Now that the Hallowe'en festivities are done and I'm on break you would think things would calm down. Not so! I met Sue for some Korean food and then we went for massages. My male masseuse thought it would be a good opportunity to take our relationship to the next level and tried to have sex with me. It was all so strange. I was very relaxed and enjoying my 90 minute massage when he tried to climb on top of me and asked, "Okay?" I said, "No, no, no." He got down and just continued the massage. It was like something out of a Salvidor Dali painting, just so surreal. I tipped him afterward, just to show there were no hard feelings and that I wasn't upset. I have a feeling this is normal practice here, as I've heard similar stories about another establishment. Just, it was surprising. I've seen this man many, many times before, and nothing of this nature was ever implied. I guess it's still up for debate. Do I return to show there's no problem, no hard feelings? Or do I just never go back. The dilemma is due to the fact that they are the best massages in town! Plus, it's not like he was aggressive or disrespectful of my wishes. I'll have to think some more on this situation.

Now that I am on vacation I finally went for my facial. It was amazing! I got some waxing done and a facial all for about $36 AM. Can't beat those prices!

I have been invited to go to the old capital of Mongolia this week for a day trip. I am very interested in seeing it and will post pictures as soon as I have them. I have no idea what to expect, but it's always nice to get out of the city, even if just for a day.

As I have said, there was recently an election here. There will be another one soon, so hopefully no riots will break out! I drove past the scene of the building that was set on fire last time where the 5 people died. It was disheartening. The building is still standing but nothing has been done in the way of repairs. I have to admit, I think it's a little sad that a country who has this democratic process has to stop the sale of liquor to ensure a safe voting process. Am I the only who who this strikes as strange? I've begun to view Mongolia as that of a teenager, acting up, dressing up, and thinking they know everything. I remember that, and I received so much patience from my mother, that I can't help but be optimistic and give her my patience too. But then what do I know? I can't even be trusted to buy toilet paper!

I have warmly welcomed winter! This morning it was minus 8 degrees Celsius and it only got up to minus 4 today. It happened so quickly! We had a major snow fall here (meaning a couple of centimeters) and it would seem the Mongolians were taken by surprise. The buses couldn't get to school and they fashioned a shovel out of a two-by-four and a piece of plywood. So funny, things that are so normal to us wreak complete havoc somewhere else. Of course, I have been assailed with questions in regard to ice skating. I have no idea when or even who makes the rink, but because it was cold for one day the kids assumed the rink was already ready! I tried to explain that we would be skating on lumpy, frozen grass and these things take time, but they were crestfallen none the less.

Mongolia recently had an election. As a pre-emptive strike against riots recurring, they just stopped the sale of alcohol. Initially on that weekend they served beer only, but later nothing at all. I've been warned that there will another election soon as there was not a majority winner.

Things have been busy here, what with paperwork, school, and everything else. Tomorrow, luckily, is the last day before the week break. The kids are VERY excited about dressing up in their costumes! There will be a contest as well. Plus, we got to decorate our door. It's funny, because the students keep asking me, "Hallowe'en is Friday, yes?" I have to keep telling them that it's only Hallowe'en for the school, that because of the break we will miss it. They still seem a bit confused. I have no idea what to wear. I usually abstain from it, but feel it will show a lack of school spirit if I don't. I have nothing to wear!

The class has really settled in and are now very used to the routine I have in place. They actually get upset if I have to change it!

For the break I will just simply relax. Read, sleep, get a facial, and drink beer at will. Plus, I will get the chance to go to Millie's for those amazing refried bean burritos I love so much. I only now get to go on Saturdays as they are closed on Sundays. Mmmmmm, refried beans........ They are the one item you cannot find anywhere here. I love them so! Okay, well not the one item, but it's just that I found them one time in this one store, the Good Price, and I check every week to see if they have them back in again. I am always disappointed.

Our internet has been hit and miss for a while, so tonight it's not allowing me to upload much of anything. Better luck next time!

Okay, I know I haven't updated in a while. Sorry for those of you who read this regularly! It has been a busy month! Phew!

My class is beginning to settle into the routine and things are going well. We were featured in the first newsletter home due to our science experiment on seed germination. The class was astounded at the way the lentil seeds grew so fast in only a cup and wet paper towel. Plus, we got to have a field trip on the school grounds to look at seeds and the local plants. It was a lovely day and nice to get outside for one period.

We had our curriculum night and I had 17 parents show up. This must be some sort of a record, my classroom was packed. It's always funny to see the parents sitting in the tiny, grade 3 desks. They seem like active people. I always enjoy to see parents taking a role in their child's education. This means I get the support at home I need. We actually had to be shooed out of the class at the end, some parents wanted to keep talking!

I have a new first in my teaching career. One of my students was suspended for a day. I'm sad it had to happen, but they needed a wake up call as to following the school rules. Hopefully, it won't need to happen again.

We had our first spirit day of the school year, and the goal was to make the students look like a box of crayons. My class was orange. Unfortunately, we did not win this month, but the students seem eager to try again next month. I wish us the best of luck!

Sorry the photos are kind of fuzzy, but they were taken with my old camera. I got a new one from Olaf for my birthday! It's beautiful! I will write more soon, I promise!