Well, Christmas is over and as much as I detest snow, I was still hoping for a "White Christmas". Unfortunately, I was fairly disappointed--however, if I was in Denver, I would have gotten the snow I needed.

On Christmas Day, we traveled to Canada to visit my relatives. It was great to see everyone there--for the first time in a long time, all of my cousins who are in the same age group as me were all there. It was nice to spend time together, sharing with each other what we're doing, as well as teasing each other. My family and I spent the night there and the next day, we visited Niagara Falls and had lunch at a nearby restaurant. Although I have had the privilege of visiting Niagara Falls since I was a young girl, I am still in awe whenever I visit the Falls. Such a majestic view of nature (yet currently surrounded by Casinos and other touristy gimmicks).

However, for me, one of the greatest things that happened on Christmas Day was playing the piano for one of my older cousins. She is more than 90 years old, but she has a great memory about everything. I played for her traditional Polish songs, which she and my mother sang with great spirit. Playing the piano made me realize how much I missed having music throughout my life, and it has also made me become even more homesick for Poland. There are plans for me to go there in the summer, but I wish that I was more proficient in the language and my communication abilities. Although my plans are to teach in US public schools for awhile, maybe I will return to Poland as a teacher again.

In a few days, I will be returning to Vermont. My teaching practicum starts soon, and I am excited and nervous about it as well. We'll see how it'll all work out. I hope that I can be the best teacher for my students. Trying to find teaching clothes have been challenging for me (especially regarding pants and the fact that I have gained weight since starting SIT), but luckily, I found some nice ones yesterday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything will work out for the upcoming new year.