Thanksgiving

Celebrated Thanksgiving twice this year. And although each time was full of good food and merryment, I realized that the only thing I'm really thankful for is something I don't have here in Germany. Friends. Ok, I have Chelsea and Mike, so I have my family. =] but there's something that each of my friends donate to my life that I don't like living without. Even those who I don't talk to on a regular basis are special in some way. I can't wait to come back home. Seeing my friends again will be like a Brazilian watching his soccer team wining the World Cup. =]

In other news, besides studying German, finding new easy and delicious recipes for dinner, planing out Christmas markets and chocolate festivals to visit (I know, what a chore!), I've been watching How I Met Your Mother online. At first, it took me awhile to cosy up to it seeing as though I have so many other wonderful shows to keep up on. But How I Met Your Mother is a pleasant change to my typical 30 Rock. It has just enough drama to keep you interested, but has more humor and wit then the average show. Plus, lately it's been delving into some interesting topics of discussion which leave me thinking, "Hmm, why haven't I thought about that before?" All in all, a delightful treat that I recommend.

This weekend I have the opportunity to go to Esslingen for the Christmas market with a few friends. Although it'll be great, I've ironically already planned to go with another friend in a week or so. We'll see what ends up happening. I'm also still trying to post pictures from Italy, but Facebook is making it difficult to comply with that wish.

And, still waiting for a birthday package that was sent from my family three weeks ago. =/ I'd really like to get some love via mail soon. Feeling a bit lonely during the holidays without hearing from my friends. I know some letters are coming for us, I just want them to get here already! It really brightens my day to see my friend's handwriting.

The first sign of snow in Deutschland!

Today while in my Aufbaukurs (German Grammer class) I glanced drausin (outside) and beheld a wonderous sight! Snow! Yes, that's right. Granted, it didn't stick, and felt more like wet mush, but it means that snow doth approach! Anyway, weekend update: I went to a painting party, where my friend had purchased two large canvases and wanted his friends to paint him pictures. We also wore white shirst and he brough some markers that we could color our shirts with. The next day, Chelsea, Mike and I visited a nearby town called Walenbuch (literally translated, Forestbook...amazing!) and went to the Ritter Sport Chocolate Factory! I guess we couldn't actually get a tour of the chocolate-making process BUT we bought a load of chocolate for really cheap! Mmmmm sehr lecker! (very tasty!) I'm pretty sure you can find Ritter Sport in America, but it might be a bit more pricy. However, wenn du Lust hast (if you want) you should buy some, I promise you won't regret it!

Tonight, I'm going to try out a belly dancing class, haha. Then I'm going to a movie tonight with a bunch of friends. Every monday, the Blau Brucke Kino (Blue Bridge Movie Theater) plays a special movie (in Deutsch of course) and with the price of entrance (6.60 Euros) you get a glass of Champagne. What a fun way to see a movie, right? How classy =) Afterward, I'll be continuing my homework of reading a bunch of articles about cultural differences in Germany vs. America, and reporting on my findings. Easy enough, just time consuming.

Next week is Chelsea and my birthday! Haven't a clue what I'm doing though. We want to see Wicked, The Witch from Oz in German, b ut the cheapest ticket is on Weds. nights, so this weekend is still wide open. Since my very close friends aren't here with me, I'm not totally motivated to do much for my birthday. I think we'll probablly go to Stuttgart that weekend and stay with our Swedish friend who lives there now. In any case, it'll be a fun day and I'll enjoy whatever happens. =)

That's about it, for now. Love you all!