Backdated

Again we have a protracted absences on my part. I have moved into a new apartment, of course, and I still don't have Internet.

Interesting things have happened these last few weeks.

I went to the NATEK (National Association of Teachers of English in Kazakhstan) conference in Karaganda two weeks ago. It was a very good trip, and I got to meet a number of teachers from around the country. They were very motivated and active, rather different from some of the other teachers I have met in Kazakhstan. I will probably try and go next year as well.

I also went to a summer camp in the nearby village of Bulaevo, though I recall posting about that before.

I have also begun trying to learn Kazakh. As it turns out, I think that the Peace Corps textbook for Kazakh is terrible. It is poorly organized and riddled with errors, so I'm going to set it aside until I can find a better textbook or a competent tutor.

I'll also be going to another camp on Saturday for two weeks. I'm told the food is indifferent, but volunteers last year enjoyed it. Afterwards I will go to Almaty for the rest of July for a two-week session of some sort. I was originally told that it was for English Language, but the schedule from last year they sent me was for a teaching conference. I still need to get in touch with them to see what they actually want from me.

I'm also putting together my own little recipe book; I'm getting tired of having recipes always on my computer or scribbled on little pieces of paper and I want things handier in the kitchen. My mid-range goals are to get a couple of good breads, and some delicious cinnamon rolls.

I'm also contemplating the future. What should I do after the Peace Corps? I don't want to keep teaching at the moment, but I'm not sure how to transition my skills into a more business-oriented line of work, much less what specific job titles I should look at for just-above-entry-level employment.

I could always go to B-school. That's a pile of money; I need to look into it more closely.