Don't Be Tardy to the Party

Why hello there, fine reader! I'm guessing that if you're reading this then either a) I told you about my visit to Turkey and you're genuinely interested in what I'm doing here, b) it's late at night and your Netflix account isn't working, or c) you're in some sort of hostage situation and you're being forced to read this. Regardless of why you're here, let me give you the breakdown of why my life suddenly became interesting enough to merit writing a blog:

In June, 2013 I became a graduate of Oregon State University. Armed with a degree in Marine Biology, a part-time gig at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (which you should totally visit: http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/) and a can-do attitude, I began applying to Marine Science jobs across the country. I was immediately hired by a beautiful facility in Hawaii where I became a world renowned dolphin trainer, got my doctorate and won a Nobel Peace Prize for my work in animal-human communications.

Psyche! By "immediately hired" I mean I received more rejection from potential employers than I did from the boys at my eighth grade graduation dance. Dejected and participating in increasingly frequent therapy sessions with Ben & Jerry, I was shocked and elated when I received a call from my friend Ashley, who asked if I would be interested in nannying for her sister's family for 3 months in Turkey while her brother-in-law played professional basketball there. I'm sorry, Ashley, did you say "get paid to travel"? It took me a whole .25 seconds, but I decided this might just be a good opportunity.

So, after a mere 27+ hours of travel, one lost bag, two moose-covered fedoras (in Canada, of course) and some defensive posturing in the Turkish visa line that would have done my 6th grade basketball coach proud here I am in Konya, Turkey. The transition has been a little rough of course, but can you blame me? I mean, just look at my housemates. This one here is Aliah, who just turned 1 today:

Don't let those blue eyes and adorable cheeks deceive you, this little firecracker is....well, adorable. And really happy. And hilarious. Still, what about her sister, Lexis:

But she looks like a sweet, happy four year old, you say. That, my friend, is where you'd be correct. She did ask me to play Candyland though. Just sayin'.

Alright, so maybe these housemates aren't so bad. But just look at their parents:

For instance, look at the way Troy (alias: papa bear) hassles his children! Do you not see the sheer terror on Lex's face?! Alone he might not be too terrible, but he does come in a dangerous dynamic duo:

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Mama bear Stephanie (holding the blue balloon and the rapt attention of several small children) is especially difficult. She's always thanking me for doing stuff, letting me take naps, and even did a Jillian Michael's video with me without judging my "pushups". It's definitely a rough working environment, but I think if I can dig deep I'll make it through the next couple months. (Before you start to think I have it too good though, Stephanie did make me watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7McvrUn5Mn4.)

All in all, this Turkey thing seems to be working out. It's definitely hard to be away from my man candy, my family and friends, and of course Bailey the corgi, but this little group has been wonderful in welcoming me into their lives. :)

Well, there you have it. Now that you know the players, stayed tuned for a detailed account of our adventures! Or, more likely, the food we eat. This is my blog after all.

Safe travels,
Adaline