Здравствуйте! (Hello)

Yes, dear friends, I am finally undertaking learning Russian. I always thought I had a knack for languages. I loved learning Spanish when I was in high school and college--not that I've retained much. I can basically ask for a beer (which I wouldn't drink) and for the bathroom.

My impetus for learning Russian stems from growing up knowing I am named after Larissa ("Lara") Antipova from "Dr. Zhivago." I have always had a fascination with learning more about Russia. My job brings me into contact with Russian immigrants and I continue to be amazed by these wonderful people. That being said, I am not having an easy go of it. I hope that changes in time. I purchased some software and have barely been able to get through the first two lessons (I've had to repeat them several times). It does help that I am around enough native speakers that at least I hear it spoken on a daily basis. I hope I get beyond saying things like, "The girl eats rice" or "The bicycle is red." I guess I have to start somewhere, right?

До свидания until next month!

I drove my Chevy to the levy...

I would remiss if I didn't blog today, since it is a first for me. Today marks the one year anniversary of my mom's death. I've been thinking the song "American Pie" for some reason all day today. It isn't that the song necessarily reminds me of my mom, but more about experiences with her. One of the few things we did share in common was our love for music. Being the hippie she was, the lady really turned me on to folk music growing up. We used to sit around and listen to records for hours. She would put Megan and I to sleep with Peter, Paul, and Mary. To this day I have a Pavlovian response to "I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane." Seriously.

My relationship with my mother was strained, to say the least. I have spent a bulk of this year trying to figure out who I am without either of my parents. It hasn't been easy, but I have had such an outpouring of love and support from friends and family alike. I feel so blessed that God has seen to bringing me closer to healing. I want to send a big thank you to all those who have offered prayer and words of encouragement. The little things have meant a great deal to me, folks!!!

I started this blog because I wanted to live my life differently. I actually have my mom to thank for that. She lived a life full of regrets. I don't want that for myself. So, here's to living my life.