I bought a pair of winter boots two years ago, when we still lived in Stockholm, in preparation for our Christmas trip up here to the hinterlands. For some reason (perhaps it was nothing more than my general aversion to all things snow-related), I later decided I hated the boots and never wore them again after that trip. A few days ago, we got some freezing rain mixed with snow, and the roads and sidewalks were nothing short of treacherous. I remembered my boots that were tucked away in the upstairs hall closet and decided to give them another go. Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that they are practically the best winter boots ever! I don’t know how it escaped my notice before (maybe because I avoided going out in the snow and cold as much as possible), but those babies have incredible, amazing traction! I feel as if I can traverse any terrain when I’m wearing them! It is truly wonderful to be able to walk normally, instead of being ultra-careful, taking mincing baby steps and living in fear of an unseen patch of black ice. I am in love with my boots.

Yesterday in Swedish class I gave my informative speech on Thanksgiving. It turned out okay, even though I was less than well-prepared. At least my lack of preparation made me speak more slowly, because I was formulating what I was gong to say as I said it. One of the guys in the class gave his speech about guitars and at the end he played for us on his own guitar. He played a little bit of several different styles, and it sounded really good. I especially liked the Colombian folk music he played. I’m always a sucker for folk music.

This morning I had to go in to the doctor’s office for a blood sugar test at 8:30. It was a fasting test, which means I couldn’t eat anything after eight o’clock last night, and not drink anything after midnight. The eating thing was okay, but I was so thirsty this morning that I could hardly stand it. When I got home I drank two big glasses of water just standing at the sink. I have to go back next Thursday for a follow-up test and some other blood tests, too. I’m not entirely sure what all this is about, but going along with it is easier than arguing with them (wait, I think I’m turning into a Swede!). I had an abnormally high blood sugar reading in August at the neurologist’s office (due in large part, I’m sure to all the junk food I ate that day, not to mention the entire half-liter bottle of Coke I had drunk just prior to the test, in an attempt to make myself have to pee for the urine test). The next week I had a follow-up test, and my blood sugar was perfectly normal. I don’t know why they’re making me do this again, because I don’t have any blood sugar issues whatsoever, but maybe it’s better to err on the side of caution.