Moscowverisary

Well it is obvious to say that I have neglected blogging.  I have spent the last two weeks with it on my too do list and haven't had the motivation to do it.  Actually I have really wanted to write about my one year anniversary here but when I have the free time this is not what comes to mind.  Odd too since I seem to like it once I get started and finish.  Hmmm....

Anyway, I have lived in Moscow for over a year now.  We moved here July 7, 2011 and it is now August 9, 2012.  I went home at the end of June to see my family and take a little mini break in Florida.  It turns out Owen and I were on the same Singapore flight from last year.  I wonder if I will arrive in Moscow on July 8th every year :)  Probably not!

So here are some things that I have learned and like and dislike about our new home:

• The transportation system (metro) here is great.  It is easy to understand and can get you just about everywhere you need to go.  At the same time you have to ignore the mass amounts of people (I found out yesterday on average 9 million people travel on it everyday).  The smell and the hotness.  It is warm on the metro in the summer and the winter.  And no that warmth is not welcomed in the winter because you have a coat, scarf, and gloves already on.
• Moving here last summer and adjusting to the heat and the lack of air conditioning and ice did not make the transition to this summer any easier.  
• I do not like the government controlled heat.  When it turns on it is bloody hot and there is no way to control it.  So you have to open the windows, which mind you it is sub artic outside.
• I absolutely love staying home with my little boy.  He is a bundle of fun and is always entertaining.  I might get tired daily but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
• Owen climbs on everything.  I am going to have to move all furniture out of the house and sit on the floor to keep my child grounded.
• Whenever we move back to the US we will have someone clean our house there too.  No matter what David says :)  That is definitely something I have gotten used to.
• Whoever thought I would like to cook!  And not just cook but be able to throw stuff together, substitute foods, and not use measurements.  
• I need a bigger kitchen.
• Grocery shopping is a pain in the behind here.  I have to go to about four different stores to get everything I want.  And if you see something you better buy it then because it won't be there next time.  
• Places open and close here quickly.  I swear that store was not there a week ago.
• There are 24 hour flower shops all over the city.  You know for those people that stay out all night and need flowers to take home at 6 am :)
• If you ever need panty hose or tights this is the place to buy them.
• Prices are high here.  You have to ignore to eat but other than that you must really decide if you want that item.  Such as I need the basic pedicure but we can hold off on the deluxe.
• You can only do one thing a day here.  So, don't over commit.  Park with Owen sure.  But park and lunch with friends, no thank you.  Too tired and hot!
• I am still getting used to the language.  Even though I take lessons I have a hard time understanding people.  They talk to fast.  Funny for me to say that.  
• I love walking.  I actually like not having a car.  There are times that having a car would be easier but I really do enjoy the exercise.  If I am feeling like a slug I just go out and feel 10x better.
• I do not care for six months of winter.  Four is a good number.  Anything longer than that is just ridiculous.  I mean really who needs that much snow and subzero temperatures.  
• I do not care for the 10 days during the summer that they turn off the hot water.  I think next year we will have to plan a trip during that time.  
• I have figured out that I have gotten so used to things here that when people come to visit and go through the shocks I once did that I laugh at them.  But if I remember correctly they weren't that funny for me a year ago.  
• I love the friends that I have met here.  I love getting to know new people and learning about different cultures.  I love the interest groups I partake in.  
• I really miss Taco Bell.  
• I would love some iced tea that is not flavored.
• I glad McDonald's has expanded across the world.
• I love that it is easy to travel to other countries with a short flight.  

Maybe that sums everything up.  I am sure there are many things that I am forgetting.  After all I am a mom and my brain is only half there.  I have really enjoyed our experience.  I am blessed for being able to have an experience like this.  I have met wonderful people and have learned many things.