Friends, I have given some thought to what I should be writing about in this blog. I want it to serve a good purpose. There is so much negativity and misinformation out there; I want my blog to be different. I want it to be constructive, funny, and uplifting. This might be too hefty of a goal, but I am going to give it a try.

Therefore, the first topic of discussion is going to be… Politics! Because it is so constructive and uplifting. No, not really. Mostly, because it has been on my mind a lot lately with everything that’s going on between Russia and Ukraine…and the US…and everyone else who is involved.

Lately, there has been so much bad blood between Russia and the USA. Of course, there has also been a lot of bad blood between Russia and Ukraine, but we have been together for so long, and know each other so well, that there is really not much explaining to do.

Not so between Russia and the US. On both sides the media has vilified the other nation so much that those of us who have experienced both cultures want to throw up every time we log on to Facebook or turn on the TV. And in the midst of all this propaganda what we forget is that both nations are made out of people (thank you, Darryl Willis, for a timely reminder). Both Russians and Americans are people that have families and kids, that get up in the morning, eat breakfast and go to work, that like to have fun, play games, watch movies… You get the picture. Therefore, I thought it would be a good idea to write to Americans about Russians and to write to Russians about Americans. As people. So, this is what you get to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.

Feel free to comment and bring in your perspective (in a respectful manner, please).

Disclaimer: with posts like this, I will naturally make some generalizations. Of course, tremendous differences exist between people WITHIN each culture. Besides, I haven’t lived in every province in Russia or every state in America, so my experiences are, naturally, limited. However, I have friends ALL OVER THE PLACE and I believe there can be a benefit in learning more about another culture, even when the observer is biased.

Also, because I am going to be making some generalizations, people will get offended. If you read something on my blog that offends you just know that it is never my intention to put down or offend anybody. But I like to speak my mind, and that can be offensive. So, get over it. You are probably taking yourself too seriously. But if you feel like you need to call me on it, please, do so in a respectful manner. I apologize in advance to all the people who will feel offended. Again, it was never intentional.

So… With the encouragement of my oldest friend, Valya Meehan, I have decided to start a blog. Now when people ask me what I do I can say, ‘I am a blogger! And a stay home mom’ JK

This blog is going to be about nutrition and healthy living, and about being a parent. With some sprinkles of politics and religion. If you know me, you know I can’t help it. As lady Violet Grantham said in Downton Abbey, ‘some people run on hate, some on love, and some on indignation’. That’s me right there. I run on indignation. Admitting, though, is the first step to recovery, right?

I will try to write in both Russian and English, unless the topic is 100% cultural and irrelevant to the other culture. 
I hope this is going to be a fun journey not just for me, but also for my ‘readers’. Besides, I need to improve my writing skills, and practice makes perfect.

И так, с подачи моей самой старой подруги, Вали Чубукровой/ Meehan, я решила начать блог. Теперь, когда меня спросят, чем я занимаюсь, я могу сказать: ” Я блоггер! И домохозяйка.” 🙂

Этот блог будет в основном посвящен темам здорового питания и образа жизни, и воспитанию детей. И еще немного политике и религии. Вы меня знаете, я по-другому не могу. Как сказала одна пожилая героиня английского сериала: “Некоторые люди питаются ненавистью, некоторые любовью, в некоторые – негодованием”. Bот это точно я. Я питаюсь негодованием. Но, как известно, осознание – это первый шаг к исцелению.

Большинство статей я буду писать на двух языках, кроме тех случаев, когда тема имеет сугубо этнический характер и не интересна жителям другой страны.

Надеюсь, это будет увлекательное путешествие не только для меня, но и для моих “читателей”. Кроме того, мне надо повышать мои литературные навыки, и, как известно, во всем нужна сноровка, закалка, тренировка.