Cheering Up

Tuesday

Marina and I had taken our final for our linguistics class last week. Tuesday, we got our results. We basically failed horribly. I really think he just gave us pity points for the few points we did receive. Just when I think I am getting the hang of this French Uni thing...

So what do you do when life gives you lemons? You either eat until you can't anymore, or you go shopping. Or in my case: the two.

First, we treated ourselves to this vietnamese sandwich shop. It's like a vietnamese salad in a french baguette. Pretty bomb actually. While standing in line, waiting patiently, this chick was trying to cut me and my friends. This is pretty standard in French culture. We usually let it slide because life is too short to be arguing with a complete stranger, right? Well not today, honey! I just failed an important exam and I am trying to remedy it with food. Don't get in my way. As she proceeded to order, I cut her off explaining that she had indeed cut us in line. My friends were astonished for a moment, but I was like...

After enjoying our yummy sandwiches, Lauren and I headed to Rue St. Catherine where we proceeded to drop loads of money we don't have. My loot:

Wednesday

As a shopping recovery day, I accompanied Lauren to the coiffure. She cut her hair into a super cute angled lob (longer bob). After, I relaxed at home until I saw the break in the weather to go for a jog. However, as soon as I was in the middle of my run, I am sure you can guess what happened.. Downpour, baby. I ran straight home.

Later that night, Joana came into my room worried about Bao our cat. She had been putting off getting him neutered and she finally made an appointment for Thursday morning. She said it was cruel and selfish. I tried not to laugh because she was really stressed, but I was like he's a cat.. He won't even know what the hell happened.

Thursday

So now after a successfully dry workout today, I am studying for my next test, catching up on my blog, and awaiting our groggy cat to return from the vet.

Happy end of the week everyone!

Nearing the End

School Work

I finished my last paper and turned it in yesterday. It was definitely A work thanks to Edouard taking 3 hours to help me correct it. I have a few more tests and a presentation coming up, so the worst isn't over, unfortunately.

Distractions

Edouard picked up a book for me of Oscar Wilde while in Ireland. It is called The Picture of Dorian Gray. I just started it on Monday night at bedtime and I am obsessed. I nearly done with the novel, I just can't put it down. I even read it in class today when we were supposed to be reading Nerval - oh well. I know it's a super famous book so please if you know the end, don't tell me!!

I have been trying to enjoy my time with friends before the break. I will be coming home for a couple weeks which I am extremely looking forward to. However, I am so sad to see my friends who only signed up for the semester leave. We might scrape up all our euro coins and treat ourselves to dinner the last week they are here.

It has been so cold here! I'm dying, really. It was really foggy last week and it was so miserable. I want to just bundle up like in a snow suit or something, but french people would never have that. They, of course, are more fashionable than ever even when it comes to freezing temperatures. There is a store here dedicated to tights, leggings, and hosiery of the sort, and it is my Achilles' heel! I can't walk past it, nor can I go in and leave empty-handed. I often think "lunch or Calzedonia?" Yes, it's that bad.

Maxime's Surprise Party
We had a surprise party for little Maxime this weekend at his bff's house, Megan. It was so fun. Everyone brought something so there was dinner and drinks. Lauren and I were in charge of the cake. That was interesting since they don't have frosting here and and couldn't find powdered sugar at the store we went to. Everything worked out in the end.

Updates
I am staying with Joana until the end of the year so I thought I would post some pics of what my lived-in room looks like 3 months in.

I have been enjoying all my birthday gifts :) I used the money I got from my parents and grandparents while in London. I have so many new fun things to use in the morning like perfumes, nail polish, bath and body stuff. I've been quite spoiled.

I've become the victim of bad music. The current playlist on my ipod includes: Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and the Twilight Soundtrack. Help me.

Random Questions:
Why do French people in general love to talk about American stereotypes?
How do French girls eat a plate of fries every day and still remain thin?

Weekend of Decisions

I Love My Mummy

I woke up Thursday morning to yet another package at my door. It was so heavy! It had black beans and refried beans in it along with candy in celebration of Halloween. Yes you heard right, American candy!! Mmmm peanut butterrrr :9 My mom is really, seriously the best. Not to diss on everyone else's, but really :P

Extension

So, as you may have heard on facebook, I applied to stay in France until the end of the school year. I really hadn't even thought about staying. I didn't know I could. I do miss home, and when I get packages like what my mom sent, it reminds me of how great home is too. However, I love this place so much. There are a lot of factors going into the decision to see if it's even possible to stay.

Study Time
Yes, yes. We were at it again ;)

Evento
This weekend is Evento:

Every two years, EVENTO offers international artists an chance to cast a new eye over the city, explore it and turn it into an atypical place of artistic experimentation. This 2011 festival is thus bringing together famous and emerging figures, for a free event that is demanding, generous, multicultural, and designed for all kinds of public keen to discover and share.Original works, collective experiments, performances, concerts, installations, exhibitions and games for the citizenry will all occupy the city’s public places and its museums, for meetings aimed at reinventing the city and finding new ways of living together.

Today Marina and I went to the Musée d'Aquitaine. It was really cool.

School before School

Sorry I have been kind of lazy with the blogs. I am never home and when I come home we take a couple hours for dinner. Dinner is usually around 7 pm here so by the time that is over. I do some homework and go to sleep. I have some good news though! They found my camera, so hopefully I will be getting it soon :D

School

We have class before actual class at the University to prepare us. It has been draining to say the least. My throat hurts from the French 'r'! My friends and I have been exploring little by little the parts of the city. I have been absolutely obsessed with the yogurt here. And really, that's an understatement.

Funny Story I Forgot to Tell You

When my friend Brian was sick and we went to the pharmacy. I told him to say "j'ai mal au ventre" for a sore throat. However ventre means stomach. So when he told the pharmacist "j'ai mal au ventre" and held his throat she was like... "what language do you speak?" HAHAHAHA

Anywho, I'm going to go help my "ma mère" with diner.. Talk to you soon