tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.comments2024-02-07T11:31:44.141+03:00On Life in St. PetersburgElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comBlogger3682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-18925575448913360302022-10-29T13:40:53.238+03:002022-10-29T13:40:53.238+03:00I don't know if it's really "dangerou...I don't know if it's really "dangerous," but border officials have been instructed to interrogate people that seem suspicious. But outside of official contexts, people are pleasantly surprised nowadays to see foreign passports, since many ex-pats have left and there aren't as many visitors.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-1727245612913723162022-10-29T13:38:06.725+03:002022-10-29T13:38:06.725+03:00Yes, it quickly went from irony/harmless rivalry t...Yes, it quickly went from irony/harmless rivalry to something much more upsetting. I'm sad for what that means for your family (and others). The West has played a certain role also in alienating Russia. I'm really sad for Monnie. I always seek to be an ambassador of sorts between cultures, and I hope she can rise to that challenge also and break some stereotypes.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-29704773517972758762022-10-29T13:32:25.902+03:002022-10-29T13:32:25.902+03:00Russians have been silenced so you aren't hear...Russians have been silenced so you aren't hearing what is happening in Russia. People don't want to live in a country where they can't express themselves freely or worship how they like. Any ties with the West will get you marked as a "foreign agent" and perhaps arrested. A certain percentage are against the war in Ukraine, and helping Ukrainians to get to safety is also risky work. As far as mobilization, it's also the principle of the matter. The State has shown its lack of caring for its own citizens. The LGBT population is terrified. School curriculum is being amended to completely rewrite history and enforce propaganda. Aside from all that, movement is restricted. So if something more "dangerous" did come about, there is no way out. Land borders are mostly closing to Russians, airspace is closed except for a few exceptions, and anyone can be detained at the airport. Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-36843304376952435622022-10-29T04:14:39.599+03:002022-10-29T04:14:39.599+03:00That all seems so sad. Since I was in Russia las...That all seems so sad. Since I was in Russia last, I've always wanted to return, and now it seems a little - less likely. Not that I wouldn't want to; it just looks difficult. <br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-22600047133559607652022-10-29T04:10:39.874+03:002022-10-29T04:10:39.874+03:00Several years ago my boys commented, a little hurt...Several years ago my boys commented, a little hurt, that Russians always appeared as the villains in video games and movies. They didn't understand that.....and that was way back "when". Earlier this year Monica wore the Russian Olympic team jacket that I bought for Anastasia when she was that age. Apparently it caused a number of kids to tell her Russians were bad, and to actually taunt her. Made me so sad. I used to occasionally fly our Russian flag next to the American one - won't do that any time soon. Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-20884183931292552952022-10-29T04:02:58.432+03:002022-10-29T04:02:58.432+03:00I wonder why people are leaving - well, people tha...I wonder why people are leaving - well, people that aren't in danger of being drafted. Leaving Ukraine I could definitely see.... What is happening in Russia that seems dangerous?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-45225730999776961942022-05-20T20:09:43.190+03:002022-05-20T20:09:43.190+03:00That's interesting! Maybe the Catholic church ...That's interesting! Maybe the Catholic church structure is simply more regulated, so there's no need to discuss certain questions? Are there any power struggles within the parish itself? It felt like in our case we were not set up to even have an established method for problem-solving, despite Andrei working hard on a set of by-laws. Covid has been rather isolating. We probably would have grown apart from people regardless of the church. It's been a bit slow-going since we didn't see some people for 2 years and still don't have everyone coming in person again. So already slow relationships take even longer to form.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-51735611952953834862022-05-19T02:31:27.200+03:002022-05-19T02:31:27.200+03:00I haven't thought about it....but I will! Don...I haven't thought about it....but I will! Don't you have a church community you feel close to now? Catholic parishes don't really split as a protestant church might. Sometimes if there is conflict some people leave; they go to another parish with a more appealing "personality". But, I've not experienced that kind of split among the congregants - possibly because parishes are generally much larger? if you don't get along with one group, there's always another. In fact, at that parish one of the wordings considered for our mission statement said we were a "community of communities". That makes it easier to get along. I feel at odds because my new "church friends" are at the parish where I work; that's an hour from where I live, though. I like some people at the parish were Monica goes to school, but I just don't feel I fit in there, for some reason. I think probably because I can't be there on Sunday - that's pretty big, I guess. So a feel a bit "out" of a community, too. My Bible Study ladies who had been meeting together for years stopped meeting during COVID and somehow I doubt we'll ever get together again.... That saddens me; we shared so much. <br /><br /> I am VERY grateful that Lydia's years of Irish dancing didn't fall during COVID. That was just so much fun, so much joy for all of us, that would have been lost. Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-75768760054888963922022-05-12T17:46:26.962+03:002022-05-12T17:46:26.962+03:00Part 3 is up!Part 3 is up!Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-55905402773155374182022-05-11T00:16:19.646+03:002022-05-11T00:16:19.646+03:00Can't wait!Can't wait!Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-61710735952134403492022-05-11T00:15:46.791+03:002022-05-11T00:15:46.791+03:00Oh, my gosh, yes; it is PAINFUL to be on Facebook ...Oh, my gosh, yes; it is PAINFUL to be on Facebook now for so many reasons.<br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-71491001597894456442022-05-04T22:37:27.752+03:002022-05-04T22:37:27.752+03:00I was going to finish this series before we went o...I was going to finish this series before we went on our next trip. Too late! But I think I have it drafted up, just need to go and find the photos again.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-10257682155030533962022-05-04T22:36:16.153+03:002022-05-04T22:36:16.153+03:00That's a good point. Certainly some cultural w...That's a good point. Certainly some cultural wars going on in the US. Bracing myself as abortion comes into the spotlight again, too. Though really, we should just pray and speak the truth, right?Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-31261142813290057172022-05-04T19:58:26.823+03:002022-05-04T19:58:26.823+03:00...and, sadly, so much for art class.
...and, sadly, so much for art class.<br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-38771329366089432512022-05-04T19:57:38.131+03:002022-05-04T19:57:38.131+03:00You know, it is the same thing here - but about di...You know, it is the same thing here - but about different topics. It seems like the "transgender" movement (or whatever it is is EVERYWHERE). I took Bee (3) to a mother/child art class at the same studio where I used to go with Monnie. With private horror I noticed that while having long hair and breasts, under that mask our instructor also had a beard, and introduced himself by telling us the pronouns were he/him. The voice was female. I behaved lovingly even though my insides were roiling the whole while. Fortunately, I hadn't brought Monica because I am NOT wanting to talk about this stuff yet - if it is disturbing for me (even physically) it surely would be for her. Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-34956258335224945752022-05-04T19:45:04.966+03:002022-05-04T19:45:04.966+03:00Yes; tell Lena that I will pray for her too! Yes; tell Lena that I will pray for her too! Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-32497465354029339862022-05-04T19:42:57.014+03:002022-05-04T19:42:57.014+03:00Well, that was fun! I just love travelling vicari...Well, that was fun! I just love travelling vicariously, especially when it is as trouble-prone as this trip. I laughed out loud that David was excited about the plain hot dog. :)<br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-65353927723393408802022-05-02T00:29:19.681+03:002022-05-02T00:29:19.681+03:00ABSOLUTELY! This has SO struck me! The media and...ABSOLUTELY! This has SO struck me! The media and general consensus is all about Support Ukraine. In our town, at least, advertisers devote entire billboards to it (a big sunflower, which is of course ironic) People put Ukrainian flags in their yard [what if they weren't so pretty, I wonder....] But when it comes to an African country or a Middle Eastern country.....we hear almost nothing. It did occur to me that without needing to know any of the details or the history (as we'd feel compelled to do with an African of ME country - when it comes to something involving RUSSIA - we can be firmly opposed to the quintessential "bad guy". My boys have pointed out frequently how the villains in video games so often have Russian names or accents. <br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-7879110019491192672022-05-02T00:22:36.898+03:002022-05-02T00:22:36.898+03:00I know! It was so funny when that old video memor...I know! It was so funny when that old video memory first came up and I realized that if we had it, we would have no way to play it (as though we really ever wanted to see Olympic highlights after the fact, anyway).<br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-25511430960417141912022-04-30T22:35:49.968+03:002022-04-30T22:35:49.968+03:00It's a mix here, but awkward seeing people in ...It's a mix here, but awkward seeing people in the U.S. react, also. I think all the support is good, but it doesn't make the problem go away. Changing your profile image is a no-risk thing to do. Speaking out here is different. And seeing all the flags up and parade preparations this time of year... hard to describe how it feels.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-79958907020837028192022-04-30T22:31:50.859+03:002022-04-30T22:31:50.859+03:00Those are fun memories! I used to beg my mom to or...Those are fun memories! I used to beg my mom to order copies of things on VHS, like school plays, etc. Of course now they'd be obsolete. We did (unusual for us) go to a Stars on Ice tour! Scott Hamilton, Gordeeva and Grinkoff when he was still alive. Maybe even Kristi Yamaguchi? I forget now.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283395756742923658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-11968178706284617972022-04-30T21:16:29.903+03:002022-04-30T21:16:29.903+03:00I have been wondering too.....what do people there...I have been wondering too.....what do people there really think? I don't think people here understand (no more do I, really) but I do know that even in my family there has been such confusion about the Ukrainian vs Russian identity. Sergei's parents were Ukrainian and were living in a part of Russia that had been Ukraine at some point. His sister lives in Russia; his brother in Ukraine. They speak the same language. From photos it looks like they could both live in the same village. It's all confusing. I just know it is embarrassing for the kids and even for myself. I feel oddly responsible for anything Russia does because I love the country. As my friends who adopted from Ukraine proudly flash the flags on their profile pictures, I cower in shame, knowing I don't dare put up any Russian bunting. I even avoided my usual Woman's Day greeting. I read the other day about some poor Russian woman in the midwest who killed her son and thrust a knife into her own heart. She didn't die, but explained that she felt so hated and reviled and couldn't bear for her child to feel that way. How terribly sad. <br />Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-61671607370073522702022-04-30T21:06:45.243+03:002022-04-30T21:06:45.243+03:00I remember watching the Olympics with my older two...I remember watching the Olympics with my older two when they were kids. The whole family would go up to the TV (in the attic, to make it less of a daily temptation) and where it was frigid in the winter and beyond hot and stifling in the summer. Somehow we'd happily brave those conditions to watch Olympics after dinner. We were so touched one year, that when they advertised the opportunity to buy a VIDEO of Olympics highlights, I [odd for me] sent away for it. It never came, which is something that my son recalls (and mentions) to this day. I guess that was a learning experience for us both, when it comes to purchasing from unknown sources! I also recall that we watched as Oksana Baiul won the medal, and were so in love with her that we did another thing that was a one-time-only.... I gave the family a Christmas gift of going to see her in a liver performance; she was starring in some ice show in Detroit. It was so exciting. Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-90099814796674029362022-04-29T19:41:47.560+03:002022-04-29T19:41:47.560+03:00This is definitely the stuff of bad dreams...in fa...This is definitely the stuff of bad dreams...in fact, perhaps in the next post we'll find out it is another nightmare! (I'm parsing these out, as it is such fun to have blog posts to read again.)Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2949422246633548404.post-31772788140989200922022-04-29T19:37:53.708+03:002022-04-29T19:37:53.708+03:00I guess you do! That's one of those ones that...I guess you do! That's one of those ones that is realistic enough to make you wake feeling like you worked all night.....yipes.Annie Kitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11638369332689401184noreply@blogger.com