January . . . yuck

The holidays are over and my least favorite month is here. Oh January, could there be a worse month? To make it worse, my semester did not end before winter break, so I only have tests, papers, and cold, rainy days to look forward to until spring. At least I have my memories from winter break to keep me warm.

I went home for two weeks, and what a wonderful two weeks it was. Mom taught me a few knew stitches, and I knitted up a storm. The family and I spent a lot of time playing games, putting together puzzles, cooking, watching movies and relaxing. Rachel and I busted out the instruments a few times for a jam session (don't really think it can be applied to classical music. . . perhaps it was a clam session). Mom even joined us with her cello one day.

As for gatherings, I celebrated with the Cramers the day I arrived. In all of my jet lagged glory, I managed to pull it together and enjoy the day. Christmas day was spent with the Heads. We debunked tradition and celebrated with a salad theme. I needed a salad since my absence had stripped me of all defenses when faced with my mom's wonderful cooking. Even with the salad, I believe I managed to put on 5 pounds in two weeks. Ohh carmel corn, you will be the death of me. Christmas eve, Rachel and I spent the evening with our parents and Mom made her traditional clam chowder. To top it all off, we had a beautiful white Christmas. Snow in the country is just so much prettier than snow in Paris.

I saw a few friends while back in town. My friend from Guthrie Center, Mandi, and I spent an evening with our moms. For New Year's eve, my friend Chris organized a party for several members of our graduating class. To my surprise, Chris and I were the only ones not married or engaged. This is simply a statement of fact. I'm not looking to change that status any time soon. :)

I have a conference call for an mysterious internship on Monday. Hopefully I will have details about my plans for next fall earlier than I anticipated.

Random thoughts . . .

. . . on working:
I've come to the conclusion that my intentions to work this evening are completely futile. I'm babysitting, so at least it's a restful evening. I'm afraid of getting worn down and falling ill just as I head back to the US. Victoria fell asleep 15 minutes after I arrived, so it's been a peaceful few hours of reflection (and chatting with Stephanie).

. . . on hot chocolate and Christmas decorations:
I went for coffee with a friend today. I love how coffee can turn into a three hour event in Paris. Of course, I think I managed to have a few two-hour coffees in Iowa City. I had a steaming hot chocolate, which was just what I needed on a miserable rainy day such as today. Afterward, we wandered about enjoying the department store Christmas decorations and trying not to get trampled by the mob swarming outside of Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.

. . . on plans for the future:
Many of the conversations I have these days focus on making career plans for the future, more precisely the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies this grueling process. I've decided to stop worrying; it may be easier said than done.

. . . on blatant generalizations about dating:
I am concerned that my perceptions of the opposite sex have been warped by my encounters with the French. French guys don't hold back when it comes to feelings. If anything they express feelings they don't even have, just to have something to express. If a French guy is interested in you, it's usually quite clear. Other nationalities do not necessarily share this approach. They might actually take the time to get to know you (what a novel idea) before making any sort of move; unfortunately, my experiences with the French have conditioned me to think that if a guy doesn't overtly hit on you in the first 24 hours, you must be meant to remain friends. Additionally, any perception I may have had of nuance or subtlety has been completely lost.

All you need is "punkin" pie

We celebrated a belated Thanksgiving this Saturday at Stephanie & Elizabeth's apartment near Bastille. The whole event was just such a treat. I was especially fond of the pumpkin pie, stuffing and sweet potatoes. (I was in charge of the garlic mashed potatoes).

Sarah & Stephanie

Clement, Elizabeth, Stephanie & Khalid

Elizabeth, Stephanie & Clemens

Spencer, Matteo & Sebastian steal Stephanie's move