Just Keep Swimming....

So much tragedy has happened in the world in just the last few days. The attacks in Norway, the sad death of Amy Winehouse, and of course, in my own life, the recent passing of our beloved grandfather, Alderic "Pepere" Tardif. It is very hard sometimes to fathom just why people feel the need to solve problems with guns and hate rather than diologue and love. With regards to Amy Winehouse, however messed up her life may have been, her legacy will surely be her music.



But I didn't come here to wax nostalgia for Amy Winehouse, whose music I am not familiar with, nor did I intend to report on the situation in Norway, though it goes without saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and victims of the unspeakable tragedy.



My blog today is rather a celebration of life. The life of one of the most inspirational men I've ever known, apart from my father John, who is himself one hell of a dad. Pepere has done so much: from lumberjacking to raising a family of several children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. Some of my happiest memories with Pepe have to be the last time I saw him, which was Easter in 2008 (I think it was just before Easter, actually, might have been in March, but anyway, the weather was FANTASTIC!). I spent a few days in a very nice trailor (once Lorelei's, a very close friend of the family, God rest her soul) a few miles from where Pepe and my aunt and uncle lived. We went to church on Sunday, of course, after which we went out for Pepe for a birthday dinner at Sam Seltzer's (the restaurant has recently been taken over by his son, so I"ve been told), with almost everyone on my dad's side of the family, including my amazing cousin Tim, home from duty, and his wife Alicia and son. That was a wonderful evening. I also remember playing "Pay Me", a rather intricate card game which always involved Pepe (or always seemed to, anyway) winning the elusive dime at the end. Before my grandparents moved to Florida, they used to host Thanksgiving dinner at their home in Sturbridge, MA, about an hour to the west of Boston. Mmmmm, Meme sure should cook. And speaking of cooking, I have to mention the wonderful 4th of July parties we used to have at our house! They always involved Dad preparing enough food to feed all of America. They always involved no less than 15-20 people staying over at our house, and they always involved Uncle Dave hiding Meme's meatballs, a Tardif favorite and staple of our parties or eating way too many, leaving (I think one year he left a half a meatball for Linda...good times) Saint Espirit...or as Pepe pronounced it, heard and frequently repeated erroneously by me...Santa Spree! Yes, not all of us can be fluent in French like my sister. 0:) But anyway, these are some of my favorite memories of both Meme and Pepe. The last major family get-together I recall, apart from our combined graduation party (I graduated from Holy Cross in 2007, and a week later my sister graduated from our local high school, so we had one huge party), was our grandparents' 65th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful party, though preparing for it was hell. That couch in our basement is never going anywhere EVER AGAIN in my lifetime. But it should be said that the couch and recliners in our living room are absolutely amazing, I look forward to relaxing on them when I come home for a brief two-week vacation in October. But anyway, it was a fantastic party, we had a volleyball court set up in our park outside our house, people were just chilling, eating lots of yummy food (including Meme's super delicious meatballs), playing video games in our basement (which has since become my room after my parents kicked me out of my room after I went to college, another funny story in and of itself), swimming and having a gay ol' time. These are the things I"ll remember most, just being with Pepe and the family.

In church today, reflecting on the St. Matthew's Gospel, Fr. Simon asked us who/what our pearl was. And to myself, I immediately answered: "my family". They are the ones for whom I lay down my life without a moment's hesitation. They are the ones I love and tresure more than anyone or anything in my life.

Of course, I'm sad. Unfortunately, this month hasn't been particularly easy for me, and now I just feel emotionally and physically drained. Luckily, on Tuesday I leave for TURKEY!!!! One whole of month of teaching kids and teenagers the difference between the present perfect and past simple tenses, one whole month of games like "Back to the Board" and "Wheel of Fortune" (always a personal favorite, LOL), and one whole month of swimming in the sure-to-be gorgeous Aegean Sea. I am wicked, wicked excited, because this couldn't come at a better time in my life. I really need a break, and while I can't take a proper vacation until October, this is as good as one, as far as I'm concerned. (Wow, I have to admire how many times I used as in that previous sentence, hee hee!) But as my mom says, in the immortal words of Dory, "Just keep swimming..." Incidentally, I really couldn't picture anyone other than Ellen DeGeneres playing that role....wonderfully funny person. As I was saying (another use of "as", haha), I'll be gone for a month but should have Internet access at camp, so keep on writing, drop me a line and I'll respond as soon as I can.

I'd like to close with Psalm 23 (my favorite Scripture passage). "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (King James version)

Thanks for all your kind condolences and prayers! Keep them coming, I will pass them on to my family, who I know will be very grateful! Love you guys, keep swimming and keep writing! Talk to you soon!


Peace and love,

Comrade Jon :)

Summertime, and de livin is easy...

Greetings, my fellow Americans, and fellow American and European expats in Moscow! I realized that it's been nearly three months since my last blog, I figured you might want to hear how I've been. A LOT has happened in the last few weeks, most of it simply fantastic.

Let's start with work. I've decided to stay on for another year. I've had such a great year that I feel like I need to continue. I am pretty sure this will be my last year, but then, as most of you from St. Andrew's know, I said that last year too, and here I am.. Anyway, because my best friends Bob and Alexa are getting married in October (YAY!!!!!), I need to work over the summer to pay for my trip home in October. Right now I'm not certain if I can come home for Christmas, but I will certainly be home for good no later than early June of 2012, just in time for my five year reuniuon at Holy Cross (OMG!!!!!! Where DOES the time go?) Oh, and one more awesome update, I'm going to Turkey next month, I was asked matter-of-factly about it and I answered, "um....HECK YES!!!!" Score one for Jonathan! :) All-expenses paid, no less! Details to come as soon as I learn more about it.

Now on to choir. We had our concerts last month, on the 17th at St. Andrew's, and on the 24th at the Yauza theater. Both went amazingly well, and I am particularly grateful to my friends Ryan and Dan for coming. Don't know what's on tap yet for next season, but hopefully the men will increase in number as we get closer to the start of the new season, so guys, warm up those vocal cords and get ready to sing some awesome Christmas carols (plus whatever else we will do). Yes, I know it's June, but we always do Carols fof our December concerts.

I'd thought I'd close with some touching lyrics, dedicated to all of my friends, especially those who are engaged and planning to tie the knot, as well as those dear friends with whom I have, for one reason or another, lost contact. No matter how far apart we may be, I promise I will always be your friend, I will always love you and you can always count on me.


"The Best of Friends" Olivia Newton-John

Sometimes people leave, it's sad but true. But this, I do believe, they stay a part of you. And if you go away to live some other place, I will think of you each day and see your smiling face.

And I will always be your friend, no matter where you are, just around the bend, or very, very far. Wherever you may go, when you reach your journey's end, no matter what I'll always be your friend.

I will always be your friend cause though we're far apart, I see you in my dreams and feel you in my heart. And though the years may fly, I know we'll meet again, and when we do, I still will be your friend. I'll always be your truest friend.

May God bless and keep you as we head into summer. Congratulations again to my sister Linda for graduating from UMass (somehow she passed French, miracles do happen, LOL) and to my cousin Josh who graduated from Marlborough High School and is starting at UMass Amherst as a freshman this fall. Our family is very talented, not to mention, intelligent and beautiful! (and modest, too, hee hee) 0:)

Miss you all like crazay! Love you all and hope to see you and talk to you soon!

Peace and love,

Comrade Jon

Oh what a beautiful day...

There's a bright, golden haze on the meadow
There's a bright, golden haze on the meadow.
The corn is as high as an elephant's eye
And it looks like it's climbing clear up to the sky.

Oh, what a beautiful Mornin'
Oh, what a beautiful day.
I've got a beautiful feelin'
Everything's goin' my way.

All the cattle are standin' like statues
All the cattle are standin' like statues
They don't turn their heads as they see me ride by
But a little brown mav'rick is winkin' her eye

Oh, what a beautiful Mornin'
Oh, what a beautiful day.
I've got a beautiful feelin'
Everything's goin' my way.

All the sounds of the earth are like music
All the sounds of the earth are like music
The breeze is so busy it don't miss a tree
An' a ol' weepin' willer is laughin' at me

Oh, what a beautiful Mornin'
Oh, what a beautiful day.
I've got a beautiful feelin'
Everything's goin' my way.
Oh, what a beautiful day!

This song perfectly describes my current mood. Some of you may know why, but for those who don't, it will have to remain a secret for the time being (or just send me a private message). Anyway, spring is here, and even though there is lots of snow, ice and puddles to be found everywhere, there is definitely a smile on my face and a song in my heart. It's been a long time since I felt that way, that sense of pure joy, optimism, love for all things and happiness. In an uncertain world marked by global terror, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and now the conflict in Libya, I felt it (perhaps naively so, but I am and have always been unabashedly optimistic, as anyone who knows me well will tell you) necessary to spread a bit of light, radiance and sunshine into our lives. I make no apologies for it and if I had time, I would write many more notes similar to this one, because no matter what, we all strive to find that glow, that spark to keep our spirits strong, to keep us motivated during the daily grind.

My wish for you today is not only to have a beautiful day, but to have a beautiful feeling, to be absolutely positive, that today will without a doubt be a beautiful day. A positive attitude can disarm even the most stubborn grump. Keep the faith, as we say all too often in Red Sox Nation. Or, to quote the amazing Kevin Millar, "Cowboy up!" Take care, y'all!

Peace and love,

Comrade Jon :)

Don't cry...tell the story

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the recent lack of a blog update, I've been quite busy, but very satisfied with the way things are going. Saturday choir rehearsals started today and I am excited for the new season. We are singing Mozart's Mass in C Major, Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine and some waltzes and pieces by Brahms. It should be a fabulous program; I don't know when the concert dates are yet, but once I do you'll know immediately so that those who will be in Moscow then can plan accordingly, especially those who for reasons I can't comprehend failed to attend my concerts last winter and missed my beautiful solo. This is your chance to redeem yourselves. ;)

I'll write a longer blog soon, hopefully Wednesday when I have the day off for Defenders of the Fatherland Day, otherwise known as Men's Day. Heck yes! For now, I leave you and wish you warmer weather than we've got currently in Russia. Spring is coming, and I leave you with the words of Russian poet Fyodor Tiutchev:

Еще в полях белеет снег,
А воды уж весной шумят-
Бегут и будят сонный брег,
Бегут и блещут и гласят...


Они гласят во все концы:
"Весна идет, весна идет!
Мы молодой Весны гонцы,
Она нас выслала вперед!"


Весна идет, весна идет,
И тихих, теплых майских дней
Румяный, светлый хоровод
Толпится весело за ней!..

We sang a really awesome arrangement of this poem by Rachmaninov last year, wouldn't mind singing it again. :))

Ah well, anyways, have a lovely weekend! This is Comrade Jon signing out! Keep swimming and singing!

Peace and love,

Comrade Jon :)

No, Buzz, I AM your father...

Yes, I've been watching Toy Story...and Toy Story 2...and Toy Story 3...easily one of the greatest animated trilogies (each film stands well on its own as a well-crafted, incredibly funny and extremely well-acted (and directed) film.) , maybe one of the greatest trilogies period...that, of course, is open to debate, but the fact remains that Pixar never fails to impress.

Anyway, I was going to talk about something completely different now, haha. So I'm back in Russia, and I'm ECSTATIC to say that I did not have a problem coming back. I tell you, it's uncanny how I'm prone to this ridiculous adventures, but as they say, I've got loads of stories to pass on later on, so I suppose it's all good. I've been working for a couple of weeks now, everything is for the moment hunky-dory. Although having said that, WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED, NEW ENGLAND???? Losing to the Jets at home AGAIN?! COLOSSAL FAIL. This goes beyond epic fail...)However, as I alluded to in a previous status, life goes on, and after all, soon it shall be spring training, and the 2011 Red Sox, who I have to say look fantastic on paper, will soon get to strut their stuff. How it makes me long to be back in Boston....sigh...soon enough, my friends, soon enough.

As my parents are schmoozing in Florida, New Englanders and Muscovites alike deal with the snow...and the cold...and the utter inability of anyone to actually shovel...or plow the damn street (GOOD GRIEF, WINTHROP!!!). Oh winter...

In other news, I read the most interesting story in the Moscow Times. There has been a debate to reform high school education in Russia. One of the results would be to reduce the number of obligatory classes and introduce a course in "patriotic education", called Russia in the World. In effect, all other classes apart from this course, phys ed and a safety course would no longer be required. As a weekly contributor to the Moscow Times who also has a talk show on Ekho Moskvy put it, loving Putin would be required, math and English would not. While educators and ministry officials defend the proposal, giving students more freedom to choose what field to specialize in, their native language, Russian, would no longer be a required course. Nor would math or any other science courses. One person even said something to the effect that being a patriot is more important than math. I don't mean to overgeneralize or anything, I'm just presenting one of the many debates in education reform (you know me, anything that concerns education, in particular reform, I want to know as much about it as possible). It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Nothing really major to report at the moment. Just trying to quietly do my thing, pulling my hair out to get students to correctly use the third person form of the present simple tense. Good times, good times. Looking forward to sharing more stories, as well as hearing lots more from you, my devoted friends and followers of this often mundane, more often random blog.

All thoughts and comments as always welcome! For now, this is Comrade Jon signing off.

God bless and God speed.

Peace, love and lots of hugs,

Jonathan :)