The Countdown to Babushka

So in two days I fly to Chicago for "Staging." At staging I will meet 110 other Peace Corps Volunteers and have a general orientation for three days before flying to the Ukraine.
So in order to prepare for my long and arduous journey ahead I have been reading up on the Ukraine, seeing the moive Everything is Illuminated(amazing movie starring Frodo himself, both hysterically funny and poingant, a must see or read, it is a book as well), not studying my languages, but overbuying little things like index cards and lotion at Target which I some how find comforting.
I have met with many people who have been in the Ukraine, both as Peace Corps Volunteers and standard issue Ukranians. They say don't ever smile in the street-it will give you aways as an American, don't walk on manhole covers-you will fall in and watch out for moonshine (homemade spirits)-they are deadly.

For those of you curious about my emotional state I am just fine. I am not thinking about the trip all in one shot. Over two years worth of time is more than one person can digest in an afternoon of popping bubble wrap (a very satisfying experience by the by). Now I am only thinking about staging where I will meet dozens of like minded people ready for adventure and willing to imagine that they could have a different life.

In order to prepare for my future as a woman in a babushka, we at the George house have been living largely with out internet and intermittent power (not on purpose mind you, damn you SBC and PG&E). But to keep in this tradition and my cultural education tomorrow I am turning off the water. Bucket Baths for Everybody!!!