Down In the Valley

Well if it isn't NOVEMBER sneaking up on everybody like the mouse who lives in my apartment but won't die in its trap! (Seriously, that sucker is light and fast and I cannot get rid of the little creeper).

Hiiiiiii!

As usual, I am late updating. But you know, life is all about expectations, so if I keep them low you'll be impressed when I exceed them or at the very least not be disappointed when I just barely meet your low standards. And yes ladies, this IS how your last boyfriend got away with so much (my relationship book is forthcoming, I'm sure).

Anyway, lots of fun stuff since the last update.

The first is that 5 of my students passed their FLEX test in the first round, so now we wait for the results and hope that all of them moved onto round 3! Next stop, AMERICA! Ok well actually round 3 and THEN...AMERICA! But you get the point. I'm very proud of them and it was a lot of fun chaperoning the trip from my town out to Telavi where the test was held.

My sitemate Tom and I also had a little pumpkin carving session with some of my 11th graders in honor of Halloween. Later I put it in my window, which I'm sure will do nothing to lessen the intense curiosity and mild misgivings about the weird things the American girl does on her own time. Although it wasn't a crazy Halloween, it was a nice time with friends as we made popcorn and settled in to watch Silence of the Lambs and Paranormal Activity.

More recently, we just finished our last (and first, actually) All-Volunteer Conference. For the first time ever, all the G9 (my group) and G10 volunteers were together to discuss safety and security, pick new committee members, and celebrate a volunteer-led, home-cooked early Thanksgiving dinner. You may recall that last year we did something similar, except my group was the only group at the time, so it was a much smaller affair.

In addition to the administrative necessities, I had a good time catching up with people I don't often get to see, and the Thanksgiving dinner really hit the spot. I can also report that I had what was definitely the MOST exercise I've gotten since leaving for Peace Corps in some flag football games, which were a lot of fun. This reminded me that I really, really miss college intramurals...

Lastly, we finished the weekend off with a big birthday celebration where fun was had by all!

...Or so it should have been.

Unfortunately, the birthday boy and guest of honor fell ill shortly after festivities began due to what was either food poisoning, a rogue flu vaccination, or any number of wonderful bugs floating in the air or water around here. So it wasn't the GREATEST night of all time, but there are many promises of a birthday redo in the near future where I'm sure all will be well.

Happy birthday, Johnny.

I am currently in T-town (that's Tbilisi, n00bs) for a Project Advisory Council meeting, where I and 5 other Education volunteers will discuss the Goals and Objectives of PC Volunteers in the realm of Education in Georgia. It should be a good discussion, and I think it's important to point out that even in the face of adversity and a constantly changing educational climate, we can attempt to do our best. It's a great American thing, y'all.

When I go back to my site on Tuesday, I think it's safe to say I'll be glad to see the comfort of my own apartment, where I can get back into the groove of life in the hometown. It's definitely a change from how I felt around this time last year, and I think that's a good thing.

So I'm staying busy and keeping warm so far. I miss everyone and, as always, I appreciate a little love out here, whether it's in Oreo Cakester form or just a 2 line email.

Groveling over!

XOXOXO,
Lauren