I'm going to Holland.

Merry Christmas Darlings

First Snow

4 am. Asleep in the fort. My phone rings. "Stand up and look out the window."
What do I see?
My best friend, standing below, waving to me while snow falls all around him.














Thus began this monumentally wintery day.

Rather than catch the normal bus to work, my roommate and I decided to walk halfway there. Sauntering through the quiet, snow-covered neighborhood, we were like little kids, exclaiming over each perfectly formed snowflake.
Today, we Americans were a conspicuous bunch. We're almost entirely from Southern California, and as such, are in awe of the snow. We did our best to hide our excitement from those whom might think it a little much, but the minute we greeted one another, the exclamations of joy resonated through the hallways.
Things at work were simple, shows canceled in exchange for sets, the parade slowly making it's way through heavy snowfall, the night parade canceled completely. Embracing our chance to leave work early, a group of us decided to walk the entire way home. Though it took us quite awhile, it was a long walk full of snowball fights, sliding down hills, and giant beaming smiles.

Now, it's time for this perfect day to come to an end. I can't think of a single way this day could have been improved upon.
I've had alot of those lately. Unforgettable days. Skipping work to go to the Champs-Elysees Christmas Market. Spending my entire day off in the fort with my best friend, watching movies and eating nothing but finger foods. These are the things I'll remember. Though I know I don't have many days left here, I know without a doubt that many of them are sure to be just as memorable.

Now, if only the French would stop striking so I could actually go somewhere to make these memories. Staying at home doing nothing, though memorable and great, is only memorable or great once or twice. After that, it's just boring. So let's get those trains going again folks, Paris beckons.

Forts, they're the new Forks.

Last night we made a fort.

A Fancy Francey Fort.

I think I'm in love with it. All day long, a little voice in the back of my head just kept reminding me that when I got home, the fort would be waiting. I was invited over to a friend's house for mexican food but almost didn't go because it meant tearing myself away from the fort. The highlight of the party was discussing the fort, and bringing home 2 friends so they could experience it for themselves.

You see, my fort is just like the Weasley's magical tent. From the outside, it looks homely and lumpy and a bit like a giant elephant made out of sheets. But crawl inside and you'll find a magical Christmasy land with giant bay windows, moonlight, a Christmas tree named Linus, and lots of pillows. And now, my roommate Kym has given me her "very rare only possible to find in Japan" Fleur Delacour Beauxbatons wand to call the fort it's home, where it so obviously belongs.

The only problem is that the fort is composed of literally every piece of communal furniture our living room holds. As such, we no longer have a functional dining room table, couch, or, well, any sort of chair. I'm anticipating this may be a problem for my roommates, but I trust that the minute I invite them inside my magical world they will understand. It would be impossible to enter this holy place and leave with the intention of destroying it.
There are people all over the world who get along just fine without a dining room table. But take away a girl's fort, and you take away her will to live. Would you want that on your conscience?
I should think not.