Well winter break has officially ended. My classes resume on the 13th....most of the students returned on the 7th, but I didn't get into a particular class so I'll have to wait until the summer to take it. That's the biggest problem with attending a huge university - lack of class space.

I had a very relaxing winter break. My friends and I spent a fun, but exhausting 5 days in Michigan skiing. The first day was blustery and cold and I spent it trying to teach my friend Kate how to ski. We stuck to the greens (kiddie hills) and she had a blast learning.

The place we stayed in was pretty empty. The first night there we actually met a really nice couple who hung out with us while we played Yahtzee and drank orange vodka mixed with snow because we had no mixers. That night it snowed about a foot, and the mountain was so powdery and awesome!

I went down my first blue all by myself. That night we were all alone and we took over the lobby and watched TV for a little bit until we passed out exhausted. Eric had Monday off so we got to hit the slopes day five for about 2 hours and it was all groomed and less bumpy and powdery which was nice for Kate as a beginner.

We had a lot of fun and there was a lot of great storytelling, some of it slightly inappropriate. My friends know how to be just funny enough without totally crossing the line (mostly).

I got a new guitar this Christmas. I’m still learning, and it’s pretty difficult, especially since I’m learning by myself. My sister and brother-n-law bought me a flannel shirt and a wallet (ironically I had bought my brother the exact same wallet). My niece and nephew were adorable as always, I'll try to get the OK from my sister to post a few of them for another post.

So then it was New Years which I spent with Eric. We just wanted a quiet night to ourselves. It was kind of funky and fun. We had some ice cream and exchanged Christmas gifts.

I've been going out with Eric for a little over a month and he's proving to be a great guy - totally different personality-wise then Brent or Adam. I'm lucky to have him in my life.

ALSO WAIT FIRST BEFORE I FORGET! I've applied to study abroad. ALBA is a US accredited Study Abroad Program in Barcelona. The program would focus on main issues in urban history, architecture and planning for urban design in the city of Barcelona. Does that sound cool or what? I am so excited and nervous. I really hope that I'm accepted. It would be an amazing opportunity. It sure would be an adventure and great learning experience!

Happy 2014!