life inside a snow globe

In the last few weeks, I have gained a deep appreciation for those miniature figures on the inside of snow globes. As I sat down to write this, I tried to think of the last time I remember a day without snow. I honestly don't know the answer. It must be over a week. Anyway, busses don't come, there are car accidents, and the city of Freiburg ran out of salt for the roads. But it is beautiful. The continual snowfall assures that things stay pretty white, instead of turning gross and slushy (matschig in German...sounds like mud-jig). But it's warm enough that the accumulation at lower elevations is still pretty minimal. I will be honest, I feel like this is the absolute best-case scenario for January/Februray, and I will take it!

I spent last weekend with Thomas and his family in the Black Forest and not only was it lovely, cozy, and packed with about 2-3 feet of snow, it made me seriously consider buying a cheap pair of snow skis...I'm dying to hit the slopes. Thomas has even just about talked me into taking up Snowboarding! (something I have been wanting to try again for quite some time now) Furthermore, I gained a renewed appreciation for the fact that I do not have to shovel my own sidewalk/driveway.

I am sure you all will be happy to hear that I did in fact survive the exam phase of my semester. I had an oral exam for a film class that I passed and a Spanish exam, for which I will recieve my grade on Thursday. Now I am on to preparing to teach a 3 day unit on "Free Time Culture" in a 9th grade class in a few weeks as well as researching and writing 3 papers all due at the beginning of March. Updates to follow. (and I would be overjoyed to hear your suggestions as to what I should cover in that three day unit!)

For now, I am off to the store in search of dinner and soap. I love and miss you all. ~love~