Week in Review

It was another week of barely working. However, it looks like this was the last week of barely working as my schedule for next week is a bit fuller and includes my favorite - Friday morning 8 a.m. lessons! Awesome.

Monday was excellent. It was pretty warm - maybe 75°F - and S and I had a nice breakfast outside near the water. We did some shopping and visited Yeni Cami, a mosque I had seen and walked past a million times but never actually went into.

Some interesting observations: A man wearing a kufi (a skull cap worn by the companions of Muhammed) ran out of the mosque to answer his cell phone. A 5 year old boy sitting next to me was playing with his toy machine gun while his mother was praying, shooting at people around him.

The weather was so strange this week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (? don't remmeber) were hot (75°F-85°F) and sunny. Since Thursday, it's been "chilly" - in the 50s. Today it's rainy, dreary, and cold. But next week should be back to normal, in the 60s and sunny.

We desperately need rain though, or we are facing another summer of no water. I have about 8 jug of water stockpiled in my bathroom (had to use one last night). Which is worse, no electricity or no water?

I went for my check-up last weekend and my doctor said that my eyes were healing nicely and he sees no need for an enhancement at this time. So, that means my vision is perfect! To think, 5 weeks ago I couldn't read the computer screen without glasses and now I can see everything! I'll have another check-up in a few months to check again.

I'm looking for some new music recommendations. Anything. (Not rap). Please leave your suggestions in the comments or e-mail me.

I had a bunch of things I wanted to write about but I forgot. I guess I'll have to start keeping a list.

Oh, it seems that if I post a video or a link, you have to actually visit my website to view it - you cannot see it in your e-mail.

Thanks

Thanks to those of you who commented and e-mailed about my last post. I promise that I will reply to everyone, I just haven't been in the e-mailing mood lately. I'm trying to empty my inbox so that it is more tolerable (I've gone from 800+ e-mails in my inbox - mostly read - to only 60). 60 is much more tolerable but right now I just don't want to deal with any of them.

My schedule is so light this week. S asked if I had a real job. It doesn't seem like it this week, or the past few weeks, but I'm sure it will return to normal sometime. As long as I keep getting paid, I'm happy!

The power keeps going out. Last night when I walked home the streets were dark and crowded. Shopkeepers were lurking in their doorways, selling candles, and kids were playing in the streets. Housewives were peering out the windows, wondering when it would return. I REALLY wanted to take a shower but couldn't. I was lucky enough to have 60% of my battery left so I watched Lost and ate some lovely dolmas from S's mom.

This morning it was out again, leading me to wonder how the summer will be here. I have enough water stockpiled to flush the toilet when the water goes out, but maybe should I get some more food that doesn't require cooking? There is always takeout I guess...

Spring is really here. The temperature is fluctuating between a bit too warm for spring and a bit too cool for spring. But the daffodils are almost gone as are the tulips. Turks are still bundled up in their winter coats and wool sweaters while I am trying not to sweat in my t-shirts.

Ok, off to do my regular 2 hours of work. I've been working 12 hours weeks. This week is shaping up to be a 8, possibly 10 hour week. Life is good.

In honor of St. Patrick

In honor of St. Patrick, I will be getting my green eyes lasered! I did my research, e-mailed my doctor several times, talked to a few friends who got it, and made my appointment. March 17 at 12:30! 13 days left of glasses! It's kind of hard to believe.

I'm gonna take 2 days off from work just to be sure. (Apparently I have 12 sick days so might as well make use of them!)

I finally bought a new couch yesterday! It's blue, converts into a bed, and has storage underneath. And I got an awesome handmade bookshelf from Izmir. Super cheap!

Spring is definitely here. Flowers are blooming, you can eat outside everywhere, and if you are a always hot American jackets are no longer necessary. However, Turks are still out in their wool sweaters and winter jackets as they will be until June. My body can just not handle that type of heat, and I despise sweating. But I have become a bit more tolerant of heat which is nice since the summer is rough here. Maybe this summer will be easier.

GO OBAMA!!!!!!