| 26, June 2001 Despite everything today was a fairly decent day. Things here have been interesting to say the least. I went to another high school in the area to observe a bulgarian teacher in an english class and it was not at all what I expected. I know, I know...don't have expectations!!!! Now I know why that was drilled into my head so much!!! I had my first of many interviews today, and it was good. I found out that Bulgaria does not have a health curriculum in place, but that the Ministry of Education is trying to implement something within the next school year - country-wide. Valya, one of the TEFL coordinators told me that she wants me to work with her to implement a peace corps bulgaria program on HIV and AIDS education!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't be more excited. To get in on the ground floor of something this important is great not only for the experience, but also for my resume! :) I have been having my ups and downs. I miss everyone terribly, for different reasons. I think of you all so often you might be surprised, and I think that everyone is pretty sick of hearing about people from Arizona!!! I talk about everyone all the time!! And who could have guessed that I would be the talkative type! :) I've made some pretty good friends here, and they help with being homesick. I was pretty down yesterday, and everyone was really nice and tried to cheer me up. Tomorrow is Diana's 32 birthday, so we are going to try and do something special for her. It's the first birthday for one of us, and I'm sure it will be hard. I know that my birthday will be difficult because for the first time in 6 years, I won't be going to dinner with Eric. That part makes me very sad, and being as emotional as I am, I always start to cry. I don't know what else to say, but I am trying to check my email and the darn thing is so unbelievably slow right now that I want to pull my hair out. I am tired and hungry and just want to go home and sit, but I know there are emails that the stupid computer won't let me see and that frustrates me. It takes about 10 minutes to go from one page to the next! AHH! :) well, I'm almost ready to give up now... ok, ok, I came back. It's frustrating to know that I have email from you guys without actually being able to read it! But that's ok becuase it works now. I meant to bring my phone number to put it up here in case anyone wanted to call me (hint hint) but of course I forgot it at home! I'll try to remember it next time!!! I did update my contact page with the cyrillic address for any of you who don't have any more labels because you worte me so many times! Panagyurishte news: For the next three days we will have no water. I repeat--no water. We haven't been able to figure out what the problem is, or why it will take so long, however at least I will be in good company. I would also like to report that I have not yet "become granola". I hope that puts some of you at ease :). |