More Cake

Just sayin'  MORE CAKE.  

Flashbacks

I'm having flashbacks of things that happened while at CMU, all due to things here triggering them.  I don't care to share what these memories are, as some are very incriminating.  However, it's making me smile! 

Woodrow Leon "Houdini" Magnuson

This is what Woodrow the cat has been up to since living at my parents house.  I couldn't help but laugh! 

Hey Leanne: Woody's 'extra' middle name is now 'Houdini'---as in the escape artist!! Your Dad has me moving my craft /supply room from the back bedroom area into the downstairs 'library'---mostly because he moved the library upstairs---so we need another room to set up a large bed. Since we were working downstairs for several hours I suggested we block the side door and the shop door---and the kitties could have a 'play date' in the wide open spaces. It took Woody less than 10 minutes to push the side door open---even tho your Dad had blocked it! Soooo-he doubled up the spring return on it and that worked---but about an hour later he PULLED open the shop door with his claws!----but thankfully he comes back up from the basement where he could hide for hours if he wanted to. Your Dad then put a flat 10 pound weight in front of the shop door---and now Woody's mission is to build his muscles to move the weight---and he has moved it several inches already!---he is not only smart---but very sneaky and resourceful....and he hears EVERY opportunity. I'm thinking he was out in the shop/basement area 3 to 4 times the other day.

:) 

Visions in my head

After the bout of food poisoning, the thought has crossed my mind that I've been infected with some sort of terrible parasite.  I highly doubt this is the case, but my digestive habits are much changed from what they were.  I'm trying to abide by the bland diet a friend suggested but I'm really, really tired of rice.  As most of you know by now, I share a little too much at times.  However, I can't help telling you that each time I "go" I check for something parasite like in the bowl.  I don't know if I'm expecting round worms like what I've seen cats have or some sort of gigantic tape worm.  I know it's  all in my head, but we've all seen the awful stories on tv about parasites. 

Again, sorry if I've made your breakfast/lunch/dinner roil around in your stomach, but these are the things I think about.  It's important that you understand how my brain functions or well, lack thereof.  :) 

Shocking...

The people at the plant (other than the ISPs) get paid in CASH.  Twice per month, they are paid in cash.  Yesterday everyone was lining up with their bags for their pay.  This baffles me.  However, come to find out that few people here use the banks.  They are not federally funded/insured so there is no guarantee that your money will be there the next time you go in.  There's also a cash shortage.  Not enough bills are printed.  It's crazy.  It's reminicent of the US after the stock market crash....I'm learning things daily. 

Otherwise, I'm plotting a trip.  This is what I was pondering a couple of days ago.  I found out that I'm eligible for an R&R trip.  Company X will fly me home or where ever I choose to go.  I considered going home, but the flight is just so long and I'm afraid that if I go home I won't want to come back.  I also considered going to Vegas with the Huhn family.  But, sorry my friends, again the flight is so long and I have an opportunity to go somewhere super exotic.  While if I were home I would be going to Vegas, I just can't pass up the opportunity for something exciting.  These are the places I'm contemplating.   This would be in the April timeframe. 

1.  A trip into Europe where my brother could potentially meet up with me.  Perhaps Italy, Greece, Spain, etc. 
2.  The Maldives Islands
3.  Morocco
4.  Dubai
5.  Mylasia

It all depends on cost and how I can get there.  I need to figure out when and then figure out how.  I don't want a run, run, run, everyday vacation though.  I want to sit on the beach/by the pool, etc with a cocktail in my hand and a book in the other.  Also, looking out on beautiful sandy beaches and blue water.  And food, lots of glorious, yummy, exotic food.  (that won't give me food poisoning. :O ) 

I had it, now it's gone

I had something funny/witty to post and now it's gone.  Perhaps I'll update this later. 

Nothing fun to report :(

To be perfectly honest, I was lame as lame can be this weekend.  As Westy would say, I was being hermit-like.  Other than a trip to the market and watching Twilight movies I did a whole lot of sleeping, reading and vegetating.  I'm not sure why, Saturday was a gorgeous day.  I think I was overtired from the week of food poisoning, I wasn't sleeping well when that happened.  Also, I admit, I was a little homesick and didn't feel like going out and being stared at for having blue eyes and different clothes.  However,  after much needed rest and relaxation,  I'm ready to kick butt this week.  I've also started making plans for this weekend. 

Friday is another Marine's happy hour.  Saturday, I'm making plans with "D" to go shopping.  Also, "T" offered to take me out to the disco this next weekend.  I may take him up on that.  Yore also offered to take me to the Bazzar on Sunday.  So, as you can see, lots of plans are being made.  I'm also contemplating a hotel move, maybe I'll do that Sunday and do the Bazzar visit with Yore the following weekend. 

Lucky day!

I'm such a lucky girl!  I got two cards in one day!  Schmittys vile day card was just delivered!   Complete with a note folded like a 5th grader.  I love it.    Thank you friends and family.  

New museum

This is a new museum outside my hotel. It's not open yet but is.pretty all lit up.  When I was raking this picture, I saw a cat running through the alley.  I want to go catch it.   Finally.  Stopped at a German bakery on the way home.  Check it out!  Pretzels, cheese bread and croissants with chocolate!  

My first mail!

Arrived home to valentines in the mail.  They may be late but I don't care.  One from mom and dad and one from my cats.  Love them!

Missing Something

I knew this morning I was missing something.  I've just figured out what that is.  Deodorant.  I don't stink...yet. But I realized after lunch that I missed something in my routine and that my armpits didn't feel as silky smooth as they do with my Dove deodorant.  I used to do this all the time when I was at another plant.  I even went as far as to keep an extra stick in my desk.  I hope I'm not starting that trend of forgetting again.  Sometimes I wonder if pieces of my brain move around and rotate what to forget this time. 

Speaking of stink....grocery stores here do not refrigerate their milk or eggs.  They are on the regular old shelf.  I bought some milk last week, it's made by Nestle.  It tastes normal, but I store it in my fridge. 

Papa John's Pizza

I swear I saw a Papa John's Pizza place the other day on my way home from work.  They have 30 international locations but I can't find any information on a location in Tashkent.  I SWEAR I saw it though.  I recognized the signage and sure enough it said Papa John's.  I wonder what other chains may be here.  Not to mention, there's not even a Papa John's close to my house in Michigan.  Further investigation required. 

Chocolate balls!

They call cocoa puffs......wait for it....chocolate balls!    Remind anyone of chef on south park!?  Love it.  

Cake surprise

This was in my room when I.got home.  So very nice.  But.....MORE CAKE! LOL ;)

Strange dreams

I had some strange dreams last night.  I was talking to my cubemate "P" and he said something about tigers.  That immediately reminded me of one of my dreams last night.  Me and my girls were riding in my car on the way to some party.  As we're driving.  A huge tiger leaps off the roof of a house and lands on the roof of my car, making a huge dent on the top.  So we pull over and immediately a state trooper pulls up.  Rather than address the tiger issue, he puts us all in his car and rushes us to this party.  Apparently, that was the priority.  This party was a scavenger hunt, but we spent all of our time going up and down in the elevators. 

Now, if you know me...I'm not a fan of elevators.  This was especially bad because they were glass elevators, which I hate even more.  I don't want to see how high I get before the elevator fails and I plummet to the ground.  (I know too much about elevator safety, or lack thereof.) 

This was the first dream I sort of remember since I've been here.  And of course, it's a doozy.  In other news, I ate some real food last night and did pretty well.  I also watched the first Twilight movie.  It sure did skip a lot of what was in the book.  It wasn't a bad movie though.  I just downloaded the second one.  I-Tunes seems to be the only site that downloads and plays well, probably because it's not instant streaming like Netflix. 

I also found out something that I need to ponder.  I'll fill you all in when I know more. 

I do look awful

I'm working I promise.  I do look terrible though.  Pale with blotchy cheeks.  

And another...

And another birthday cake.  I asked "P" ,my cube mate, how people here stay so thin.  He said it's the weather...it's so arid everything is flushed out with water and sweat.  I guess so.  This makes two cakes for one day.  Two DIFFERENT cakes.  This would be part of Schmitty's vision of heaven with all the cake.  :)

I did not partake of either.  Not risking a stomach relapse. 

white on rice

White rice, a slice of bread and a Sprite to settle my stomach.  I only ate half of my half portion.  While I'm happy to be losing some pounds, I didn't want to do it this way.  I will ramp up to a "normal" diet as soon as I can. 

In other news, there is a boy (I shouldn't say boy...they are all in their 20's+ but look 13.) okay, man here who looks like my high school friend Gus (from Brazil).  I've been fortunate to re-connect with Gus via the wonderful world of Facebook.  But everytime I see this person (who's name is Krill, but will be referred to as "K") I have awesome memories of indoor soccer, youth group, hanging out at "D"s house, etc. with Gus.  I hope someday to get to Brazil.  Hmmm...."Company X" has a plant there..... (plotting) 

Ugh, I see more cake being set up.  I told you, cake is rampant here! 

Back in the saddle

I'm back to work today, however, I must not look that great because "M" asked me if I should be here.  I'm pale and my eyes aren't right.  I feel 100% better than I did in the last few days.  I just have no inclination to eat.  Thank god the canteen has rice and bread everyday without fail, I'll shovel some of that in just to maintain strength.  I'm still consuming lots and lots of water. 

Anyway, have to go catch up.  I am, after all, here for work.  I have about 50,000 emails to sift through. 

Smurfs!

I love the smurfs!  

Loyal readers....

Food poisoning or stomach flu.  Either way its awful.  I nearly passed out due to a hot flash, the room was spinning and I laid down on the bathroom floor.  I couldn't stay there though due to the issue of expelling things from both ends.  
My computer still isn't unlocked due to my rapid exit from the plant.  I'm better now, but probably not going in tomorrow.  I see a day on the phone with tech support.  

Anyway, sorry for the TMUS, but I need some time to gather myself.  I hope you all had a better mo.day than I.  

Food Everywhere

For a culture that has limited resources, they sure do have a lot to celebrate.  And, they celebrate with food.  I'm trying to reduce my size, but everywhere I go in this plant there is some sort of sweet to celebrate a birthday, the onset of lent or some other holiday.  I just had a pancake, which is more similar to a crepe or what we Scandinavians call lefse.  However, the taste was similar to a pancake, rather than the potato/lefse taste. 

Since I've been here, I've had cake three times.  2 birthday's and one return to work from sick leave.  There was one other birthday as well, but I skipped those festivities as I was on a conference call.  Everyone said I'd have a problem with the food here and digestive issues.  Thus far, I've been doing well.  Except for the occasional heart burn from foods that are too rich.  I tend to avoid those foods. 

And, btw...I have lost some pounds.  I'm wearing a pair of work pants that were pretty tight when I left the US.  I could even stand to wear them with a belt but I didn't.  I don't see a difference or feel lighter, but I know that something has shifted.  Maybe if friends or family saw me they'd notice.  I sure don't.  That bugs me. 

No, Really?

This was in my email this morning.  It makes me smile, but it's so sad that we have to send out warning messages to office chair users.  :)  No wonder my back hurts at the end of the day, I'm so scared about my chair I don't move/wiggle/relax all day.  Gotta love this stuff. 

Presently our office chairs are not performing to our expectations! The manufacturer has agreed to modifications that will improve the chairs durability. In the mean time, it is important to recognize proper use of the chairs to avoid any personal injury.

1.) Do not throw your body into the chair as you sit down, carefully sit into the chair at all times.
2.) Do not spin around in your chair, keep both feet on the ground and turn only as far as necessary to complete your task.
3.) Do not lean back in your chair with excessive pressure, use the back rest just for support.
4.) Do not loosen any of the hardware yourself, check to make sure all the hardware is as tight as possible.
5.) Inspect your chair regularly before using it. Look at the wheels, the base, and the back for any damage.
6.) Report your problems to WFG immediately if you have damage.

Wow

I had the best time at brunch.  The InterContinental Hotel is top drawer.  So many wonderful choices, champagne and breakfast cocktails.  It was only $30.00 USD, very good price for what you get.  There were about 47 people, co-workers, spouses and their children as well as people from the Embassy.  I also met the GM of the hotel, and I am going to call him to set up a tour to decide if I will move to that hotel in a week or so.  It has many more amenities and a much broader food selection.  There's nothing terribly wrong where I'm currently at, but I've noticed the service declining.  For instance, today I didn't get fresh towels, a bath mat, water and tea/coffee refreshed as I'm supposed to.  I'm currently waiting for the hotel staff to show up.  I will probably have to call again.  Without the bathmat,you're taking your life into your hands...very slippery floors.  As stated before, everything around here is granite or marble...the floors in the bathroom no exception. 

Also, I'm really enjoying my time here thus far.  The people, including my expatriate co-workers are so friendly and have no problem in taking a "stray" as I call myself under their wing.  It's so nice hearing about their stories of travels they've taken as well as their experiences and suggestions.  I also met a travel guide from Istanbul, if I wanted to go there for a weekend she would set me up with a tour and hotel.  I'm seriously considering it.  Based upon my current feelings I would seriously consider taking another ISP assignment, whether long or short.  I'll make further inquiries later on in my assignment.  Most of these expatriates have been on ISP's for over 5 years, one couple has been gone for 10.  They've traveled all over the world.  They loved Shanghi and said if I ever had an opportunity to go I should. 

Anyway, it was  a wonderful way to spend a sunday morning, especially on a rainy day.  We work hard and play hard. 

Brunch

Oh my lord, brunch is wonderful!

New room

Look a flat screen TV, complete with Forrest Gump!  LOL.

View from my new room!  And, a real tv, coffee/tea maker and upgraded soaps, bathrobe and bed.   And, I only have one neighbor.  In my right is the emergency stairwell.  Happy at the moment....now I just have to unpack.  

Mmmmm breakfast

Yum

Had a blast!

Happy Hour at the Embassy was a great time!  The Marines were so fun and there were a lot of expats from the plant.  We had a good time feasting on awesome pizza and drinking 2 for 1 Coronas. In fact, for the first time since I arrived here I woke up with a beer induced headache!  I met many of the plant expat's wives and have been invited to a brunch at the InterContinental hotel on Sunday.  The next happy hour is March 2nd ....I'll scout out who from the plant is going and hopefully go again.   Also, the Embassy is really cool.  Nice, new modern "compound". 

In other news, I'll be moving rooms today for sure.  However, many of the Wives have said to move to the InterContinenal hotel.  I may talk to "M" on Monday to see if she can help arrange it.   Otherwise, this hotel isn't that bad.  That one is just nicer.  I'll meet the General Manager at brunch on Sunday and will see what we can work out. 

Just ordered breakfast and then I'll get on with the day. 

Moving rooms

I am requesting to move rooms at the hotel tomorrow.  After perusing the Dedeman website I discovered that they didn't put me in the right kind of room.  I thought it was odd that my "bed" was two twin beds pushed together.  I am also supposed to have a coffee/tea maker and more space.  So, I contacted "R" here at the plant and let him know.  He put in the call and I can go down to the desk tomorrow morning to ask for a room change.  This will also help with my loud, 3:00 AM door banging neighbor and the kids who run screaming through the hall on the 5th floor.  I'm going to ask for the 8th floor.  It's the top floor of the hotel and I've been told that these rooms have flat screen tvs.  Much better than my crappy tv that I can't turn because the satellite cable jack comes out of the back.  It'll be a pain to pack up and move but hey, what else do I have to do and I'm pretty sure my back will thank me.  That's what I get for checking into the hotel after 10pm after 16+ hours of flying and being sick.  At that point I didn't care. 

Today the plant manager brought in cake for everyone.  It's tradition on your birthday to bring in sweets.  That was a lot of cake and beverages.  They have nice traditions around here! 

Stupid chairs

This time I broke the wheel off.  Kill me now. 

BTW - the plant is expecting new chairs at the end of the month.  There is an acknowledged defect in the plastic by the manufacturer.  The hardness of the plastic isn't what it should be.  So, it's not just my large arse that's the problem.  I'm also a chair wiggler and the friction between the floor and the wheel is a problem.  I just can't go through a chair a week.  It's beyond embarassing.  At least this time it didn't make a huge cracking noise and alert everyone.  In fact, I was the only one that heard/noticed it.  Until I had to tell Dinara to order me another chair.  Sigh.  I'm working on it.  I promise.  I'm also working on the fidgeting and wiggling in my chair.  They're just so uncomfortable on my back.  I'd rather have a non-rolling chair than this thing. 

Forgot my alarm

I forgot to turn on my alarm this morning.  I got up 1/2 hour late.  Not a big deal since I usually have time to sit around before my driver gets to the hotel.  I got ready, went down to breakfast.  Ate frosted flakes, tea and apple juice.  I ended up kindly sharing my table with an older french couple.  They each ate 3 croissants for breakfast.  Not tiny croissants, 3 large croissants.  I can't imagine eating that much bread for breakfast.  They weren't very talkative table companions.  Also, since they were there I couldn't liberate one of the tea spoons for use at work.  Obviously, I'm not a professional liberator.  (Damn it, I had a whole scenario written out and accidentally deleted it...I'm over it now.) 

I have a busy day coming up.  Confined Space entry evaluation, leadership meeting, lots of paperwork and a conference call with the US starting around 4:30.  Then, 6pm we're off to the Embassy.  I'm bummed I can't take pictures while there, but I understand security. 

Tired Thursday

I'm tired today, nothing fun or u.usual to report except gm gave us 5 more vacation days per year.  They're trying to stay competitive and be a workplace of choice.  Fine by me.  

On another note, going to rest up to meet a bunch of marines tomorrow.  Color me excited!

Random pictures

Random building that I like.  One of the more modern ones.  

Kookoo for cocoa puffs!

I was the only adult eating cocoa puffs.  I was very happy this morning. Kids cereal is joy!

A second chair bites the dust.....

Another broken chair.  THANKFULLY this time, not by me.  But by another American.  Go figure, us robust American's (sic) breaking cheapo chairs.  His break was much worse, three spokes broke and he hit the floor. The whole office stopped and tried not to laugh.  There were comments thrown to health and safety about a near meiss.  I couldn't help but look up to see what the commotion was and then hang my own head in embarassment and shame at the same time.  I was reminded to behave in my chair.  No sudden movements or adjustments.  That's how awful these chairs are. 
OMG, as I'm typing another one bites the dust!  This time a small guy broke the wheel off his chair and hit the ground.  It was a flurry of engineers, all dressed alike picking him off the floor.  If it wouldn't have been so obvious I would have taken a picture.  As it was, I was trying to suppress a huge laugh. 

The Hilary throne

Your normal everyday toilet.  Except Hilary Clinton's ass was on it.  I have sat on the throne of a dignitary!  Haaaa haaaa!  I'm not sure why this is so funny to me.  

Spring is coming, I can feel it.

Seems like the weather has abruptly shifted.  In fact, the sun has been shining all day.  There is no call for snow in the forecast, only some rain.  High of 39 today and 42 tomorrow.  Sunday is a high of 54!  I hope this is true.  I'm going a little stir crazy in the hotel.  Not crazy enough to be studying for the LSAT though.  LOL, I'd better get moving if I want to get into Law school and become a Juris Doctor and be on par with my smarty pants brother.  (Love ya, PETE!) 

In addition to the fun going on at the Embassy on Friday, "D" has invited me to be part of a group called InterNations.  It's a group for all sorts of expatriates.  They are having a gathering at a night club on the 25th and I'm pretty sure we're planning on going.  "D" says it's a salsa club.  Cool, right on time with Mardi Gras and all the festivities going on in Brazil prior to Lent.   I doubt my bootie will look as good as all these Uzbeki women trying to Salsa but when has that ever stopped me before. 

I have a "computer post-it" note with about 19 tasks to complete on it.  Seems like everyday something new comes out of the woodwork that needs to be done or researched.  I remember way more from the plant than I thought I did.  The CHR didn't make me soft! 

Otherwise,  I'm off to go take a picture of the Hilary Throne....by popular demand I'm going to go back and take a picture.  Stay tuned. 

Dinner

Mushroom risotto.

Plant pics

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

Hilary Throne

I have found the Hilary throne!  A couple months back, the plant installed a "European Bowl" for a visit from Hilary Clinton.  I guess they thought that she wouldn't appreciate such amenities as the "squat" toilet.  Hey fine by me.  It's off in a quiet corner and I feel much less apprehensive about things knowing it's there.  Who would have thought that a regular old toilet would give me peace of mind.  Then again, I got one for Christmas and was excited about it.....so, I guess it's a priority in my life.  Somehow.  :) 

And yes, you are reading about toilets on a blog. 

Happy Valentines Day!

Check it out!  I got a Valentine!  That's a first in the last, oh say, 8 years!  :)  Not counting the cards my mom sends me!  THANKS MOM! 

So I accidentally bought "sparkling" water at the market Saturday.  I don't like it at all.  I don't see the attraction of polluting perfectly good water with carbonation.  It also changes the taste.  But, I bought it and I'll drink it. 

Third day in the gym yesterday.  22 minutes, 6.0 walking speed, incline 3.  I got a good sweat and cardio workout.  By the end of this I hope to be running!  The gym is pretty well stocked.  I'll perhaps remember to take a picture tonight. 

Good news,  I will be going to the Marine House Friday for the happy hour.  I just asked "M" if I could ask "Y" the driver to take me there Friday night.  She said her and her husband will be attending so it is a date!  WOOHOO!  I'm excited.  Plus, I will have someone to talk to and help figuring out how to get into the Embassy the first time around.  Plus, 2 for 1 Coronas.  I can live with that! 

If you're squeamish about food you may want to avoid this post

Today for lunch we went out to a Korean restaurant.  I'm sure many of you opened this post simply because of the title.  Well, NO JUDGING but today's protein was Cabaka.  Cabaka translated is DOG.  I was forewarned, but honestly I was curious and wanted to try it.  I'm in a foreign country where this is normal.  So, I decided to take the plunge.  It was good.  There really isn't much difference in taste than rabbit or venison.  And before many of you animal lovers jump all over me, you know that I am an animal lover as well.  However, I'll try something once.  And no, we didn't get to go in the back of the restaurant and choose which dog we wanted.  The first picture is just a picture of all the stuff on the table,  the second picture is a Korean salad, it was really good.  The third picture is the cabaka soup.  In there was the protein and you mixed in the condiments you wanted from the array that is depicted in the last picture.  I put garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper in mine.  You also add some sliced onions and cilantro.  It was quite tasty. 

I will admit, the first bite was tentative because after all, this is man's best friend.  But, after tasting it I decided it was similar to venison or rabbit and was able to swallow it.  It did have a lot of spicy heat and we were all sweating and had nose sniffles by the time we were finished.  It is well known that this dish wards off sickness and increases blood pressure.  I have to admit, I haven't had the usual after lunch sleepy time.  So, my blood pressure must be a little elevated. 

Like I said, no judging....you can think of me as Andrew Zimmern, the Bizarre Food guy.  Although, I WILL NOT have his penchant for testicals.  LOL. 

Clothing store

What an appropriate name for a clothing store.  Apparently, very high end,expensive store.  Makes me giggle.

More freaking snow.

I woke up to this crap.  I'm so tired of snow.  They aren't supposed to get much snow.  I want to get out and play!  

BTW, the architecture you see is typical all around the city.  Very intricate.  

Window view

First off, ALL the windows in the hotel open.  Wide open.  I wonder if they've ever had someone jump?  Also, this is a pic of the apartment building outside my room.  Very typical of what is everywhere.  I love how there are about 15 gigantic satellite dishes mounted everywhere.  The buildings wouldn't look that bad if they had a fresh coat of paint. 

Per "C's" request, I'm going to get out and post more outdoor pictures.  The weather just hasn't been cooperating.  Also, I'm trying to figure out what buildings are government buildings.  I really don't want to take pictures of those as it's a good way to get my camera or phone taken away and questioned.  They are VERY tight about security around here.  I was warned by my driver not to do that.  :)  There are police on the streets everywhere, and as I've mentioned before I'm a beacon for people to stare at.  :) 

There's nothing like being limited to drinking bottled water to elicit extreme thirst.  I swear, it's the idea that water isn't readily available or the fact that this country is very dry, but I find myself extremely thristy constantly.  The water intake is good but geez.  I go through the bottled water very quickly.  Also, the food here is very salty. 

I finally made it to the market!

I picked my way down the icy sidewalks to the market today.  They don't shovel all the walks.  While it was nice and sunny today, they were pretty icy after being packed down by massive foot traffic.  Women around here still walk around in their high heels, even with uneven walks and ice.  I'd end up on my ass again so I chose my sensible, "sturdy" (AKA, not as stylish) shoes for the occasion.  It was only two blocks. 

So, I get there and am bombarded by eager sales people to help me.  I'm watched everywhere I go and it gets to be a bit nerve wracking.  It is nice that there are people actually willing to help you, but geez let me get my bearings and find what I need.  I pick out the toiletries I need and a few snacks and instant coffee for work.  It came to 71,400 Soms.  I had to stand there and count out 72, 1,000 bills.  I'm so spoiled by my debit card.  This all cash society throws me off. 

I get back to the hotel and decide to check out the athletic club.  It's VERY nice.  Indoor pool, sauna, turkish bath and fitness room.  On the way back, I see a room with persian rugs....I think to myself, oh, they have a rug shop here the specializes in persian rugs.  Just as I was about to step into the room I remember that there is a growing muslim population here.  I quickly reverse direction, I don't want to be the one in the prayer room thinking I could PURCHASE one of their prayer rugs.  Not to mention be disrespectful.  Thankfully, nobody saw my faux pas. 

Finally, there were two birthdays at work yesterday.  One of the birthday girls was nice enough to bring in ice cream cake, cookies and beverages. We all gathered and the staff basically began a "roast" of the birthday girls.  It was a very nice "roast", but a little different than what I've experienced on birthdays. Plus it was in Russian.   Either way, if I get more ice cream cake I'll be fine with that.  I love ice cream cake! 

Friday night dinner

 By the time I got home from work last night it was a little too late to find a taxi to get to the Embassy.  Perhaps next weekend.  So, I ordered dinner.  This is the Cream of Tartagille. Basically an alfredo sauce with mushrooms.  I also splurged on some rice pudding, it came with ice cream.  While this dinner was very tasty, the richness also hit me around 2 AM.  Massive heart burn.  I took some more Prilosec and slept propped up like I was in a freaking coffin.  It subsided shortly, but lesson learned, cream sauces here are VERY RICH. 

Beer and Pizza for lunch

My $15.00 beer for lunch.  I was going to order a local draft beer but they don't have draft beer for lunch.  Either way, yummy.  Plus, the sun was awesome! 

Snow

Apparently, I brought the usual Michigan snow with me here.  It snowed again this morning.  Tashkent is very ill prepared for snow, as they usually don't get much.  This week...they have.  Snow shovels are handmade and WOODEN.  There are no snow plows or salt trucks.  They don't have salt for the sidewalk.  If they have it, they use sand.  Also, EVERYTHING around here is granite or marble.  This means it is treacherous when wet.  The plant has had multiple people fall in the security entrance.  It's supposed to be sunny and 47 degrees tomorrow.  It had better be.  I have exploring and marketing to do. 

Otherwise, typical Friday here.  We have the safety review board from 2-4pm today, I'll probably need to purchase another instant coffee packet from the canteen just to ensure that I stay awake.  I have already been primed by "M" in regard to items that she will need my "expertise" in during the meeting.  Sweet. 

Last night, my usual room service waiter brought me my food.  Since I hadn't ordered on Weds., he said so sweetly, "I am very glad to see you today."  That made me smile.  He's a very quiet guy.  I can't tell how old he is, as most people around here look much younger than they really are.  I also made friends with the breakfast server,  each morning she greets me by name. 

Lunch

I can tell I'm going to get tired of the same lunch.  Although, not yet remarkably.  The usual aforementioned cutlet, this time breaded and fried.  Also, in addition to rice, mashed potatoes all complete with sauce and bread.  I also purchased an instant coffee packet as I'm in desperate need of some caffiene.  Only one more day until I can hit up the market for work supplies and prowl around outside the hotel. 

Also, the Marine House at the Embassy is hosting a happy hour tomorrow afternoon.  Depending on when I get home from work, I really want to go.  They invite all American Expatriates and their families to join them for drinks and pizza.  The special tomorrow is 2 for 1 Coronas.  It runs from 5-11ish.  I usually get back to the hotel around 7, so freshen up and find a reputable taxi.  I'll probably coordinate that through the front desk. 

Finally, found out that we don't work Saturdays.  I was all prepared to be working 6 days, which would roughly be 60 hours/week.  No worries, I'll take the extra sleep and prowling around time. 

Anyway, back to work. 

What the heck.

And now I broke my chair.  I put my feet up on the "spokes" funny and ended up snapping the leg.  I was warned that the chairs lose wheels, break, etc...but I didn't expect this.  WTF.  I'm a danger to myself. 

Multi-colored Knee

Here is my lovely knee bruise.  This is what happens when safety ladies fall TWICE.  I now shuffle like a granny anytime there is moisture on any surface.  Also, when walking with "N" he makes me take his arm. 

Alien Down

This is what happens to alien breadbasket antennae when I of course choose the piece of bread holding the antennae in the basket.  Typical. 

Alien Breadbasket

Here's the wonderful breadbasket that came with dinner tonight.  There was also a "salsa" that you could dip your bread in.  I now know why everyone smells like onions around here.  It was almost all onions, little tomato.  I took a pass on the salsa.  I also ordered the Beef Tenderloin with potato gratin and mushroom sauce.  The sauce and potato were awesome.  The tenderloin, not so much.  I've been spoiled with organic or all natural grass fed beef at home and this was not what I was used to.  Definitely the diet they feed their cows.  I forgot to take a picture....I was hungry. 

On another note, there were two gentlemen in the dining room who were driving me nuts, the one was obviously German and complained about everything.  The American with him just kind of sat there and eventually said the wine was fine.  The German whined that the wine was too warm, his tenderloin yesterday was overcooked, he had something for everything.  Annoying.  I had to wait way too long for my bill and had to listen to that.  This is why I like room service but was feeling rather shut-in so decided to eat in the restaurant. 

Wednesday musings

So this is going to be a random post...you'll see why. 

Work attire varies greatly.  I've seen people in tshirts and jeans, shirt and tie, and believe it or not full on suits.  This is just the men.  Women on the other hand, are fashion divas.  They all have multiple pairs of boots with heels, mini skirts, tights, etc.  Skinny Jeans are big here as well.  Both on men and women.  I'm pretty sure they spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning. 

However, that being said about looking like you're going clubbing, they all bundle up in huge jackets.  Even in the office.  Per usual, my furnace runs hot so I leave my coat off and sometimes take off my cardigan or sweater....it's seriously hot in there, but you'd think the windows were open the way they bundle up. 

My bed is really hard, its taking some getting used to.  I do notice that my back feels better in the morning.  There may be something there. 

I have yet to see a woman driving.  I understand why, traffic here is truly worse than Boston.  Also, the pedestrians are insane, running across four lanes, no crosswalks.  They also walk down the side of major roads and highways.  I'll get pictures tomorrow. 

People here are very good at "budging in line"  Everyday at lunch people just walk right in front of you, or join their friends.  Everyone seems to be okay with it.  I don't really care, but in the States, that practice will get you a tongue lashing or beat down.

Finally,  I had a bag of Werthers caramel mocha hard candies for the plane.  Somewhere during the trip I lost them.  It was a brand new, unopened bag.  I want one now.  I hope whoever found them is eating them and didn't throw them away. 

Finally, I told this to one of the area managers today.  "Trying and Doing are two separate things."  He didn't like it much.  Oh well, I've never thought I should be liked with my safety lady hat on.  :) 

Uzbekistan phone

To save costs on the plant calling my global phone I now have a phone for local use.  Simple, yet effective.  Notice the Russian letters above the English letters.  Cool in my book.  It texts too.  

Wednesday Lunch

I decided to try a couple of things today.  On the right is their version of Mostaccioli.  It was okay, but there was little tomato sauce.  It was more like onion, beef and noodles.  On the left is a "cutlet" which in Uzbekistan is ground up meat seasoned with onion and misc. other stuff.  Pretty much identical to the kabob I had Monday.  It was good.  I will eat more cutlets. (I sound like I just conquered my own kingdom or something.....!)  I just needed to make sure what kind of meat we were talking about.  (Beef)  They also cover it in a tomato sauce.  I wonder why they don't use this tomato sauce on the mostaccioli? Also, they must have bread to mop up sauces.  This, I get - coming from a household where my dad eats bread with EVERYTHING.  (And now makes his own bread.)  "D" gave me a piece of her fruit to try,  it is a very bitter, hard melon.  I have nothing to compare it to in the US.  It was good though, the first bite is deceiving, but once you take two or three it grows on you. 

Also, last night I was tired so I just ordered the margarita pizza again.  They really pay attention to me because I normally pick off the tomatoes and leave them in a heap on the plate.  I don't want the juice to pollute my cheese.  They left them off for me last night!  Next time, I may request that they cut up some of their awesome green olives and put them on there in place of the tomatoes.  Maybe they'll add it to the menu and call it Crazy American Lady Pizza. 

Currency

Here are the only two denominations.  1000 and 200.  Imagine stacks of these.......people carry it every day.  Cash based society.  

Omg

I actually used the squat toilet.  Uneventful but awkward.  No peeing on myself, pants or falling over.  However, I don't think ill ever work up the nerve to take a cack like that.  Although, It was done by someone earlier.  The visual and scent  confirmation in the bathroom confirmed that.  Ugh.

Lunch

Lunch was rice, chickpeas, some yellow stuff and meat.  I also tried a Korean "salad"  I took one bite and decided I couldn't do it.  It was pretty bitter, FERMENTED and not to my liking.  You can't say I didn't try it though.  As for the rice and meat, along the lines of meat and potatoes...it was good.  All told, with two slices of bread, 3,400 Sums.  Still cheap.  This was a half order btw, it was huge. 

Sour Cream

The white stuff in the glass is not milk.  In fact, it is sour cream.  They drink it.  Not sure if I could do that. 

Tuesday

I love that I wake up each morning to a plethora of new emails, facebook posts and words with friends games!  While I'm sleeping, each of you are catching up on my happenings throughout the day, 10 hours before you.  Keep it up!  It makes me want to wake up each morning just to savor friendly and familial tidbits.  :) 

Otherwise, observation this morning....everything around here is made from granite.  Granite = slippery when wet.  Slippery = Leanne falling.   NO, I did not fall today, however I probably looked like a granny shuffling along.  Oh well, I don't need another bruise, both to my knee and my ego! 

Also my morning driver "Y" is awesome,  he's going to take me to the bazaar so I can buy pretty things for my friends and family.  Complete with one of those fur, russian hats for my dad.  I need him to measure his head....I'll send that email next.  They really wear them here....it's not a tv joke, and they look really warm.  No worries, Y drives for my Personnel Director "M" and he is completely trustworthy.  :)  Anyway, 9:04 am....am late getting started working! 

It looks worse!

I look like someone has tried to abduct me by grabbing my hand or something.  I'm wearing long sleeves and a bracelet to try and distract people's attention to it.  My PD was appalled by how it looked yesterday!  I hope it heals quickly. 

Breakfast

There is rice porridge, which reminds me of rice pudding or tapioca pudding.  YUM!  I also love that I can have my favorite green olives and cheese for breakfast.  This particular cheese is called "Akbar" and is a mild, creamy, white cheese.  Pretty good.  The grilled sausages....eh, not so much.  The bread is a croissant of sorts and is wonderful with the raspberry preserves.  Complete the meal with Black tea and still water. 

Better cube picture.  

My cube.

I would gave gotten a better picture but everyone was staring at me and were not supposed to have camera phones.  Anyway, cube sweet cube.

The squat

This is called a squat toilet.  You get the idea.  I'm no stranger to squatting.  However, it usually involves drinks and outdoors.  I don't know if I'm skilled enough to use this without falling (hic) or peeing on my pants or shoes.
Lol

First day

First day in the bag.  It was awesome and I didn't even fall asleep, drooling in my cube.  In fact, I did pretty good.  The people there are extremely nice.  However, I wasn't going to post this, but it's too naturally me to not share it.  While walking the plant (outside in the snow) with the Safety Manager, I fell, not once, but twice.  No worries, I'm fine. But my cheeks are still red with embarassment.  The cheeks on my face.....(that was for you Katie.) However, we had a laugh about it and Nail made sure that the snow was removed from that area.  If they want to use it as a near miss, they can...I just hope they don't.  As it is the Safety Manager made me hold his arm while walking out to the cars.  Typical.  Safety nerd/queen/advocate bites the dust.  It's the safety professionals worst nightmare. 

Lunch was pretty good.  I've never had cafeteria food prepared by such happy people. I  chose a beef kabob with rice and tomato sauce.  It reminded me of my mom's Swedish meatballs.  I honestly think I would have gotten seconds if I could.  :)  I could have gotten cabbage to go with it but I know my limits.  (Gas).   Speaking of gas, I'll post shortly, a picture that will make you all giggle. 

Here's the bruise from the hiv test on Friday.  Pretty isn't it?

Suddenly Sunday

I managed to stay awake for most of the day.  I ordered a yummy american breakfast in my room.  Lots of breads, an omlette, meats/cheeses and black tea.  I found out that veal ham is similar to bologna.  There was also salami and a smoked cheese similar to gouda.  I have yet to order dinner. 

I finished putting away my clothes, in one of my pairs of pants I found a long lost $5.00 bill.  Found money overseas is just as exciting as at home. 

As I type, Up a Creek is on the movie channel.  Earlier today Pretty in Pink was on as well as a movie called Chaos Theory that I'd never seen before with Ryan Reynolds. 

I'm as giddy as a school girl getting ready for work tomorrow.  Making sure I have my badge, bring my safety shoes and picking out my clothes.  Too bad I don't have any Snack Pack to pack in my lunch.  (Thank You Adam Sandler!)  "My shoes tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight....Back to school, Back to school..."  

Early morning hallucinations

I've been up for hours.  It's just finally turned 7:00 am.  Things dont get rolling around here until at least 9.  I may order breakfast anyway. 

Around 5am I found myself wandering in the lobby hotel.  Checking out where the fitness room was and asking for power adaptors.  I'm sure the hotel desk staff thinks I'm crazy.  I also observed a couple security guards and hotel staff sleeping in the lobby.  I don't care, but think it's rather funny.  Reminds me of my hotel days working the awful third shift and wanting to do the same thing. 

I noticed the other day that people speak very softly around here.  I swear I'm losing my hearing but I suspect it's because they are shy/embarrased to speak English to me.  Everyone I've met speaks wonderful english and shouldn't be afraid to speak up.  Otherwise, I may get my hearing checked....hello, can you hear me now?  I suppose, if I was trying to speak Russian I wouldn't yell things across the room for fear they were wrong either.  It would be just my luck that I'd be trying to say "Pass the salt" and I'm really saying "Pass the breasts"  or something like that. 

Thus far this evening I watched some movie about Amazon Women.  (Like, in the days of Ceasar) and then American Beauty.  Forgot how effed up that movie was. 

Anyway, off to find breakfast.  Today is market day!  And forcing myself to stay awake so I sleep well for my first day of work tomorrow.  Sad, I can't wait to get there! 

Kitties in kzoo

The kitties arrived in kzoo.  It was rather uneventful.  Good to know!  Dad said skippy went quietly, while Woodrow put up a fight getting in the carrier.  He's now lord of the red elephant....my parents house.  I'm relieved.