it's a beautiful day here

Wow!  Today I started using a new toothbrush and went out and bought some new clothes, so why not also start my blog??  The weather is beautiful here (warm enough to unzip your coat and ditch the gloves!), and everyone looks excited and refreshed.  The babushkas and dedushkas are relaxing on benches by the river, the kids are chasing pigeons, and even the stray dogs are ... barking a lot and running around like crazy.  I wish it would stay this beautiful, but I have a feeling we may get some more nasty weather before spring really sets in.
Over the past month, I have been getting comfortable in Kiev.  My apartment finally feels like...mine.  I am comfortable at my job, and with my students (they are all amazing people!).  I have been integrated into the AEC teacher's social circle, and have found a smaller group of people who I spend most of my free time with, and with whom I've already established some promising friendships.  I am getting used to daily life in Kiev, from getting groceries at the markets or at the small shop right outside my apartment, to riding the metro and marshrutkas (transport vans/buses) every day.  I even have a month-long metro pass--crazy!  I really live here!
Well, time to run to work (mid-terms today!), but I'll share more in the near future!