School, Snowboarding, and Sigurd Olson

You know, birding in the middle of winter can be a trial. A trial for your body, a trial for your patience, and a trial for your perserverence of them all. Some days are super duper cold and windy and it makes you wonder how the hell our ancestors managed without such things as heat inside a house or a stove to quick make some hot cocoa, or for that matter hot cocoa! I went up to the Sax-Zim bog area which is a super sweet birding area in Minnesota and is one of the most reliable places that you can see some cool birds like Great Grey Owls, Hawk Owls, and Snow Buntings. I didn't get to see the owls, but I did get to see the snow buntings and that was neat. I know, I'm a bird nerd, but I love it!
I actually just had a test this morning in ornithology (study of bird biology for those that don't know) and it was the first one that we've had all semester. It was hard! I mean, I studied really well and there were things on there that I had no clue what to put for an answer. Thank goodness it was essay and short answer. Perhaps I'll do ok then. If it had been multiple choice, I would've been screwed.
My classes are going well though. I am super busy this week though with midterms, homework, projects, and my snowboard level 2 exam this weekend. I have been studying for that since December off and on, but I am still nervous for it. I guess it would be bad if I wasn't nervous for it. It's just I have a lot riding on passing so much so that failing is not an option. Not to mention that I would be extremely disappointed in myself if I didn't pass.
I even have some tests next week so I can't really celebrate my birthday either next week. Or at least not like all out celebrate. I am thinking something really laid back like bowling or board games for the evening. So for those of you looking to get me a gift for my birthday, oh, you know about 20" of fresh snow would be well recieved. :-)
I still haven't heard anything more about Isle Royale this week. I'm kinda getting antsy about it because I want to get the application and such done soon so that I can for sure get a position there. It would be sweet to be a paid staff, but if that doesn't work out, then an SCA position would be ok too. I still think it's kind of surreal that they have to have groceries brought by boat for staff. I think that will take some time getting used to. But, have to do some more cleaning and studying for my level 2. So, if you could, think wonderful, positive, encouraging thoughts in my direction on Saturday and Sunday. I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!
Laura