11th Anniversary

Another October 20th, another anniversary, another post about the anniversary.

I think I will never forget that date. And I will make sure you too, LOL.

11 years ago I crossed the US border. I went through costumes in Los Angeles, California. But it’s a different story*.

Was I afraid? Not really.

I thought I knew the English language.

I thought the American lifestyle is similar to the European (meaning good economy, prosperous middle class, stability,1 month vacation, observing religious holidays).

I never knew how to pray. We were not taught this in the Soviet Union.

Before my departure from Russia, I prayed the way I could that God/the Universe/Destiny would not interfere with me …at least in the process of getting me ready to move to the US.

I didn’t know if Daniel and I would get alone.

I didn’t know what kind of job I was going to have.

I only knew I was adaptable, and had nothing to lose.

I also understood that both Daniel and I were taking a risk or a chance (you choose LOL).

And now, 11 years later, I am so happy and grateful that we did it.

I am happy that Daniel took all the right steps, was patient and trusting, and believed in me.

Without him, I wouldn't be who I am now.

Honestly, I don’t think much of myself. I am a very simple person, but just different.

I guess with my accent I will be different forever.

But.. Daniel likes to surround himself with something “different”.

He is the only reason I live in the US.

He listens to me, shares an opinion, answers the questions, explains things and tolerates. He tolerates me being myself.

We enjoy our life together, each in our own way. But together. 11 years!

Can you imagine what we did yesterday on our anniversary eve? We went to Vermont to harvest firewood! Together!

*I will republish my old post about this later.

Comments

Old New Year

Do you know what day is today (Jan 13)? Russians celebrate the Old New Year on the night of January 13-14. How did it happen that Russians celebrate the New Year twice? Simply by adopting a different calendar. Of course, it was not really simple, but after the October Revolution (1917), the Bolsheviks switched from the Julian calendar to Gregorian one. Because of this, all the dates moved 13 days ahead. The year 1919 began on January 1st but in accordance with the new Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar was 2 weeks behind the Gregorian one, as a result of which the celebration of the new year was postponed from January 14th to January 1st. The Old New year isn't an official holiday. There are definitely no people who would remember the old calendar. Russians, by definition, like to celebrate holidays. The more reasons to celebrate, the better. The Old New Year is usually less festive. There may be no more gifts under the tree. Many Russians will wait until t...

Khvorost, recipe

Journaling 5* It is getting colder but somehow it doesn’t bother me. Russians say there is no bad weather but lack of right clothes*. On my lunch break I watch videos of making simple crunchy cookies Khvorost. I made them numerous times in Russia for kids. Here, when I need to bring something to a family party, I like to introduce the Russian dishes. Quite often it can be a dessert. One day I found out that Daniel's brother-in-law loves Khvorost! He called it “crust” or “frost” ….I don’t remember. In Russia, we call these cookies Khvorost** (“Brushwood”). But anyway, he said that his grandmother baked just such cookies. LOL. I am not a Polish grandma but I am familiar with these cookies. Unfortunately, I lost my Russian recipe. So I had to look for a new one, preferably simple and tasty. After a few tries I found the perfect one. Here is a YouTube video of the recipe I used. It is in Russian, but even by watching I believe you can understand....

Where Are You From? A Question I Know Well

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “Where are you from?” — well, I could probably buy a nice little shelf of new books for the library. But time changed, and I changed with it. Before, I would’ve answered right away. Now, I’m more cautious — sometimes even a bit playful — and ask back, “Why?”. Recently, a gentleman on the phone told me that his question (about the accent) was a compliment. “Oh, well… I’m from Russia,” I said. But in my head I thought, Come on, dude, from what planet are you? I’ve been living in the New Bedford area for almost 12 years. I’ve been working at the library for nearly 10 years. And you’ve never heard of the Russian librarian? (Well, technically I am not a real librarian, just a library assistant, but a good one). Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of Russians here. All are good people with families, friends, and jobs. But somehow it feels like I’m the one who’s most “publicly present.” Working at the library, I meet so many pe...

Liankacreations

Search This Blog