There is a lot to catch up on!

I wrote my last post at the end of October, following the wedding. And, despite my intentions to write about every week, I have not in over a month! Part of my excuse is that not much has changed. I went back to work, worked and that is about it. . . but, stuff has happened --- and that's the other part of my excuse, there has been a lot to write about and it seemed all a bit overwhelming. Anyway, I will fill you in (briefly). Oh, and I will preface this by saying that I have no pictures in this post (although they would have been nice) because a certain someone has all my pictures on his camera. I'll do a picture post next time.

First, after a few weeks home (after the wedding and honeymoon) I got H1N1. That's what the nurse I spoke to said anyway. I, of course, couldn't afford a test. Better safe than sorry I guess. I was unconscious for about 3 days with a mild fever and a cough. Today, about four weeks after the fact, I still have respiratory symptoms that are improving. . .slowly. Last week, Rick developed it.

Second, a little over a week after I returned to work (after being sick), Rick's grandmother (on Mom's side) passed away. We had plans to visit her when we visit Utah for the New Year. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it. I never met her, but at the funeral in Salt Lake I learned a lot about her and know that I would have found her interesting. The visit for the funeral was also the first time I had returned to Utah (my place of birth, if any of you have forgotten), in over 12 years. I was excited to return. And, as I anticipated, I felt a surge of sentimentality well up in me as the plane landed. Being in the city wasn't anything too spectacular or nostalgic (though I remember some sites). However, when Rick and I took a hike to Grandeur Peak in Mill Creek (?) Canyon, I was brought to tears, remembering all the wonderful and surprisingly vivid memories of my childhood. It was strange to have a place feel like home, without anyone who represents my home having been there with me. (Rick doesn't count in this instance, though he helped make the moment feel complete).

Third, I have been simultaneously preparing for our move to Ukraine AND for going home for Christmas. I am inexplicably happy about both. Moving to Ukraine is an exciting opportunity -- an adventure. Having a healthy chunk of time (though not as much as I initially hoped for) at home with my parents and sister will be wonderful. Especially because I do not know when I will see them next after leaving. There is some hope that my sister will study abroad in Italy next year and in this case I would go visit her and have her visit me. I am also hopeful that, somehow, my parents will be able to visit me. I have wanted to share all of my experiences abroad with my family, none of whom have been farther than Canada. To have them experience even a small taste of traveling, I think they will understand me better. Heck, I would be willing to meet them in Ireland or Scotland (a place I know both my parents would love to visit).

Anyway, there is a lot to do before we leave for Ukraine. Drew might be interested to know how the Russian is coming. More poorly than anticipated, I must admit. I have not been a diligent student. That said, however, I feel like I am learning it quickly and understand a lot despite my lack of discipline. I just need practice and to memorize about 500-1000 more verbs. . . no big deal!

That is all for now. My baking (trying to make Saffron Bread) beckons me.

I miss you all and will post a bunch of pictures soon.

Пока! (Paka, Russian for informal "bye")