Thursday was our last day of class for this module so friday was "free" basically. I spent most of the afternoon with Mum and JY, drinking some mulled wine and enjoying the Christmas market next to the Cathedral. We also had diner at my favorite alsacian restaurant. It is really cool to be able to spend some evenings with mum without having to fly for 15 hours. I enjoy it even more that I know that it won't last. Mum also is realizing that I'll be gone again in a few months and she is starting to be mad at me. There is not much I can do about that though. I can't picture myself doing my PhD in France. I think she understands my motivation to go back to the US, but obviously it is going to be tough for both of us....

I also went to Mic's for our class Xmas' party.. It was nice to be with friends, enjoying a Xmas tree, a fire and a homemade mulled wine (again...). It was probably our last time together before the break.
I also saw Anin, who is still with us and fighting. It was wonderful to see him. Now we have to wait and see how he is going to respond to the surgery.

Today I spent hours glued on my laptop, reading lecture notes and typing summaries. I still have a lot to do so sunday and monday will be more of the same. Exams are tuesday and wednesday. I'm leaving wednesday afternoon for Lyon and I'm going to spend the nite at Tom's place. I should be at Valmorel with Tom, Dad and Alex by thursday evening. I already told Dad that there was no way of having a plastic Xmas tree this year. I want a real tree, which smells like a real tree and with real needles. And if I have to, I will go in the woods and cut it myself ;) It is going to be good to take a few days off... I can't wait. I'm feeling really tired. I compared a picture of me that was taken a week ago with one from September and this is scarry. Besides the 11 lbs that I lost during the last 3 months, I look like I'm 5 years older... Hopefully, a few hours on my snowboard and in the ocean with my drysuit will help ;)

Anyway, tonite I would have loved a big hug.

Finally here are the lessons I learned during the last few days:
- You have to prove yourself everyday and never take anything for granted.
- Life is a fragile balance.
I could develop more of those but I'm about to crash... Later maybe...