Goal Update: Monies

This time two years ago, after I had moved to Thailand, I was feeling a lack of money.  Putting deposits on a place and money into moving after two years in America was quite rough.  Plus, circumstances had left me in some dire straights.  These issues were quickly resolved, but it was a hard time.

Moving to Moscow, I was a bit worried that the lifestyle that I had in Thailand would be at risk, that the city would be so much more expensive and that I would be unable to save anything.  I've been pleasantly surprised at how I'm doing, though.

One recent goal was getting out of debt.

During my time in Cambodia, I was able to save enough money to pay off all of my undergraduate loans before I started my graduate degree.  This was a huge boon to my financial situation, even if I did come back to America and struggle with the lack of credit history.

But, then I went back to school, and I took out loans to pay for it.  This is 2012/2013, for my Master's Degree in Library Science.

Here's what I took out:
$20,500 - Interest Rate: 6.7%
$8,000 - Interest Rate: 7.9%
$10,250 - Interest Rate: 5.5%
$4,000 - Interest Rate: 7.9%

School is fucking expensive.

But, I am happy to say that by the end of this year, this debt will be gone.  In less than 5 years, it will be completely finished, and my life will be debt free once again.  I had hoped that I would be debt free by the age of 30, but I will end up missing it by a few months.

It's taken a lot of work to get here, and many incentives for myself.  Plus, I had help in the form of family for a sizeable chunk of this.  I live a relatively frugal life, and this is one step for my next financial goals.  With the cooking that I've been doing, more frugality is happening.  Plus, I track my expenses quite religiously, to make sure that I know where my money is going.

I've been doing some things to provide me with incentives to reach this goal.

1. The Bees

I started this in Thailand, after I read something on a blog about a woman coloring in circles whenever she was able to put a few hundred dollars into her loan.  I liked the idea of putting in whatever you can and celebrating that amount.  If I was in Thailand still, it may be more pertinent, but I came into some money when I left the school, and moving wasn't nearly as expensive as it has been in the past, given the school that I'm coming to.

Each little honeycomb represents just $100.  This picture is currently accurate, so when I've finished paying off my loans, I will have a fully colored picture.  I'm very excited about this.  My net worth is getting higher by the minute!

2. The socks.

In order for me to get more of my money invested in paying off these loans, Pierre and I thought of an incentive in the form of something I love: socks.  I wanted to buy many socks before I came, but he dissuaded me of the notion that that was a good use of money.

However, now I get a pair of socks whenever I pay $1000 dollars to my loans.  This is a very useful incentive for me.  Many of them are in the wash, but here are two of my recent success stories.

3. Net Worth.

A softer incentive is the net worth that is calculated on my Mint.com account.  It counts up all my assets, subtracts all my debts, and gives me a number.  Just a few years ago, it was negative.  My debts far surpassed my assets, which I found very upsetting.  But now, I'm not only up to a positive number, but every day gets a little bit better.

School is super expensive, and this moment in time will see me working on the newest years of my 30s to make some good money and put it in useful places.  I will be an adult yet.

Goal Update: Food Preparation

In an effort to work on two of my goals, learning to cook and eat the healthiest, I have taken some steps.

I have purchased a few things for my kitchen (since all my things have arrived, and my kitchen still has not all the things.

1. A hand blender and food processor combo, which helps me make soup.
2. A multi-cooker, which I still don't know how to use.
3. A kitchen scale, because I had a recipe that required a weight that I didn't know.
4. A grill pan, because eggplant needs grilled.

I have so far created the following things in my kitchen:

1. Soup with zucchini, peppers, and carrots.
2. Roasted pumpkin soup.
3. Some version of ratatouille.
4. Ravioli.
5. Broccoli (in a pan)
6. Spinach (in a pan)

Pumpkin soup!

Carroty Veggie Soup!

Frozen Ratatouille!

A Fridge Full of Veg!

The goal is to have a bunch of healthy food stocked up in the freezer for some nice dinners, and it is working!  I have more than two weeks of food in my freezer, and a whole bunch of really nice green food in my fridge.

There is the added benefit of the mind stretch in cooking abroad.  My brain is trying to convert units and measurements, which isn't always the easiest thing.  There's the added challenge of finding what I need with the translator app on my phone, and utilizing the help of the ladies in the grocery store.  I feel like an explorer.

I know many of my friends and family aren't going to believe me... but... I'm kind of getting into this. Today, I'm excited that I'm going to cook.  I'm trying to cook eggplant in three different ways today.  Plus, with all of this, I'm losing weight and I feel healthy.  I also notice that the kitchen (and therefore my home) warms up quite a bit with the cooking, especially since they haven't turned the heat on.  And, I smelled the spice cabinet... and it reminds me of mom's house.

The Oven

I have made an amazing achievement.  I have learned to use my oven.

This may not sound like the most thrilling thing, but let me express some of the things that happened in order to make this happen.  I may also add that this is one of my goals, and this is evidence of progress.  More to come on that later. 

This is my oven:

Exhibit 1: Oven

It is a gas oven, which is something I have never encountered.

I have, on the left, a dial and a button that I thought was a flame button.  Given that I turn the dial and click the flame button for the burners, I thought that this was the case.  However, no.  This dial is more for heat, and the button just starts the gas. 

So, I'm consulting with my boyfriend, Pierre, because he is European and probably has encountered an oven such as this.  May I add that he was very useful in helping me learn how my dryer worked.

First, I wonder to myself how I even make this work, especially without blowing myself up in a fiery gas burning death. 

I try to turn the dial, I click the button.  I click the other button.  I wait. I look. I listen. 

Turning on the gas dial does nothing, I notice.  I hear nothing. No sounds of gas, no anything.  This is a good sign. 

Exhibit 2: Dial, Button.

I consult with Pierre, who recognizes the dial as something about the heat.  There is a measurement where you multiply this by some number to acquire a temperature in Celsius.  I disregard this information until it is more useful.

I look inside the oven, to see if there is an easy place to light the oven. 

Exhibit 3: Oven Innards.

The holes in the front are just too small for a lighter, and I actually only have a small lighter at this time.  So, this wasn't going to work.  I take a moment to re-read information shared over Facebook from the new people, because I know that I am not the only person with this issue. 

Then, I move the bottom tray, which slides out quite easily. 

Exhibit 4: The "Aha" Moment.

I see where the gas comes out.  I see the flame marks.  I see everything.

I notice that pushing the button near the dial means that I hear the sound of gas, and that is confirmed with the view that I currently have. 

I know what I need to do.

It was time for me to take my life in my hands and light the gas oven.  With a lighter: a small, normal lighter.

I click the button, hold it down, and slowly move the lighter closer to the area.  With a whoosh, it lights up.  After a brief moment of celebration, I lift up on the button to survey the handiwork.

The flame... dies.

I think to myself, perhaps I need to press it longer. 

So, I press the button again, bringing the lighter to the tube, holding the button longer and longer.  I light the tube, it whooshes up.  I wait, holding the button.

The flame dies again.

Exhibit 4: Just... stay.... please.

I do it again. I press the gas button, light the tube, reach with my foot to close the window (just in case), hold the button, put the tray back in (for flame protection), hold the button more, and after a few minutes, release.

Success.

SUCCESS!

And now, this:

Exhibit 5: Roasting Pumpkins

So far, I have roasted carrots and pumpkins in this oven.  With many more things to come.

I am progressing with my goals to create food in my kitchen. 

My Things Have Arrived

Having your shipment arrive is one of the most amazing days.

I shipped off my goods in the middle of July, and two men arrived at my mother's house to pack all of my clothing and knick knacks and cooking gear into boxes, then carted them away.

A few days ago, it finally arrived, and two men arrived at my new house to bring all of my clothing and knick knacks and cooking gear out of the boxes, taking them away.

This was a quick process, just less than an hour.  The men made just one comment about my things as they unpacked.  They pulled out the boxing gloves, asked if they were mine, laughed, then put them down.  The rest was as practical and easy as can be.

They even took away the boxes, which honestly would have been the most inconvenient thing to have in my house.

Later update: It took me quite a few hours (and days, if I'm honest), to put away all of these things.  But, I am proud to say that all of my things are where I want them to be and I am fully settled in.

The Military Tattoo

Rapidly losing sunshine.

Allow me to set the scene.

Friday afternoon, after school.  It's a beautiful day, with the sun shining bright.  It's brisk, fall weather, a perfect temperature even for those of us who feel such comfort in the tropical heat.  My friends and I took the metro underground to the stop that is right behind the Bolshoi Theatre.  It's full of people milling about, because of a couple big things happening, one of which is a large science themed exhibition.  We kept seeing these science themed kiosks, with chemistry themed pictures on them.  Of course, the insides of the kiosks were moderately tame: coffee, souvenirs, fur hats, food, food, kebabs.  There was even a band playing some sort of music, though it was a bit far away.

He's the happy one.

We were very close to the center of Moscow.  This isn't just a saying, in fact.  Right outside of the gates to Red Square, there is a brass circle laid into the bricks.  It is the very center of Moscow, and all of the city is built around it.  The area is open, large, sprawling, and easily filled with people on a busy day.

Right before this center of Moscow, though, and the gates to Red Square, there was a line of metal detectors and police guards, and the inside of Red Square was nearly empty.  As one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, you can imagine how rare this is.  We also heard bagpipes, and saw a few gals dressed up like belles, selling pictures with themselves and fighting off oglers. We decided to go into the Square quite early, so we gave our tickets to the men standing guard, got searched and metal-detected, and walked into an empty Red Square.

There were a few people milling about, eating the kebobs and street food on offer.  Some bleachers had been set up looking over a horse field, where people from Central Asia (perhaps Kazakhstan, but unsure) were riding back and forth in beautiful traditional garb, holding people above their shoulders as they rode.  I'm sure there were more tricks, but we became distracted by savory crepes and military men with hawks.  This non-smiling face you see is, in fact, the face we saw the whole time.  There was another one who smiled even less, which I'm sure you find hard to believe.  They were showing off their animals, and that was all.

View from the seat.

As we went forward, we found a gingerbread gun (which Rorey bought, which wasn't very delicious), the Scottish marching band that marched straight through this walkway with their bagpipes, and the giant stadium where the tattoo was taking place.

And so, we went to find our seats in the still empty stadium.  We were quite early, having been warned that security and the number of people sometimes become overwhelming.  We had this gorgeous view of St. Basil's Cathedral, and of a completely empty space in the middle.  Now, I came into this Tattoo without a full comprehension of its purpose.  I knew that there were Military Bands.  I knew that it was highly recommended for all the people.  I knew that it was fun.  I didn't have many expectations, but, they were shattered in the face of what I saw.

There was an announcer, speaking like the start of a boxing match in guttural Russian.  The first band emerges from the St. Basil's side, slowly marching towards the center.  They get into formation as the church bells toll.  The arena lights up red, and loud marching music fills the air.  I was thrilled from this moment forwards.

But wait, there's more.

Apparently, Military Tattoos also showcase their soldiers, and the gun twirling tricks that they have somehow picked up.  So, this particular band (Slovakia perhaps?) also had a long line of men acting as one with their gun movements.

Now, this was one of the more... traditional... Military Tattoo bands of the evening.  Things got a little ridiculous throughout the evening.

For example.

Scotland was there, with all the bagpipes.  Their set included a handful of pretty lady dancers with the coolest argyle socks and matching sweaters you've ever seen.  They were, of course, driven into the arena in fancy cars.

Hello Scotland.

During one set, a band played the Game of Thrones intro theme followed by an 80s song with a lady singer (who I believe also played clarinet?)

Mongolia had the most amazing outfits, with golden, tall, pointed helmets and a rainbow of colors.  Their set included the trumpet making horse-like sounds, and three traditionally dressed dancers who whirled around as the music picked up speed.

Mongolia, you win the beauty contest.

One band had a point where baton twirlers and the majority of the band surrounded a tuba player, then as he played one long, low, sound, they all fell to the ground as if collapsing from the power of the note.

Singapore had an identity crisis on the stage.  They had bagpipes in their band.  They had an Indonesian/Malaysian dressed drumline that jammed out on the stage.  Their dancers were dressed in a Chinese style, with long flowing costumes that had scarves at the hands.  And, they ended up playing both Bollywood and popular modern songs.

Belarus was among the favorites.  Hip music, fantastic formations, and all in all amazing work.

At some point, there was a featured singer (two even).  They were, in all honesty, my least favorite part of the evening.  But, the crowd went insane for them.  The famous lady was French, and she has a cult like following here.  It messed up my Tattoo groove, but the rest of the stadium was very excited.

All through the night, the Cathedral was lit up to match the colors of the performances.  It was neon, it was blue, it was white as snow....

And, at the end of this remarkable event, the Moscow University Marching corps came out, playing national favorites which the whole stadium sang.  They also wove in "Happy" by Pharrell, somehow.  They were the last set before the grand finale... which was...

Every band coming out onto the stage and performing a couple of songs as one giant mega band.

And then, in true Moscow fashion... fireworks.

My Apartment: Unique Spaces

Tomorrow, I receive my shipment, and I am shocked at the speed with which my items have traveled across the planet.  So, before my place is filled with some of the treasures that I've decided to bring, I thought I would share some of the cool curiosities of my place.

This is part of my neighborhood.

There is a dish drying rack in the cupboard above the sink, which is handy for everyone involved.

My window opens like this, to the side...

And also like this... from the top.  And this is all the windows in the place.

I have real radiators at every corner of this place, in every room.

This towel warmer uses hot water going through the pipes to warm up my towel, which is epic. 

I have a bathtub, and it is as tall as me.  This bubble bath with the Russian woman on it is the jam as well.

My washing machine is in French. 

This is part of my dryer, which is a condenser dryer.  Every time I use it, I empty this container of water from my clothing. 

A gas stove. Praise.

This is a trash chute in the hallway, for my garbage to fall down to the bottom.

And last but not least, the landing at my stairs. Beautiful and full of flowers. 

The First Few Days: Shopping/Restaurants

I have been using Duolingo to learn Russian for the last couple of months.

My lessons have not prepared me to shop at the grocery store.

At all.

Or to eat at a restaurant.

At all.

My first free evening, I went to the small grocery store around the corner to look around and see what was available.  I picked out a few green apples, a card, and a cup of yogurt, a pretty cheap order.  I went to the cashier to check out, and was asked a series of questions that I responded to with the blank stare of confusion.  There was a woman behind me in line who giggled at this, and at the ineptitude that comes with a new culture.  In fact, she paid for her bottle of water with just coins, while I utilized the money in my special envelope from the school to pay, which appeared to upset the woman behind the counter.

Then, I learned.

They were asking me if I wanted to buy a bag, because free bags at the grocery only exist at the fanciest store.  They were also probably asking me for some smaller money because the bill I paid with was considerably too large.  In fact, our orientation team told us that they get fussy, which... sounded pretty accurate.

At the restaurant, there are many water options that are not available in the America (or in Thailand).  You ask for water, and they ask if you want "gas or no gas".  Now, the first couple of times I heard this, I giggled like a middle schooler.  But it is actually part of the Russian description for sparkling water, or still water, which in fact is what they are asking.  There are also varieties of questions about wanting cold or normal water.  This is quite a boon for me; I dislike ice in my water, and I've finally found a place where this is typical and easy.

We've also noticed that there is wonderful service here, that your table gets cleared as soon as you are finished, and that you can sit and drink coffee as long as you wish.  However, this often also means that once your plate is gone, your server is also.  This has presented a curious change from the States.

I remind you that none of this was on Duolingo (and I'm a quarter of the way through the lessons).

Next up, I think I need to learn numbers and how to ask about price.

Yesterday, I went to buy some fruit from a local seller that sells out of the back of his car near the train station.  They've had these beautiful raspberries, peaches, apples, as well as a new fruit... a white melon.

So, I went up to him, and pretended to know all the Russian, utilizing the few words that I knew in a masterful way. Please allow me to sum up the conversation in a dramatic fashion:

Me: Hello.

Him: Hello. [па-русски and much more that I didn't grasp]

Me: (points at apricots with a smile).

Him: Yes! [price that I can't understand plus something about how the nectarines are also delicious]

Me: Yes! Good! Two, please. (with my fingers up). (points at apricots and puts three fingers up)

Him: Yes! [something about how I should choose them?]

I choose them, with his help.  Then he chooses some, and shows them to me.

Him: ... Apples ... (Duolingo had this word).

Me: Good?

Him: (takes an apple, cuts a piece out of it, and offers it to me).

Me: Good! (swooning from the delicious apple, puts 5 fingers up).

Him: (fills a bag with apples for me, weighs it). Three hundred and [unclear]

Me: (counts out 300 from the wallet, and gives it over)

Him: and [unclear]

Me: (gives another 50)

Him: [unclear]

Me: (gives another 50)

Him: (gives me a few coins of change)

Me: Thank you! I don't understand! (with laughter)

Him: You do understand!

Me: Thank you!

Him: Merci!

Apparently, I look Russian and French.  Someone also asked me for directions (a Russian) on the way home.  This is some home I have acquired.  But, look at my yummy delicious fruit purchases! Note: This was a previous fruit purchase.  I've already destroyed the current one for an evening staff picnic on the front lawn.