Sending Packages

Some information about sending mail, specifically packages:

• it would be best to address it to just one of us - we had trouble getting a package because Jace's name wasn't Jace Sarah McCain (and apparently they don't recognize our 'and' symbol)
  
• it's better to write 'personal items' for the contents and not the actual list of what you are sending, or the actual value of the package (it could easily get stuck in customs)
• be painfully clear on the handwriting

This is not to assume that you are all wanting to send us stuff, but apparently the Czechs are crazy with mail security and are really particular about things. 

If you're sick and you know it, clap your hands

Jace came up with the title.

So it has been a while since I've actually had a substantial update, and I apologize, but I feel like we haven't done much that is worth reading about. 

Actually we've been quite the shut-ins because we've both been battling sore throats for too long. Maybe today we will do something update-worthy. 

but the past ten days in a nutshell:

• Lots of tea and juice and soups/stews
• The weather started warming up just a little, which has made for some really nice days. Today is supposed to be 63. 
• Jace has gone on a couple job interviews at pre-schools - one was just yesterday and he goes back Tuesday to do a sample lesson with the kids
  
• Jace has also found a place that sells American imported items - namely Dr. Pepper. He bought a 2 liter bottle on Thursday, and it is already gone
  
• I love my job, and really enjoy work every day. The kids are great, fun, and pretty well behaved. They make my job easy. We made little puppets this week and did a puppet show for another class, everyone seemed to enjoy it. The basis of the show was to outline our day in class, which re-iterated the things we've learned in the past three weeks (rules, songs, etc.)
  
• We've already acquired a pretty nice group of friends, quite a bit from work and another good bit from church, so we have had some social evenings just gathering and hanging out with each other. It has been fun, and surprisingly easy to make friends here. Not many are Czech though, but thats OK. 
• We've gotten involved with a bible study and youth group at our church. The bible study is on Tuesday nights and Youth Praha is Friday nights. We've enjoyed it so far. It was one of the kids at youth group that told Jace about the Dr. Pepper.

Really that is about it. I need to be better about taking pictures for you guys. If we do something today, I'll be sure to be shutter-happy. 

Love you guys!

Four Seasons?

OK so I know that it is lame that it has been a week since I have updated, and now this update is going to be about the weather. 

So many people have said that the best thing about living away from Texas is that you get all four seasons. But I am pretty sure that good ol' Prague skipped autumn and went straight to winter. Last week I had to change shirts when I got home because I was so sweaty. In just two days that switched to a sweater, and now I have brought out the coat, scarf, and hat as well and have worn them all week. 

The scary (and probably accurate thought) is that this IS their fall, and winter will be much colder. I should know this for fact, but I don't remember it being so cold (perhaps it was the consistent wearing of long underwear - that is the next step)

TEXANS - spend a couple extra minutes in the sun-shine for us! 

Big Bummer

So I went to register online for the race last night, and I can't. I waited too long. :-(

I was actually pretty bummed about it for a little while - I was surprised at how sad it made me, but the Jace started throwing chocolate at me and made me laugh. Anyway, I was mostly mad at myself for waiting so long, but I remember in the back of my head that my friends in Prague last time we were here had signed up the day before. Technically I still can and do the 5K, but it would cost 30 Euro, so really isn't worth it. 

Oh well. More motivation for me to get on the ball and train for the half marathon in April-ish. 

Our Address

I know it, but I will not be posting it here. 

Email me, or leave a comment with your email address, and I will be sure to send it to you. 

Running in Prague

So a while ago when I researched the Prague Marathon, I had thought that all the running events were over. When I saw an ad for some Tesco run, I figured it was passed (and since the date of the run was in Czech, I couldn't know for sure). Last night, I saw even more ads and even a temporary set-up with some courses marked out. So I went online, and sure enough, there are some runs for next weekend!!

There is a 5k and a 3.8k! I was debating on which one, but the 3.8 is significantly cheaper and the money goes to cancer research. I am very excited, and plan on running all week (or at least some of it). I looked at the running course more closely and it begins and ends in Old Town and goes across the Charles Bridge - I can't wait for Saturday. 

No Need for Words

From McCains in Prague

From McCains in Prague

From McCains in Prague

Fist Week

So I have finished my first week of work, and this is my first official weekend in Prague, and I am doing nothing more than taking it easily and relaxing. It is a beautiful day outside and we may go to the park soon and hang out and read. 

The first week of school went quite well. I really like the kids and the other teachers in the school. They are all very nice and helpful and I feel we work well together. They are also a pretty fun bunch, and a lot of us hung out last night. It was fun - we had a good time. We went to Letna Park and played some Bocce ball. 

Now that work has started, I have been able to fall more into a routine and schedule. I get to work at about 7:45 and am there until 3. Most afternoons when I got home I took a quick nap, then Jace and I would go out (and usually do some shopping to get the things we still need: food, phones, etc.) the other day we explored another nearby park. 

Now its Jace's turn for routine: he starts his TEFL course on Monday, and tomorrow he will meet most of his classmates at an orientation walk of Prague: not that he isn't oriented, but its a good chance to meet his classmates. 

First Day

I had a great first day of work!!

In a nutshell, I have a really good group of kiddos (10 in all) My boys have A LOT of energy, but what 5/6 year old boy doesn't? The other teachers in my school are great as well. There are 6 of us total, and I feel that already we work really well together and are always looking out for each other. 

I had to totally abandon my first lesson to do one about how to play with the big cloth/foam blocks, because it became an issue within the first five minutes. But everything was great after that!!