Pictures and pumpkins

As you can see (assuming you’re not reading this through bloglines), I decided to change up my header. The old one was too boring and I think this one gives you a glimpse into the types of things I see on a daily basis. I’ve been trying to really focus on the pleasant parts of Kyiv lately. I do this every time I get close to leaving a place. It might be silly, but I think it’s a good exercise in slowing down and focusing.

And you may have noticed from my bookshelf sidebar that I’m reading a book on economics. I’m trying really hard to understand the financial crisis, even though it’s something I would normally find completely boring. I think Shawn and I have at least one conversation a day lately that starts with me saying, “Can you explain to me why….?” I think I’m getting there, but he recommended this book to me and so far it’s pretty good. The author promises no graphs or formulas and uses plenty of antecdotes to explain concepts.

But the most recent excitement here came in the form of a babushka selling small pumpkins on the street yesterday. I don’t remember seeing any pumpkins last year, so I squealed with delight when I saw them and made Shawn buy some for me. Laika has shown a large interest in these foreign objects in our living room.