On Monday night, I went to the Resource Center where I am able to use wifi (when it’s working). I updated this blog, uploaded some photos, and made some phone calls via Skype. I was ready to go back to my house, but it was pouring out and I didn’t have an umbrella with me. I decided to stay at the Resource Center and watch the final episode of the last season of Dexter. I don’t really follow many TV shows, but this is one that I started watching in 2008 when I was in living in Korea and I’ve seen every single episode. I was disappointed with this season in general, but I mostly liked the finale. It finally stopped raining after 10pm so I walked home and read a little before bed.
I had hoped to go workout at the gym Tuesday morning, but discovered that it was closed. There were padlocks on all of the doors and it did not seem to be open yet for the semester. I peered through the windows and saw three treadmills in one little room and some weightlifting equipment in another. I guess I’ll try again in a week or two! I was still ready to workout though, so I decided to go for a run around campus. I wore capris and a short-sleeved shirt since no one ever wears shorts or exposes their shoulders here. Even so, I attracted a lot of attention! Everyone stared as I jogged by, some cheered, some clapped, some gave me a high five or thumbs up, and some children even ran with me for a while! I do not particularly like being watched when I run, but it was good motivation to keep going and stay strong. I definitely could notice a difference in my ability to breathe because of the elevation here; it didn’t take long at all for me to feel out of breath. I hope to get a run or long walk in at least 3 times a week once classes start. Another goal of mine is to start an exercise group just for female students.
I was all sweaty when I got back, so I took a shower. I am grateful to have a hot water heater, but I have to remember to turn it on a few hours before I want hot water. My bathtub has a showerhead, but no holder on the wall to put it in. I have to hold the showerhead with one hand and wash with the other. Unfortunately, the water pressure is minimal, especially if I stand up. This means that I awkwardly bathe sitting down with one hand. But once again, I must reiterate that I am lucky to have the amenities that I do!
I had hoped to go workout at the gym Tuesday morning, but discovered that it was closed. There were padlocks on all of the doors and it did not seem to be open yet for the semester. I peered through the windows and saw three treadmills in one little room and some weightlifting equipment in another. I guess I’ll try again in a week or two! I was still ready to workout though, so I decided to go for a run around campus. I wore capris and a short-sleeved shirt since no one ever wears shorts or exposes their shoulders here. Even so, I attracted a lot of attention! Everyone stared as I jogged by, some cheered, some clapped, some gave me a high five or thumbs up, and some children even ran with me for a while! I do not particularly like being watched when I run, but it was good motivation to keep going and stay strong. I definitely could notice a difference in my ability to breathe because of the elevation here; it didn’t take long at all for me to feel out of breath. I hope to get a run or long walk in at least 3 times a week once classes start. Another goal of mine is to start an exercise group just for female students.
I was all sweaty when I got back, so I took a shower. I am grateful to have a hot water heater, but I have to remember to turn it on a few hours before I want hot water. My bathtub has a showerhead, but no holder on the wall to put it in. I have to hold the showerhead with one hand and wash with the other. Unfortunately, the water pressure is minimal, especially if I stand up. This means that I awkwardly bathe sitting down with one hand. But once again, I must reiterate that I am lucky to have the amenities that I do!
Almaz thought that we got rid of all of the rats, but I think there are some left. She baked bread again for me on Monday and I stored it in a Ziploc bag on the counter like I did with the last loaves. This morning when I went to the kitchen for breakfast, I was surprised to see that the bag of bread was open. When I looked more closely, I saw that something had nibbled on the ends of both loaves! It’s disturbing to think that these rats are able to jump all the way up on my counter and open up closed bags! I am now storing the bread inside a cabinet that is on the counter; it is the only cabinet that is clean enough to store anything in. Let’s hope the rats stay away!