wonderful things make wonderful days.

Today was some kind of holy day here. After 4 straight weeks of rain (sprinkled with snow and hail), the sun came out! It was miraculous and beautiful and refreshing and oh, so pleasant. Needless to say, it has been a wonderful few days.

Although this was not a traditional Christmas and it was my first Christmas away from the family, it was wonderful in its own way. We made a bunch of hors d'oeuvres and filled the table with these wonderful treats. We had traditional French things such as toast points with smoked salmon and foie gras (I obviously did not do any eating of that). We had shrimp cocktail, miniature sauce covered crackers with different cheeses and olives on top (and served hot out of the oven), pasta, and cheese (my favorite from the Basque region).

We skyped with my family and watched them open the presents we gave them. We danced in the apartment together. Then, we exchanged gifts.

Christmas day was unusual but equally as wonderful. We started with homemade pancakes, watched five movies, and munched on leftovers throughout the day.

Perhaps it wasn't a traditional Christmas but it was a wonderful weekend spent with a guy who sometimes needs to sit back, relax, and disconnect from his work.

My vacation started today! I spent it doing some returns, catching up on e-mails, driving 45 minutes (and back) to get us Subway foot-longs and just relaxing!

The sky is incredible tonight. There is a crescent moon and the North Star is incredibly bright. Seeing that beautiful sunset on my way home from my extremely unnecessary trip to Subway was a wonderful ending to my relaxing day.

I'm juicing up the iPod now and then I'm off to hit the gym! Any recommendations for workout music?

Well, here's what I'm listening to now:

Stereotypes.

(sorry Brit Brit, I had to do it)

An employee at the hotel asked me a few weeks ago if it was, in fact, true that all Americans love sandwiches, BIG coffees, and McDonald's. I thought it was really funny that's what French people think of when they think of Americans. I asked my teacher if she had heard the same stereotypes and, indeed, she had. I remember, too, that upon my love's arrival to the United States, people asked him, "Is it true? Are they all fat?" I know Europeans also think Americans are - I don't know if I should say uneducated or naive - because we primarily only speak English.

My teacher asked me if I thought the stereotypes were true. Well, I do love sandwiches - a classic PB&J, a fully loaded veggie sub, a panini - I could eat a sandwich anytime. Does that mean all Americans feel the same way? ...Probably not.

I am a proud Starbucks Gold Card carrier (mostly because I know they always have soy milk) so do I love a latte..? I sure do. Does it mean I get the largest one? Sometimes. Do I think all Americans love a BIG coffee? Hmm.. I'm leaning towards a strong yes here. I mean, don't we all love the bottomless cup of coffee that is usually standard in American restaurants? Doesn't that beat the €2 espresso that takes you 30 seconds to enjoy finish? Okay, I see the logic... you get the caffeine jolt you're craving when on the go, but how about when you want to meet a friend for coffee and you've both finished your espresso in the first minute of sitting down? Do you sit with your empty cup for 2 hours? There's something nice about enjoying a large latte, slowing sipping while chatting or reading the newspaper.

As for the whole image that Americans survive on fast-food and McDonald's, I really do not think that is true. Of all the families I have known growing up, McDonald's was a treat. You had a good soccer game, you got McDonald's. You were in the spelling bee, you got McDonald's. It was your birthday, you could have McDonald's if you wanted. Was that how it was in my house? No. We don't really like McDonald's. I hadn't eaten any meat since I was 9. My parents prefer a burger on the grill with meat from the local butcher. I think the whole image of Americans eating at McDonald's is more prevalent in less fortunate areas of the country, because McDonald's is cheap (this isn't the case in Europe - McDonald's is actually pretty pricey). Unfortunately, people are eating at places like McDonald's because it's what they can afford. Buying fresh fruits and veggies is expensive and unfortunately not everyone has that luxury (this is where I should add a shameless plug about why government funding for the National School Lunch Program is so important because it brings healthy foods to kids plates and for some children, this is the only healthy meal - or the only meal, in general - that they are afforded).

Now, let me take on this whole issue of Americans speaking only English. Yes, it is 100% true. Most Americans are not bilingual or trilingual like they are in other parts of the world. However, everyone in North America speaks English. Does everyone in Europe speak the same language? No, they do not. Growing up in the United States, we traveled throughout many states, and we only needed to speak one language. Where I am living now in France, I am one hour from the borders of Switzerland and Germany. Guess what language we speak when we go there and we try to communicate? Ahhhh... you guessed right... we speak English!!!! When my love studied in Holland, he learned English. Why was that? Because English was a common language for the students to speak there. What I'm trying to say is, we were raised in a different culture - we have 50 states all with a common language. France is smaller than Texas. Don't you think it would be different if they spoke French in Connecticut, German in Pennsylvania, Spanish in New York, and Italian in New Jersey... yeah, it would, but that's not the case. And, trust me, as much as the rest of the world thinks we're stupid, most Americans I know are envious and would love to learn another language but it's almost impossible to become fluent in a language if you have no one to speak that language with.

Well, I think that's all... what stereotypes do Americans have toward Europeans? Share with me! That's my next topic to tackle!

Tour de France: Mulhouse

Saturday afternoon my love and I took a short road trip to nearby Mulhouse. The downtown area not only has Zara, H&M, traditional French stores, but it also has 2 Subways!! Unfortunately, we had just eaten lunch followed by delicious Belgian waffles (mine with chocolate chips inside and his with Nutella on top) so we didn't get Subway. However, now that I know where to find a Subway and that I can hit Zara while I'm there, I'll definitely be back to Mulhouse very soon!

The sun was shining and the downtown was full of Spring-hopefuls like myself (although our actual reason for traveling to Mulhouse was to find me a warmer jacket!! :( booo!)

It was a very nice day, and I look forward to many more just like that (especially when I get gifts!!!). Kidding! Seriously though, being alone together is a gift in itself! I do enjoy all the time we have been spending with his family. Everyone is so nice to me, and I love getting to know them but I feel like our time together... alone... is very limited. I guess what is better about living this way is that we really get a chance to cherish the few moments we have alone together. We are more in love than ever these days. Sometimes I need to pinch myself! My heart is full, and I am happy.

before purchasing the warmer jacket - in my Zara Spring jacket that I just love!

me in my warmer jacket!