Christmas in Alsace

So it's finally beginning to feel like winter. It was still weird, feeling like Fall just kind of drifted in and out, unnoticed for the most part. I think it was because there was no Halloween or Thanksgiving here, and then all of a sudden brrrr it's in the 30's, and I'm freezing and my hair is getting wrecked by the weather. Lovely, eh?

So with the welcoming of winter (bleh...if you know me you know how much I LOATHE cold weather, and snow, and rain, and cloudy skies), Melinda and I decided to head out and see what's up with the Christmas Markets. They're not up and running yet, not entirely, but most are. There were TONS of vendors up at Place Kleber, while Place de Broglie is more or less still being assembled. Lots of booths are up by the Cathedral too, but I think we were out a little too late to see them. Ah well, not like they won't be up for the next month or anything. It was really neat though, getting out and seeing the markets, and the vendors. If I have to scrape the bottom of the barrel, I will try vin chaud/gluehwin this winter. So many people have gone on in my German classes about how awesome it is, that I basically have to try it now. (Is it bad I remember a scene from a Gil fanfic I read YEARS ago where they were drinking gluehwin? hahahaha ok we'll pretend I didn't say that)

But anyway I just had a wonderful time out tonight. I needed to get out of my cramped little dorm. All it's been lately is work, school, stress, school, sleep, rinse, repeat. Being out walking in the city was a welcomed change of pace, and I always have a good time hanging out with Melinda. I have to say, I'm glad I went up and talked to her in Droit International Public. She's probably the best friend I've made here in Strasbourg, and now with her being the second friend I've made from Ontario, looks like a trip to Toronto will be in order when I get back Stateside.

So anyway, it was really...magical...being out tonight. It was the totally predictable pretty winter evening, but you need that sometimes. It started snowing while we were out (and yes I whined about my hair getting wrecked hahahahaha!), and as much as I hate snow, it was really pretty. It's not cold enough for it to start sticking, so that helped. And it was those big white fluffy flakes too, that stick to everything and make it look really cool (except when it's my glasses lol). It was really cool. Melinda enjoyed it more than I did, but I have to agree with her this time: It was really cool, seeing it snow. Just kind of made the night even better. And I also had a good day in class. I finally felt like I get what's going on, and wasn't bored and restless all day. Definitely a good change of pace! I felt more on my game, so to speak, and felt like I got something out of going to class.

I'm glad I finally had a good time for the first time in a while. I won't go into any pity party anything. Frankly, I'm done complaining about things. Not saying I don't care, but I've had enough of myself. I'm living in France for crying outloud. Yeah, shit happens, and yeah I could've made better choices here and there, and I realize that now. But you know, this is something I've wanted for as long as I can remember, and I kicked my own ass and pushed myself, and drug myself day through goddamn day to get here. There's no reason to continue wallowing. Life sucks some days, and then the next, it's back to being damn amazing. And for the first time, I can say I've watched my life actually go from good to bad to good to bad to somewhere in between. It's not a perpetual struggle anymore, with one or 2 sweet spots dropped in for good measure. It's generally good, with a few rough spots. I guess I just don't care about shit anymore. I've let shit mess with me long enough. It's not saying i shouldn't get mad about things. I should...and good Lord do I EVER get mad. But I need to stop letting it bother me like I usually do. It may suck for a while, but letting it bother me isn't making it any better.

Anyway, I better get going. gonna do some real writing (haha) and then go to bed. The cold and the snow wore me out.

<3Eri