard to come to be a manager and “get” all nuances that we’ve got – there are just way too many of them.
Chamber is like English – there is one example to a rule, the rest is all exceptions.
But… I already mentioned God and His amazing weather ideas.
The weather this week was just like the week at work. It was either sunshiny and extremely hot, or raining cats, dogs, and other little animals.
However, today as I was leaving the office (and starting to wrap my mind around the idea that I’ve got 4 days off before me), I looked up and saw…
A RAINBOW.
A beautiful bright and colorful rainbow.
And I remembered His promises.
I remembered that He promised that He will never forsake me.
I remembered that He promised to take care of me.
I remembered that He promised to love me.
And I couldn’t help but follow the advice on my favorite mug in the picture above.