frost on the windows

I have been scrambeling to get the Christmas shopping done and everything in place for the fast approaching holiday. I finally figured out what I wanted for Christmas: the Rosetta Stone Level 1 German learning kit. I figure that a new language would be the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, one of my most concrete goals is to learn 5 languages (at least almost) fluently by the time I am 30. Currently, I know English (duh) and a fair amount of French (which I will go on to study in college). I would like to learn German, Chinese (for business reasons), and either Italian, Danish, or Swedish for my other three. I just love languages and the doors that open up with each additional language. I guess most of it has to do with my passion for travel and living with locals- not just touristy travel. In fact, I all-but-despise travel just for pure tourist pleasure. I plan on moving around a lot while I'm in my twenties; living in Europe and Asia, which will greatly improve my language skills once I have a base built. So.... that is why Rosetta Stone.

I just finished reading Crystal Castles by Jeannette Walls- incredible. I can't believe the life that woman had as a child- the hardships she went through- and how she currently lives a very sucessful life in Manhattan. I definately recommend Crystal Castles.