tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75446902011-04-21T18:30:35.376-04:00Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.comBlogger911100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1156610974830686272006-08-26T12:46:00.000-04:002006-08-26T12:49:34.846-04:00

So the West. What an incredible land! And good people. We started our westward adventure visiting some very good people, ie, my family. Duane and Eugenia graciously welcomed us into their home just before Eugenia left for work (broken kneecap and all) at 6 am. Duane and I had good conversation over a few cups of coffee before he left later in the morn while Becky, Jon, Ellie, Nate, and Aaron

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1155485388614088472006-08-13T12:05:00.000-04:002006-08-13T12:09:48.633-04:00

Add Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to economies I've contributed to. Today I travel from my sister's in Arkansas (saying goodbye to Dave, Hope, and Nora too) to Pottsboro, Texas. The welcome pack is in the rec room and I can choose my side of the trailer. Training starts Tuesday. And with this, my new life begins.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1155269634410202282006-08-11T00:13:00.000-04:002006-08-11T00:13:54.423-04:00

I’ve put 2326 miles on my car since its purchase July 1. Over 6000 more were accrued whilst looking for America through Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. That’s just about 420 gallons (or 1605 liters) of gasoline. Can we please find an alternative fuel now? I’ll have to check out the development

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1150097038278325842006-06-12T03:07:00.000-04:002006-06-12T03:26:06.383-04:00

Depeche Mode was in Bratislava last night and guess who went? Yup, a friend called me last night from the stadium with a couple extra tickets. Reminded me what it's like to experience music and to feel alive again... I hadn't been to a concert since...is it possible...fall 2002 (because Ben Folds last summer doesn't count). Besides, my appreciation for Depeche Mode has multiplied.Theme for the

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1149155352605828752006-06-01T05:36:00.000-04:002006-06-01T05:49:12.623-04:00

One month later. And it's taking some time for this to sink in.I'm moving to Texas. Accepted a job there on Lake Texoma. North of Dallas.And nearby:Stockyards, Ft. Worth"The Old West is alive and well in Fort Worth. Enjoy the cattle drive then stop in and wet your whistle at a genuine saloon. This isn't City Slickers. This is the real deal."http://www.traveltex.com/texas_cams.asp?area=Ft.%20Worth

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1146240969236865402006-04-28T12:03:00.000-04:002006-04-28T12:16:09.246-04:00

Who am I kidding? You'll probably only get stories about Turkey the next time I see you. I'm not going to get around to writing any here. At least for the next couple months. Other things are happening too fast. Like the last weeks of school. School ends June 30th, but from now til then, there will be very few normal school days. The last months of school in Central Europe are prone to last

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1145512339433301022006-04-20T01:49:00.000-04:002006-04-20T07:54:33.690-04:00

apple teaCave pensionoverlooking Pigeon Valley Goremewith Matt, our little tour guidewith a family that invited us for tea

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1144650343978108092006-04-10T02:18:00.000-04:002006-04-10T02:25:43.993-04:00

This is the beauty of spring.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1144239816060356102006-04-05T08:19:00.000-04:002006-04-05T08:23:36.070-04:00

We have a partnership with a school in Uganda! See our team page:http://www.mondialogo.org/210.html?&no_cache=1&tid=1673Tomorrow we get to talk with them online!

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1143711773215287332006-03-30T04:37:00.000-05:002006-03-30T04:44:38.763-05:00

Yesterday i sent a picture to my mom telling her, "next time we talk, imagine me like this."She wrote back with, "Cool."But the truth is, she said "cool" thinking I just sent her a picture. She didn't see any change. Because she's color blind.**after some time she saw some pink, and she blames the computer. I blame her genes. It's more fun that way.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1143630281323205722006-03-29T06:00:00.000-05:002006-03-29T06:04:41.333-05:00

"Ms Kaurin, you have new hair!'Yup, I have new, purple hair. It's the same color as Moni's mom's hair, apparently, which is perfectly average for adult women around here. For me it still screams "wow!" My friend Diane dyed it last night (she has brilliant red chunky highlights). Photos to come soon.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1142509234656345612006-03-16T05:55:00.000-05:002006-03-16T06:40:34.713-05:00

Yesterday was March 15th, 2006. On March 15th, 1991, my family (at that point, me and my parents) moved to Colombo, Sri Lanka where the thick, fragrant air completely envelops. Why I remember that date, I don't know. I also remember when my boyfriend Ismail started dating: November 11th, 1995.The air does not envelop anyone here. It does quite the opposite with sustained 38 mph winds and gusts of

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1141133310850779952006-02-28T08:11:00.000-05:002006-02-28T10:28:51.703-05:00

Sunny Budapest near Blaha Lujza TerBudapest tram by nightFisherman's Bastion in Buda. See the Parliament through the middle archPast the red bench, you can see the Parliament with Amy YoderAmy and Sam in my new favorite Arabian hooka barMatt and Sam contemplating the food set before them

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1141050759960561452006-02-27T09:16:00.000-05:002006-02-27T09:32:40.003-05:00

well, no. But that's the best question I've heard all week.To continue to pique my nephew's questions, I told him about seahorses: The dad's give birth. And to over 100 babies.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1140691843997169502006-02-23T05:24:00.000-05:002006-02-23T05:50:44.010-05:00

though chicago, honolulu or atlanta would be swell cities to go to, Grand Rapids wins. After many many tears and conversations and prayers, I've decided to move to Grand Rapids this summer to find a teaching job. Two people told me to get a five year plan. Once I think about this after getting over how business and sterile that sounds, I can't imagine staying in Slovakia on my own for the next 5

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1134557899118349162006-02-08T05:57:00.000-05:002006-02-08T06:55:36.673-05:00

American Cities That Best Fit You:60% Atlanta60% Chicago55% Honolulu55% Washington, DC50% BostonWhich American Cities Best Fit You?I have no idea what IQ scores mean and the only reason why i post this is because I laugh at my below average logic. Your IQ Is 110Your Logical Intelligence is Below AverageYour Verbal Intelligence is GeniusYour Mathematical Intelligence is ExceptionalYour General

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1136901317462215202006-01-10T08:51:00.000-05:002006-01-10T08:55:17.473-05:00

January 3rdSo this is my last week in the US. Last of two. Seems like it’s been longer. In all, I haven’t thought too much of life beyond the moment (save for an earlier entry) but today I’m going to catch up. Merry Christmas from Arkansas!The first week en etas unis was full of warm NW Arkansas air and early wake ups with Hope and Nora. We had coffee at Kennedy Coffee. Mr. Kennedy roasts his own

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1135741661690855762005-12-27T22:44:00.000-05:002005-12-27T22:47:41.700-05:00

Always an advocate of natural products... I wholeheartedly recommend this one.Gentle facial cleanser1 tablespoon yogurt1 teaspoon honeyStore in refrigerator.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1135563621275366532005-12-25T20:36:00.000-05:002005-12-25T21:20:21.336-05:00

Not completely, but sometimes it seems that worlds are so far apart. I'm in Arkansas with my oldest sister's family. Being here is a connection to the past, though I've not ever been here before. The connection may come from simply being in the United States. Or it could be a product of having time to reflect and travel back purposefully. It's probably a combination of the two. The past I miss

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1135180408479953462005-12-21T10:51:00.000-05:002005-12-21T10:53:28.490-05:00

I'm flying out of Vienna on Friday morning and heading to Arkansas to be with my oldest sister Heidi, Dave, Hope, and Nora. I can't wait to get there...especially since I will first fly to Chicago, rent a car and drive to Arkansas from there. It's a 12 + 10 hour journey. someone's crying down the hall. better go.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1134374425529932872005-12-12T02:24:00.000-05:002005-12-12T03:00:25.563-05:00

Amy Yoder, friend and teammate from my first year with ESI is back to live and teach in Hungary. This is how I feel about it; totally excited and totally loved.On Saturday we traveled to Dunaujvaros where we used to teach. Many good things have come out of Duna. For example, my former student, Moni:We visited our old flat on Oktober 23 ter hoping to see who is living there. No one is home, but we

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1133793581225339212005-12-05T09:34:00.000-05:002005-12-05T09:39:41.376-05:00

my sister's comments on aging people, "they just get quirky." I wouldn't say my parents are fully to this state, but as i will get there, so will they. They will just a little sooner.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1133775818014296432005-12-05T01:59:00.000-05:002005-12-05T04:43:39.166-05:00

School's had a lot of activities lately...Cross-cultural communication training with PDCS, Global Issues Conference with 70 students from around Slovakia, Serbia Day, Open House, Freshman Initiation, and that might be it. Then we celebrated Thanksgiving with ESI Hungary and Slovakia in Radava, Slovakia. It was grand. Some were heard saying, "It was the best Thanksgiving of my life!" At our flat,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1130942496143407192005-11-02T15:31:00.000-05:002005-11-04T02:01:39.893-05:00

Jayne and I went hiking in the Mala Fatras this weekend. It was perfect...restful, beautiful, refreshing, and totally needed to remind me of why and where I am. It's so easy to lose perspective. The perspective I've gained (been reminded of) this weekend is that we need to know that we are loved unconditionally. We don't (myself included) always know this. It's so important. This weekend returned

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1130495643592285352005-10-28T12:07:00.000-04:002005-10-28T06:34:03.620-04:00

I'm ready for a break, this is true, but the last hours with students has proved that I am not at permanent burn out, i just forgot that they are good and valuable even if they complain too much. I forgot that I enjoy them and that I enjoy teaching. Furthermore, it's the planning that actually muddles my mind and frustrates me to no end, not so much the students. I think I have something wrong

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1130243718562976832005-10-25T08:10:00.000-04:002005-10-25T08:35:18.603-04:00

...lost...is it possible to be burned out after 2.5 years of teaching? that'd mean i reached my peak sometime last year...dang i want my students to learn, do well, be fully a part of school, fully encouraged, fully successful, but i'm not sure i'm the one to be able to fill the role they need.maybe we all need a break.i talked to my good friend becky yesterday. she shared with me some lyrics

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1129875972186462612005-10-21T07:52:00.000-04:002005-10-21T02:26:12.216-04:00

Yesterday was a difficult day...one of the most difficult out here yet. Not because my students were trying or because a lesson didn't go as planned or even that I got yelled at by elderly ladies (though not all these things happened yesterday, they have this week).Being here in Slovakia when things closer to the heart go bad back home is worse than any difficult day here...my sister shared news

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1129615990084334782005-10-18T14:01:00.000-04:002005-10-18T08:29:06.986-04:00

Pictures from a trip to Sopron, Hungary...a trip in the works from last April with old Hungarian friends from Duna: Aniko, Dezso, and Zsolti and ESI friends Sam and Brady. The weekend was real refreshing; to be with old friends that love to share "the Hungarian Experience" on a weekend with beautiful weather couldn't have been any better. Of course it reminds me of the life and people of Duna.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1129551695424057672005-10-17T14:58:00.000-04:002005-10-17T08:21:35.523-04:00

Petrzalke train station. 6.12amSopron, Hungary Aniko and Zsolt near Lake Ferod Cabernet sauvingon grapes ready to be harvested. Sopron, Hungary with Aniko, a kind and hospitable friend from Dunaujvaros

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1128577139889241352005-10-06T01:37:00.000-04:002005-10-06T01:38:59.893-04:00

Apparently, I walk fast.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1127113470529135232005-09-19T02:59:00.000-04:002005-09-19T03:04:41.650-04:00

Here's the international PDCS website since the Slovak one is still down.http://www.partnersglobal.org/centers/centers_slovakia.htmlThe weekend was rainy but good. This morning walking to school (note the date) it was 44 degrees.Now I'm going to look into communicating with Skype since IMing doesn't really work internationally. I did catch Elliot in Canada the other day though which was a nice

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1126869026541301642005-09-16T06:56:00.000-04:002005-09-16T07:27:50.156-04:00

Listening to Low on KCRW (thanks to my cousin for introducing this station) and thinking about songs that could be used to highlight "Global Issues." So far I have a Pearl Jam song on homelessness/poverty and Bloc Party's Price of Gas. But I'd like more, especially ones that have more decipherable lyrics for my non-native English speakers. If you think of one, let me know.Announcement:CS Lewis

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1126681803788149822005-09-14T03:07:00.000-04:002005-09-14T03:11:01.720-04:00

right now I can't get enough of them.the Partners for Democratic Change website that I posted yesterday is down. Check again later to see the organisation that CS Lewis is partnering with for Global Studies.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1126626208472901352005-09-13T11:37:00.000-04:002005-09-13T11:43:28.476-04:00

we are meeting with someone from Partners for Democratic Change, Slovakia (www.pdcs.sk/en) who will conduct the cross-cultural communication training for some students here. Well, actually, the meeting is tomorrow night.tonight, tonight, for real I will be experiencing good Slovak culture (cafe) over good Slovak conversation. It'll be conducted in English though.Better go.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1126098475678619202005-09-07T08:51:00.000-04:002005-09-07T09:07:55.686-04:00

Here are some daily scenes of life as a teacher in Central Europe. Fried cheese, kroquettes, and pivo. Raday Utca, Budapest My office and Global Studies classroom

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1125928363401998372005-09-05T09:36:00.000-04:002005-09-05T09:52:43.463-04:00

The speaker for my college commencement died today.It was also the first day of school. The students sure were excited to be back. Ask me if I'm excited to teach a biology syllabus to non-native speakers that would appear on American college courses.Then ask me if I'm excited to teach global studies. We are partnering with several Slovak non-profits and the UNDP. I'm constantly surprised by how

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1125490171235808272005-08-31T13:54:00.000-04:002005-08-31T08:09:31.243-04:00

I just discovered (with the help of my techie roommate) how to upload images. And I feel a little dumb for not knowing how before. C'est la vie... Plenty of ways to be humbled everyday. So, I post two of my favorite photos of the summer. Actually, all of my photos from the summer are my favorite. With Ben. Argh.And Alyssa.More another time. Off to plan and maybe buy a bus pass.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1123789089637999052005-08-11T15:33:00.000-04:002005-08-11T15:38:09.643-04:00

I should just update the sidebar, but not right now. New photos updated this week...from training mostly. Click on the title "new photos."Today I arrived in MI after a stop in Chicago to hear Ben Folds. Didn't actually see him, though that was the idea when I bought tickets for his show. More on than later.Getting anxious about returning. Which is probably why I can't focus to do anything now.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1123343621078066572005-08-06T11:42:00.000-04:002005-08-06T11:53:42.666-04:00

So, with the help and inspiration of one "really cool person" I've set up an IM account. I'm catching up on lost hours of chatting in high school and college. Well, not yet because I'll need to build up my Buddy List or my Really Cool People List. So send me your IM name and we can be in touch in real time. Word.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1122872457510934332005-08-01T00:17:00.000-04:002005-08-01T01:00:57.516-04:00

so i'm here in cali, without a computer and pretty unconcentrated time to sit down and write, but i'm going to give it a go now......starting with dinner tonight. We were looking for a salad for dinner. Olive Garden, Souplandia, and BJ's were thrown out as options. After a discussion of pros and cons, likes and dislikes, we settled on BJ's which had better salads than I expected. Mid meal,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1121480068404180562005-07-15T22:11:00.000-04:002005-07-15T22:14:28.410-04:00

I really am excited to go to training now, after talking to Angela, former ESI-Hungary teacher. So I leave early tomorrow morn. Off to pack.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1121445192533516702005-07-15T12:18:00.000-04:002005-07-15T12:33:12.540-04:00

Where the sun is hot and unrelenting. Ah, sweet sweet glory. So much better than unrelenting wind in Petrzalke.Don't really know what exactly i'll be doing except helping the new teachers become familiar with Slovakia and Central European culture. And maybe some socializing. I'll need to familiarize myself with this after two fairly silent weeks. I also need to get over my unenthusiasm for being

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1121286569894558502005-07-13T15:55:00.000-04:002005-07-13T16:29:29.930-04:00

I'm trying to find purpose in being more or less purposeless for two weeks. Here's what i've come up with and enjoyed. And enjoyment is purpose, in a sense.1. Lazily sat on the half finished, and now newly finished porch.2. Slept in an almost completely open and very humid house.3. Watched Rocking with INXS on CBS.4. Linked to several random and ridiculous websites. Did you know that Ben Folds

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1120563975961608172005-07-05T06:56:00.000-04:002005-07-05T07:46:15.970-04:00

It seems I was feeling quite intense as I wrote the last entry. I'm a bit more grounded now, back with family in the states, though thoughts are still valid from the last post. Valid, but nothing settled and concrete.Last Sunday, we went on the school trip to the High Tatras for 3 nights. We stayed in a town called Svit, which is pronounced, "sweet." True that. The natural beauty was refreshing

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1119714780997047992005-06-25T17:25:00.000-04:002005-06-25T11:55:20.096-04:00

I'm not one to ever consider choosing work over family. In the past it hasn't remotely come close to any consideration because my jobs weren't so hot. Why would I choose to spend my energy serving up delicious blueberry scones and grande half caf skim vanilla lattes over the honor of playing and laughing and guiding and teaching my nieces and nephew?If that is the criteria, it seems like now that

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1119107265014479722005-06-18T16:46:00.000-04:002005-06-18T11:07:45.030-04:00

This is the first Saturday in a while that I've been in Bratislava. Definitely the first that I've worked in a while. But it's the last weekend here (next weekend I'll be bodybuilding in the High Tatras) and a good time to get some work done. Except I'm not. Amazing how much time can be spent on music and thinking about what I should be doing. Just made some coffee and while I wait for it to take

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1118903352143764692005-06-16T08:14:00.000-04:002005-06-16T02:29:12.146-04:00

After another episode of whining about not being finished with school, my mom told me yesterday that I probably just wanted to stay in that state, and not think of the good things about still being here. Yup. True.Then she said that tomorrow is a brand new day. Waking up tomorrow I could have all the strength I need to finish back again.We hung up (after hearing plenty more stories about my

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1118824140806315412005-06-15T10:20:00.000-04:002005-06-15T04:35:35.636-04:00

I am done this year. Mentally, emotionally, physically. So are our students. Yet we are still in full force (forced) teaching and learning.There are many reasons why we should not be in school right now. Here are a few:Our head English teacher and fearless leader isn’t. And won't be for the next two weeks.Every other school in the world, with Australian schools an exception, are closed or closing

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1118326856215253632005-06-13T14:43:00.000-04:002005-06-13T08:43:31.743-04:00

Junialis passed with many hitches, but boy, was it fun. Sleeping at school, disco dancing between acts, and lots of cherry filled fornetti (pastries).This Monday, Nika asked me,"Ms. Kaurin, is it true that you will go on bodybuilding with us?""I will go where?""Bodybuilding. Ms. Balažova said that you will go on bodybuilding with us in June."Then it clicked. Teambuilding at the end of the year.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1117548187953882122005-05-31T16:48:00.000-04:002005-05-31T10:03:07.960-04:00

Before I write what I sit down for, have you ever eaten a rotten nut before? Do nuts go rancid? I just ate what I would call a rancid nut. It's left a taste that just won't go away and hazelnuts are now forever tainted. bleh.Tomorrow is June 1st. Memorial Day has turned into a holiday that ushers in summer. Slovaks celebrate June 1st solely for that purpose. And there is going to be a party. I am

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1116847529119645212005-05-23T13:24:00.000-04:002005-05-23T10:01:30.390-04:00

The fries were eaten over the weekend. Sad.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1116582447714185572005-05-20T11:42:00.000-04:002005-05-20T07:16:21.696-04:00

My guppy is pregnant. For a second i thought she might just be getting fat, but after checking the "GuppyLog" it's confirmed. She has: the gravid spot and is not eating. The eating part is the most important. Copied:The most noticeable thing the females do which I spot immediately, is they refuse to eat. This is MY indication the females will be delivering soon. If you watch them daily at feeding

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1116310041583557272005-05-17T07:58:00.000-04:002005-05-17T02:07:21.586-04:00

I was catching up on culture this morning reading about "television's first hip-hop reality sitcom,": Run's House. You can read about it yourself here:http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/music/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000920951What grabbed more of my attention was the advertisement for the Karlovy Vary Film Festival which is in the Czech Republic. I drink mineral water from Karlovy Vary

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1115823655745470172005-05-11T16:56:00.000-04:002005-05-11T11:00:55.746-04:00

On the abundance of large bumps in the sidewalks of Petržalke:Reason #15 - to mimick lilypadsReason #27 - to create a obstacle course of rollerbladers, skateboarders, and bikers

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1115823675945258802005-05-11T11:01:00.000-04:002005-05-11T11:01:15.946-04:00

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1115272138209169272005-05-05T07:42:00.000-04:002005-05-05T01:48:58.213-04:00

After explaining she would only have to choose between wearing rabbit, bear, or mammoth fur, Clowy writes, “The best thing about living in the past would be that I wouldn’t have to choose between Orange and T-Mobile.”But because we are living in the age of teenagers with mobile phones, Clowy does have to make this choice. T-Mobile hopes that she will choose them and is sending Elton John to

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1115185495979750612005-05-04T07:42:00.000-04:002005-05-04T04:35:25.996-04:00

Why do students look so proud, eager, and excited, to hand me their homework only when it's late?This happens just about every day.Do I still praise them because they did remember to hand it in, even if it was late because I don't want to underestimate even their late effort.Or alternatively, do I yell at them, since I am 10x more likely to lose their homework (which is followed by an even bigger

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1114512961766313842005-05-03T12:47:00.000-04:002005-05-03T06:54:45.643-04:00

Developing ideas on what my purpose here is:This year in addition to English conversation (and writing) I'm teaching (natural) science (in Slovak: prirodopis) to 5th-9th graders, from plants to animals to the human body to geology to everything else. Some students believe in the concept of English science, some students think it's bunk. My most basic job is to inspire.Secondarily it is to

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1112800410096245662005-04-08T08:02:00.000-04:002005-04-08T02:03:53.733-04:00

So I said I would never run again. Ever. The truth is however, though I'd make some training adjustments, I will indeed run again, and I might even do a full marathon...even if I about passed out at kilometer 14 and definitely couldn't (can't) imagine running twice the distance. Those Kenyans though... the time of the first three places were all 1h01m and something seconds. I can't even

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1112346869966825472005-04-01T04:10:00.000-05:002005-04-01T06:53:27.976-05:00

I'm running the half tomorrow in Prague with other friends from ESI. Go to the marathon website by clicking on the title and see the route and learn about the music played for us along the way.I'm relying heavily on the encouragement and energy from others - friends, family, and fellow runners. Without their tireless involvement in this endeavor, none of this would be possible.Sike. (taught this

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1112268011491930542005-03-31T13:12:00.000-05:002005-03-31T06:20:11.493-05:00

My colleague just told me about "Laura a její tygři" website (linked in the title). It's a Czech band with this as there motto:black trousers and funky driveblack glasses and soul urgencyblack ties and jazz elegancewhite shirts and rock energyif nothing else, it's funny to me. Laura is the one that wears the black glasses.roar.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1110876197444930812005-03-15T09:32:00.000-05:002005-03-15T03:43:17.446-05:00

I'm a little more contemplative as a greyer day reappears. But instead of my own words, here are two articles that have centered me a little more this morning:On the season of Lent and darknes...http://www.relevantmag.com/article.php?sid=5973andon death (though I've not experienced a death recently, sometimes being away from friends and family feels like death if i'm feeling especially dramatic..

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1110370637706023882005-03-09T13:12:00.000-05:002005-03-09T07:17:17.706-05:00

I've killed three fish in two days. It doesn't bode well for the lab I needed them for or my credibility as a careful and thorough science teacher. Whelp, I suppose there's no more pretending and my adaptation skills are put to work once again.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1109343910678382372005-02-25T16:38:00.000-05:002005-03-04T04:03:38.760-05:00

My favorite part of today was sitting down in the cellar of "Bella Musica" and being served a food menu as well as a music menu to add to the dining atmosphere and experience. What was on the music menu?, you ask. Only everything good. Peter Cetera and Chicago, Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Chris Isaak, and and so much more. I chose Foreigner. As I was eating my gulyas with the foreign atmosphere, I

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1109246880955043472005-02-24T13:41:00.000-05:002005-03-04T04:04:24.756-05:00

I'm in Sinaia, Transylvania, Romania and found out the Hungarian crafts I bought for friends and family last summer are actually Romanian. But Romania was once a part of Hungary, so if you received a handpainted plate, don't feel jipped - it's still ethnic.What I like about Romania so far:* the money is rad. It feels like plastic... or else it's rice paper. Instead of a cool watermark, they have

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1108377905143370232005-02-14T11:44:00.000-05:002005-02-14T05:45:05.146-05:00

I’m in love with the ordinary.It’s true that this line off Jimmy Eat World’s new album has gone through my mind nearly (and honestly, unlike some businesses round here…another song, another article…) non-stop – for the past six days… maybe as long as the full fifteen days I’ve owned the album. Only over this weekend, as I was filling glass jars was it revealed how this is indeed true. And as I

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1103291305807858982004-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:002004-12-17T08:48:35.426-05:00

I slid all the way to school this morning. And laughed most of the way. The overnight weather conditions produced just enough precipitation and cold to make an ever-so-subtle layer of ice on all the sidewalks. I gleefully accepted this sliding challenge and nodded to similar passerbys. Our morning walk is hence dubbed from this point forward: The Sidewalk Slide. One thought that I had as a

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1100248998588378702004-11-12T09:37:00.000-05:002004-11-12T03:43:18.590-05:00

I was getting tired of the trend towards frivolity I'd adopted for my blog. That, and I haven't had the time to write new thoughts. Sometimes I don't think I take the time to think new thoughts... School is as busy as ever. There are rays of light that shine through the busy days, however. Like sitting back to enjoy Group A's role plays and hearing "my homework ate my dog" or discovering there

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1098267587488065472004-10-20T13:01:00.000-04:002004-10-20T06:45:33.686-04:00

So I wrote my dad a request for the CD that is coming out in the November issue of "Wired." I told him it'd be SUPER-DUPER if he were to send me this CD. Here's what he mused about what could be so SUPER-DUPER about this CD: What is this SUPER-DUPER CD about? Hmmm Let me have fun with this and let me guess.There was an article, a few months ago, about a "super-duper" computer that would reach

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1097832421460214372004-10-15T11:17:00.000-04:002004-10-15T05:27:01.460-04:00

My nieces have a birthday soon but are celebrating with their this weekend. They are 5 years old. I remember 5. My 5th year I attended kindergarten in Rockville, Maryland and Greenville, North Carolina. I don't remember my teacher's name in MD but in NC, it was Mrs. Bailey. When I remember her name I picture barley. Word associations... In kindergarten, I learned that the big white crayons were

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1097581441354516422004-10-12T07:32:00.000-04:002004-10-12T07:44:01.356-04:00

Sunday I was lamenting not having long hair anymore (2 months later). That is, until I put on my hat. No complaints now. I went to the market this weekend. This might be my new favorite place. We bought our fill of fresh fruits and vegetables and burciak (young wine). I think I got sick off the burciak, but aside from that, the "fruits" of this trip included: soup, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1097240376134603432004-10-08T08:52:00.000-04:002004-10-08T09:01:05.230-04:00

I'm looking for pumpkins this weekend. if i find one, it might be reminiscent of last year's pumpkin extravaganza in Dunaujvaros. Found a great pumpkin cookie recipe which does not happen to be the one Teresa Kerry "submitted" to the Family Circle Cookie Cook-Off. I happen to love pumpkins, as does Jon Schiedemayer. Cheers.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096984859730894812004-10-05T15:35:00.000-04:002004-10-05T10:00:59.730-04:00

I went downtown today and came back to school with, among other things, "Hey must be the monay" on my mind. Which reminds me of dancing. Amy Swacina dancing in the Schutlze-Eldersveld lobby, Becky Starkenburg dancing at the SE Christmas banquet, and Sara VanderHaagen dancing at the Fountain House Poya Party. "Hey! Must be the monay!" On the bus back to school, I laughed out loud. It's not

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096964666346595062004-10-05T04:17:00.000-04:002004-10-05T04:33:20.926-04:00

Also recently discovered: there is a place to trampoline in Bratislava. I expect to go there soon. The link is to Trampoline Records which I knew nothing about until I googled "trampoline." But I like music (this is apparently Pete Yorn's project and Minnie Driver apparently sings. Who knew?) and trampolining.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096888878666285782004-10-04T13:19:00.000-04:002004-10-04T07:42:11.980-04:00

I'm thinking a little about discoveries. Rather, that is what I was thinking about until I sat down to write. Until I started considering how much work there is to do and how little motivation I have to do it. I know all jobs have their highs and lows, positives and negatives, joys and sorrows. And it's not even this that which I am bothered by right now. I just don't want to teach. I don't want

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096538362171566492004-09-30T11:56:00.000-04:002004-09-30T05:59:22.170-04:00

My favorite English today: "Teacher, earring?" "What is this?" "Nose." "So, a nose-ring." "Teacher, you are a nosering?"

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096436596479812602004-09-29T01:36:00.000-04:002004-09-29T02:21:09.026-04:00

It's my youngest older sister, Kristine Anderson's, 32nd birthday today. Send her a birthday greeting at: anderson@net-link.net. She sent me an email today to tell me that she is a mother. Not pregnant. A mother. She is a mother and I am an aunt and I miss my nieces and nephew very much. I am also a teacher that is really excited to plan the Fall Festival and Thanksgiving celebrations at my

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096360374529910742004-09-28T10:18:00.000-04:002004-09-28T04:34:39.746-04:00

The heat has been turned on in Bratislava. How sweet it is to wake up to perfect warmth eminating from the radiators. Or to sit on the wooden benches protecting the radiators in my classroom. Yes, it is already that cold here in Bratislava. Question: why isn't radiator heating more popular in the United States? Fact: Dunaujvaros uses the hot water from the steel factory to heat the town.

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1096272569119940012004-09-27T13:30:00.000-04:002004-09-28T04:36:13.706-04:00

I went down to Budapest this weekend to get a new stamp in my passport (because don't tell anyone, but I'm still not legal here in Slovakia) and to visit friends. Though I'd been in Hungary for a year, I did many things this weekend for the very first time. Take for example the baths. It'd be wrong to say I'd never been to the baths before this weekend. However what I learned on Saturday was that

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1095425177062604372004-09-17T14:33:00.000-04:002004-09-17T08:46:17.063-04:00

I feel like September 17th is supposed to be an important day, but I can't place why. So the honeymoon is over, yet I'm still loving this place. Perhaps what I love the most is the chocolate shop in the old town. Just like the movie "Chocolat": strong, intense, fantastically mesmerizing. Have been there twice in one week. Amy, (who checks this religiously:) you would love this place! The hot

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1094798191026981962004-09-10T08:32:00.000-04:002004-09-10T02:36:31.026-04:00

Yesterday the honeymoon was over. I got my schedule which added up to potentially 29 lessons/week with 14 preps ranging from 4th grade to 9th grade, English to Science (with civics thrown in for good measure). I was not pleased. Besides, it would be impossible. The schedulers and admin had said that some weeks would be light because I would only be in the high school with my conversation classes,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1093955822573623272004-08-31T08:07:00.000-04:002004-08-31T08:37:02.573-04:00

I have been here in Bratislava for one week and 2 hours as of right now. In that week, here are the highlights as detailing everything would take several days work... something I don't have right now. * I arrived in Bratislava by train with approximately 150 pounds baggage on and near my body. I also didn't see Miro waiting by my train so I unfortunately, and awkwardly, carried my bags down 2.5

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1093272248327433252004-08-23T10:36:00.000-04:002004-08-23T10:44:08.326-04:00

...baggage and thoughts of what was from last year, what will be in Bratislava. What was: I learned more Hungarian than I realized. I also grew one grey hair. What will be: Any Slovak? One or two more grey hairs? I'm not yet in Bratislava. I'm in an internet cafe in Budapest with drum and bass in the background. Ah, it's good to be back. It is important for you to know that I do not endorse,

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1093147412240248002004-08-21T23:56:00.000-04:002004-08-22T00:03:32.240-04:00

We found out yesterday that our apartment is ready for us and the school hopes we will like it. I hope so too. It looks like I will be able to pack up all my things within the permissible number, size, and weight of baggage. It also looks like I'm pretty drained and unable to think thoughts worthy of publishing. This is just a short goodbye... I don't know when I will write next, but whenever

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1091748410216739422004-08-05T18:46:00.000-04:002004-08-06T20:43:22.336-04:00

We've just returned to Billings, Montana from Yellowstone National Park. Heidi, Dave, Hope, Nora, and Laura packed into the Wuest family van for two full days complete with trail mix (sans Choco-buttons) and whistles. *I am officially in love with the West.* I'm now considering returning to get my Masters degree somewhere out West, even in Montana... but I get ahead of myself. A few highlights

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1091021864034738022004-07-28T09:14:00.000-04:002004-07-28T09:38:18.353-04:00

Today I am considering signing up for an inter-generational pen pal from the Bruderhof communities (the link in the title). They have a program that pairs young with old. Stories that come from ages past are invaluable: to teach, to consider changes - for good or for bad, to think outside our own present world and gain perspective for the present from the past. I think about this as I prepare to

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1090624549128600722004-07-23T18:56:00.000-04:002004-07-26T09:06:34.110-04:00

"...nothing is ever set in stone. Nothing." I'm not taking on the fatalistic perspective of some of my dear Hungarian friends. Rather I mean nothing in the sense of plans, schedules, ideas, hopes. But what is set in stone is that I, you, we, are not made of the plans or even our hopes that are fluid and constantly changing. Thankfully we are made of things eternal, designed and completed by a

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1090465892488422472004-07-21T22:39:00.000-04:002004-07-21T23:11:32.490-04:00

For those of you following at home (which would be all of you because here I am, writing alone), I realise there are more important things than the new developments unfolding daily for my future in Slovakia. My travels so far this summer have brought many days of blessing in seeing old friends to consider, share, and sometimes silently express what changes have passed over the year or so... I

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1090084765013723412004-07-17T13:09:00.000-04:002004-07-17T13:19:25.013-04:00

Here are some notes about our school:   Bratislava--The C.S. Lewis Secondary School Meeting June 21, 2004   Overview of school There is an elementary school, The School of Narnia, which is 10 years old.  Next year will be The C.S. Lewis Secondary School’s first year of its program.  The school is associated with the church of Brethren, a Slovak denomination.   The school is located in

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1089861088840226382004-07-14T22:41:00.000-04:002004-07-14T23:11:28.840-04:00

I'm at camp (aka my sister's place) watching two little rascals. First few hours I thought: dang, I forgot how to hold children, how in the world am I going to watch two for a week? Thankfully, I up to speed and as of today, Club-Boy (Ben) and I are up to fighting with...clubs, going to the nature center, and asking/answering: why? Alyssa and I do the zip line, swim, do crafts, and pick on each

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7544690.post-1089079495042961722004-07-05T22:03:00.000-04:002004-07-06T09:39:15.456-04:00

The official word: We will teach in Bratislava for the 2004-2005 school year... which you must know if you have come to this site purposely. Our school's name: Bilingválne gymnázium C. S. Lewisa. It is indeed a school named after CS Lewis, which is a solid sign to me. The primary school's name is: Cirkevná základná škola – Narnia. Narnia. As far as I can tell, there are good people in the school

Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16220497222247011854noreply@blogger.com0