The Freeze is On!

Last week the lyceum where I teach closed its doors for 2 days due to extreme cold. I didn't have a clue as to the exact temperature inside the classrooms, but it felt like it was edging on 55 degrees. This week is more of the same. The school closed the doors today and will remain so until Monday morning. The buildings are old and they have really big windows so all the cold comes in right through them. I watched the news from home about the 100+ homeless people in Kiev freezing to death. I had thought it was always cold here like this but I was told that this is the coldest winter on record. I think the fact that it is so windy here makes it feel even colder.

It's fine with me that the school is closed, as I am still fighting a virus in my sinuses. I haven't been able to hear very well for the past 3 weeks. It sounds like I am wearing earplugs or swimming underwater. I am heading up to Kiev tomorrow to see the doctor to try to fix the problem, although everything I have read on viruses states that they usually have to run their course. Bummer.

Other than the hearing loss, everything here is still pretty good. I am getting to know the English teachers at my school on a more personal level and I couldn't be happier. Previously it was purely professional but the tide has changed so I feel more a part of my school now. We started to have teacher meetings every week to figure out what we are all working on and to synchronize the lessons. Everything is running a lot smoother.

I am working hard at my projects and have begun a new one. My latest project will bring the English teachers of Novomoskovsk together for an English club every Saturday at 4pm, at School #1. This will be starting on February 18 with the first session set aside as a social time with tea and snacks. We will get to know each other and decide what we want to dicuss. I know some of the teachers want to simply practice their English speaking skills, while others are wanting to talk about teaching methods and ideas. I have a feeling it will be my most successful club to date.

On a lighter note, you will no doubt have noticed the change in the blog's background. I did my laundry today (by hand, of course) and hung it up to dry in my bathroom and I thought it looked so funny I decided to share it. Here is a better picture. Welcome to my world people.