My Farewell

No doubt about it. What I will miss most about Odessa, are the people I met here.

My very first day in Odessa was spent with Dawn; and you can't ask for a better welcome. We talked for hours that day, and I felt so 'cushioned' in my transition. Although I have many memories at the Freeland's- a day spent learning the art of collage, our Thanksgiving feast, a lunch with yummy salad and pumpkin soup.... I think it was that very first day that will remain with me forever.

Any time spent with Bob and Andrea were sure to be filled with laughter and fun. What an awesome couple; always a joy to be around. They are the couple I aspire to be! Our night of playing Pictionary could only be topped by their impromptu number of "Baby, It's Cold Outside!" Lunch at their house was the first home-cooked meal we had in Odessa- I'll never forget them, nor Abigail, Emily and Iris.

One of the dearest people in my life here has been Natalie, my boss- who has always been more of a friend to me than anything else. Always supportive, relentelessly caring (she offered to arrange for a physician when I called in sick one day!), and perpetually smiling. I will miss her as well as the wonderful teachers at the OLSC- Irina (who called me Antaruchka from the start), Alexis, Vickie, Natasha (such a gentle spirit!), Sveta (cutest son ever!), Marina... all were absolute sweethearts!

Then there's Helen; with whom I clicked with from the start. Whether we went out to lunch for some borsch, or spent time chit-chatting, or went out dancing at the Palladium; we always had fun together.

There are so many others; I couldn't possibly capture all the wonderful people in a blog entry.

So I'll end with a big THANK YOU to all the people who have come into our lives in Odessa.

Keep in touch! We will miss you!