History lesson of the day: today in 1923 the Ottoman empire was officially dissolved and the Republic of Turkey was born. YAY! This means I have the day off of school today. HOORAY! I will be meeting up with Murat on the European side to look for essential oils and watch a movie (his turn to pick). Having a day off is especially a luxury for Murat because he works 7 days a week! He is such a great teacher that all the students in his course want to have extra lessons with him. The other teachers in his course do not explain things as well in the group lessons, so all the students need Murat to be the real teacher. Hopefully this will not go on forever and Murat can have a normal 6 day work week (it is normal in Turkey). Until then we will cherish our holidays off together.
I am feeling so much better finally. My cough is gone and I am waiting for my stuffed up nose to follow in suit. I am more than a little annoyed though that it looks like I do not get to cast my vote in this election. I mailed my absentee ballot request form before the cut off, but I have not received anything yet. I was afraid this might happen. I really wish they had a system where you could request a ballot on-line and get immediate conformation of it being sent. I do not need to vote on-line, but I would like to know if I will be getting the chance to vote. Who knows if my letter even left Turkey! In the absence of a ballot I will be praying that the supporters of my candidate will go out and vote in full force 
I can’t believe it is only days away!!!
