Here comes the sun

As I currently sit cuddled up in a blanket watching the snow falling outside, my only consolation is that I will be on my way to the beach in a mere 5 days. As a reward for surviving our first 10 months in Kyiv, we have decided to R&R in sunny Thailand. Oddly enough, this will be the first time we’ve vacationed in a warm place during the winter. Guess we’re moving up in the world.

Before we go, however, there will be the last minute arrangement of the bid list, wherein we seal our fate. So by the time we get back from R&R, Shawn should officially have his next assignment and we can start preparing. Because even though it will be ridiculously early, I know I will not be able to stop myself.

Today I discovered something that may be the key to my survival of the next 14 months in Kyiv - a bakery that has good cinnamon rolls. Real cinnamon rolls, not some Ukrainian attempt at cinnamon rolls. And it’s only two blocks from our apartment! I miss good pastries, particularly donuts, so much - I have a horrible sweet tooth. I think I know where I’ll be nearly every morning from now on…

Finally, a couple of photos for you. Laika recently celebrated her 10 month birthday. Neither Shawn nor I felt like awkwardly picking up all 50 pounds of her, so we forced her to sit and pose instead. And Shawn surprised me with a fancy Valentine’s dinner last week at the Hyatt. Very tasty and I got to dress up for the occasion. This is very exciting for someone who normally sits around in jeans covered in dried rawhide and dog slobber. And he also gifted me with some beautiful roses.