well, winter break is finally here. yesterday was my last day of classes. Over the past week the numbers have dwindled at school, as so many people were headed home for the hollidays. Everyday was a round of goodbyes, and well wishes as people left for the airports and train stations. What will I be doing this holliday season? you're looking at it. As prices are high for plane tickets, I've decided to stay here for the break.

I havent been big into the hollidays for years. We're not a religeous family, so I never had that aspect of christmas as part of my life. honestly, although I know as a child I was excited about christmas, I couldnt tell you when the last time was. Winter break for me meant time away from classes and homework (here we only have two weeks off, and homework to do during it!); time with friends drinking hot chocolate, watching movies, and playing a few rounds of jenga; and seeing family who, while we all lived in Oregon, I only saw once or twice a year. Over the years things have dwindled down, last year I even spent half of christmas day working in my brothers livingroom.

This is my first Christmas away from home, and I have to say, it really doesnt feel much like christmas. Chirstmas, like Thanksgiving, has turned into just another day. Like a weekend, time to relax, listen to some music, and do some homework. The only signs of Christmas around me are a tree in the lobby of my building, and a card on my table from a friend at school. I cant say I'm particuarly sad. I'm happy to have a two week break from my alarm in the morning. I'm actually viewing this lack of christmasness as an advantage over my classmates, as I'll have move time to work.

So, what will I be doing this weekend? well, tonight has started with one of my christmas present to myself: a jar of nutella. I've never actually bought a jar before - I've never allowed myself. My reason being that I know, that like a pint of Ben and Jerry's, it's likely to dissapear in all one sitting, and I'll be left with a bad belly ache. The jar has been open for about 10 minutes now, and I'd say I've gone through a good quarter of it. Time to get that lid back on, and get it out of my sight. my goal is to make it last the weekend... wish me luck.

My other present to myself (or rather from my mom as I used xmas money to buy it :D), a bottle of rum and a bottle of coke. No, my plan isnt to sit at home alone and get drunk, but rather have a little holliday cheer with my friend Caterina. Caterina, while from sicily, is unable to return home for xmas as she has to work the day after. We've yet to go out together, as between school and her work schedule there just hasnt been the chance. So tonight we're treating ourselves. She'll be coming over later for a few drinks before we head to a nearby disco to dance the night away.

Tomorrow, after sleeping in as late as possible, we'll be heading over to Michelle's house (Michelle is from Chile, and is the 3rd and last person who has stayed here in Milano). There the three of us will be having a little holliday celebration involving a couple bottles of wine, and dinner of "pancakes"....? Michelle said that we'd have pancakes... although I think maybe she meant some kind of crepes, as the things she was talking about putting in them would be quite strange in pancakes... and for dessert, pancakes/crepes with nutella! (she doesnt normally by it either, as she has the same problem as me when a jar is around...)

Christmas day I think I may head into the center with my camera... I expect the streets to be a lot emptier as so many people have left town.... and I hope to get some good photos. Some time this week I think I will head to Torino with Caterina for a day to see a photo exhibit, and wonder around town as neither of us have been there before. I've heard mixed opinions on Torino, but I think getting out of Milano for a day would be good for me. As for the rest of the break, relaxation - we dont have another day off of school until April!

It's hard to believe that I've been here almost 5 months already, and my time is almost half over. Soon I'll be having to make decisions on what to do next. While I would like to try and find work in Italy and stay for awhile, I think financially I cant afford to. Pay is soooooo much lower here, and my student loans at home demand a higher income. And, as much as I hate to admit it, I do miss America (or atleast starbucks...). So most likely I'll be moving "home" come end of June. Where my next home will be is still up in the air. I've several ideas floating around in my head, but for the time being I'll keep those secret. Still, pretty soon Ive to start looking at airline tickets. I'm not ready to leave Italy yet, but I've still got six months here. And something tells me it's gonna feel nice to take that first step on American ground...

I hope you all have a great holliday season, wherever you are, whatever you're doing...