Getting spanked by an elephant

One important thing I forgot to write about during the trip to Thailand last year was the elephant show.  I was looking forward to it, not knowing what to expect.  There was a small set of benches behind a gated-in dirt area where we sat and watched the one elephant perform.  SHE WAS SO CUTE!!  I'll never forget the sound she made - more like a squeak than a trumpet.  She was an Asian elephant, much smaller than an African one with big ears.  She did tricks - or tried to do tricks - like throwing darts with her trunk at balloons.  She never made it, never popped even one, but we were rooting for her.  She was trying her best!  I love that elephant so much!  She did some other cute things, like special walks and painting a picture.  It was so hilarious when she danced!  She just shook her body back and forth quickly like a dog shaking off water, and it also reminded me of when my neice Dylan was less than two years old and we had a girl party where all the ladies were shimmying belly-dance style, and Dylan saw this and responded by shaking her head side to side.  The most adorable sights EVER!  (I want to put like 20 exclamation marks, but I won't.)

Then, the guy called for volunteers from the audience.  "ONE MAN, ONE LADY!  ONE MAN, ONE LADY!"  Since I understand English more instantaneously than the rest of the crowd, I jumped up.  "Me! me! me!"  I waved my hand in the air and was escorted out to the elephant.

They had my lie down and she walked over me!  I was scared, but glad I had volunteered.  Then, she gave me a "massage" - she stepped on me and pressed, and golly, she pressed hard!  But I was o.k.  Then, to make things funny, they had her give me a massage with her trunk - she just spanked my butt.  Lolol.  For the grand finale, she put a hat on my head with her trunk, and kissed me with the end of her trunk!  A big, slobbering, slimy, dirt and snot smudge was left all over my cheek.  It was the best kiss EVER!

In short, this was the best elephant show EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Here are some videos!!!!

summer? now?

Hello!  It's spring here, finally... or SO THEY SAY.  Personally, I don't believe it.  I've stopped believing in good weather in Russia.  It's just a trick, like has happened so many times before.  A warm streak to get everyone to dress lightly - then it snows.  It's been 80 here the past couple of days - but tomorrow it will snow.  Mark my words.

At work, carrying on!  Only 7 weeks to go.  I've had an amazing 2-week vacation.  First week, Dad was here.  It was the trip of a lifetime for him, and I feel it was a big success.  We were in Moscow 4 days, then in the countryside, because he wanted to see the "real Russia."  That's kind of ironic for me - I don't know how to explain it.  "The real Russia" is a bit old hat for me now, and the delight and fascination he felt with it all just makes me open eyes wide, eyebrows up, and smile for him.  Good for you, dad.  He took notes on everything we did, and a lot of pictures, so at some point there may be a post on here about that, or his own blog.

The second week off I got to rest and relax, praise the Lord.  I went to the gym every day and sometimes, yes, it's possible: even did nothing.  Veeeeeeery reluctant to go back to work next week - but what can you do?  The final sprint.

Looking to the future and having trouble living in the present.  But good things about my life right now include  a bible study group I've been going to, friends, resting when I can and going out when I can.  I've managed to save up a little bit of money and am thinking about how best to transition back to my home country!  Keep in touch y'all.