Snow, Ice Climbing, Snow, Mardi Gras, Snow

Yes, there is that much snow here.

In fact, it's snowing out my window right now. Don't get me wrong, I knew what I signed up for 4 years ago when I decided to come to college in Vermont. I knew there was going to be lots of snow. I love that. I love to ski, play outside, make snow forts, etc. For the past 3 years the snow has been great, but am I crazy to think that this year has just been excessive? We've gotten hit with storm after storm and the snow has just piled up. Maybe I'm more grouchy about this because I have a car here now, which means cleaning it off, shoveling it out, and inevitably getting stuck in my parking spot ALL THE TIME because I don't have snow tires. Maybe it's because I'm not heading anywhere warm for spring break this year. Maybe it's because I'm just itching for those days where I can go outside in flip flops and a t-shirt and relax outside with my friends all afternoon/night long. Whatever the reason, I'm over this snow.

Still, there is SO MUCH to do here in the winter, even in the snow. Aside from the obvious $30 worth of unlimited skiing at Smuggs (which I wish I had more time to take advantage of) there are wilderness program trips, or just building snow structures with friends. Two weekends ago, I went out with some friends on an Ice Climbing trip and had so much fun! I've also been snow shoeing with the wilderness program and loved that. So, even when the snow is getting a bit overwhelming, there's always something to do.

(above) me climbing the 50 foot ice. (below) the ladies and I as we pack up to head back to the van.

FACT: Monday was the first snow day at SMC in my four years. We got something like 26 inches of snow and classes were cancelled for the day. We loved it.

(below) My friends and I playing outside on the snow dayThis past weekend was also the Magic Hat Mardi Gras parade in Burlington. This is a fabulous annual event where the entire area comes out to catch beads and treats and to watch the parade. The event is sponsored by Magic Hat and the Women's Rape Crisis Center, where the proceeds go. As a team, the swimmers volunteered to help out with crowd control (over 300 SMC students worked the parade!). We got free beads, t-shirts, and treats, and had a good time out there making sure nobody got hurt or trampled or run over.

So on this snowy Thursday on the eve of spring break I'm just getting my things in order for my MOVE extended service trip to NYC to work at Covenant House and a handful of other organizations. I'll be sure to write a post about it when I return of course.

In other news, I'm also on the edge of a lot of things. My big papers and projects are all due within the next month for my 3 main classes (not that History of Jazz or Calligraphy don't count). Once those are done, there's not much to do before the year ends but have fun and finish up classes and such. I'm also at that limbo between having concrete plans for the summer and beyond. I've got applications in and such, just waiting for answers, details, etc. so I'll keep you updated.

That's all for now. Stay warm, wherever you are!

-Christine