The Zdravstvuite revolution

In some things, I just put my foot down and won't do it another way.

For example - I insist on calling the weather "beautiful" (красивая )when it can only be described as good (хорошо). Recently, however, I have given way slightly on my stance by beginning to call the weather "extremely wonderful/lovely" (прекрасна) - which is just a more Russian way of saying that the weather today is beautiful. My stubbornness in holding to my own idioms isn't to be obstinate - rather - I think that the word I choose sometimes better conveys the spirit that I want to impart - even if it sounds weird to a Russian - the very surprise in hearing a phrase a certain way - doesn't that in itself make you think and consider the beauty of today's weather?

My true stonewall is in the greeting "Здравствуйте!" Hello! (And saying thank you - but that for another day)

Ever since coming to Ukraine - I have insisted on saying "Hello" to people I run into - especially to the door keeper when I enter and leave the building. Alister always laughed at me. "You don't do that he said - maybe when you leave -but definitely not when you come back again." Well, I insisted on saying it - a smile, a wave, and a Zdravstvuite! called out to whoever is watching the door and whatever friends might be near by.

Now, whenever I leave and enter - the doorkeepers themselves eagerly smile, wave, and shout Zdravstvuite. Today, waiting for the lift, I was busy sending a message on my phone - Zdravstvuite ,I heard quietly to my side - but I didn't look up - Zdravstvuite - I heard louder and suddenly someone was shaking my arm. I looked up and it was the jolly doorman (We have 4, who rotate in 24 hour shifts - Maria, Jolly, Sleepy, and the Lame woman)
Oh, I'm sorry, I said, Zdravstvuite! He smiled and waved and walked away.

The revolution has come - Saying hello to people as that you run into shall soon be common practice - if not in all of Kiev - at least on my block - just wait and see.