Polska

A few friends and I just got back from a very quick trip to Gdansk, Poland. The city was absolutely stunning, even in the gloomy weather. I can't get enough of the all colors and details put into the buildings. We traveled in the night by boat, and when the crashing waves wouldn't let me sleep, I reflected upon my time abroad and what I want to accomplish in the upcoming weeks before I travel home. I jotted down a few personal goals... but I think it's equally important to write a list of things I'm thankful for right now to keep me present in each moment, since my time here is dwindling down. So here goes a list of ten things I'm thankful for on this fine Sunday...

+ Clean sheets. I don't wash my bedding as often as I probably should, but when I do I swear I get a better nights sleep. Mmm... freshness. 

+ Yesterday I made banana bread and baked it waaaaay too long, it was hard as a rock, but clearly edible since I didn't have any troubles finishing off the whole loaf today. whoops. 

+ Four of my floor mates were gone for ten days and they just got back this weekend. I'm grateful for their company and coming home to their faces. 7th floor family rules :)

+ When I was in Stockholm, Elin introduced me to instant coffee. Is it weird that I've never had it before? I bought some at the Coop this weekend and have been drinking it all day. Not the best tasting, but if you add enough milk and sugar anything is good!

+ Landon just rediscovered the voice message button on viber. We've been exchanging silly, little recordings this afternoon. I'm so thankful for technology and the ease it brings communicating to friends and family. I miss you all.

+ Risifrutti. I didn't think I liked rice pudding until I had this. It comes in a little container with different flavors of jam you mix in. My favorite is blackberry and it is deeeelicious.

+ While I'm on the topic of food... Friday night I went over to my swedish family's house for dinner. We had glögg, julmust and pepparkaka. (typical holiday food/drink) Oh... and the main course was TACOS! Seriously, so good. I love cozy fridays and spending time with my "family," they are the best.

+ I just read an article today that it has been the darkest November in Sweden on record. The sun has shone in Växjö for only one hour this whole month. One hour. I'm grateful for good friends, good music and Marabou chocolate to help me though the darkness.  

+ Last weekend I worked as a bartender at a student pub on campus. It was a really cool experience and I now have a much higher understanding and respect for all the bartenders out there.

+ I love having my own room and bathroom. I can be as clean or as messy as I like. Mostly messy though ;) 

This week I have swedish and music/art class and on Thursday I'm going to see Angus and Julia Stone in Copenhagen!! 

hanna