Well, folks, it's been awhile!!! Many of you have asked, "Where are you? Why are there no new blogs? What are you doing?" Let me tell, you, it's not for lack of stories. I have stories galore!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have not had time to write of late because of these intense Turkish classes I've been taking and other new responsibilities that I suddenly have. I've also wanted to do these very crazy and funny stories justice by having enough time to write them properly:) Tonight, I don't have that time. I promise I will write extensively this weekend!! But, just to tide you over til' then, here are some highlights to whet your whistle:)

-My first day of Turkish class was a disaster. Here are the thoughts that went through my head, but I did not say out aloud (probably smart)..."If we were in America, I could sue the pants off of you for this." "What the heck??? Who in their right mind would put that there??" "For crying out loud, I don't speak Turkish!!!! That's why I'm here!!!" "Where I come from we form lines." "I DON'T SPEAK TURKISH!!!" "Oh, shoot do I have holes in the knees of my tights?" "I am in level 1 Turkish. I can't even count to 3! I DON'T SPEAK TURKISH!!!" "Why on earth do you need my mother's maiden name?" "You might want to update your website since almost every piece of information on it is WRONG!!" "I DON'T SPEAK TURKISH!!!!"

-Our romantic Valentine's dinner consisted of a bowl of a salty Turkish yogurt drink called ayran and some raw meatballs (I was bamboozled! My husband neglected to tell me they weren't made of red coucous when I took a huge bite. It's only now funny.) Ok, we had some other food besides that, but those were the most memorable.

-On the way to pick up some pictures we were having pictures framed, I looked out the car window, only to see several gentlemen butchering a sheep. Tim about ran off the road when I screamed.

-I really like the students in my Turkish class! They are from all over-Palestine, Iran, Syria, Poland, Czech Republic, Korea, Germany, Morroco, and the Phillipines. Everybody brings something very unique to the class. The funny thing is that even with such an international mix, there are still the "nerdy kids," the cool kids (me)...just kidding, the over achievers, the goof offs, etc. One thing unites us all...everyone loves an Oreo:) I took some to share during our break and came back with an empty ziplock bag.

-Alright, I have to go work on to, from, and on/in/at in the present tense. Gotta love homework. There is also a piece of peanutbutter chocolate pie that is calling my name:)

More to come very soon!!!!!

Some Surprises

Well, Tim got back safely from the wrestling tournament in Germany. While I did not enjoy having him away for 3 days, I did enjoy the presents he brought back- a chocolate bar flavored with chili pepper, the 1st season of 30 Rock, and a turbo hair dryer. What more could a girl ask for?! Since being in Turkey, I've been using the teeny,tiny travel hairdryer Tim has. I've mostly gone curly because that hair dryer just doesn't do the job on my hair. One of the other wrestling coaches saw Tim buying the hair dryer and said, "Are you buying a Valentine's present for your wife?" Tim said, "No. This is not a present, but a necessity. You met my wife. Have you seen how much hair she has? She's been using a tiny hair dryer for the last month. She needs this really badly."

While, Tim was away there were some interesting things going on here. I went to the community theatre auditions on Saturday. After the auditions were over, I decided to walk home. This meant walking up Cinnah Cadessi (Cinnah Street). I knew this street was extremely long and steep, but I really had no idea how true that was. I have never walked up a street so long or so steep in my life. When I started out, I was walking at a quick pace and way out-walking the Turks. I felt pretty good about my level of fitness, until about mid-way up the street. I figured out why they were walking slower. They were pacing themselves because they knew what was coming. With every step, I wanted to hail a cab, but I knew I wouldn't have as good of a story for Tim or for the blog. And so, I pressed on. When I got to the top of the street (aka mountain), I could look out over the whole city and surrounding areas! My chest was also burning when I got to the top. The pollution is terrible. Unfortunately, my journey wasn't over at the top because I still had another mile or two to walk home. All in all, it probably took me over an hour to walk home.

On Sunday, I drove to church (which is on the base) for the first time all by myself. It's a good time to drive because there aren't many people out at that time. Everything went smoothly and I felt good having that independence. After church, I went to get ingredients at the commisary. I was planning a special welcome home dinner for Tim consisting of White Chicken Chili and Extreme Cornbread (a family favorite). I started preparing it in late afternoon, cutting 2 onions while crying buckets, measuring spices, etc. Then it was time to put in the chicken. I got my chicken breasts out and began to start cubing them. I grabbed the first breast . Hmm.. what was that underneath it? Looked kind of like a fingernail. I inspected more closely. And then I screamed. I didn't know whether to cry or throw up, but I knew for sure this sealed the deal. I was going to become a vegetarian because what I was looking at was a small chicken claw. Oh yes, you read it right. I didn't make this up and yes, I'm sure it was a claw. I was paralyzed and in shock. I couldn't touch that chicken so I used every utensil I could find to maneuver that chicken off the baking sheet and into the trash.
This came after the feather incident. We bought some Turkish eggs because the commisary was closed. Tim said, "Oh, I've heard that you need to make sure you rinse those well. They don't wash them in the factory." I found a feather or two stuck to an egg. That about sent me over the edge. Let me also remind everyone that I have an extreme fear of birds,especially chickens, so these incidents were particularly disturbing for me.
When Tim came home, I said "I have some bad news. We'll be having vegetarian chili. There was an incidident. A very traumatic incident." When I told him the story, he was doubled over and laughing so hard he was crying.

So, not only did I end up with a chocolate bar, a 30 Rock DVD, and a hair dryer, but also a husband's promise that from now on, he would prepare the chicken:) Whether or not I eat it, remains to be seen.

You've Got the Crystals!!!

I was talking to my dear friend Jill this morning (for like 4 hours) and I was telling her about my first couple days in The Turkei and realized I had not shared this particular story on the blog.

Right before we left Munich to come to Turkey, I got an extreme case of vertigo. One minute I was laying down, the next minute the room was spinning out of control, so much so that I couldn't catch my breath for a minute.
The vertigo continued through our last day in Munich and through the first couple days in Turkey. Since the vertigo was worse when I layed down and turned my head to the left or right, I had many sleepless nights. I sat up against the headboard, being as still as possible so as to not awaken the vertigo.
When I went to visit Tim's school for the first time, he mentioned to some of the teachers that I was suffering from this terribly dizzyness and asked if they recommended a doctor. One of the teachers piped up and said, "Oh I had that. The crystals. You have the crystals." I'm maintaining a thoughtful, serious look on my face, while thinking "What the heck? What's next? I have to drink monkey blood to cure it?"
They made an appointment for me with an ear, nose, and throat doctor at the local hospital. Tim couldn't go with me and so he and the other teacher gave me specific directions. Walk off the base, get a taxi right outside the base, and say "Mesa Hospital." Sounded easy enough and to people who'd been here awhile, it was no big deal. But, as I walked past the soldiers in camouflage with stern looks and machine guns, it didn't seem so easy. As I tried to keep straight how to deal with Turkish money and a new cell phone, it didn't seem easy. As we got further away from the base, lost among high towers, fruit stands, and apartment building after apartment building, it didn't seem easy. My heart beat fast and I felt very far from home, not to mention very dizzy.
But, I ended up at the hospital and not in a Turkish jail, so things went well. Then, the receptionist asked me for my address and phone number. I had no idea. I felt very helpless. We finally got it sorted out and I was ushered back to the doctor, a very kind, fatherly-looking gentleman. After asking me some questions and doing some vertigo and tear-inducing examining, he said something to the effect of, "I think you have crystals." Again to myself, "What the heck?! I thought you had a medical degree. Just what kind of operation are you running here?" Just when I thought he was about to write a prescription for the monkey blood, he went on to tell me the more scientific name and explain my condition. Ok, that sounded more like it. I can't tell you that name, though, because "crystals" has stuck. Everyone has these "crystals" or stones, but for some reason mine were out of place. The cure? Exercises of moving my head back and forth side to side, and following my pointer finger with my eyes. I did it 3 times a day for 3 days, and quicker than you can say, "I have Turkish ear crystals," they were gone! I've been fine ever since, not to mention I have every confidence that the doctors here are just as good as in the States. Matter of fact, this doctor spent more time with me and explained things better than many doctors I've been to in the States.
It's funny to write this story now after having been here for over a month now. My heart will always beat a little faster when I step out of my door and adventure into Turkey, but I have come a long way since that first taxi ride. With each day I become more independent, comfortable, and confident. Not to mention I ride in a taxi like a pro. and have a great sense of balance again:)

Party of One

The blueberry muffins have been baked and eaten, the dishes cleaned up, the bags packed and the taxi pick-up complete. And so it's just me and the snickerdoodles for the weekend (just kidding). Tim is gone until Sunday to a wrestling tournament, accompanying one of the students, not competing himself:) However, last week Tim did decide to give the kid a little more practice and take him on in the ring. So, he donned a glittery costume and marched into the auditorium of screaming fans, ready to dropkick the Hulk. Oh wait, wrong kind of wrestling.
Back to high school wrestling... the rest of the kids were out sick or hurt and I guess they needed a stand-in. Tim came home with a very purple, swollen ring finger and messed-up thumb. I think it will be ok, but it did cause a lot of pain for a few days. The positive side to the injury was that it inspired my dad to write the following email:

Kate, Mom told me of Tim's prowess on the mats. We suggest that he might use the professional name, Pummeling Popeye, due to his love of chicken. Unfortunately, that meal is not part of the training table for a wrestler. I am also looking into contacting SKY LO LO AND THE JAMAiCAN KID, two midget wrestlers, who were both personal favorites of Pawpaw's to schedule a match with Tim in July when you come back. We often sat around the TV and watched professional wrestling with pawpaw. My money will be on Tim for this event as these men are now in their 70's

So, dear ole' Kate is sitting here writing you about WWF while her husband is away. I do have other things planned and very important things planned, thank you very much. I'm just enjoying procrastinating by writing you wrestling stories and finding out who the heck this lady is that gave birth to 8 babies! After that, I plan to do a little planning for the piano lessons I'm starting to teach next week and our first elementary chorus rehearsal on Tuesday. Tomorrow I get the privilege of accompanying for auditions for the local theatre company. My philosophy? If they belt out "The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow" from Annie or simulate Britney Spears or Hannah Montana in any way, they get the ax. They'll be a tree in the back.
Well, I'm off to find some singing warm-ups for Tuesday and see if my very own wrestler made it to Germany ok:)

A Liability-Filled Walk in the Park

Last Sunday, Tim and I went for a walk in the park (by the way, it's official name is Dikmen Park). We decided to walk down to the part that is under construction. They are extending the park by another couple miles. There is another area for concerts, landscaped hills, and a whole slew of other things that we have yet to figure out what they are. As I am, Turks are sometimes project starters, but not finishers. There is a strange, sort of illogical order to the construction. Eventually, it will probably all be finished and be fine, but for now it is a strange mishmash. Even after the construction is officially complete, it won't be uncommon to find metal poles, large, deep holes in the sidewalk, and other liabilities on the route.
The other day, we were walking on a finished sidewalk in a neighborhood, when I looked down and yelled "hole!" There was a huge hole smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. Had we stepped in it, it would have been very bad. When we go to the mall, I know to look for metal poles sticking up out of the sidewalk. Someone forgot to take care of those along the way. I guess it was more important to think about putting in the Burger King and Popeye's into the Food Court. Details, details.
But back to our walk in the park...Once we came to the point in the park where we could go no further, we saw a huge set of stairs that led up further than we could see. One of us, who shall remain nameless, said "Hey. Let's get out of the park that way instead of walking all the way back." Another of us, who also shall remain nameless, said, "Does it bother you at all that you can't see where those steps end or where they lead to. Does it bother you that we have to scramble up a hill just to get to the base of the stairs?" Apparently this didn't bother Tim because before I knew it, he had already scrambled up to the base of the stairs and I was looking at his outstretched hand reaching for mine. So, we start walking up the stairs...the many, many stairs. All along the way, we're avoiding nails and metal wires sticking out the sides of the stair walls. I'm also hoping our tetanus shots are up to date.
We finally reached the end of the stairs. The problem was, that we were still a good ways from the top and it looked like there was no way out. Then we heard yelling above us. A Turkish guard on the bridge was yelling at us. I thought for sure we were in trouble and then I remembered that this is Turkey! There is nothing wrong with walking in a fairly unsafe construction area on unfinished stairs! The guard was just motioning us to go around to the left. We did. Then he motioned for us to climb up the hill. He yelled, "lavash, lavash," meaning "slowly." Slowly was right because it was a bit like rock climbing and a little precarious. We finally made it to the top, with the Turkish guard nodding approvingly and smiling. At that point, we were able to walk back to our apartment and peer far below, down to where we had come from.

Pictures from Munich

Flowers (and an Evil Eye) for Kate

Pictures of the flowers Tim gave me last week. Note the evil eye in the picture on the right.

Domestic Details

I have really enjoyed having the time to set up our apartment, decorate, organize, and cook. I have enjoyed baking coffee cakes, breakfast casseroles, and cookies. The only problem with this is that there are only 2 of us and so I eat a lot of my productions. I made some snickerdoodles the other day. They turned out really good, perhaps a little too good. Not even I know how many of those cookies I consumed in a 2 day period. Even if I did, I would never tell. Yoga class, here I come.

I do enjoy setting the table nicely, being creative in dish and tablecloth selection, and presenting the food in an aesthetically pleasing way. I guess that goes back to when I was a kid. I would make a meal for my family and decorate the plate with lettuce and artistic designs done in Cheese Whiz. Right now, while I have the time, it is fun to cook and be creative.

But just when I'm pretty proud of myself and thinking I'm the next Martha Stewart, I'm quickly brought back to reality: forgetting to clean out the lint trap and thus having enough lint to make a new sweater out of, ruining a batch of pancakes because I put double the milk in, cutting my thumb with a serrated knife (I'm fine, Mom-I still can play piano), dropping half a batch of pb cookies onto the open oven door, and my latest....leaving a handful of screws, nuts, bolts, and washers (from the shed of course)in a fleece pocket that I put through the washer and dryer. Oops.

Tim is always quite helpful around the house. He has very patiently put together lots of furniture and hung stuff for me. He's also a great cook and really enjoys it. There are some differences, though. When I cook, we have a well balanced meal with a main dish, a salad, maybe some fruit. When Tim cooks, we have "A Giganto Burger." Well, actually I have the burger "normale," as he says, and he has the "giganto burger." Unfortunately, they don't make "giganto" buns. When we were first writing each other he told me he was pretty good at making burgers. I asked him his secret and he replied, "love." Well, maybe that's truly it because that was a really amazing burger!

So, come on over to Turkey and come to the Redden Bed and Breakfast. We will happily make you burgers filled with love, coffee cake, snickerdoodles, and whatever else your heart desires. If you want to do your laundry, though, you might be better off doing it yourself:)

A Walk in the Park

As I have mentioned, the park below our apartment is massive. It's this deep and long valley filled with an amphitheater, statues of Turks in traditional clothing, fountains, lights (at night, it's green and blue-reminds me of the light show at Epcot), some restaurants, an area that has a huge high wall of rocks that look like the Grand Canyon (upclose, you find they are not real rocks, but they are made to look like rocks made out of an egg carton-type material and chicken wire), a train track for a kiddie train, a mosque, a dog park, and fitness equipment.

At first I was little apprehensive about walking in the park by myself. I had heard there can be a lot of stray dogs in Turkey. I was afraid I might run into Kujo in the park. Everyone assured me it was safe. So, one day, I was watching the goings-on of the park from my balcony. My eyes scanned the park, taking in elderly couples out for a walk, teenagers goofing off, people throwing frisbees to their dogs, an then my eyes rested on something disturbing....a huge pack of large, wild dogs. I wanted to shout "Liar!!!" (a la Carol Kane as the witch in The Princess Bride). I couldn't believe my eyes and immediately had an "I told you so," self-righteous attitude. I knew the park wasn't safe, I knew that I was right in being cautious, I knew I had great intuition, I knew that...hmmm...those dogs hadn't moved a muscle in the last minute. Perhaps they were stalking a squirrel ever so carefully. Man, those dogs are good, I thought. I can't belive their control. And what breed is that? Is there a Turkish breed that has antlers and resembles a deer? Slowly, my self-righteousness and confidence in the existence of a "huge pack of large, wild dogs" faded because what I really saw before me was a large pack of... bronze deer statues .
Well, I'm off to go for a walk in the park- the very safe, wild dog-free park. I might even go up and pet the "deer." Or I might be adventurous and go visit the "sheep." They have some of them too. And let me tell you, a large pack of wild Turkish sheep is something to behold:)

Going Out For "American"

We went out for American last night. Instead of going out for Mexican, Turkish, or Chinese food, we went out for American. It's kind of a funny concept because we never say that in the states. Imagine, though, people's conversations around the world. There might be a Turkish family sitting around their table trying to decide what they want for dinner and the dad says, "We haven't had American for awhile. Let's do that tonight." The daughter says, "Oh, Dad. You always want American."
We had a very "American" kind of day. We went to the mall, went to the movies, and went out for American:) It was a very fun day. Lately, we've either been up at school or building the shed (which is done, thankfully), so having a Saturday to do whatever we wanted was really nice.
Our first task was to get some pictures framed. It is very cheap to have them custom framed and matted here in The Turkei (as my Vienna friends and I used to say). We were there quite awhile in the frame shop that was filled with smoke, pictures of Ataturk, and somewhat risque paintings. The shop owner suggested lots of matte colors and frames, but they were not quite our taste- a little gaudy, a little too patterned, a little too gold. I'm was thinking neutral, muted, classic, and Pottery Barn, rather than things that looked as if they could be color for a Beyonce leotard.
As is the custom, we were treated to some cuy ("chai"), or tea during our shopping.. Over steaming cups of what you'd like to believe is some sort of special Turkish tea, but in reality is probably Lipton, we decided to have 3 pictures framed. They will be ready on Wednesday. We will see if our hand gestures and limited Turkish got us what we wanted.
After that, we headed over to the largest and most posh mall in Ankara, Anka Mall. The smell of roasting corn permeates the air (as it does in every mall). This is a very popular snack. The Turks love their corn!!! It's just cooked corn (off the cob), served in a bowl with whatever toppings you want. Though it would not be up to my father's Silver Queen Standards, it smells pretty doggone good.
We went to a super fun furniture store and bought 2 artsy looking picture frames. It took us about 20 minutes to find the frames and about 30 minutes to buy them. I kid you not- 8 employees working behind the register, and 3 customers. 30 minutes.
After finally acquiring our new frames, we went to the movies. A couple things about going to the movies in Turkey: 1. you are assigned a seat (like going to a concert) 2. there is a 15 min. intermission (aka "smoke break")in the middle of the movie (and afterwards you get a 2nd round of previews) 3. they are in english, but with Turkish subtitles. Almost every commercial before the movie started advertised hard liquor and usually in a very suggestive way. I wondered what the lady with the head covering thought about that.
There were many times where Tim and I laughed and nobody else in the theater did. They had the translation, but the subtlety of the humor didn't translate. I also noticed how quiet everyone was. This was especially interesting because Turks are not quiet, reserved people. Nobody whispered during the movie, nobody's cell phone went off, nobody continously rattled candy wrappers. It was quiet-which made me painfully aware of my own popcorn chewing.
Afterwards, we ate American food at a place in the mall called "Num Num." Not really sure of the significance of the name. It could be something they think is an American reference, but really isn't. That happens a lot. You see someone wearing a shirt with an English phrase or name, but it doesn't make any sense.
So, how does another country define "American" food? Onion straws, nachos, burgers, fries, and bbq. That about sums it up. And let's face it folks, no matter how much you like international cuisine (and I do), sometime a kebap just won't do. Sometime you just gotta have a good old American cheeseburger and fries. And there's no shame in that:)