Good bye Oława!

           Well, this is weird. I actually wrote a blog post on the day it happened yesterday, and again today. xD Ahhh, it was a nice day. Got a good amount of sleep, relaxed this morning, found out I didn't get site leader, which I sort of expected anyways, so it wasn't too crushing. Really, life is good. My uncle and I did a mini photoshoot with his quality camera so that I can have a nice blogger picture for Inside Dores. Hmm, what else, what else. Ah, but of course, eventually, my wujek Bogdan and ciocia Mariola eventually came to visit again. We talked briefly, of course, and eventually bidded our farewells. But obviously, I'll be keeping in touch! Phones, Skype, email! It's all an open possibility! And it's easier while I'm in Poland as well.
           But that was all for our morning/early afternoon. Then we hopped into the car to go pick up my nephew, Tymek!!! (I think I might have a favorite, shhhh....) So we drove to Oława to pick him up from preschool and then went back to his apartment. We said hi briefly to Adam, who is sick and quickly went upstairs. Literally, this family is full of sickness. It's been a few times when all of them have been fully healthy since I've come here... It's likely thanks to the preschool, but yeah, it goes from one to another to another, all at different times. No end!
           But yes.. so Tymek and my aunt and I went on a little walk. First to the playground by their apartments, where while walking, we kept ya know, putting our stuff down on the bench and going after him, picking it up, going to the next bench, etc. xD It was amusing. I swung by him for a short while and ya know, we helped him on the play structures. He kept saying my name and grabbing my hand, and it was just super cute. (: He really likes to stir up dirt and dust, though. So he would walk, shuffling his feet, picking up dust. It was a rather long, but slow walk, because ya know, he's a kid, so he stops everywhere. For example, he stopped at some apartments' mail boxes, and kept playing with the opening flaps. Absolutely fascinated. Eventually we got to go on, and we bought him some bread, and then continued to another playground where he played in some sand with his grandmother while I rested my legs. He eventually came back to me to show me where some laundry machines are sold. Ya know, guided me to the store. xD Then we walked back, my uncle eventually showed up. Tymek was also heavily fascinated with the doorbells to the apartment, which... we had to stop him from pushing or else he'd ring someone up. And that would just be awkward.
           Finally we managed to head back home. I mean... we went the round about way since Tymek was determined to lead us through a mini field by the road instead of the sidewalk, but we did. xD I should have some pictures with him that my uncle took, I hope. I'll have to look through them eventually. We waited outside for a bit and Agata eventually came home. We ended up going to the apartment, almost, until Tymek saw his stroller that he had been looking for, and then my aunt and uncle went on him with a further walk. Agata and I chatted a bit, and when my aunt came back, she told me this: That she was having difficulty getting Tymek to go back to the apartment, but she told him that I was waiting for him, and he said Nell, turned around, and guided them home. ... Really. I feel super special because of all of this. I ended up helping him on and off a chair. .He would grab my hand to show me things, like his little truck he can ride, and then to color with him (well... he scribbled, but ya know!), and we put some mini baby puzzles together and then some other things. He kept saying Nell and giving me things. I drew him a few things as well.
          Ah! And Agata told me that this morning she told him how I was coming today, and he had this huge smile on his face when he found out. Oh, and he's talking more and more, just picking up on words every day. It's wonderful! Eventually, unfortunately, we had to go. So we said our good byes, Agata and Adam said they might visit me in Krakow, which would be awesome. I called the person in charge of the program in Poland to get some info on the way home, and determined that I'll try to visit Strzelin and Oława while in Krakow at some point when I realized that it didn't quite fall into our end of the trip plans. Just a wonderful day, really. But I'll leave it at that, because I need to go pack, and per usual, any additional memories will be added later! Toodaloo!

And here I am, back in Strzelin!

           Well! As you can tell, I really didn't write much about yesterday, and I'll tell you why. My cousin went to work, her husband went to work, my niece went to school. Do you see where this is going? Hrmm... Yes yes, I stayed at home on my own and relaxed. Alone, and yeah, it was nice. Around 4 in the afternoon, Gabi came home with Małgosia, and we had a late obiad. Then we took Małgosia to her Tae-kwon-do lesson, which she's apparently tired of, but obviously going to finish what has been planned, and then came back home after running by Gabi's work to scan something in for me. Then, the evening was spent relaxing.
           Really, that's it for the day. I stayed up rather late for the first time (2:30 am), chatting with Ani, which was maaarvelous. Definitley have missed my chatting time with her. </3 But it should be fixing itself now!
            So, a few things I forgot to mention about the weekend in Bydgoszcz in general; it's actually a good thing that I ended up coming Friday, because I would've spent my first few days at home alone, otherwise, so timing was awesome. My niece has an incredible memory. You see, I asked what she remembered of me, because ya know, we traveled part of Poland together in 2005 when I was here for the first time on my own. Yet, the first thing she said was that she remembered me playing a little accordion for my very ill grandmother, and she remembered how she wanted to play on it as well. ... Just so you get an idea of timeline. My grandmother died in late 2002. My niece was born in late 2000. This must've been in the summer of 2002, then. Aka, she was less than two years old, and she remembered that. That is impressive. I was blown away, as I can't remember anything before I was about 3-4 thanks to an essential memory wipe when I was that age (ask me about it if you would like).
           Besides that, however, I also got a new pair of shoes this weekend! ... ... From my soon-to-be-11-year-old niece... ... Just to give you another idea, this girl received most of my childhood clothing, and now... here I am. 9 years older than her. Receiving her shoes. That are too small for her. ... And they're still half a size too big. Damn. I am tiny. They're really nice Adidas, though, clean, and comfortable, and being a half-size too big isn't a problem, so I took them, but still. It feels a bit ridiculous. In fact, Gabi even suggested I might be able to fit into some of her old jeans, length wise at least. ... Well... damnit. That's all I can really think to say. Ah well. She would've given the shoes to someone else anyways, so yay! New tennis shoes!
           Anyways, this morning, I woke up to Gabi telling me her parents, my uncle and aunt, actually are coming today and we're going to go to Strzelin all day. Huh... I was expecting them to come today, and that we would leave tomorrow morning, actually, but whatever. I woke up, quickly packed, ate breakfast, and they eventually came. After they put their dog in the cage to keep her away from Kenso (she apparently just finished being in heat a week ago, so Kenso was chasing her... a lot... and managed to get her out of the cage...), we left. We hugged and waved our good byes as we went our separate ways, and on the way, my uncle, and aunt and I all talked a bit and caught up. It was actually really cool, because my aunt kept asking about Samantha (from FL), and her family. Ya know, asking how she is and everything. You wanna know why that's so cool? Because it's essentially a mini sort of verification that our families are like family. Not just friends. People normally ask about people you know if you know they are incredibly important in their lives, like family, so going off of typical behavior and explanations, well, that was just an awesome moment. (:
           Hmm... Let's see what else was interesting about the ride... We talked a lot, typical things, like school here and at Vandy, family, lots of things. My uncle kept acting like a captain in directing my aunt how to drive.... Although she was driving just fine. (Yes, this uncle is the captain of a ship, and he travels all around the world.) Ah! As we got closer to Wrocław, I started telling them a ton of things, such as pointing out SkyTower, the new bridge, about the new highway and the new stadium, since they haven't been in about 2 years. I felt like SUCH a local, and it was really bizarre. I essentially knew more about a part of Poland than they did. We went on the highway, and well, we ended up going into the city again by taking an exit too early, so we still had to drive through the city, unfortunatley... Unfortunately timewise, I mean. To be honest, I was super excited when I saw SkyTower on the horizon. I honestly felt as though I were going home. I missed it. I really like Wrocław, and I feel like I could live here forever, really. Honestly, Krakow, as a city, is going to have a tough time beating it, despite the fact that everyone keeps telling me it's going to be the best. I mean, sure, I'll love hanging out with the people, and I can't deny it's a cool city, but... I somehow doubt I'll feel as comfortable and at home as I did in Wrocław. And some of you may ask: Well, isn't it because you just feel happier in Poland? That might be partially true, but while I was in Bydgoszcz, while I greatly enjoyed seeing a new city and seeing the new things, and just looking around, I didn't have the same feeling of home like I feel in Wrocław (and that was something I picked up immediately) or Vanderbilt, for example.
           Eventually we got through Wrocław, and drove to Strzelin. We had a nice late obiad here as well, which was delicious, and my uncles and aunts talked to each other and caught up since they haven't seen each other in a while. It was partically grandparent talk, which was really cool, and listening to them talk about other grandparents and how they aren't as involved in their grandchildren's lives, well... it just made me think more about my parents and how I do want them to be close to me wherever I end up living. Even though I used to basically roll my eyes whenever my mom said she's moving with me to Australia. Yeah, definitely not rolling my eyes anymore.
           Ah, so in this trip, oh goodness, I totally saw the family connection between my uncle, Bogdan, who picked me up from Bydgoszcz, and my mom. Bahahahaha, totally from the same family. They look a bit alike, of course, but personality. Stubborn as hell, have it their way and only their way, and impatient to the boot! A) These traits are not all completely negative, and b) it's easier to compare negative traits than positive, not that they only have negative traits, obviously. :P But wow. It was hilarious. Just that total realization. It's always fun seeing that family relation, to be honest. Just interesting, ya know?
           Oh, ohoh! School starts in a week! School starts in a week! SCHOOL STARTS IN A WEEK! Aka, oh thank goodness gracious, I CANNOT WAIT! I am so tired of not doing anything productive or learning or challenging myself. I LIKE learning. I LIKE school. I enjoy it! And the best part of all of this? I talked with Gabi in the car about it, ya know, and it sort of made me realize, wow... if I got so anxious after not having school for five months (I ended May 3, and am starting October 3/4), then... ya know what. That's good. That's a comfort. That's a reassurance. That means I will be ok in continuing my education to get my doctorate, and that I'll enjoy it despite all of the stress, and just furthermore that my plan to be a professor is rather supported in desire. Because part of being a professor is continually learning and researching and just keeping up with new stuff. It just fits! Hoorah! Life realizations! But really... I need this. Super. Excited. Everyone else likely hates me, but oh goodness. I am so pumped. And it's so weird. I'm going to be meeting the fellow students in API in two days. Start the completely new experience, in two days. Where did this time go?!
           Well, I'll leave with all of this incredible excitement! As the rest of my evening looks rather slow; ya know, chatting with people, making sure everything is good. Ah! Also, today I filled in my photo frame, and it looks awesome. I have one extra picture, by accident, but whoops! Adios, my dear friends!

Not a Lazy Sunday

           Oh goodness, writing blogs at night is so difficult after an exhausting day, apparently. Let me just say this: it was not a lazy Sunday. And that's ok! :D But wasn't quite expecting it to be so full. No, really. This morning was super lazy. Like, we sat around, and ate a late breakfast, just wow. Super late. Then, we left, dropped Piotr off at his parents' house, and went to a big park in Bydgoszcz, where Małgosia roller bladed back and forth while Gabi and I took a nice walk. The park was beautiful, with lots of trees, some ponds, a zoo nearby. Just a great place for family time, bicyclists, roller-bladers, runners, all of that fun stuff! Although.. ... Good lord did we take a walk for FOREVER. We eventually got to a part of the park that was holding this sort of cultural festival, which was awesome, actually. Lots of tents set up with local craftsmanship stuff, Polish foods, a Polish dancing sort of show. Really awesome, actually. (: So we chilled out there for a bit, where Małgosia got a shish-kabob. There was a stand with these really awesome woven wool things. Like hats that looked like they were for gnomes, pretty scarves; definitely unique. Yeah. I think we walked for about 2.. and a half hours. At least. Needless to say... my legs were not happy with that. At all, hahaha. Meanwhile, Małgosia was whining about how her legs hurt, even though she was on roller blades. Fact is, she did go skating back and forth and back and forth, but still. Gabi and I pushed her a few times as well, too. Ah well. It was still a really nice walk. I'm going to sleep very well tonight. Oh! And every time Małgosia started to trip or something, I got a bit worried. I mean, I told myself to chill out because she is eleven, and she does have a bit of an attitude, but... oh goodness, after spending so much time with kids in general, I am slowly realizing that panic my mom always has when I trip before I catch myself. Oh no. My poor future kids...
           Afterwards, though, I was so ready to pass out. Instead, we went to Galeria Pomorska. Where we went to the toystore, Smyk, to buy my cousin's husband's brother's son his birthday present. He's turning three this Friday. Everyone say AWWWWW! (No really, he's super precious. I met him today.) We got him a nice little cash register. And I realized that the shoes they had in that store looked awesome. And I could so fit in them. So yes, next time I am near a Smyk, I will be looking at their shoes with every hope to buy some. ... Yaaaay for being tiny? <_>
           Aside from that, we also went to some clothing store, where Gabi bought my a really pretty green turtleneck as a present. It fits well, and it'll be nice and toasty for the winter! :D As I have self-determined I am no longer allowed to buy short-sleeved shirts... ... Or at least I'm trying my hardest to avoid them. Unless it's a representative shirt... Like ASB... ... Even then if there is a long-sleeved option, then I choose that. But anyways. We also went to Empik, the awesome Polish mass bookstore. I bought Małgosia a book as a present, and I got myself Harry Potter i Kamień Filozoficzny. That's right. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In Polish! Super pumped. I mean, I figured the best way to better learn a language is to read a book you've all ready read in English. In that language. Especially one that you've enjoyed. And plan on reading again. So this works wonderfully!
           Then we got in the car and started to head back home. Gabi had to drop Małgosia off at her husband's parents' house, which is where his brother and his brother's family live as well. The plan was to go home after that, except then, Piotr's brother ended up inviting me to go tooooo... the Speedway, żużel with his kids, Maja (6) and Marcel (3), and Małgosia. As exhausted as I was, I was like, heck, I might as well take the opportunity. I mean, I won't have that chance again, likely, and I'm in Poland. I should live life! Also, tomorrow, I'll be bumming around in the house. (Needed rest, anyways.) So we went!
           It was amazing to see how much fans were out, wearing the colors of the team, Polonia Bydgoszcz, and listening to the cheers and excitement, and it was fun. Lots of merchandise, of course. I learned how the points work as well. And, of course, the entire time I was thinking: They're taking a left turn, and it's another left turn, and another left turn, and oh my goodness, who would've thought ANOTHER LEFT TURN! Hahaha, but really. At least it was fun for the atmosphere. People were really into it, and cheering them on as they passed and what not. Although, as a sport, it's still very boring, and I was actually surprised it's popular in Poland. (Even more surprised when my mom told me that she enjoys it... ... I've always considered it more of a redneck sort of sport...) The home team ended up winning, to everyone's great joy, of course. We got the hell out of there before the crowds got too hectic to leave, of course. Fireworks were awesome, as always. Ah, I bought a kiełbasa. ... I was disappointed by it. Honestly, it did not taste that good. The bread was a far better filler than the kiełbasa. No, really, major disappointment. Hmm. What else. Oh! I also met my, oh wait, this is going to be complicated, my cousin's husband's brother's wife's father. ... The kids (not including Małgosia) of course adored him, as he is their grandfather. So that was cool. Ah! We got to throw a ton of home-made confetti in the air at the beginning when a ton of Harleys went around the ring in celebration. And there was a horrible smoker sitting in front of us. As in, it really started bothering me, and I had to cover my nose. /: I will never adjust to the smoke, period.
           Ok, now the next bit of shock. Apparently, Poland has the number one team in the world in the Speedway. ... What. That was the very last thing I would expect. But hey, pretty cool! It's also the number one sport in Bydgoszcz! Huh! Who would've thought! Even being the number one sport, the fanaticism wasn't that insane as compared to some things in the States... Which was a relief.
           Really, I would've never expected to spend any evening in Poland watching motorcycles go in circles... Ever. Piotr's brother took us home, and I finally had a good, filling meal for the end of the day, and that's really all there was to the day. (: Now, I am very exhausted, and should go to bed soon, and sleep in tomorrow, and enjoying chilling in the house on my own while everyone goes off to work and school! Wooo!

Old Town Bydgoszcz

           Hmmm, yesterday was very relaxing, and that's all there really was to it. My cousin (Gabrysia), niece (Małgosia), and I, we went to the old town and took a walk around it and the park. We talked a bit about how America lacks the older buildings, and when she visited many many years ago (I was a tiny kid), she missed that. No matter how worn, torn, and graffiti-ed the ones in Poland are, they're still quaint. They're absolutely gorgeous when renewed as well, and they have solid foundations which will keep them standing through a lot more than most houses back in America, to be honest. My cousin asked me what kept pulling me back to Poland, and I told her that ya know, I feel better here, and I actually don't feel comfortable living in America. Although, I think she was a bit surprised, as it's not necessarily normal for people to want to come to Poland. Usually, it's the reverse. My niece, for example, asked when they would go visit us in the states, because she wants to go see all of the important things over there. How she wants to go see it. Of course, her mom quickly said there's a difference between living and visiting in a place.
           We also talked about the program that I'll be studying under, and she asked if most of the students have Polish parents. While they may not have Polish parents, I'm pretty certain that they've got some sort of Polish heritage, or else, being honest, they wouldn't want to come to Poland. It's really rare for people in America to even consider going to Poland without some sort of heritage there. I mean, if you're going to be in Europe, why not Italy, Greece, Spain, France, England, Germany, or any of the other well-known, hot spots? Just as a few examples. Why the heck would one even consider Poland? Unfortunate truth that is.
           But yes, old town was really nice. Pretty. The Rynek was rather empty, prepping for some sort of concert, I think. Małgosia was a wonderful tour guide, telling me about all of the buildings and such. Including how in the winter, there are usually ice skating rinks in Rynek, and in the summer, it's usually bustling with concerts. See, Bydgoszcz is another one of the bigger cities in Poland, yet I still didn't feel that big city hate I normally have toward big cities. They're different in Poland, I dunno. Easier to get around. Oh! The trams in Bydgoszcz, I noticed, typically only have one tram cart instead of two, like in Wrocław. So that right there does show the downsize in city, at least.
           The park was beautifully redone, and they were celebrating a day without cars in Bydgoszcz. So all sorts of weird bicycle contraptions were being ridden around the park. It was really neat, actually. Małgosia kept trying to get her mom to rent one of those big wheel bicycles. You know, like from the old times? But we kept walking instead. Gabrysia bought the last of Małgosia's school books. I found out that typically, you pay around 500 złoty for school books a year, which is quite ridiculous. However, in college, you typically don't have to buy books. So quite the reverse from America, where most of the books are provided up through high school, and then when you hit college, you're paying an ungodly amount of money per semester for your books. Especially as science majors. We also went to do some groceries. The line was ridiculous. Though, that's to be expected, being the weekend and what not.
           Then, we went home, and just relaxed all afternoon/evening. It was really nice, and to be honest, I enjoyed it. I like just sitting back and doing nothing. Especially since my legs have still been bothering me, stupid things. Oh! Gabrysia made a homemade plum cake with coconut taste. Absolutely delicious. Ohhhh goodness. So good! I'm so going to have to swipe the recipe from her, because it just wins. Hm, besides that, I tried to catch up with the Muffins and Ani and other friends as well. (: Which is always nice. I like having this more accessible to friends option instead of missing everyone until the weekends. Ah yes, I also Skyped with my mom and aunt. After a while, they sort of kept holding a conversation with each other while I sat there and listened... ... Then they asked why I wanted to go ahead and let them go... ... Ohhh, what logic... >> But yes, that was my relaxing day! Ah, Piotr, my cousin's husband, eventually came home. He kept asking me if I was certain I didn't want any wine. I mean.... a lot. As in, that's pretty much the most pressure I've had about drinking since I've been in Poland. He went off on how I must be in the wrong country if I don't drink, and that people drink a lot here. ... As if I didn't know that. :P Haha. But other that, it was all good. Gabrysia made him stop asking me; as in, it was getting ridiculous. Oh well! Hmm, I might be learning how to drive a manual car today? Piotr asked me last night... Though... I don't know if he remembers he said that... >> He asked me a few questions this morning that he asked me last night.
           Ah yes, this morning Gabi asked me if I go to church. Hahaha. No.... but fortunately for me, they don't go to church all that often either! Actually, I've noticed that most of my family doesn't frequently go to church, despite it being a very large part of the culture here. Hmm... Definitely interesting. Well, I'll leave you with this: breakfast was yummy. I think it's going to be a good day. :D

Last Day in Wrocław

           Ah, a day of travel. This morning was nice, to be honest. I got all of my things ready in time, without too much of a rush, which is always a huge plus. We got into the car and drove to Wrocław for my meeting. My meeting was very short. More of a "come by and pick up papers" deal. The reference letter I get was really nice, to be honest. I felt a bit honored while reading it, because while I know I didn't do too much, obviously they read that I had a good personality that they would recommend for other work places? So that's always awesome! I said good bye to Aldona again, and to some of the other girls in the office. This good bye was far more pleasant. I got hugs from them, and they asked me for my number so that if they were planning some party or something they could invite me, despite the fact I'll be in Krakow. Or better yet, they've been intending on going to Krakow, so we might meet up there. I felt soooo much better after that, because I felt like I made a difference in my workplace instead of just sitting there and doing nothing. They were super nice about all of my plans, and Paulina said that I was ambitious. So, yes, far better "last day" situation. (:
           Then my aunt and uncle and I headed off to Galeria Dominikańska, to meet up with Agata to return Michał's keys. I was actually really glad it was Agata, because I got to give her a proper good bye. I hope that we see each other again before I leave Poland, but my last two weeks in Poland will be super intense. So we'll see how that goes! Then we had some ice cream. I got blueberry and cinnamon. Delicious. Ah! I also printed out some photos! It was really easy, so I'm going to prep some more photos to do that with. ^^ And the price was very reasonable, I'd say.
           Hmm, what else was there. We went to Rynek, for my last time. Went around the entire square before eating at the Sphinx, an Egyptian restaurant. It was good. This was my first time that I ran into child beggars. My aunt told me that one time, she had given some money to a gypsy mother with her child, and a few minutes later, when she came back, she saw some rich gypsy man coming and gathering all of these women with their children... So now she never donates to gypsies anymore. And all these children were gypsies... Honestly, I was surprised by the amount of children that were coming by and begging. One even came into the eating area, and a waiter chased him out. It's really sad how these people take advantage of children to try and grab money from people. I mean, you feel awful, seeing a child begging for money so that they can eat something, but... you never know if it's a scam... *sighs*
           We headed on out to the train station after that. Which was a good thing, as the lines were long, and we thought the train was leaving 20 minutes later than it did. So I would've missed it if we took our sweet time. However, the entire platform thing is still a mess. You never know until the train arrives. But fortunately, they announce it over intercoms across the station. So my uncle and aunt sat me into one of the station wagons, which is like the Harry Potter movies, fyi. A little cabin. I was in what was normally a first class wagon, although it was relabeled as second. So super comfortable, and I was fine with that. My cabin was full of girls. Three older women, including a nun, and three college/late high school girls, including me. So it was pleasant. Although, it was unpleasant to find that the trains were going to be late, thanks to the fact that a lady jumped in front of a train and killed herself... ... /: I... don't know why you would choose such an awful way to die. It was sad to hear that, and worse to hear people getting mad about how the trains were being late and joking, "She should've just hung herself." ... That's truly awful. Although, our train wasn't the only one delayed thanks to it, and this affected a train across the country. It's insane what one accident in one place will do to the entire transport system.
           So yes, the train ride was unpleasant. Because we kept stopping and waiting at places. It ended up being delayed an hour. Which even then, I figured ended up being good time, as I was expecting two by the end of all of the stops. It was really funny whenever at one of the stops, a lady came to our cabin and asked if there was an empty seat. Asking once, ok, but then she asked again, if there is a second empty seat. You see.. it was a six person cabin... ... With six people in it. So she must've pretty much been blind, unfortunately. Ah, so while traveling across the country, I noticed how dark the soil is. For me, that's different. East TN? ... You don't get soil. You got clay. Red clay. I don't know how anything can grow, so seeing such dark, natural clay was pretty awesome.
           My cousin, her husband, and my niece picked me up. It was awesome Piotr, cause I don't think I've seen him for a very long time. And I SO called it. My niece? She's my oldest one, turning 11 this year. ... She's taller than me. Called it. Tall family, I'm tiny, she's athletic. It was funny, I asked her about school. "Don't like it." Favorite class? "UF." Physical education, essentially. Total sports girl. Not surprised, though. So, my cousin has a nice new house, though. (: Two wonderfully beautiful dogs. One's younger, so they had to hold him back from jumping. My niece has a pet rabbit, a turtle, and a parakeet. Pretty awesome. Pretty house, everything's good. xD
           I'd say that's all there was to my day. A bit boring, I guess, but hey, it's a travel day, eh? ^^ I wonder how this weekend will go then. Cause I have no clue what the plans are about my uncle and aunt, and how I'm going to see them. Super grateful I decided to go to Bydgoszcz, though. Shorter train ride. I would've been miserable having to go to Gdynia with all of the mess that was going on. (I'm assuming other problems were happening as well.)

Grandmas, and grandpas, and kiddies, oh my! (All about family!)

           What a relaxing morning... My uncle, aunt and I just sat around and enjoyed the morning. I showed them some pictures from my laundry day. We waited and waited until my aunt called to see if we could finally have our afternoon coffee/tea. Which was ok. So we enjoyed some tea. And eventually, Kamila came with her dad, Lutek, and her two kids, Chloe and Colin. Colin was dead asleep in his booster seat in the car for awhile, so my uncle and Lutek, the grandpas, sat outside of the car, waiting and watching for him to wake up. Chloe was shy as heck when we first saw her, hiding between her grandfather's legs. Though she recognized me from last year, I'm certain of it! Goodness, kids grow fast.
           Kamila and I laughed that we would of course meet up in Poland before seeing each other again in America, being such a small world and what not. I mean, I delayed my trip to Bydgoszcz just for this day, really. Totally worth it, as well, I must say. We chatted a bit in the kitchen, of course. However, oh goodness, it was so weird hearing the kids speak. Why? Because they spoke in English! I'm not kidding. I've gotten so used to hearing kids talking in Polish, that hearing them speak in English, I was just absolutely confused. It took me a while to get adjusted to their kiddie English. But eventually, we went outside, sat on the bench swing, the kids played with a volley and beach ball each. We played some hide and seek together. I kept telling Chloe she's so lucky that she's lucky her aunt (me) understands English cause she kept babbling away in English.
           Kamila kept on saying how that bothers her and how she's not used to it, that her kids speak in English only. Although, they understand everything in Polish, but I told her it's completely natural, being a case and point example myself. You grow up, surrounded by English, except for your parents. It's so much easier to speak English. The phrases are easier as well. Example: Orange. Two syllables. In Polish it's five.
            It was super cute whenever she would put in random Polish words in her sentences though. So she's picking some stuff up, as was Colin. Ah, and Kamila visited Agata this morning, and she told me that Tymek kept saying my name. Oh goodness, I think I died. Just, perspective. He is now... 21 months old, right? I spent one day with him, truly just with him. Three weeks later. He's picked up my name and keeps on saying my name, pointing out where they came to the bus stop to pick me up, and when Kamila came, he kept calling her Nell, cause I guess he thought I was coming. Do you know how absolutely special I feel by that? Three weeks is a long time for a kid his age, and for him to pick up my name and constantly say it... Oh goodness. This evening, when Agata called, she told ciocia the same thing, and then when they hung up, he apparently kept on saying, "Babo, Nell, Babo Nell," Babo being babcia, so Agata had to call back so that he could give a pleasant example of a dog barking, "how wow." Essentially, I really hope I get to see him before I go off to Krakow...
           Ah what else... Yes yes, we spent a lot of time playing outside. Ah! I was super impressed by Chloe. She got really close to a pile of bricks and started sort of poking at them, and I immediately said, in Polish, of course, "No, get away from there so you don't get hurt." Her? "Ok!" And she walked away. I was shocked. And that's how it was all day. She listens incredibly well. I've gotten used to having to try and gently coax kids away from something, saying you'll cry or so and so will cry, or the plants will cry, you know, but the minute I asked her something, she stopped. Of course, she's three, turning four in January, so there is that, but still. Even with Hania I've had problems trying to say, come on, listen to me.
           Eventually, Dorota and Grzesiek came with their kids. Haha, oh at that point, it was a riot. Three kids, all playing together, but they kept each other busy. Of course, we had to keep an eye on them from time to time, but we managed to sit around and enjoy dinner and some discussion. A lot of questions were of course aimed at Kamila and comparisons of America and Poland. Surprised, anyone? I mean, Kamila grew up in Poland, so she has a far different perspective from me, but I of course tried to help in the explanations of the differences.
            Hmm, I'll continue this post in the morning. And I say that so that when I start saying, "Yesterday," it's not too confusing. Yay for transitions!
            Did not want to wake up. At all. But needed to to get ready for today, but right now, I'll continue with yesterday! Haha. So lunch was delicious, no surprise there. (: We all sat and tried to eat as much as possible, talked about the differences in America. Such as how in America, there are often places that just leave out things in the open and use an honor code for people to return things and not steal them. Meanwhile, they kept joking in Poland, it would be a matter of how many things they can steal a day. So we talked about how there's a different moral upbringing really. Poland, how to profit, and in America, honesty. Also, how everyone in Poland ALWAYS complains. Meanwhile, in America, if you ask, How are you? The worst you can say is: It's a Monday, but you usually say "I'm ok." In Poland, though, people start saying how they don't have enough money and want this and that, and it's all brutal honesty. Definitely a difference in cultures there, which I always find interesting to discuss.
            While we were inside with the kids, poor Krzysiu, four months old, was trying to fall asleep. Kids screaming and playing, we separated them into two rooms. I went to the room with the three kids to help them out, Chloe climbed on my back a bit to play around, and I helped Martyna jump down from the table. She'd crawl up and I'd just hold her down. It was cute. xD I felt bad, cause... it's a table, but... I much rather give her some guidance than let her jump down and fall on her own. And as she doesn't listen to most people, it's a far better choice. Then Lutek started "sliding" Chloe and Colin in between his legs. Like he'd grab them by their hands and then throw them under while their feet slid across the floor. In order to help him from not having two of them go at him, because Chloe is still trying to learn the concept of "Sharing is caring." Which, btw, was adorable when her mom asked her in Polish what she has learned about sharing, and she responded with that. xD But yes, I did the same thing with Chloe. Eventually, though, the good times ended, Chloe and Colin were getting super rambuncious, so Kamila and Wujek Lutek left with them. They kept waving and saying bye as they drove away. Super cute. Grzesiek and Dorota stayed for a bit longer. Martyna was exhausted, and you could tell by her continued focus on one thing and only one thing.
            Basically, it was a great day, and I love kids, and I really can't wait when I have my own family. Though, it makes me go, Dangit, I'm out of the loop again. My kids will be babies while their kids will have all sorts of fun together, growing up. But, it's a good experience, having those older cousins looking out for you. (:
             After they left, I had to Skype meetings. ASB interview, and Inside Dores Blogger Orientation. Let me tell you, I normally don't get nervous for interviews, but my stomach was giving trouble for the interview. I'm pretty sure it's because of the new "this is over Skype" method and how I knew there would be three people there, which makes it sometimes difficult to Skype at such a distance, which I knew they'd have to put the computer far back. But, I got through it, and for my sake, I'm telling people I likely didn't get site leader position. Just for my own hopes and dreams, haha. Inside Dores Orientation was just a presentation, so I listened to them explain the entire powerpoint, which... I could've done via reading. Ah well, it was a presentation, so what else could I expect? I just nommed away on my dinner, before going to join my uncle and aunt after the orientation ended. I talked with my parents on Skype then, and that's when my aunt told me how incredibly similar I am to babcia, from my dad's side. Like, little things too. Such as the way I smile, the way I move my hands... It's pretty cool, actually.
            Skyping was fun, but then we just sat back and talked a bit. My aunt and I talked a lot about my grandmothers, and I was told a lot of little family stories. It was a good, albeit a bit depressing topic for me. I don't remember too much about them, cause of how young I was when they passed away. But it was nice hearing about them. Heh, both of them were very stubborn people, and so are my parents, as are most Poles. It's in the blood, I'm telling you. We are stubborn. Ah yes, we also talked about how conservative a lot of Poland is, although, it's improving. Such as, most kids are told babies come from the stork, and not from pregnant women, and so whenever a child knows the truth, elderly, more conservative people are shocked. How dare they! Also, my uncle told me how a few years back, they tried to introduce a family sort of program in Polish schools; basically sex education. It wasn't successful because of the highly religious, conservative mothers that are still around. Better yet? Religion is taught in school. You take classes about Catholicism until high school, and then you choose between religion and ethics, I guess, yet 90% usually take religion still. Major difference right there, no? Of course, if you aren't Catholic, you can sign off on a form to allow your child to have a free block, but still. Very different from America, that's for sure.
             Of course, that doesn't surprise me too much, because I know how religious this country is. But such comparisons are always insightful, and fun. As of now, though, I think that's all the main high lights from yesterday... Just a fun, very family-oriented sort of day. My aunt said I was very helpful in helping out with the kids, which made me feel great. I love it; I really do. I sort of want to start making a funds account to set aside money for traveling to Poland at least once a year, so that way I can see my family as often as possible. Perhaps even more often if that's possible, but that's me being hopeful and in an oblivious, optimistic bliss.

Well, I'm done.

           Woaaaah. Guys. My last day of work was yesterday... ... That's just bizarre, really. Why does time fly?!
           For your information, it was just like every other day, except at the end of the day I was sort of like, Umm... well... bye guys? Have a nice life? I dunno, I didn't have enough time to truly develop any coworker bonds with them. Although, Aldona did give me a hug, and I will genuinely miss her! And she helped me grab a Monster Jam poster. :) That's right! I totally nabbed one monster truck event poster from work, because dangit, that's my childhood! Besides that, saying bye was awkward, and I planned a meeting on Friday at 11 to finalize some stuff with one of the bosses there. Later on, I found out that's a bit tooo early in comparison to my train. Whoops. (Train is at 15:00 ish... ... I thought it was at 13:00 ish. Dangit!)
           Then I headed on home. When I got home, I managed to pack all of my clothes successfully. Although, the little things took more time than the clothing. Why am I not surprised? But I packed. More or less how I planned for Strzelin, Bydgoszcz, and Krakow, and what stays in Strzelin. Big mix of stuff! Btw.... I hate packing. At least this time was easier, cause I had to take everything from the apartment, haha. Eventually my uncle came and helped me pack the final things. He said I should've asked him to come earlier to help out a bit more. Michał then came to say good bye and grab the keys as well. I got a little (well, not so little) Wrocław goodie-bag. Which was AWESOME. It had a Wrocław lanyard, a pen, some jump drive information thing, a little booklet, an oversized shirt, which will become a pj shirt, and... a mug for warm beverages with a cover! Super cool! I love getting decked out with Polish stuff. (Seriously. I cannot wait to go into some store and buy a ton of stuff to show of my Polish pride! Woooo!) However, it also came with Michał's keys... He left them in there, hahahah. Silly man. It was an accident, but yeah. I'll be returning them to him on Friday, obviously. I gave Michał some chocolate as well, as a thank you. Chocolate always is the right decision. Always.
           The next renters came in as well, and they ended up helping me carry down all of my stuff to my uncle's car. And then we left for Strzelin. And I enjoyed my evening in Strzelin, talking to Ani (which was super nice, as we don't talk as much as I thought we would), Lisa, and my parents. My parents on Skype, of course. Yay for family and friend time! But that was my day.
           Today shall be exciting. One of the kids, Tymek, won't be coming. :( He and Agata are still a bit sick. But, it should still be an eventful day! :D Super excited! But that's it. I guess I should go get prepped!

The Day of Hungry Workers

            Second to last day at work. Aldona came back; she was sick. DX Poor woman was whining all day about how the last thing she wanted to do was be back at work when she felt miserable. I asked her why she came back, and she told me to ask her lovely boss. … Well aren’t I fortunate for having an awesome understanding boss who told me not to come back until I felt better, then!

            Today was another day I was craving Pierogi; aka, I was hoping work would order some in. They did, huzzah! … Unfortunately, my cabbage and mushroom pierogi were… very… very… bland. My first thought was: Wow, I can make so much better. And same with the dough. Worse than last time too! Sad and bizarre. But at the time we ordered it, and by the time we received it, I was starving, so food was food, and it filled my stomach, so I said they were good. It was hilarious when they came, though, because we heard the office bell ring, so we all jumped up in hope. But no one answered it! So Aldona ran out, saying, “Those might be our pierogi!” She had to answer it, instead. Oh goodness, everyone was soooo excited to have them. All of us were disappointed by their quality, but at 16:00, you don’t care when you’re starving instead.

I then left, hopped on a tram, and at the first stop, had to get off, because, get this, something happened to the tram in front of us. As in, I’m pretty sure it ran off its tracks, because there were these huge work trucks, and the tram in front of us wasn’t on its tracks, and they were adjusting it and everything, trying to fix it. I can only say I really hope nobody got hurt. :( That was my first thought. Although, I was curious, so I stayed for a while to watch how they work to fix up a tram… Very slowly and carefully… That and I needed time to figure out how the heck I was getting home. Fortunately for me, I have indeed learned the basics of the tram system in Wrocław! Meaning, in order to get to the stop I wanted to continue from, I just had to hop on a tram on the street to the right, and voila. I got to Arkady and hopped on my normal tram to Hallera to get a bus and come home.

            That’s all for my day. Now I have to pack and clean things up in the apartment, as I’m moving out tomorrow. Huzzah. <_> Btw, black currant mentos are pretty good, just so ya know!

            My goal for tonight and tomorrow: Get rid of all of my food! Therefore, what did that mean tonight? Some scrambled eggs and pickles, yes, but for the one I had left (I had three, but one was stuck in the case, and the other looked weird), I realized I also had some sugar… Now some of you know where this is going. … I take that back. Only three of you probably know where this is going. So, I made some kogel mogel!!! Bwahahahah. Childhood memory. Oh, for your information, kogel mogel is literally egg yolk mixed with a lot of sugar so that the product has a light yellow, sometimes nearly white appearance. And yes, this is a Polish dessert. I’m telling you. We Poles are hardy, stubborn people. Oh, I am not ashamed, and yes, it was delicious. I think all of you guys should try it sometime! :D (And I am sure this is where many of you go EWWWWWW.)

            Note: That was all written yesterday.
            So yes, insane little me. I go out this morning. You can breathe fog, it's that chilly. I wear my long-sleeves at first, as everyone else. ... Then it's too warm, and I take them off for the rest of the morning. Meanwhile, I don't think I see a single other person wearing short sleeves. Guys. I belong in the cold. It's sooo refreshing! :D I lovelovelove it!
            And lol, I still have to finish packing today. I cleaned, and sort of packed last night, but now, when I come home from work, I'm going to be rushing to pack. Per usual!

Errands and Mormons

            Work = work. Aka, uneventful. Minus the fact I was exhausted, and easily felt like crawling under my desk to sleep all day. Whooops. Really, there was nothing else to it.

            After work, I headed out to the little hole in the wall place I always stop by for my zapiekanki now. Which was actually awesome, because… oh goodness, this has never happened to me before, and I felt super special, but I showed up, and I was saying, “Po proszę o…” (May I please have…) cause I was considering buying a bigger one, and the lady, which this was my third visit while I was there, finished, “Mała zapiekanka?” (A little zapiekanka?) and smiled. So awesome! Never have I been a regular like that, so her just knowing was cool. I’m definitely going to have to learn how to make them. It’s super easy too, I’m sure, I just need the right spice! (Which is likely oregano, so hoorah!)

            From there, I headed on to the post office. The line. Was long. Today I made sure to order priority mailing, though, as I know no priority mailing might be an issue… I really hope that the postcards I sent last time will take less than 2 months to get to America… … I’m not kidding about that either.

            So after waiting for a while, I went and treated myself to some wonderful szarlotka and hot chocolate from that cukiernia that I visited within the first week or two while in Wrocław. I’m going to have to say that the price of hot chocolate is ridiculous. 10 złoty for a cup. I mean, a small cup too. We complain in the states about Starbucks ridiculous prices; meanwhile, a nice cup of hot coca which is far smaller than a Starbucks “tall” costs 10 złoty here. … The hell?! And I’m talking about złoty to złoty, to US to złoty (US to złoty, that’s still more expensive, though). Ah well… It was delicious, at least.

            Then I ended up going back across Rynek to the big store in the square to buy some chocolates and water. It was the first time I actually used my debit card in order to pay for something instead of relying on pulling money out of the bankomats. Never again. I was sent to another register because my card just didn’t seem to work at the register I was at. So flustering. And embarrassing, actually. So from now on, I will ensure that before I buy anything, I stop by a bankomat. Not worth that potential problem.
           At that point, I was worried on time. Because, guess what day it was! Mormon Monday! Haha, love it. But really, I rushed to get there on time, and as usual, I was there early. The reason I actually bought chocolates was to give a present to the Mormon missionaries to say thanks. I’m glad to say they appreciated it. :D I know that obviously what they were doing is what they are supposed to do, but because the coincidence was so extraordinary, and because I truly enjoyed and appreciated the times I met with them, I felt it’d be appropriate to give them something. And who doesn’t like chocolate? … Or perhaps I’m just too nice for my own well-being? Ah well!
            The meeting tonight was just a game. No structured lesson. We ended up playing Clue, so we had to explain it to Ola and Adam. … Ola got really into it. Like, she took notes on every single transaction and everything. It ended up coming down to the two of us, and it was a matter of who got to the room to guess first, since she announced what was right and it went around the group and no one showed any cards. She got there first, dangit! But really. Never in my life have I ever played such an intense game of Clue. Ever. Like, we all got really into it. It was a lot of fun. Adam was constantly lost, though, which was funny.
            The entire circumstance was hilarious. The Elders saw Clue in the game closet and all shouted out in excitement that we should play Clue, yet no one remembered, except for me. Although, it was fortunate I remembered how to play it so that I could explain. So I did the majority of the explanation in Polish and English, haha. As this was an upgraded set, I didn’t know all of the additions, so we just did the good old version, but still… The most hysterical part was when I wasn’t certain of some things at first, I said, ok, let’s just look at the rules! So we pulled the rules out, and… lo and behold, el disposición fue en espanol! … I totally messed that up, but the point was. Not English. They asked if I meant Polish, and I started reading the thing in Spanish to say, no. I could’ve figured them out, as I actually understood a good bit, but it would’ve taken some time translating it for me. From Spanish, which I’m a mere beginner in, to English, to Polish. Oi vei. Huzzah for languages! Poor Elder Hooker had to ask President to look up the rules online and print them out, since technically, not allowed to use the internet. Eek. We figured everything out, though, and it was a-ok. But really. Spanish? The set was English. And in Poland. I don’t get it. Oh oh oh, just so you know: I murdered the owner in the kitchen with the dumbbell. Aka, Mrs. Peacock. It was really funny, cause at the beginning of the game, I just started guessing myself randomly because with my luck, I’ve always ended up being the murderer. I was right! Haha.
            Afterwards, Ola left, and I stuck around to talk with the Elders some more about the gospel. President joined in this time as well, and then Adam stuck around, but he didn’t have much input as we spoke in English the entire time. But when Adam joined, all of the Elders were super nervous and asking me if I was comfortable with so many people in the room talking to me about this. It was me vs. five Mormons. So I can’t blame them for being worried. But me? Ahhh! Super laid back. The more the merrier! Whatever, really no worries!
            Today they decided to talk about… I don’t know the name in English to be honest, but the entire spiritual life path. From pre-mortal life to post-mortal life and what not. It was really funny, cause when they pulled out the chart they had, I said, “I have a feeling I know what this is about…” And so they asked me to tell them however much I knew, right? So, I felt really worried while telling them, because if I was wrong, I’d sound incredibly stupid. I answered, “Well… ya know, I talked with my roomie a lot last year, and this was one of the things that came up… And it’s that in the afterlife… you guys move on and then… well, essentially make another world and be God yourself…”
            Their reactions? … Priceless. They all sort of stared at me for a minute in shock, and Elder Hooker just sort of nodded and laughed in that sort of “What the hell?” way and said, “Well… yeah… yeah that’s right… Umm…”
            Meanwhile, Elder Ball added in, “That’s some deep doctrine.”
            You have no clue how happy that moment made me. That absolute shock literally settled in the room. President’s reaction? “Wow… the second lesson and you already know that.” Well, that’s what I get for having a super awesome Mormon roommate who answered any of my questions. No, really, the entire situation was full of win.
            After that, though, of course, we went more in depth about the entire path, and they explained it more fully and thoroughly for me, and went through the five points for Salvation and some other things. Certainly interesting to hear out, per usual. As always, testimonies were given, and still that powerful belief, so awe-inspiring. I’ll be honest, though, Elder Roberts makes me the most uncomfortable of them when it comes to testimonies. President and Adam did a good job, very relaxed and more personal and not as pushy (not that Elder Roberts was pushy like I’ve experienced before, but most of all of them). And Elder Hooker just has awesome analogies and methods of teaching, really. I’m pretty sure that Sam and her friend would greatly appreciate a lot of the analogies. (I hope I can remember a lot of them.)
            President of course said that they can’t really force anyone to do anything, but that they’re trying their best to share the truth they know. I dunno why, but that’s just a reassuring statement. It’s more empowering rather than pushy, because it’s basically saying they’re trying to share their most loved and important part in their lives for what they hope will help others. Without saying you’re going to hell if you don’t. At the end, though, we sort of had to rush as the Elders had to go pick someone up from the train station. President asked me a few cultural questions about the South, because a Southern American in Poland invited him to dinner once, which made him uncomfortable because it wasn’t about the Gospel. The American straight up told him that they weren’t going to talk about the Gospel, so President asked me if it was true that most Southerners don’t like talking about religion. (I love these comparison moments, btw.)
            Therefore, I told him that as a general rule (not a straight-up fact), that’s true. It’s difficult to talk about religion in the South if it’s a different viewpoint without feeling like you’ll be crucified in their eyes. This varies with every individual, obviously, but as a general rule. It’s just that there are so many different choices, so many different denominations, and if it’s not Christian, or what might be viewed as an inappropriate contortion of Christianity, then you’re a goner. That’s why I said nothing about my beliefs for so long through high school. Another example I used was drinking and Baptists, believing you’ll go straight to hell for drinking any alcohol. Such as how my parents have a wine rack in our house, while our county was actually a dry county for a very long time, and some people might judge an individual (at least a young one) based on the fact that they drink. Just for some general comparisons. (Sorry, I really don’t want to offend anyone with this, so I’m trying to get that point across that it’s a general rule, and not a fact across the board. This applies to the next section as well!)
            That’s when he said now he understands why the man didn’t really like him too much anymore. DX Poor guy. He also asked me how Southerners take it if someone doesn’t necessarily feel welcome or comfortable at their house, and if they get offended easily by that, but he sort of pondered how that might be more of an international thing. I agreed, that’s definitely international. It’s sad whenever your guests don’t feel comfortable, so you might get offended. Although, since the South is well known for its hospitality, I definitely argued that I could see that being a bit of a bigger issue as well, because a lot of Southerners try their hardest to be welcoming as well. It’s just a part of the culture, hospitality, so it might be a bit more of a blow if someone isn’t comfortable with being in their house.
            Eventually the Elders had to leave, so we said our good-byes and thank yous. They said that if I didn’t mind, they’d let the Elders in Krakow know that I was going to be there, so that if I wanted to/had the time, I could also meet with them. We’ll see how that goes, cause something tells me I’m going to be a heck of a lot more busy, but still… very considerate and kind of them, and I was all right with them doing that. As I am trying to expand my religious understanding, this is all a very good experience for me either way. I stayed to talk very briefly to President as well, telling him and Adam both that I was leaving, so we also said our good byes. Of course, President welcomed me to stop by tomorrow one more time if I have the time. So that’s that. That was my day; now I’m at home, and sadly realized I left my jump drive at work… Different jump drive for this blog entry then, I guess! Haha.  
            Note: Above was written yesterday. 

Planning, planning, planning!

           Once again, this morning the bed was very very comfortable, and the outside world was not too inviting. Meaning, I wanted to keep sleeping in. The kids woke up at around 7:00 and started yelling, but I managed to sleep through that. And would’ve slept in later if it weren’t for the fact that I had a bus to catch. So after a quick, delicious breakfast and some good-byes, Michał drove me to the bus stop, where we waited for the bus that I hopped on to Strzelin. I really hope I get to see them again, but with their weekdays being crazy, and me leaving in the middle of the week, I don’t know how it’s going to work. They said maybe at the end of the year, but oh goodness, that’s going to be insane as well. So we’ll see! I mean, I have to meet with one of them to return the keys to the apartment.

           On the way to Strzelin, I was just… incredibly happy. I literally had this small smile the entire way there. I don’t know why, but I felt such a peace on that bus. The longer I stay here, the more at home I feel. So when I got to Strzelin, I hopped off near the house as opposed to the station. My uncle and Martyna were there! … Except Martyna was stubbornly trying to lead us home the other way, in the direction of the playground… Hmmmmmm… Little trickster. While we were waiting, though, one of my parents’ old school mates walked by and we talked for a bit. I was introduced as my uncle’s brother’s daughter, of course, and he went off on how it’s unfortunate when Polish children really don’t get that experience of Poland and what not… And he wished me well and that I enjoyed my trip in Poland. Of course, he didn’t quite realize I’ve been here. A lot. Oh well! Apparently, though, his wife was the one who helped take care of me when I came to Poland the first time at a year old, and something was wrong with my legs. Now that was quite interesting!

           Finally, Martyna decided to turn around, but really, it was a very slow walk back to the house, and my poor uncle was carrying my bag. Which isn’t a problem in itself. Until you consider my heavy as heck computer. He picked it up and immediately cringed at the weight. I think anyone who ever picks up my bag thinks I’m pretty much crazy. I dunno; such weight doesn’t really bother me. Yay upper body strength! After the 15 minute walk back (which should’ve been a five minute walk), I said hi to Dorota and my aunt. Honestly, I was surprised that Dorota had come to Strzelin; she usually doesn’t take the kids to many places because it’s just hard for her. Besides the fact that Martyna is stubborn as hell and has the attention span of a kid (oh wait, you mean short and varied? Who would’ve thought kids don’t focus for too long…), it was a pleasant surprise. Krzysiu is still precious. Such a quiet baby. It really is amazing how much personality at such a young age these kids have. So really, the day was spent at home. I chatted with Dorota for a bit while my uncle and aunt played with Martyna. We talked about a lot of things, and she was so grateful when we were talking about other things than kids. Hahaha. For example, we talked about the differences between having siblings and being an only child. Just, it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

Eventually Dorota headed home with the kids. I Skyped with my parents, again, and took a nice Sunday afternoon nap. We Skyped my aunt in Łódż as well! I ended up calling my aunt in Gdynia as well, cause we’re all trying to figure out how this week is gonna go. The original plan I had was to head to Gdynia Wednesday night. Then I found out that my cousin who lives in New York is actually visiting Poland with her two kids! Ahhh! Super excited to see Chloe and Colin! (Go figure, I’m going to see them outside of the country… No surprise there!) So they’ll be visiting Thursday. So I was like, ok, one more day won’t hurt. But then we had to look at the train options. I wanted a non-stop trip, because to be honest… today was the day I realized, I don’t trust the trains in Poland. Or more of the train stations, because the trains seem to be timely. But the train stations are quite… unorganized. And it’s just not like an airport, and I really didn’t want to have to worry about any changes or what not and possibly missing a train… I was planning on going through the night, but then we all realized the next day I’d be exhausted anyways, so that wouldn’t work, and with layovers and what not, I’d be tired, and yeah, just wouldn’t be good. Eventually, we found a good train for Friday, so, two days later, but whatever! And we decided I would go to Bydgoszcz, as it’s a shorter route, and my uncle and aunt will take me back to Strzelin, because they’ve been meaning to come anyways. So everything worked out today, and I am super excited!

But… let’s go back to this Thursday thing… Bahaha. You see. The special thing about Thursday is this. My cousin, Kamila, will be visiting Strzelin with her two kids. Mind you, they were born in ’08, and ’07. So about 3+ and 2-ish. Not only will they come, but Dorota and Grzesiek will come with Martyna, who is a bit of a riot, and Krzysiu, who fortunately is quiet. But wait for it… waaait for it. If Tymek gets better by then, then Agata will also be coming with him. Five kids. And mind you, the oldest one is Chloe, from ’08. … Bahahahahahhaha. This is going to be hilariously interesting, and it’s probably a good idea we determined I’ll be sleeping at my uncle’s and aunt’s house one more day after playing with four 2-3 year olds. I told my aunt if she’s lucky, maybe Tymek will gravitate towards me and give her some peace.

The rest of the afternoon and evening I really just spent chatting with friends. I realized today as well that… I really wish I didn’t have to go to work for the rest of this week. Which is horrible to say because I have the easiest job of anything possible, but… that’s just it. I feel like I’m going to be wasting my time. I honestly won’t do much of anything else, and that’s valuable time I might’ve been able to spend with family instead… But ah well! This job has been quite the good experience. A wonderful work environment, with great people, and incredibly laid back for me. I found out that I really couldn’t and don’t want to work in a typical office setting, and that my intentions of being a professor are spot on. I need that variation and continuous challenge. So I feel like I’ve gotten a lot out of it, for sure, but… I could be spending this time doing something else, more productive. Ah well…

I say that mainly because I left Strzelin tonight with a very heavy heart… I felt like something was wrong. As if my visit was too short-lived. All of this family time is just showing me more and more that I really want to have my own future family near my family, or my future husband’s family. (Which just makes me hope I marry some European so at least we could travel to whatever country we don’t live in more easily than across some ocean.) Family is so important… Really, people often might not realize how important it is, until it’s gone… or unless it’s always gone except for special occasions. Heh, like today I was talking with a friend, and he was excited he was going to see his grandmother who lives out of state, and he doesn’t get to see her often. I sort of had to laugh to myself at that, because I definitely understand the feeling… On a whole different level. And I’m saying that out of empathy, not out of some sort of jealousy or anything like that. I really understand that excitement to see long-distance family. Of course, thanks to my upraising, that’s likely why I can deal with long-distance friendships and the idea of long-distance relationships far more easily than most people. Distance makes the heart grow fonder!

Anyways, I got on the train at night, which is the first time I’ve done that really. It was very peaceful and relaxing. Oh! And I managed to get another ticket as a student. Whoohoo! I really do look my age! Haha, and everyone told me (everyone being my uncle, aunt, and parents) that when I got back to Wrocław to get a taxi… … I got outside of the train station, went towards the first taxi I saw which had an actual company name as opposed to some unlabeled taxi, and he said he was reserved. So with that, I just headed the way I knew to get home by tram. Yay for stubbornness and cheapness! (I really have picked up my dad’s cheapness. If I can avoid spending money, I do… Hahaha.) If it were in fact later, and I knew I’d have difficulty with the bus, then I would’ve likely called a taxi, but because I knew for sure the buses would still be running, I really didn’t worry.

Note: Above written yesterday.

Now, the most important part of today is this: It’s my dad’s birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TATA! STO LAT Z POLSCE! Kocham cie! <3 Wszystkiego najlepsiego! 

However, onto the trams from this morning... While I didn't have to do any hardcore running, I jumped on the tram "R" today. ... Just so you know, I've never heard of seen of tram "R." However, I recognized the place it intended to go to, which is one of the trams I can use to get to work. So I took a leap of faith and grabbed it. And with good reason! Except for the ONE turn before my stop, it went straight instead of turning left... ... Dangit. Fortunately, it was easy to get back to the place I needed, but still. It was really funny, because everyone got on and they were like, "Does anyone know where this is going?" 

Everyone: Nobody knows...

Well isn't that great? People riding trams without full assurance xD It was amusing. Then at the final stop I have to get on the tram for work, tram "0L" came by my stop... ... Yeah, for this stop, that tram does not go there. So I, long with others, we were all very confused and basically asking, "What in the world is going on?" I really don't know. Trams. What was going on this morning? Ohhhh public transportation! I keep reminding myself, though, at least I have the option, and all my aggravations go away. (Well, I still don't trust the buses and never check times anymore. Trams and trains, though, are pretty reliable, which is awesome.)

Also, I totally forgot to mention a few things about the George Michael concert! Before it began, the entire stadium went through 5 rounds of a wave. It. Was. EPIC. Honestly, such an amazing sight and to hear everyone cheering. And someone even started a slow clap! Super cool. Really, the crowd was a wonderful crowd, I'd say. Lots of cheering an applause. Suuuch a fun environment!

Hmm, and I forgot to mention... as I was going home last night, I realized that... this is the beginning of the end... of chapter 1... My time in Poland is really going to be in three chapters. Chapter 1: Wrocław, Chapter 2: Kraków, Chapter 3: Everywhere possible with my parents! So... it's kind of mind blowing... 

All right, I'll leave you guys with that! (:

Sto lat, jeszcze raz, Tata! 

George Michael!

                My day yesterday? Work, slow day, like always. Go home, really bad traffic even for the trams, so stuck on trams in center of Wrocław for a while. Get home, make a nice egg, pickle, and soup sort of meal. Stay at home and work on character and story stuff for my fun, because my legs hurt and I can’t overuse them lest I desire to have pain walking to work and what not. Ah, finish up laundry, yes yes! Could’ve done it all the night before, but two issues: time and hanging space. No joke, my apartment looked ridiculous by the time I was done hanging stuff up. Hmm, what else. Oh yes, miss two calls the one day my battery decides to die and I forget to charge it until later. Otherwise, that phone is dead quiet.

                Yup. Simple day, I’d say. :D I was thinking to myself about it yesterday, and I was like, huh, I could’ve done a lot more while in Wrocław… But honestly… I feel I did as much as I could and wanted to, and don’t really regret not being more involved. You see, I was actually living here. Which is the experience I needed. To live here and know what it’s like to take care of yourself and all of that fun stuff. Ya know, since I want to know where I’ll be more comfortable living. And considering I had a blast just living here without knowing too many people outside of family, I think if I were to settle down permanently, I’d be the happiest person in the world, essentially. So this in itself is amazing. Of course, I’m reflecting upon all of this now because this essentially was my last Friday in Wrocław, weird enough. Next weekend I’ll be in Gdynia or Bydgoszcz, however my aunt and cousin decide to plan it. I’ll go to one place and the people not in that place will come visit. Which will be wonderful, really. My main goal is to see as much family as possible, essentially. I don’t care where; the people are more important than the place. Although, not gonna lie, seeing where my cousin Gabrysia lives with her family would be awesome.

                Ohhhh, there’s the arguing couple again! They were arguing again last night. No, this isn’t a nightly occurence, but it’s not a rarity either. I honestly do worry for them. Whoever they are…

                Well well well. I woke up quite early this morning without an alarm. Dang you natural body instincts. Ah well. I spent all of my morning drawing and doing character stuff. I managed to get quite a bit of stuff done drawing wise, which I'm quite happy with. :) I didn't leave the apartment until about 1, when Agata came to pick me up. Hania was asleep in the back of the car, and we went to Magnolia again, for some quick groceries and to get Hania's picture done. The latter part was not successful. 

                Besides that, we chilled at home, really. The kids played a lot, I talked with my parents on Skype, and even better, I finally got to talk to Stephen on Skype! I so needed that! Definitely have missed talking to him... Now, that's all we did until ohhh... 15 before 20:00, whenever we left for the stadium! For the George Michael concert!

                 It. Was. Epic. Really. The stadium is gorgeous. I love how one side of the stadium, the seats are set up to spell out Wrocław and Śląsk, I think. Just. Super cool. Great green seats. Great set up. All of it. It took us forever since... they had no clue where our seats were... Ya see... We sort of were VIPs. (When in the world did I ever think that would happen to me?) Yes, we got the nice little rooms in the stadium that are set up for all sorts of people to chill in and get drunk and have food. It was really nice. Pretty interior, barriered off seating area for us. 

                George Michael has a gorgeous natural singing voice, may I say, and I was incredibly disappointed for the few songs they decided to autotune. >( Super sad whenever they did that a few times. Because his voice really didn't need it. But I think they were going for the effect. The symphony did a beautiful job. I freaked out every time I saw some instruments, like the trombones or flutes, on the screens. They really did sound wonderful. 

                So where we were sitting, some of the people that we were hanging out with were speaking really loud, so the people in front of the barriers, who actually paid for their seats... well... they got really upset, and sort of had a mini verbal argument go down. Not that I blame them. The people I was with were just chatting away as if at some cocktail party. Which.. they sort of were, but still! It's a concert. And his voice was gorgeous.

                Most of the men stayed inside of the room, while all of the women came out and listened. It was really funny, cause at one point, one of them women was like, "But he's so pretty!" Yup yup. Fan girls even then. Oh! The entire concert was announced in English, of course, as that is his language, but I was sort of surprised there was no translator. Oh well! Ah, I got a ton of video of him, and some pictures of the stadium all lit up! Really, what a wonderful evening. I was in absolute awe and joy the entire time.

                Oh yes, everyone definitely did get at least a little tipsy, if not straight up drunk, I might add. The people in front of us called them drunks once... Ahaha. Yaaay! When I say drunk, I mean, after the concert was over, two of the men got into a mini fight, which neither of their wives could figure out what had happened to upset them... I mean, they pulled each other down to the ground, too. I really wasn't surprised or thrown back, though. I dunno why. Usually people here know how to handle their alcohol, but I also know that people do drink a lot... ... Which means those kind of events are always possible. 

                 Ah, at the end of the concert, when they were sending everyone out, they threw up tooooons of confetti up in the air! It was really pretty whenever it was floating through the air, high up. I felt bad for the clean up crew, for sure. Oh, and George got out of there immediately. He's likely back in London by now, no joke, getting off his private jet. 

                 So yeah, I was just... I was very happy with the evening. Such a nice, awesome, in the literal sense of the word, evening. I got to talk a bit with Agata's and Michał's friends; not too much, but that didn't bother me. I was more than happy just being there. Such an experience I will definitely never forget! 

                I drove home with their neighbors, though. Got home around 00:30. Ala and I had a nice conversation in the car just talking about my thoughts on Poland and America and the world, and what drags me around the world and everything. Typical, fun stuff. Again, I was called ambitious. So now, I'm just chilling and talking to friends while I get the chance. :) 

                So yeah, I was at the official opening of the stadium. And I just feel great. Gonna leave it at that.