Free Time

So, I've explained to you what I am officially doing here. Besides bringing HIV prevention into the lives of Samara's youth, I do have a life. Though I must admit, Riet and I have brought HIV prevention into our lives and it isn't a separate entity. We are ALWAYS doing prevention work, even if our friends are sick of hearing about it, but we genuinely realize the importance of it. Also, our friends quickly learn that we don't believe in taboos.

I've learned how to crochet. On YouTube. Really. If people can learn to deliver babies and ride motorcycles from youtube videos, you can learn how to crochet. And I did. I needed a hat. I was feeling creative because I was helping Oksana sew costumes. It also helped that Riet was knitting at the time. When I was younger, I asked my momma to teach me the crafts of knitting and crochet. I failed because I didn't have the patience/didn't pay attention to her. And so, I am a crochet-er. I've made hats, earwarmer/headband things, a cell phone case, and I'm currently making half gloves (similar to what homeless people wear).

This is my first project--my crocheted hat. I gave it to Sofie because it looks better on her. Since then, I've made another one that suits me better.

In December, I was working for my friend Oksana and helping her sew costumes for a New Years Show (think: flashy like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular). We didn't make these penguin costumes, but I thought they were adorable. Children in masses are cute when they are dancing on stage and when they are quiet. That's it.

Riet and I have domesticated. We are constantly doing handicrafts while sipping a hot cup of tea (or other strong alternative).

I'm exercising. I've been eating a lot because I need the calories and energy to keep me warm in this rough winter. I bought a yoga mat that I've actually been using quite religiously (only within the past few weeks...). I also have my resistance bands to build up these guns. I'm leaving Russia with weapons of mass destruction, friends.

And now my free time is being sucked away because I'm teaching English...I'll elaborate on this later.