BIFFING AND HOOLIGANS

My Tuesday morning class suffers from my perpetual lateness. It seems that I just can't get to that class on time. I have no idea. So yesterday, I'm on my way up to the room, and I realize I forgot my tape player. So I run back downstairs, grab the tape player and start to haul ass back up. Well, I had the tape player and my water and the register in my hand and what do I do?...biff it. I totally trip on the stairs and the tape player makes this huge echo of plastic machinery against tiled stairs. Luckily, there was nobody in the area but I knew my one student was already up in the room (he, unlike me, is always on time) and would know that I knew that I was late and thus this was why I was rushing to get there on time. Totally embarrassing.

So then today, I'm walking over the bridge and I take out my cell to see if I got a message back from my friend and what do I do this time?...I drop it. I am crossing the bridge over a river and I drop my phone. I seriously watch it fall in slow motion over the side of the bridge. I let out a totally-English, "Oh shit" and watch it go. Luckily, I was to the point on the bridge where there's an embankment below and so thankfully, I see my phone hit and I am able to walk down and retrieve it. But as I'm going down, I see these two boys watching from above. (Now, a few times in Poland I have had the pleasure of a run-in with what they call "hooligans." And in only a few weeks, Poland will celebrate what they refer to as "Wet Monday"; an event where anybody walking the street can be hit with a bucket of water, a squirt gun...things of that nature. So as I walk down the stairs to the bank of the river, I can picture hooligans spitting on me or throwing stuff.) But alas, I survived, untouched and with my phone. But honestly, am I really this clumsy?

ONE HEAD-SHAVING WITH A SIDE OF CABBAGE PLEASE

What do I have to get at the hairdresser to not be charged an arm and a leg?

Seriously, the woman there is really nice but I think she thinks I'm loaded. This is the second time I went there and it was 50 freaking zloty (that's how much I charge for an hour private lesson) for an intensive hair mask and a blow dry. (I can't tell her that I don't need her to blow dry my hair! Besides, I think it's really weird to walk out without getting your hair "done"; I saw a guy put product in a five year old's hair today. For real.) On top of that, I'm not able to dye my hair back to its original color (I have successfully killed my hair) so I'm stuck with red hair and roots. Sucks. I never learn! So I'm thinking of shaving my head again, or going really, really short. And then seriously - no more all-over dying when it's grown out. I've had it.

Lately, in addition to my craving for normal hair, I've been craving my low-carb tuna pita with alfalfa and cucumbers. I can't wait. But then when I actually sit and think about it, getting the luxuries from home only means that I don't get the Polish food anymore. There's definitely some tastes that I've acquired since I've gotten here and I'm nervous I won't be able to duplicate them in the states. No more golambki, no more weird vegetarian pita from the train station that gives me horrible garlic breath and gas for three hours, no more vast variety of nalesnikis to choose from. What's a girl to do?

LUBIE CZEKOLADA

Lately, again, I'm getting that overwhelming feeling that everything is amazing. Life is gorgeous, a blessing. The rain is a drizzle that catches me without my umbrella, there's a never-ending overcast that hangs over Opole, my classes really piss me off sometimes, I have a chill that I can't seem to get out of my bones, and I live on peas and corn but for some reason, I feel so alive.

Is it Polska?
Eh....not so sure about that.
Is it freedom from anything binding or boring that I may have known in my "past" life?
Er....maybe.
Is it the recent recognition of philosophical and sociological predictions backed by human relations forming patterns before my eyes?
Possibly....but I'm not so sure I know what I just said.
Is it the Excedrin migraine pills mixed with coffee that I took at 6:30 this morning?
Ummmm....more than likely.

Okay, so that may attribute to this morning's ecstasy but in all honesty, there are times I feel like I just can't not smile. Sometimes I feel like my heart is literally going to crack open from so much, I don't even know what the hell's in there. What's wrong with me?!

I guess maybe I have this newfound appreciation for everything and it amazes me what little things can do; a new friend to travel with, hearing from someone I haven't heard from in years, a guilt-free indulgence in chocolate, an "I miss you" from a friend - but all seeming to be things that can attribute to me waking up randomly at 2:30 in the morning and just smiling.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ZLOTY

Okay, the dog poo is getting a little ridiculous. It's like I'm walking through Spencer's gift shop sometimes. I feel like I'm about to get to the aisle with the fart pills and the old posters of Samantha Fox. C'mon now.

There seems to be an extreme dog poo problem in Poland. People let their dogs poo anywhere. No wonder Poles are remembered for being stoic people; I'd be pretty damn stoic if I spent my entire life trying to avoid stepping in shit. Well, literal shit at least.

Today is going awesome, aside from the everyday poo thing that I deal with. The girls in the office and I have a new understanding - and it's amazing how much that can change how you feel at work. I'm so much more chipper and I just have a better attitude. Granted, it may be partly because they need us to pick up a bunch more classes but at this point, I don't really care.

Today was also payday, which could have a big impact on my mood as well. Getting paid more for working less (I changed my contract hours and salary) is awesome. Of course I had to remind my boss about the agreement we made (she "forgot" that my overtime was after 24 hours and not 26...tsk, tsk) but she fixed it as soon as I brought it to her attention.

Also going to Wroclaw this weekend. I'm not drinking (still got that dizzy thing going on - did i ever write about that??) but I'm shopping and getting my groove on. It should be fun. Girl's weekend.

Also addicted to the Michael Buble cd that I wanted to burn before I left the states. One of my student's let me borrow it and I can't stop singing - it's fabulous. Especially that song, "Home"....

SINGIN' THE BLUES...LITERALLY

My roommate's gone to Wroclaw with her relatives so I am left here to spend a Sunday with myself. Which is what I normally do anyhow (I have a habit of locking myself in the kitchen and reading at the table) but it's different when there's nobody around. I forget during the week that when she's gone to a class, I can sing. I noticed today that I can't remember the last time I sang aloud (not counting the pathetic attempt at "Up On the Housetop" during my kid's Christmas lesson). I never sing anymore and when she stepped out that door today, something told me to put in a jazz cd and sing my little heart out. It was great.

I'm now working on a lesson plan for my students in Kluczbork. They want a lesson on jazz because they know I enjoy it. They couldn't be more awesome. So I've been putting it off because planning a lesson from scratch takes forever...and a day. They also want one on prohibition (they're fascinated by this occurence in US history), American government (I'm terrified of this lesson as I know nothing and I'm sure they know more already), and Al Capone and the mafia.

Got a comment on my last page from my friend Kimberly. To clear up any confusion, yes, I will be home this summer. My program is a two year program but it only requires me to be in Poland for two weeks, twice out of the year. Other than that, we should be teaching abroad for the remainder of the time but I'm finding this isn't an enforced rule. So yes, I will be home to rock a bachelorette party in Vegas and my girl Mary's wedding in September. But I'll be honest: although this is the "excuse" I hand fellow bohemians for why I'm going back to the states (you really do end up working an entire summer just for a return ticket back to Europe), I'd be coming home anyhow. I love NY.

ELDERLY BIKINI BLUES

I afraid, that in the past 6 months, I've somehow become too old for a bikini.

I've been talking with a friend I met in Krakow, who lives in Italy, and thinking that I may go to the beaches for a vacation sometime in the future. So this morning, before getting dressed in my lovely teacher attire (jeans and my staple teacher turtleneck or grandma sweater), I tried my bikini on for size. I've been walking a ton and trying to eat less fatty foods (trying...) and was hoping that this would show in this morning's personal fashion show. For some reason, I wasn't convinced. I'm not really sure if it's my own perception of myself or if I've finally passed my personal age where a bikini is unacceptable. I guess I was inspired when the friend wrote, "pack your bikini, or swimsuit" in his email. Obviously, he doesn't think I'm too old; why do I?

So wish me luck. I'm about to write an email seeing if I can get a Monday off during the week we have Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday already off. I've picked up some classes lately, and am one of the few teachers sticking around at this school (a Polish teacher actually asked me yesterday if I was planning on staying...and she meant just till the end of this year). It would be nice to see someplace other than Poland and the airport in Vienna.

20 MINUTES OF EARLY-MORNING RANT

I can't believe it's 4:45am. I woke up to a dream that my school was going to make me somehow teach English on Friday nights, in a pool. C'mon now, how am I having these dreams?

Yesterday, we had a teacher's meeting with the administration of the school. So much has already gone down in the way of their attitutes towards us, the way they behave or threaten us, and our contracts that, the damage has already been done. When I first arrived, my roommate was the one to pick me up at the train station. Granted, there was a mix-up with the information but it would be in the school's interest to have some kind of way to check emails on the weekends. For all I know, they do but they just didn't do it. If the roomie hadn't picked me up, who knows what may have happened. Secondly, I was never apologized to for this. Not difficult but would have meant a lot. After this, we were never really told in a clear manner what time to be at the school for "training." We arrived at 8:00 and were told that the boss wouldn't come till 2:00 and that the meeting wasn't till that Thursday. I booked my plane ticket at the last minute because of a supposed orientation week. This was never really explained to me.

Later that week, we had our teacher's meeting. There was discussion on a position for resource manager. All of us native speakers were not only new at this particular school but new at teaching as well. We were threatened into someone taking the position or the books would be locked up. No new teacher wants to hear this when they've never taught a lesson before! No access to materials for planning?!

Our working hours consist, according to our contract, of 26 teaching hours, an hour and a half of "standby" and a teacher's meeting every week. I have been to 4 teachers meetings this year - not by choice but because that is the amount we've been offered. So, naturally, when we were told we had to have an hour of "office hours" and an hour of conversation club (on Monday nights!), we assumed we got paid for this. We were answered with an "it's in your contract." Well, I looked over the contract and it's not. "Then, it's in the school policy." Okay, it's there. But I signed the contract, not the policy. Oh no, slipperily, I signed that policy as well. Neatly under the written hours of the contract, made to look like it states I am signing the contract, it says, "I have read and understand and agree to the terms in the school policy." Very smooth.

So one of the teachers complained, again. Four, count it, four teachers have resigned since January. Somehow, we were finally heard...for now. We had a meeting and during this, we were asked what was ambigious with our contract. I stated, "nothing now - I've had 6 months to figure it out." (I of course, did this in a diplomatic, non-confrontational way.) My problem now: my roommate needs a ride to the store to buy more tapes and cds to copy class listening exercises for teachers. I privately told her I would give her a ride since she's scared to drive. She gets paid a monthly fee for doing this resource job. Well, once I agreed to it, I was given other "little things" on a trickling basis, from admin, to buy. Just posterboard and chocolates for the "St. Patty's quiz thing." Okay, I'll let it go. Well, then I'm asked to make this poster. Here's where my problem lies.

This is time out of my day. I'm driving my roommate to this store and now I'm stuck with extra work. It won't take me too long but it will take an hour, at least, to pull it all together. I don't work for free. Or at least not for people that have treated me in the way this school has in the past. So, do I write this hour on my timesheet and risk having to deal with explaining myself and looking like a money-grubbing jerk? Or do I let it go and just do the damn hour and not volunteer again?

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY...FOR REAL!

I am SO sorry it's been so long. This computer is really driving me crazy. For some reason, the internet likes to be all funky and only hook up for short periods of time. Which is cool though - it keeps me from watching pointless stuff on youtube and gives me more time to spend on my latest obsession: reading. I love when I remember how cool reading and libraries are. Got my very own library card today. Of course it will mainly be used to borrow books in English but still...pretty neat. There's something about the feeling you get when you walk into the library...

Today is Women's Day. I must have been wished a Happy Women's Day by at least 5 men, and my private student even brought me a flower! It's so great. I don't think men in the states even know that there is such a day. It's amazing that I've seen more flowers from the shop, in women's hands, in the 6 months I've been in Poland than in my 27 years in the states.

NOUN: JEALOUSY....ADJECTIVE: JEALOUS

Today we discussed noun and adjectives. I don't normally teach on Thursday mornings but one of the teachers, a friend that I really will miss, is jumping on a train to Warsaw tonight. She'll be heading out of Poland on a plane, back to her home country, South Africa, tomorrow morning. She decided this yesterday.

My school does not know how to treat the teachers that it employees. I picked up this one class because honestly, I couldn't think of a quick reason why I couldn't (what am I doing at 7am...really?) and I could use the few extra zloty...if they actually pay me. My friend went to tell the school that her father is ill (this is true) and that she would be leaving the following day. The director at ILS replied, "your father is not ill." When my friend proceeded to tell her that he is in fact ill and that she only has one dad, our director had the audacity to reply, "yes, but they have a lot of new research for cancer these days." Unbelievable.

So my fellow colleague put in her resignation and decided, at the request of another teacher, to advise our director of just how unhappy her native speaking body is. The director didn't listen. She's had three native speakers resign in a matter of two months and she still doesn't get the picture. She would rather fight back and say she is not a certain way than to realize that obviously, something is not working right.

I wrote in the headline that I may be a bit jealous. Don't get me wrong with this though. Being here has taught me a lot. I feel like I've come more into my own than I would have dreamed of and I feel like I'm just waking up. But the thought of going home and seeing my family, and my friends, it's like Dorothy walking from the black and white to the color. This whole world that you already know, is somehow different now - brighter.

FINDING A HOME WITHIN MYSELF

Today we did a discussion on "success" and I came back to the question I was discussing with a friend before I left; "Can you ever just be happy and content with your life?"

The question stands as this. Can you ever just not have a goal and not being looking forward to something? A degree, a vacation, a budding romance? When I came to Poland, my focus was on the injustices of the school. Right there, already not happy. When things became bearable (not good but bearable) and I got internet, I began looking at what I was going to do when I went home (in terms of my career and where I was going to live) and wasn't living "in the moment." For some reason, lately, I have been okay. I have recognized that I really like living abroad sometimes and I'm not sure when I'll go back "for good." With this recognition, and the recognition that I didn't really need to make any decisions lately (in regards to next year or this summer), I settled. And it was so good. But at the same time, it somewhat made me nervous. Am I content? In Poland?? Did I finally find someplace that I belong, and it's halfway around the world, or did I just finally find someplace in myself that I feel comfortable with? How did this happen? How did I become, shall we say, okay?

MONEY AND FRIENDS

Lately, and it may have something to do with making slightly more money, I've been in this awesome mood. I have my moments, as anybody that truly knows me, knows I have. But on the whole, I've been almost elated lately. I am enjoying walking everywhere, my classes seem, for some reason, easier to plan for since I returned from Nowy Sacz. I don't know, I guess maybe I'm getting settled.

My friend from school is coming over this weekend. I'm attempting to make bigos; a Polish dish of basically whatever's in the kitchen thrown into a pot and cooked. It's delicious if it's made correctly though. I attempted to do it at home when I got back from Poland last time but it was a disaster and I ended up throwing the whole thing out. This time, I have special spices I bought that will hopefully help. And for some reason, the meat here is usually really good (Polish McDonald's is the best!); no gristle. Also, my friend Peter from Nowy Sacz will possibly be coming to visit. It's amazing what a little extra money will allow one to do. I can actually hang out with people now!

DON'T TALK TO THE HAND

Quickly jumping on before the internet decides not to work again.

Yesterday, I walked halfway home and realized I made copies to plan my lesson, but for the wrong class. I was just so exhausted from walking the same route, I took the bus home. Today, I did my normal half hour walk to school, then went to the main grocery center, a twenty minute walk in the opposite direction from home, and then attempted to find my way home from that - walking around Opole for a good 45 minutes. But it was fabulous. I was just doing my thing. Then I went and bought a bus ticket for later (successfully), bought yarn to make a blanket for my Kluczbork students that are pregnant with their first child (successfully!) and then said "good morning" and carried on a coherent (although quick) conversation with the gypsies standing in the entranceway to my flat (successfully). I'm so excited! I had three successful Polish conversations (okay...not conversations, more like transactions that I understood) within a 10 minute timespan; I feel so accomplished!

FRUSTRATION AND A BEER FESTIVAL

I have been working on this computer for a half hour and I finally got the internet working again. Having to try and understand the logistics of an internet hook-up is difficult enough in itself; trying to do it when the hard drive is in Polish is a whole other ballgame.

Handed in my signed and renegotiated contract at the school today. I settled a little less than what I was hoping for but she brought my hours down so that anything over 24 is overtime. That will help. I just wasn't ready to pack all my stuff up and find another place to live for only 3 months. It really would have been a hassle. So I'm getting a discount on my tuition, but not really (long story) and will have a little more money for my monthly salary. Plus, I have a steady private student that I teach now so that should help as well. I'm hoping to save a couple hundred zloty to go to the Heineken festival in late June/early July. Beastie Boys, Bjork, Sonic Youth and The Roots. Oh, and camping-it's a two day festival. Oh, and getting to see northern Poland which I haven't done yet!

I CANNOT SEE CLEARLY NOW, THE RAIN'S STILL HERE

Okay. Not looking so good. We've had our meeting with Gosia boss and she offered 1800. She told us she would stop at that and although I was unprepared to do so, I handed in my resignation with Carrie. At that point, she seemed to get a little nervous. She broke out her calculator and started pulling out numbers and basically trapped herself; we should be getting around 2100 with what she worked out. Uh-oh. So then she said she had to figure it out with us not getting the bonus since we didn't finish out the contract. So she started punching numbers in and got nervous and asked if we could meet in a few minutes after she worked it out herself. Carrie's pretty sure she's calling our director to complain about us putting in a resignation and leaving her in the middle of the year. I tried to explain to her that we're not trying to exploit or take advantage of her but that we believe we should be compensated accordingly. I pulled out the contract that I had showing that she pays for flights to and from England, twice, and she claims that this is the contract for the British teachers as they don't have to pay for the visa. I explained that I paid for my visa in the states. She came back claiming that the work certificate cost 1000 zloty. I highly doubt it. So now we're basically waiting for her to come back with another figure and we'll see where to go from there. I really don't feel like picking up and moving but I'll feel silly if I accept something that isn't what I deserve.

MEETING AT 2:00...OR SHOULD I SAY 14:00

Have our meeting at 2. I'm not really sure why our boss thinks that we're asking too much. I have seen jobs posted in Poland that offer much more than what we are making, and some of them include housing as well. We make 730 zl a month and then they pay 1000 zl to our master's program. That works out to 1730 zl a month plus accomodation. Now we work 26 contact hours a week, which is also more than normal. I have seen job postings for the surrounding area that offer 3000-4000 zl a month! Now those don't include housing but supposedly our rent is 650 each, per month. I can't believe that she thinks our asking for an increase in salary is not logical. Can't wait to see how this pans out. We're a little nervous that she might pull out her own calculator which as my roommate put it so well, works differently than ours. We will see.

NO LONGER A POLISH PRINCESS?

Sent our request to our boss today for the new contract. She wrote back that she doesn't think that she can give us as much as we're asking. I don't know how this is all going to pan out. We worked it out and the minimal asking that I think we should, or could, settle on, is 2100 zl a month. We asked for 2500. I don't think that with our master's program almost finished, and her knowledge that we're good teachers and our student's enjoy our classes, that that's too much to ask. But we'll see. It's possible that I may have to change the name of this website in the next week or so. That would be crazy. And I'm really upset because as much as I don't like the school sometimes, I really don't want to have to pick up and leave now. And although I'm not a fan of all my ILS classes, I LOVE my classes in Kluczbork and am trying to figure out if it might be possible to keep them if I leave ILS (even though I'm sure they have some kind of contract with ILS). There's a job in Opole, at another school, and it's possible that if I went there, I might be able to keep my classes in Kluczbork if I talked to the director there. But then again, that would be crazy 'cause that school is offering less than what we're asking for. I'll find out soon enough how it all pans out.

HAIRS CUT

Whew! Just left the hair salon and I'm okay. It worked out. I woke up just 15 minutes before my appointment (talking to Lindsey till 2 am will do that) but luckily, the salon is just down the street. When I first got there, it was just the hairdresser and another young woman. By the time I left, there was 3 hairdressers, 3 gentleman, and probably about 4 ladies. I'm pretty sure they all knew I didn't speak Polish and they were all so nice. The one guy getting his haircut next to me pulled out an English word and said, "beautiful!" with a big smile on his face. I answered with the minimal Polish I know, "dziekuje bardzo!" (thank you very much) which made everyone go "whooo!" and then laugh. Too fun. It was nice. Granted, I think the language barrier prevented me from paying a price I would have been more comfortable with (I went in thinking around 40 zl and walked out paying 110) but it's okay. She was a really sweet woman and did what she could to save this wretched 'do of mine. She didn't trim the dead part but she alluded that the chunk that is horribly dead was fine now (she put some great smelling conditioner concoction in and let me sit for a while). I'm letting it be now and not showering but am a little nervous that the first time I'll get to "play" with it is tomorrow morning at 5am. She put some kind of coloring in that she didn't wash and I'm afraid I should let it sit. So now I'm off to teach my class with little clips of my hair on my face and no shower.

SETTLING IN AFTER JUST 5 MONTHS?

Sometimes, in this wacky world I call Poland, I get a great jolt of energy. I'm not sure how it happens but I wish I could make a definite association with something I'm doing and that great feeling. So many times, I look around me and think, "how did I get here and why am I here?" Many times, I try to answer that with something positive (this doesn't always work). Luckily, I had an awesome time in Nowy Sacz and recognized once again, from the help of my colleagues, why I'm here.

I have been waiting all my life to do this; to live abroad and teach - and now that I'm here, I'm freaking out and missing the whole experience. One minute I want to hop on the next plane home and the next, I'm not sure I ever want to go back. This doesn't mean that I want to live in Poland forever (although crazier things have happened) but I'm not so sure my traveling itch is gone after just 5 months.

Yesterday, I looked out the window and saw a Poland that I only see rarely. It was just a few lit windows across the street but it was a picture in my mind that I had seen before I got here - little things that just look beautiful on their own. Or make you think of a feeling that makes you feel like you've settled into something really comfortable and somehow, already known. Difficult to explain, I suppose. But anyhow, for that minute, I was good. I forgot about people pushing in front of me on the bus or giving me odd looks in the grocery store. I just remembered the fact that I was doing something that I set out to do and for that, I'm so grateful. So for now, I'm good. I'm really good. And part of me hopes that it lasts but part of me is afraid of what might happen if it does.

IRONY

I'm in tech class and we're learning how to set up a blog...on blogger. Coincidental. So it seems that I'll spend the class time working on my webquest - something we learned about the other day. These things are great. http://webquest.sdsu.edu/ You basically come up with a task that a group of students have to accomplish using the web. There's usually a role for each student and they have to bring something different to the group for the final product. I've been putting off teaching American politics for my Kluczbork class and this is perfect. My director for that school has been suggesting that I make them do research on the internet for various topics so I'm basically going to have them teach me about my government. Then again, they probably already know more than I do at this point.

DREAMS

I've been a week in Nowy Sacz. Most of the time has been spent hanging out with everyone - which has been really nice. We had to do a powerpoint presentation on ourselves and it was so awesome to see pictures and places of where everyone has gone. I'm still homesick but it was like a shot of remembering why I'm here and why I'm doing this. I have a couple friends that are currently living in Spain and at this point, I want nothing more than to hop on the plane and go back with them. I'm really not looking forward to Opole but I think I just need to go out more. I've been to so many restaurants and bars here since I came in last weekend and it just makes my life seem a little more real. Not so much like I'm living for work.
Woke up this morning from some weird dreams. I was teaching a spontaneous class and it actually turned out well. I think it's from my researching ways to teach grammar last night. Then I dreamt that my nana called me - which wouldn't happen. So more dreams and more stress while I'm sleeping and then my mind wakes up. I don't open my eyes but I can hear my roommate coughing and I slightly freak out. I haven't slept in the same room as someone, besides slumber parties, for years and it takes me a good 5 seconds to figure out where I am. My mind flips through my life as I've known it for the past few years and I finally figure out I'm in a small mountain town in the south of Poland. Whew...

VACATION FROM SCHOOL, FOR SCHOOL

After months of teaching in Opole, I can't believe I'm about to say this but I'm SO glad to be in Nowy Sacz. This is one of the smallest mountain towns but getting to see all my school friends (see example above) and just getting to hang out, is awesome. The classes are great. The first one we have in the morning begins at 8am and although it's early, it's a technology class. Most of the time we spend either watching people's PowerPoint presentations or making our own websites. After breaking for lunch at noon, we begin our second class at 1:15. This teacher has so much experience and great controversial stuff that makes me think-something I love to do. Plus - he doesn't want us to get burned out so he usually ends class at least 45 minutes before 5. So needed. Both teachers aren't giving much work outside the class so my nights are spent catching up with these crazy friends of mine.

IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS, ONLY JANUARY 27TH

it's really coming down out there. they've blocked off the grocery store stairs so the men can clean off the roof. they're actually shoveling it cause there's no slope. not really sure what that's all about.

had a good day yesterday. my kluczbork classes were even more awesome. i guess i had some good lessons. those kids make me want to be a better teacher. they just love learning and love information. who wouldn't want those kind of students on a daily basis?? then i came home and did some research for what i want to do when i get back to the states. thinking of getting my ma in creative writing and teaching at a college. not sure why i can't ever just be content where i am but i love, love, love to daydream. it's one of my favorite things to do.

currently procrastinating on my reading for class. i still have to write some papers. i'm supposed to meet friends in krakow but i really don't feel like it. i'll feel like such a cop-out if i don't go though. we've been planning it for weeks. i know i'll have fun once i get there but it's the whole act of bringing two weeks of stuff with me and shoving it into a locker while i sit at a bar until the bus to nowy sacz comes in the morning. i dont think we're getting a hostel so this was the alternative. ugh. i just don't think it's a good idea. i know i'll be kicking myself sunday morning when i haven't gotten any sleep.

wow. it's nearly a white-out now. i can just picture myself with my crappy backpack trying to walk that mile to the train station....

OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS (FINALLY) FRIGHTFUL

the "polish" winter has finally hit - and it's beautiful. the snow is covering everything and it's so pretty. inches of snow are sitting on the branches just outside my window and for once, i don't mind looking out there so much.

getting ready to head out to czestochowa to see my "niece" this weekend. very excited. it's been ages since i've held a newborn (well, she's a few months old) and i can't wait. can't wait to see sachin too. then it's off to krakow for the night. i may finally be getting a little better with this cold (i think i might have the sinus problems my father has - thanks dad...) and am beginning to look forward to two weeks of being in the student seat of the classroom and hopefully learning something that will help me when i get back to opole. well, that and hanging out with people that can understand my english (which basically consists of me saying "like", "ya know", "totally", "stuff" and "things" a lot).

had my observation last night. went well. of course it was a reading lesson so there's not much actual "teaching" involved in that. talked to lindsey last night which was really nice. i love talking to friends back home. people here are nice and we get along but i miss those people that know me inside out. thanks linds.

sent a package home yesterday. just some clothes and a few gifts for family members. it cost me 89 zloty - which in US dollars is maybe about $30 bucks but in the scheme of my 730 zloty a month pay, it's highway robbery.

WEEKEND

pictures on the way to kluczbork. nothing in particular, just some polish countryside.

ahhh....the weekend. love it. but it means work. and it means me worrying about the work i'm not doing because i'm either watching ugly betty on peekvid or sleeping this hangover/being sick off.

spent saturday running around opole looking for a hair straightener. i (stupidly) asked the one drunk guy on the bus where the big shopping center was and he didn't understand me and then he wouldn't stop talking to me. luckily i was able to ask some ladies. then, i oddly enough ran into that one student that gives me problems in my wednesday class, just as i was getting off the bus. he pointed me in the right direction and was really nice. he actually came running after me when he saw me walking in the wrong direction to the plaza. maybe he isn't trying to give me a hard time. maybe he just doesn't know how to ask questions in a way that isn't intimidating. maybe it's just that i'm a horrendous teacher and have no idea what the hell i'm doing up there.

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

I finally broke down and bought a mass amount of individually packed tissues. I had to. I was gonna try and stick it out with the toilet paper at my flat and the school but my nose is officially raw. So bad that I woke up in the middle of the night. Then, proceeded to have one of the worst mornings since I've been here.

My contacts were like pure chemicals in my eyes. Have no idea how that happened. Then, my straightener broke. Then, I missed the bus by 30 seconds (yes, I saw it drive away) and decided to walk in the hurricane wind to school. (There was actual hurricane warnings last night.) Whew. But it's Friday! (*insert smiling face*)

Off to Kluczbork in a few minutes. Love those classes but I feel so sick. I hope I can make it. Then it's MiP homework all weekend. Have to do that presentation. Other than that, I'm addicted to peekvid.com and have been watching whatever I can in the way of current American television. Next weekend, I'll be able to spread my wings and head out to Czestochowa and Krakow for some relaxation before my classes start. Can't wait.

SICK AND TIRED

Well, if I accidentally wrote anything nice about the school and how they handled my being sick yesterday - it was just that, an accident.

Went in today and was told that they didn't know anything about my being sick yesterday. Seems my director of studies thinks that when you call in sick, it only means for the first part of the day; if you're going to continue being sick, you need to call someone else at 10am. So yes, today when I went in and decided to stop off at the office to apologize for the "miscommunication", I was once again given looks as though I'm an insensitive, idiot jerk. I think I'm realizing that you don't apologize for inconvenience in this culture; doing so implies that you believe you actually did something wrong and thus need to be reprimanded.

Getting ready to head off to Krakow next weekend before going to Nowy Sacz for school. Very excited to see everyone and hoping it will be a breath of fresh English-speaking air. It will probably be a decent amount of work but I'm hoping it won't impede my catching up with friends.

POLISH GERMS

my skin has that ultra sensitive feeling-like if something in slightly the wrong temperature comes near it, it feels like little pins.

i went to conversation club on monday night and although i didn't smoke a cigarette, i inhaled mass amounts of secondhand. which wouldn't normally affect me but for some reason, the next morning i woke up feeling as though i myself had smoked a pack of reds. i was doing okay aside from the sore throat but then yesterday, before my kids class, i felt naseous. so today, i called in for the first time at ils. i hate calling in sick. i usually try and stick it out but i knew if i did, this was gonna get worse and then i'd probably miss more than i planned. and i had three classes in a row today - there's no way that would fare well.

when i first moved here, i got sick. then, a month or two later, sick again. and now, this is my third time. when you're a child, you get sick a lot because you're body's not yet immune to all the weird germs it comes in contact with. i think that's what's going on here. that, or the weird brownish orange water that's coming out of our faucets is finally taking a toll.

GDZIE JEST PAPIER SKLEP? (Where is the $&% paper store?!)

for two weeks now, i have had a package to send home sitting in my locker at school. i just need some paper to cover it.

it seems poland has a law where you can't send a package without covering the box it was put in (if you are reusing one). as i mentioned before, i have been looking for this paper twice near the cinema. i found out last night that the store i was looking for, no longer exists. so i went to the girls in the office and asked them. coincidentally, the postman came then. gosia asked him and he said, "nie viem" which in english means, "i don't know". so, even the person who delivers and picks up these packages, doesn't know where i can find this paper to cover it. so, i've now been told that there's another store, closer to the school (why i wasn't told about this one before, i don't know) that should sell this paper. wish me luck.

*note: today did turn into a totally awesome day when i received a card from my aunt with family pictures and $10. very cool. anything from home can make your week. thanks wadja!!

EXHAUSTED

this is my second time walking around the kinoplex (cinema in opole) trying to find the store that sells paper to cover a package i want to send home. it sounds like such a simple task but when you walk out of your way for a specific reason and are unable to get what you need, twice, it's extremely frustrating.

yesterday my roommate and i watched a drunk kid across the street. turns out he was laying in the parking lot when some people saw him and helped him up. then, we watched him proceed to light a cigarette and try to smoke it as he literally swayed around the parking lot until he fell, again.

have one class taken away on mondays. i shared it with a veteran polish teacher who it seems has quit after 15 years. where in america, this might begin to tell the administration something (my roommate has put in his notice as well), here they just seem to accept it. they don't think to look within and see if they can solve the problem. i've been thinking of using the opportunity to complain about my wednesday class and see if i can't get something done about it but i'm afraid i'll somehow trade bad for worse. the thing that really stinks is that i dont have a ten minute break between my okay class and my horrible class so i have no time to mentally prepare for the switch. especially since that's my most difficult class.

i've been daydreaming again, as i do so well. thinking about what i want to do when i go back home. as i knew but wanted to ignore, learning spanish would be extremely beneficial for me. i have to figure out what i'm going to do next year. if i stay in poland, i might have to go another year in tefl and teach down in mexico. but i really miss my family and friends so i guess i have some thinking to do.

PIMPIN' CLASS

Last week, I taught my pre-teenager class the term "frequently asked questions". (I don't write the textbooks, I just follow them.) Anyhow, they read a fake webpage about mice and then had to design their own webpage. They were so excited when I pulled out the colored pencils that they weren't thinking about the content that needed to go on the page. So I asked my strongest student what his webpage was going to be about. He replied cars. So I asked him; "What questions do people have about cars?"

"What is fastest car in the world?"

"Okay, good", I said. "What is the fastest car in the world? What next?"

"How can I pimp my ride?"



Please remind me of this story when I want to quit teaching.

GOTTA LAUGH

saw a woman in a full-on pink snowsuit, riding her bike today. made me smile.

NEW ADDRESS, NO HOLDS BARRED

whew. finally got a new address which i'm super psyched about. feel like now i can be a little more candid about what's been going on. (i gave the address to a teacher at the beginning of the year and feel like i couldn't really be truthful since it would probably get back to administration.)

things are going okay. i just got off the phone with my sister and every time i talk to someone about normal things for an extended period of time, i get extremely homesick. it makes me feel like i'm home and could see them in a few days. and then i realize not.

classes are going alright. my wednesday night class is horrendous but i'm trying to deal. when i left there last night, i wanted to walk right up to my boss and tell her i was refusing to teach them anymore. there's just this one kid (and i mean 16 year old boy) that gives me a hard time in every lesson. he finds the one stupid grammar question to ask that has nothing to do with anything and he (i think) usually knows the answer to already. he's constantly trying to make me look stupid in front of the class and it usually helps. because of his antics, i don't ever explain grammar the way i'd like to (thoroughly and clearly) because i know he'll always find the exception to the rule and ask me about it. and seeing as i don't know how to find the exceptions before i teach it, it always proves to be a stressful situation in where i get seriously pissed off at him and then basically just stick to the book and give him nasty "impatient teacher" looks whenever he opens his mouth. it makes me sad though because there are students that could benefit from me being a confident and fun teacher but i have tried in that class and i just can't do it. so now, they all suffer because of this one pompous kid who likes to be a jerk.

CORNER SHOP HAS ABILITY TO CALM ME

Below my kitchen window is a small convenience store. It's frequented by the gypsies across the street (you can see one on the pic if you look closely) and the kids who normally light fireworks off in the parking lot behind my building. But don't judge a shady alcohol provider by its patrons. Inside this little shop is two of the nicest Polish women I have met since living here. The first, yelled at me in Polish when I almost walked away without a large amount of change after buying my phone card. (It was a long day.) The other, smiles continuously (something extremely rare in Poland) as she attempts to speak what little English she knows to me. After a normal day of people hogging the sidewalk, standing in front of you when you're looking in the shop window, thinking you're mentally handicap if you smile at them; these two ladies are a breath of fresh, genuinely friendly, air.

BEER, BEETS AND BREAD

When I was just a young girl, my father let me take a sip of his beer. (I thought it was pretty cool.) I, of course, hated it but he assured me (thanks dad!) that beer is an "acquired taste." He guaranteed me that when I got older, I would like it. He was right.

Another thing that I have learned, growing up, is that there are other foods that I hated growing up that I now love. Sauerkraut, mushrooms... Now, something I've learned since being in Poland is that sauerkraut and mushrooms are staple items in the Polish diet. I've also learned that most Polish food, has this amazing ability to quickly become an acquired taste.

Since I've been here, I have had the oddest combinations of (usually starchy) foods and have gone on binges where I can't stop craving them. First, sweet cheese pierogie. These don't really count since I have liked them from day one. Second, was the borscht I had at Wigilia in Krakow. I had to choke it down but for some reason, when I came back to Opole, I was craving it. (I ate it for 3 days straight.) And lastly is makowka, a Christmas dessert traditional in some parts of Poland. My student saved some from his Christmas Eve dinner and brought it to me in a tupperware container. Now, it's pieces of wet bread (starch!), raisins, and other random fixins'; doesn't sound too appetizing. But I wanted to try it. And my student was waiting for my reaction (I think he wanted it if I didn't like it) and asked what I thought as soon as I took a bite. I wanted to be polite but I didn't want to lie so explained the concept of "acquired tastes" to him. Lo and behold, a week later, I'm savoring the last few bites I have left.

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME

After a long and wonderful break of doing nothing but traveling, a little bit of homework, and relaxing in front of the computer; I'm heading back to teaching. I must admit that although I find it completely draining at times, I'm actually looking forward to going back. I feel refreshed and ready. And the fact that I have two weeks off to go to school at the end of this month - well, that helps. So three weeks of work and homework and then two weeks of long days in the classroom, on the other side.

Good news too- my sister might be coming to see me! She said plans fell through (are falling through?) for Paris and that her and her boyfriend might come to Krakow. It'll be a tight month with a visit to Krakow and homework and school...and the other school, but it would be SO nice to see her and John. God I need a hug from her...

SLIGHTLY BACKWARDS

Just realized that I wrote about Christmas but never had the chance to put some pictures up. Here you go, dad...enjoy!

Sun setting on the cathedral at Wawel Castle.

Christmas Eve dinner (Wigilia) at the hostel.

Kids singing (well, more like yelling) Polish carols on a stage set up in the market.

The Krakow Christmas market at night.

GIVE ME WHAT YOU GOT, 2007

Some guy standing on the lamposts to get a better look at the stage. Probably drunk.

Firework display at midnight.

Dancers on stage.

New Year's Eve is different here in Poland. It's "reservation only" in all the bars (even the crappy ones) and a lot of people actually dress up. Very cool. Would've been cooler if I could have participated but my New Year's Eve ended up great. I slipped into my pink long johns and headed out to Wroclaw; a nearby city that was supposed to have the "biggest party in Poland". They had a huge outdoor concert with famous singers (that I of course, didn't know) and comedians from Poland. I did actually recognize a few songs from the radio station here so that was cool. After the countdown (which I successfully did in Polish!), they had a nice firework display and then I was blessed to have some guy spraying champagne over my area of the crowd. All in all, I'm feeling fairly optimistic about 2007 - Cheers!

I JUST WANT EGGPLANT

Went to the shop to find some food for the rest of the week and saw some eggplant. Now, I've made the mistake before of not weighing and stickering my food and then getting up to the register and having to just leave it because I can't communicate anything. So this time, I was prepared. Only they had nothing to reference for a plu number, a picture, or even a price that I could attempt to tell the cashier. It's so odd not feeling comfortable enough to purchase a vegetable.

(Attempting to) work on my homework for master's while I dreamily look at master's programs in the states to get me certified to work in the school system when I get home. Thinking Chicago to stay with the whole Polish theme that is currently my life. I know they have some great kielbasa shops and that's key. (It means they probably have some good pierogie shops close by.)

Had some friends from the program come by yesterday. It's always nice to have some other English speakers visit. And to be encouraged that "the first year of teaching sucks" - it gives me hope.

WIGILIA

My first time in a hostel and I must admit - it feels awkwardly animalistic when you wake up in a room with 11 other people stirring in their sleep. Had an okay sleep though.

Yesterday went well. Got to walk the city for the entire day. I went to the Christmas market in the city center first. They had great performances. So cultural. There was a chorus of elderly Polish people singing carols, then a shopki reinactment of the birth of Jesus, and then children dressed as the three wisemen and an angel singing (well, it's more like yelling) Christmas carols. Everyone drinks the traditional warm mulled wine and watches while adults in costumes (one as a devil!) walk around and mingle with the crowd. Fabulous. After taking my time going to the shops in the market I headed to Kazimeriez, the Jewish area of Krakow. Took some pictures and went to the small market there (which mainly consisted of flower markets, a few men selling fresh carp and some vegetable stands), I headed to Wawel Castle. The "dragon's den" and the church were closed but I got to see some spectacular views of Krakow from the top of the hill (pictures to come soon, I promise).

The staff is currently getting ready to serve us Wigilia (Christmas Eve dinner) and I can't wait. Pierogies, pierogies, pierogies. Mmmmm... Then, on the 27th, it's back to Opole to start homework for Nowy Sacz. I could find a million things better to do though. (Well...maybe not in Opole but definitely in Krakow). But for now, can't wait to eat, be fat and lazy, and then play me some Scrabble.

Wesolych Swiat.

CRACOW CHRISTMAS

Left Opole this morning (thank God) and am now sitting in a hostel in Krakow. Spent a few hours trying to find the place but the beautiful shops helped me forget how much I packed in my "rucksack". The restaurants are lit up and there's the smell of warm bread in the streets. I'm in love.

Don't want to waste any more time at this computer. Will be heading out to go exploring and to breathe in that beautiful Cracow Christmas air.

ROUND-A-BOUT CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

Getting ready for Christmas break and so excited for it. I do have a bunch of work to do for my master's program but besides that, just looking forward to doing nothing for a few weeks.

My Wednesday morning class took me to breakfast this morning. It was so awesome. One of my students was there to pick me up. Said he was tired cause his cousin came back from England last night so he was up drinking vodka last night. Said his breath wasn't "too fresh" this morning. Haha. Gotta love it. They split half a bottle and it was just a Tuesday night.

So they took me to this great little restaurant. It was totally next to this roundabout and attached to a gas station but it was so nice. Cloth napkins and leather menus, great coffee and an awesome Polish breakfast (2 kielbasa, onions, bread and butter, ham, a fried egg, slices of cheese and orange juice). So just some great conversation, tons of laughing (I love this class) and excellent food. At that moment, I was loving my "job".

Heading to Krakow on Friday to spend my Christmas break in the big city. Think we'll go to the Christmas market on Friday, possibly Aushwitz on Saturday and then Wigilia (Christmas Eve supper) at the hostel with mass at the main church in the square. Hoping to see the inside of Wawel Castle and hit some pubs/restaurants that my students suggested. Guess there's some traditional Polish alcohol that I have to have.

I MISSED YOU POLAND

Did a little border hopping this weekend. So nice. Sachin and I went to the Czech so he could get a quick stamp in his passport. We had dinner at this cute little Italian (Czech-Italian?) restaurant. Then we headed back to Poland to find that we missed any trains and buses that left the small city we were stuck in. So we got a hotel room and headed out to the bar. Had a completely relaxing weekend (despite my questionable ability to "go with the flow") and got to visit with someone that I definitely don't see enough of.

Thinking of checking out Warsaw for my next teaching "gig". I can't take this small city thing much longer.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING, THIS GOOSE AIN'T GETTIN' FAT

So Christmas is coming and I'm hinging on the decision of whether to play Christmas music and watch my Christmas dvd's for fear that I'll become more homesick than I need to be during this holiday season.

Shops in Poland don't seem to be as decorated as they are at home. In fact, they only just decorated the city center last week. A lot different than what I'm used to.

There's not much in the way of Santa's here either. Poles believe in a star or an angel bringing presents on Christmas Eve (Wigilia). Santa came on the 6th (St. Nicholas Day). The grocery stores are beginning to smell of a strong, fishy odor; the traditional Wigilia dinner consists of carp and herring, which they sell fresh in the shops. I've been told they take them home and cut off their heads after having them swim about in the bathtub.

Heading to Krakow for Christmas. Excited but nervous. I think that the lack of American Christmas carols has hindered my Christmas spirit and I'm hoping to just drift past the holiday and celebrate it in a more traditionally Polish way, thus dampening my strong wishes to be with my family for the holidays.

WEEKEND

This weekend was nice. Got together with the girls for brunch at Carrie and Annwen's flat. Had a ton of food. Then we got together later that night and had dinner at my flat. It was so nice to sit around, casually stuff our faces and talk about things other than work.

Still don't have internet and it's starting to give me migraines. I need to work on pre-course assignments for my master's program in February and I'm at a loss. Oh, and I found out that we could've done a 9 month contract but for some reason, the school signed us for 12 months. Not sure what that's all about. Oh, and Carrie found out that if we decide to be a commuter in our program, the only difference is that we won't have housing, transportation and books paid for like we do now. Which is funny...cause it's not currently paid for...

LESSON CURRENTLY BEING LEARNED

I hate being vulnerable.

And not speaking the language of the country you inhabit definitely qualifies for being vulnerable.

We have been trying to get internet for almost three months now. We have to pay for a year contract regardless of the fact that we will only be here for seven months. So basically, we've been paying for something that we don't have. So we were finally told that we would get wireless internet last Friday. (I even went so far as to write it on our makeshift contract with the school; there's more miscommunication than you'd think.) So last Friday, the guy comes in and installs a cable modem. *insert gameshow buzzer that shows you've given the incorrect answer* Not what we asked for. So they apologize and say they're coming Monday. Nobody shows. So we call them and they don't speak much English and they tell us someone will come Tuesday. *gameshow buzzer again* Nobody comes. So they claim that they said Thursday and not Tuesday. Supposedly it's a language problem and not an incompetence one on their part. So today is Thursday, my housemate is sitting at home and nobody shows.

BREATHING A LITTLE EASIER

Breathing a little easier, despite my run-in with some Polish hoodlums last week. (I was walking down the street and these boys pretended to kick me. They were yelling what I know to be not very nice Polish words at me as well. Not a good day.)

So currently relaxing on the living room couch with my Brit homey, Rog. No, don't have wireless on my computer yet but I do have a cable running along the living room floor and into my other housemate's computer. So, hopefully by tomorrow for all you fellow Skypers, I'll have something to chat on.

This week is going fairly well. Not sure if it's the package of meat that my grandpa sent me last week (thank you dziadziu!) or the fact that we're giving tests out (less teaching!) this week that's making it that way. Hoping to go to Katowice to visit with my friend Jakob and see his band play. Just wish I made more money so I could buy a drink or two. I'll figure it out. I'm just trying to save money for presents for the family and food during my master's program in February. Oh, and for Christmas. My friend Carrie, a fellow teacher, and her friends will be traveling and have invited me along. Might have to dip into the American savings fund but think it'll be worth it. I'm hoping we'll be in Krakow and can find a nice church to celebrate in.

GIVING THANKS

Although Thanksgiving was over a week ago, I have only now uploaded my pictures to give you a taste, no pun intended, of what my Thanksgiving was like in Opole. I made homemade mashed potatoes (as pictured above) and waited to share in the festivities until my other American flatmate came home from teaching around 9:15pm. We had some of the fixin's but lacked the staple turkey. It's okay. We were happy to have some candles and actual portions of food on a plate.

DRY THESE GREAT IDEAS

Since my first day in Poland, I have been (nerdily) noting all that is different from what I've known in the western world. I have been (trying) to take pictures for all of you and will soon (hopefully) be posting these a little more often as I hope to get internet at the flat in the beginning of December.

I love, love, love these drying racks. I hate clutter so obviously, the dish rack (hidden in a cupboard above the sink-brilliant) is totally awesome. At first we thought it was to store the dishes until we saw that there was a little water tray at the bottom. Awesome.
In the shower, a similar experience. See the little bars across the ceiling of the shower? Those are what I find to be one of the greatest inventions. They're little drying racks that you can pull down (see the little strings to the left of the picture - behind the shower head?) and hang your clothes on after you've washed them.

Sometimes I love Europe.

MY TURF

Take a right at the light and you're on the way to my flat. Don't ask me how to pronounce the street name (Sciegiennego...seriously...it's taken me weeks) but it's home.

The view once you've taken the turn. My flat is up on the left across the street from Biedronka, the token discount supermarket in Poland. Biggest competition for Biedronka in my neighborhood is the sidewalk vendor; he sells everything from laundry detergent to tomatoes.

This picture was taken on my walk home the other day. The river runs right along the city center and if you ignore the graffiti along the walls of the buildings, it's really very pretty.

JASNA GORA

Babcie's candle is that tiny baby one on the top stair, all the way to the left.

Jasna Gora

Seriously hope I spelled that right. This past week, on All Saint's Day, we went to Czestochowa to see the infamous Jasna Gora. It's a church and monastery that survived the Swedish invasion. We were able to venture inside this past Wednesday and see the Black Madonna, the catacombs and some very different confessional booths. I was also able to light a candle, for my late babcie, which was something I'm so glad I was able to do.

The trip home was even more eventful. Basically, we took the train to Czesto with the intention of taking the 6:30 train but knowing that we could take the 8 or 10pm. When we got to the station, we realized that the only train after the 6:30 was the 2am one. Ummm...yea. Had to teach a 7am class. So we venture to the cabbies and hope that one's corrupted enough that we can afford them to drive us all the way to Opole. No luck. 300 zl ($100 US) So we trek to the bus station where they tell us it costs 20zl for a bus at 1:20 am. A little better for time but it's not that much of a difference and train tickets are 12zl. So we decide to do the train but go to get some hot chocolate in the meantime. So it's freezing at this point and we find this little hut of a place that serves hot chocolate but doesn't have a heating system. We hang out there and suffer for an hour or so and then decide to head back to the station. We go to buy our tickets and find that they're 24zl. Okay...so we trudge up to the top of the station (it's less skeezy than the bus station) and try to sleep until security comes asking what we're doing. So we say we're riding the train (lie) and pick up and start heading to the bus station. Freezing again. We get to the bus station and it's closed. Of course. There's no way to get in and so I just start walking back. I get to the train station, buy my ticket, and we all just wait there until 2 am.

Nearly 2 am and the train is finally coming. We head to the platform and Carrie and I are literally hugging each other for warmth. With the snow coming down on the tracks and the distant whistle of the train, all that is going through my head at this point is the thoughts that people in the holocaust actually suffered and died in this intense cold. I can't even imagine.

So the train, after being delayed 15 minutes and a nice Polish gentleman telling us so in English, finally comes. We get on, sleep for an hour or so, and then come near the Opole train station. But we don't think that we're actually at the station so we don't get off here. We wait and end up missing our stop, on our way to Wroclaw. When we get there, we jump off, find the train for Opole and jump back on. Insane. It's about 6 am at this point and I'm supposed to teach at 7. I text my boss, finally walk home when we get to Opole, sleep for an hour (I called my awesome roomie who took my one on one for me) and start showering for my uber long day.

NALESNIKI Z TUNCZYKIEM

Love to eat. Most of you know this. And one of my favorite Polish dishes is the nalesniki. Last week, Roger (my housemate) and I went to this great lunch spot that just has tons of different nalesniki (they're basically the Polish version of crepes). I ordered this fantastic one with mozzerella and mushrooms. So this afternoon, I decided to take my friend Carrie. Somehow, I actually know more Polish than somebody and she asked me to order. We sat down, got our dishes, and started to dig in. Totally tuna fish. So uwaga (beware), when you see tuncyk on the menu at the nalesniki restaurant, it means stinky smelly fish pancake.

HALLOWEEN WILL BE MISSED

I am currently honoring the absence of one of my most favorite holidays, Halloween. The best is that I get to do a bunch of "culture" lessons where I just do fun activities and tell the students all about the holiday. It's awesome - and so odd. Most of them (actually, I think all) have never heard of a haunted house or a haunted hayride. It's great to see their eyes light up when they begin to understand the concept. So although I'll be missing the actual holiday, it's kinda like I have a bunch of kids and am reliving the initial fun you have on Halloween, but all through their eyes.

In Poland, this time is actually a very somber one. Wednesday is All Saint's Day and consists of them going to the graves of their loved ones. Which makes me curious - why do we not have anything like that in the states?? Anyhow, they sell those big red lanterns in all the grocery stores and I can't wait to see the cemetaries all lit up. I'm heading to Czestochowa on Wednesday, which is one of the holiest cities in Poland-I'm told, and will hopefully have some pics.

FRIDAY THE 13TH CAME LATE FOR ME

Do you ever hear that pregnant women start to get kinda airheaded about the simplest things? Don't worry mom, I'm not pregnant - but I am an airhead this week.

I took on a small side job to edit ten pages for an art catalog. I knew it was gonna be tight and that I'd probably have to pull a late night but the chaos that has transpired from the situation has proved to be much more stressful than was ever expected.

I received the text on Tuesday night. I worked on it, in between classes and all Wednesday night, and was only able to finish five pages. So I continued on through Thursday. I was in the computer lab at school, working on the last page when the gentleman who is in charge of locking and unlocking the school comes in and gives me the look (he only speaks Polish) that it's time to close up. I freak. I have one more page to do (which takes me about an hour) and no access to the internet aside from the dungeon that is referred to as the teacher's room.

So I pack up my stuff (the computer was also shut down so I had to boot it up just to send the pages I did have), walk the half hour home and freak. I call my friend that hooked me up with the job and explain that I have no idea what to do. I finally finish the last page and attempt (after much freaking) to find an internet cafe that my Polish (but English speaking) friend has given me directions to. My housemate and I walk a half hour to this supposed cafe and after walking around aimlessly (and attempting to get information from drunk people with the use of our more than elementary Polish), end up finding that it no longer exists. In its place is a skeezy bar with only two Thursday-drinkin' patrons.

All this time, the main coordinator is sending me texts telling me how important it is to have it and not understanding that I am trying but just have no means to send it. I write him back and tell him I can't send it that night but that he'll have it by 6:55 in the morning.

I of course get no sleep.

I wake up at 4:45, shower, freak some more (I have also not planned my lesson that I have to teach at 7am) and then start walking to school. I finally make it, send the email with the attachment, and then of course realize that I sent the wrong file. So I quickly send it again and go to class (after ten minutes of preparation). I'm a few minutes late for class and then realize that I left the tape recorder and listening exercise in the teacher's room, 3 floors down in the basement. So I give my students an exercise, haul ass down to the room, get the recorder and then hike back up to the classroom.

I make it up there and begin going over the "fun" exercise I had planned for them. It's a true false questionairre where you bet on whether you know the right answer. Well, one of the questions was, "You keep a dustbin in the kitchen." Well, my understanding of a dustbin seems to be different than that of the Brits (I'm finding that a lot lately) and so after my explanation, I was adamantly told by one of my students that I was wrong. Insert the fact that in the meantime, my phone has rung about 3 times with a number I think belongs to the gentleman I sent the file to. So not only does the student claim that I'm wrong but he pulls out his laptop, boots it up, and begins looking on the internet for the right answer. Unreal! I was so frazzled and annoyed. I just wanted to run out of there and cry.

So finally my class ends and I head down to the teacher's room. I check my phone and see that the coordinator has texted me asking for the file. He says I sent him the one from last night (which I did accidentally send first but quickly thought I sent him the correct one). So I jump online and pull up the second email and see that I sent it to my friend back home with the same first name. What a mess! I just gave up there.

So I'm hoping that the rest of my day will be better because as you know, it's Kluczbork! I'm planning fun Halloween activities with the class and am super excited. Just keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well-it's my first time driving there alone and with the day I've been having...

QUICK LOWDOWN

I have a few minutes to spare so I thought I'd take the time to give you a week in the shoes of me (Poland style). Hopefully, I'll have internet at the flat soon so I'll be able to put pictures up more frequently. Until then, you'll have to endure my recent complaining regarding my inability to teach English. But first, a cup of good news. My friend Sachin, from my masters program, has connections to English proofreading jobs in different areas in Poland. Luckily, he saved my butt this month and brought me a job that will pay me the equivalent to my current month's salary (minus about 30 zl) for about four hours of editing/proofreading work. I heart Sachin.

Now, a taste of my current teaching schedule looks like.

MONDAYS
7:10-8:40am : Conversation Business English (all students from Ecco, a Polish company)
This class is...well, there. It's at 7am on a Monday morning so I attempt to give them a topic that they can just run with for an hour and a half. This particular class is dominated by one gentleman in particular but at least he has a wide range of vocabulary and his grammar is, for the most part, very good.
5:40-7:10pm : Business English Cambridge Exam preparation
This class is so far, my most difficult. They don't know words like evolve and I have such a difficult time explaining them. This class also thinks I'm an idiot since I cannot explain these things to them properly. I believe I have actually caught them rolling their eyes to one another.

TUESDAYS
7:00-8:30am : Business English Pre-Intermediate Conversation (Ecco)
This class is four gentleman that, I believe, know English vocabulary very well but can't speak to save their lives. But they try. This class is a big pain in my behind because they want to have vocabulary for the next lesson. Problem with this is that planning my lesson for the next week is so annoying since it puts me on this weird schedule for just their class. Business classes can do whatever they want though. At least I get free coffee in the mornings...
4:00-5:30pm : Pre-Intermediate Teenagers (16-18)
Yea...don't really know what to say about this class. I loved my second class with them but my most recent was a nightmare. They love to speak in Polish, work with only their friends, and speak some more in Polish. Last class, they even asked me if I could understand them/speak Polish. (They want to talk about me/the class.) I try to make this class fun for them (there's only 4 students) but their parents make them come here and the motivation level isn't like it is in my adult classes.
5:10-7:40pm : Certificate in Advanced English preparation
I share this class with my housemate Maja and they're freaking awesome. They hate the book, love to learn about American culture and love to talk. There's about 8 students and they all have a great sense of humor.

WEDNESDAYS
7:00-8:30am : Business English Upper Intermediate Conversation (Ecco)
This class rocks. The four guys love to talk and make jokes. They ask questions about America and if it's really "free" and they love to use fun new words that they learn. (Last week was abstinent - I explained that we don't only use it in regards to alcohol but to sex as well. They had a field day...) Great morning class.
11:30am-1:00pm : One on one with the director at Makro (a business similar to Sam's Club)
I've only met this guy once but it was nice. He's really advanced and just wants someone to basically chat with in English for a few hours a week. Plus - I get a Makro card which gets me super discounts on anything in the store. Very awesome. Negative - I have to take the bus to get there.
5:40-7:10pm : First Certificate in English preparation
This class is the class that Maja and I refer to as our "boring" class. They are all tired and don't really like to talk. It's like pulling teeth to do a speaking exercise. And on top of it, they ask questions about grammar. I like to pretend I'm a substitute teacher for this class. I think they literally sleep with their eyes open when we're teaching.

THURSDAYS
7:15-8:45am : One on one with an executive at Ecco
This lesson almost cost me my job. Maja and I got minimal instructions from the school and ended up missing this lesson. I haven't actually met the guy yet and I'm kinda nervous that he's gonna hate us. More on this Friday.
3:40-5:10 : Business English Cambridge preparation-on site at Nutricia (baby food company)
This class is touch and go. The girls are all really nice and want to learn but they're so busy and usually kinda tired. I try to make the lame book fun but it's a stretch sometimes. And it's about a 15 minute walk from school. At least I can go straight home after it...

FRIDAYS!
So glad that all my classes on Friday are, for the most part, really good.
7:00-8:30 : Certificate in Advanced English (Ecco)
This class is good but I can't get the one gentleman to stop talking. And worse, he is probably at the lowest level of all the students (there are 4) and I've noticed that he usually likes to comment on political or social aspects of America that he does not agree with. I can totally see the other students rolling their eyes at each other (at least for this class it's not because of me) and I don't know what to do to get him to stop. And I think he's still thinking in Polish and translating it into English so everything begins with an "ummm..."
Kluczbork!!
The following classes I teach in Kluczbork and they're great. The director at the school is totally down to earth and is always trying to make me feel comfortable. She's bought me a hot water heater so I can have tea every class and she says that if the weather gets bad in the winter, she'll pick me up in Opole (it's about a 45 minute drive) and I can stay at her house and she'll drive me back Saturday morning. Other awesome thing is I get to drive "Tico", the school car, by myself (pictures to follow asap). I may have to leave Opole at 2:00pm to be in Kluczbork for a class at 3:30 but the time alone, and the awesomeness of getting to drive a manual in Poland, totally makes up for it. Also, they're all conversation classes (so no teaching grammar) and once the younger teen class starts, I'll be getting a free dinner!
3:30-5:00pm : Upper Intermediate Conversation with Teenagers (16-18)
These kids LOVE to talk and they're pretty good at it. My job is to give them a native speaker to converse with, some additional vocabulary (I love when they ask about something completely irrelevant that they just want to know the word for. Last week was "stilts" and "engaged.") to stimulate their minds. Totally excited to throw them an awesome Halloween party.
5:10-5:55pm : Pre Intermediate Conversation with Younger Teenagers (13-16)
I haven't actually started this class but it's young people and only 45 minutes. It should be good.
6:15-7:45pm : Certificate in Advanced English Conversation
This class is awesome (it's in Kluczbork, isn't it?) too. The adults are a little reluctant to talk, and you can sometimes tell that they're saying something just so that I can recognize that they're trying, but I think they'll get better. This class also has two of my favorite students, Agnieska and Sebastian. They're married, newly pregnant, and love to talk.

So there it is - a week in the life of me. Took me a little longer than expected though so now I must go off and eat lunch while I plan my afternoon lessons. Dowidzenia!

MATHEMATICAL ENGLISH

So I'm now a teacher. I'd better start teaching. But I'm petrified of having to teach grammar. Not only is it so innate, but playing with language and words is fun for me (obvious dork alert); having to put rules to it is going to be so stressful. I suppose once I know the rules, it'll be that much more enjoyable and challenging to play with them (double dork alert) but I just feel like there isn't enough time in the day right now. And on top of it all, I missed my one on one lesson this morning due to miscommunication regarding bus stops in Opole. Ahhh...I can't wait until this is all second nature.

I HEART CONVO CLASSES

Conversation classes rock. No textbook and just vocab and talking. I think I'm in love with them. I have a business English class on Wednesday mornings that is particularly stellar at talking - and they love to talk. Last class we discussed qualities you find in a person and they used "abstinent." (I think they were talking about their boss.) Well, today I explained to them that the word abstinent is not only for drinking (as how they had previously used it) but many times, for abstaining from sex - which is how we use it more in America. They loved it. Calling each other abstinent and making jokes about how they weren't - they're just too much fun. Which is perfect at 7am when you're tired and don't really feel like doing much at all besides drinking the free coffee and chatting with fun Poles.

TREADING WATER

So I thought I was loving teaching, until I realized I wasn't actually teaching yet.

Last two weeks have been mostly icebreaker games and review - getting students to begin thinking in English again. Yesterday, I almost had a heart attack when my students began asking questions about words that I just couldn't seem to explain. I mean, I did but then when they didn't understand or didn't use it correctly in a sentence, I was stumped. And I just sat there like an idiot - all flustered and not knowing what to do.

I'm noticing that most students want vocab. Vocab, vocab, vocab. So that's good. Except I also have a workbook and textbook for most of my classes that I need to get through. On top of that, I'm trying to keep things (somewhat) organized for my own records and it's just not happening. In addition, we have to create a syllabus with the teacher we share the class with (classes are taught once by you and then by another teacher the next class). I have no idea when I'll do this - or even where to begin with it. Also, I think I overheard someone say that we're supposed to be giving a test every unit (which is about every week) and also homework every class (that obviously needs to be reviewed and/or corrected). I just feel like I can't keep my head on straight. I have about 10 classes a week and I want to make them fun too. But some are more conversation, some are pre-intermediate teenagers, some are business, some are one-on-ones. I don't know. Maybe I'm being too particular here (or "anal" as I taught my Certificate in Advanced English class the other day).

FINALLY SHOOK THE TOOSH

Thank you Marta!

Finally went out for a beer and some dancing last night. Too bad it was Tuesday and I had a 7am class this morning (well, we all did). Marta, Annwen and I went to Drake, the local pub, and had a few piwo (beers). Annwen busted out first (poor girl was dancing by herself!) and did a whole number on her own. Next song, Marta and I headed out and it was like this massive rush to the dance floor. Before 10pm, that dance floor was filled with at least 30 sweaty people, one drunk guy nearly molesting Annwen and an outside perimeter of Polish men oggling the whole affair. It was fabulous.

CARE OF MAJA'S LESSON: HOUSE OR HOME?

Finally! Pics of the flat.

Living room (with a pull out couch for any and all that are wanting to visit) and balcony.

Our uber-modern bathroom with a touch of my own interior decorating (a bedsheet thrown over the clothes drying racks- also known as a shower curtain. I can't do the European shower thing).

The "eat-in" kitchen; equipped with a fridge built into the cabinets, a radio, and a window to watch the sketchy gypsies that mill around Biedronka (the discount grocery store across the street).

Kitchen, again. What can I say - it's my favorite place.

The best (bed)room in the house...which is currently mine. Has the only full size bed. We're on a rotating basis for this baby.

WHEW

I know it's been some time since I last wrote and this should be the time when I'm writing most - so many new things and new experiences. I'm trying to remember or write down the majority of things that happen so that I can at least tend to it when I have a minute to breathe. Funny thing is, I only work a few hours a day but seeing as I don't have internet in the apartment, moving pictures and such from my home computer is going to be a task that I'm just not looking forward to (and therefore, putting off).

Had a "eh" class and an awesome class yesterday. My pre-intermediate class (the one I was actually looking forward to) was so difficult. Like pulling teeth. One student (the class is 15-18 year olds) has no qualms about telling me that he doesn't want to be there and making it difficult for me to get him to speak any English at all. There's a challenge for me already. My class right after that is my CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) was so fun. They are (in my opinion) fluent speakers and so we just had fun talking and making jokes. I'm really excited about that class. At the end of October (not soon enough), we also have a conversation corner where we go to the local pub and drink and the students have a chance to speak comfortably with native speakers. (I think it's so weird that they call us "natives"; makes me feel like I'm from some aborigine group in the fields of Africa somewhere.) I'm getting slightly bored (despite my need to download pictures to this blog) and am starting to develop a strong itch to go meeting new people.

IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER

Okay. So it's not a van but I will be living near the river! Very psyched. Maja and I talked to the directors at school and they said that we'll be moving to a new flat that's much better than the one we're at now (which is not bad). We'll be living with Carrie and we'll be farther away but it's supposedly a really nice. Went to Nutricia today to have interviews with new business English students. That was interesting since I have no experience interviewing for placement. It was good though. I had a few people that were really nervous and I felt so bad. I tried my best to make them comfortable but I know how I am when I get like that. Forget it. Then Maja and I headed out to get my sim lock removed on my phone and grab lunch. On our way back we met a young guy advertising for English tutoring. He's Polish but his English is ridiculously good. He's studying to be an interpreter. We talked with him for a while and now we're about to head back and make some dinner. I'm so ready to just relax and not walk/stand for a while.

NEITHER HERE NOR THERE

So I'm finally here but I'm not fully settled in. I can't wait till I am though. Things are good. I'm starting to hyperventilate that I'm actually a teacher. Maja and I saw the rooms today and I can't believe I'm going to be at the front of one next week. I have to come up with some killer plans. Just breathe. Keep reminding myself.

Saw my apartment, well kinda. Maja picked me up from the train station last night and I just stayed in the extra room in her flat. I'm not sure if that's going to be my room for the long run though.

So yesterday. (Or was it yesterday and the day before as well??) I'm going into grave detail regarding my trip so I can see just how much time I spent doing whatever yesterday. I think of it as therapy, or like breaking up with a boyfriend - I think I need to relive it one more time to really let it go.

First off, my flight. I left Rochester at 2:30 on Saturday. Headed into DC at 4ish and then left there at 5:45. There was a buzz around the airline that they overbooked but luckily, I was not affected. Then it was on to the 8 or so hour flight from DC to Vienna where I was praying I didn't need a transit VISA. I didn't get much sleep at all because I stupidly crashed on the flight from Rochester and was unable to sleep again after that. I finally arrived to Vienna at 9 or so in the morning on Sunday. From there, I had to sit in the airport until 1:30 when my flight left to Krakow. I was starting to get hungry and thirsty but I'd already gone through baggage check and didn't know if I should go back. I thought twice about it and was about to gather my bags to go when I realized I didn't have any Austria $$ (Euros??) and didn't want to exchange the only US $$ I had ($50 bills) for a bottle of water. So I opted to sit at the gate (benches, not padded seats like the US) and wait for my flight.

So I flew into Krakow at 2:30 and luckily, you don't have to pay for those little wheelie things to put your luggage on. I grabbed one of those bad boys and carted my stuff to the nearest taxi. The guy spoke as much English as I did Polish and I finally figured out that he was asking me if I wanted to just have a taxi ride to Opole rather than to the train station. He quoted me 150 zl which would have been a great deal had I known someone to call when I got here and had I known he was going to charge me 90 zl just to go to the train station anyhow. Well, that didn't work out so to the train station I went with ALL my bags which was a feat in itself. Luckily, my friend Maria gave me explicit directions as to what train to take and when. I bought my ticket after not being able to understand the woman at the ticket booth (I later figured out she was trying to tell me what time the train left) and then got so frustrated that when I tried to do the little kick that I do to grab all my bags and cart them around, I broke my heel on my boots. So, I changed shoes and sat around, ate some weird hot dog and waited around some more for the train. It finally came and as I was throwing my bags onto the train (literally), a gentleman came off the train to help me with my last monstrous bag that was nearly impossible for me to throw on there. At that point, I just threw it all into the nearby cubby hole and just sat in there. It was like a little closet area on the passageway between train cars. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy but what could I do? I wasn't about to attempt bringing all my bags around just to see that there weren't any seats available.

So I rode the train from Krakow to Opole, which was about 3 hours, without knowing what was going to happen at the end. It was getting dark and the train stations we were passing were like something out of a bad movie. I was starting to get really nervous and think that I was going to have to sleep on top of my luggage in the station. When the train finally stopped, I threw all my stuff off it and as I gathered it up, saw Maja walking towards me. I almost cried. I was so overtired and just done with the day; it was nice to know I was going to have some place to sleep and shower.

VISA ISSUES

I'm waiting for my work promise certificate. As it stands now, I'm supposed to be in Opole in just a matter of weeks and I still don't have my VISA. I'm waiting to get my certificate from Poland (it was sent at the end of August) and then I have to send that, my VISA application, and my passport to the consulate in NYC. From there, it's supposed to take ten business days for me to get my VISA back in the mail. I'm waiting until I (at least) have the certificate before attempting to book any flights as I'm nervous to have to leave and not have even my passport to get on the plane.

HOSTILE TOWARDS HOSTELS

So I got an email back from the school. The language barrier might be preventing me from understanding the email properly but it seems that they are saying that I can't move in until the 18th because of permission with my VISA. But it's my understanding that I can be in the country for 3 months without a VISA so I'm not sure why that would matter. I don't want to keep asking them about it though. I feel like they've already done enough. But I also don't want to wait until the 18th to go to Poland. So I can either stay with a friend or stay in a hostel. But I'm totally afraid of hostels. Especially since I have all my stuff with me and I'm just not sure where to go and what to do with all that. I"ll have to think about it.

THAT'S THE TICKET

I'm waiting to hear back from the school I'll be teaching at in Opole. They finally got my paperwork in the mail and are starting the process for my VISA. I'm getting really anxious. Excited and nervous. I try not to think about the actual teaching. It's been a while and I know it's gonna take me some time to get comfortable. I'm trying to remember that failure is a part of success and I'm most likely gonna make a fool of myself more than once in front of my students. I just hope they're respectful, want to learn and are excited about the lessons. I was really lucky with my students in Denver. They all really liked being there and learning and that was awesome. But again, I'm waiting to hear back from the school to see how early I can move into my apartment. I'd like to buy my plane ticket this week so I can really look at my finances.