Dearest Mom,
It is odd coming up to Christmas with no fanfare, no anticipation, no break. December 25 will be just any ol' day here in Russia. I am showing signs of weakening; I am so conditioned to having a break from work and thinking at this time of year that I am exhausted every day.
It has been snowing for three days now, it is piling up in the sidewalks and streets. There are probably thousands of sidewalks in this city, they are not very efficient at clearing them of snow. There are some parts of my walk to school where I have to trudge though a reasonable amount of snow and slush. I am not used to having to walk everywhere in the cold; in Smithers I used a car to go anywhere in the winter - in Victoria... winter? Now, here in Russia, I am faced with twenty-minute walks in the cold and blowing wind - don't pity me, coming to Russia was my decision. I think I knew the consequences.
I am counting down the days until I come home, sixteen. Right now I am playing the "game" of getting all my documents in order, permissions signed (spravka) as well as preparing for midterm tests. I will let you know the dates of these tests as soon as I know.
With warmth,
Toby.
