The long lasting winter...and some tough choices.

So it's February 2nd and it's still snowing.  I think I am completely over ever wanting to live where there is actually winter unlike San Diego.  Being here in the cold and hearing everyone at home talk about summer in January is just too hard.  After one FULL day of snow, it is now finally sunny and the roads are becoming clearer.  The day after the big snow storm my friend Allie and I were planning on running, but with the sidewalks barely cleared, we thought it would be smarter to take a longer, brisk walk.  At this time of year, most teachers are going through difficult decision making.  Allie is one of them.  She has been here a year, working at a private school in Marin for a few years before, and is now interviewing with a couple other international schools.  For me, going home and back to Solana Beach is not a tough decision. For others, who have already been here a year and have developed more permanent lives the choice is tough.  As Allie and I were walking, we were also reminded of another reason the decision can be difficult...the beauty.  We came down one of the hills around Lugano and looked out on a complete blanket of snow covering the hillsides surrounding a reservoir nearby.  At that moment the sun was peeking out from behind a few dispersed clouds in the crystal blue sky.  I was hitting myself for not having a camera.  I am not kidding, it was one of the most beautiful sights.  Allie said, "it looks like we live in Alaska," just because the amount of snow and lucid view of the mountains.  The scenery here is definitely remarkable.  However, even though there is so much beauty here when I am home I am also reminded often of what a beautiful place I live in.  There are many times driving down Del Mar Heights or sitting in Seagrove park, that the view is spectacular as you are looking out at the vast ocean.  I'm excited to be home and begin to really appreciate everything we have in San Diego.  So I know things are tough for many people at home right now, but at least remember how lucky you are to live in such a wonderful place!  Can't wait to enjoy it with you soon!  This weekend I'll have to settle for the Swiss Alps, heading to Chur and Lenzerheide with some friends this weekend.