Boots and Buses

I have been putting off this blog because I've been anxiously awaiting something to write about, but alas, it's all routine lately.  Piet has been healthy for a change so he's been in a good mood and we've had lots of fun together. Christmas is in full swing here and I'm enjoying the process of learning German traditions. As I said before, on the 6th St. Nicklaus comes to Germany and leaves gifts in the shoes of nice boys and girls, but only if the shoes are nice and clean.  Usually the kid only puts one shoe out so they won't appear stingy.  Well, in true Piet style, the darling put out both shoes and got a remote control bus : )  He was thrilled beyond belief, and I think he left oranges as a thank you present to St. Nick.  I think this tradition and the big to-do about advents calendars is pretty cool, but I still prefer some of our little things. Germans don't do stockings like we do, which is one of my favorite things about Christmas (I enjoy do dads) and they can't hold a candle to American Christmas decorations.  For those who like simplicity and order in your Christmas aesthetic, this is the place for you.  However, I was raised during the Flood Town glory days, and for me, the tackier the better.  We've got little trinkets around the house, but we're waiting to put up the Christmas Tree.  We'll be putting ours up on the 19th, and that's early for my family.  They usually wait until the day or so before Christmas but they have graciously offered to put it up early since I'll be leaving on the 22nd for Ireland.  Ahhh, so soon!  I'm packing light and all my tickets are bought, so I guess I'm as ready as I can be, but I'm still anxious.  If anyone has traveled to Ireland or Paris and has some "must sees" send them my way.  Good Grief, I can't wait!

Aside from Christmas fun and looking forward to the trip, very little is going on.  I've made several trips to the Christmas Market with friends where I've had pork chop sandwiches and candied almonds, which are delicious, but no huge stories.  Running is still going well, class is class, and the veggies are still quite fun to clean.  I did manage to make lunch for my family today; a sausage and tortellini soup Kelsey discovered, and it was a big hit.  More than anything. I'm learning how to be domestic here.  I'll be a great Kleine Haus Frau, Little House Wife, someday.  But not any day soon : ) 

So for now I'm spending my evenings watching my favorite television show, Veronica Mars, and eating cereal.  I'll have much more to say in the coming weeks as I attend an opera and visit other foreign lands.  Until then, stay out of the Chatsworth wind and snow, good luck on your finals, and tell Stephanie to have her baby already!  Guten Nacht!