A slight breeze softly caresses the lake, rippling the water ever so softly. Tread lines follow individual ducks as they paddle across the peaceful scene of serenity reflecting all beauty around it. Capturing one moment portraying the extraordinary artwork that God has blessed our eyes to witness. A blazing sun smiles in the sky and provides a feeling of warmth and comfort. A group of ducks swim together as a male and female provide companionship to one another....this my friends, is nature... it is all around us and sometimes we forget about its serenity and beauty....we forget how it can put us at peace if only for a brief moment....
Today, (Saturday, November 21st), I went running in a popular park, Bois de Boulogne, and this is just a moment in time that I captured with words but the day was perfect and the park is beautiful!
So it has been some time since I have written you and today marks the day of the Pilgrims feast!!! That's right it is THANKSGIVING!!! I have sooooo much to be thankful for but I think I might start off where my last blog ended and then catch up to the current time.....
Well I know you have all been patiently awaiting my grand sending of the post cards and I must say I have made it one step further along that path...I bought a bunch and I have a list of where to send them BUT I still need to write them and send them...SO CLOSE!!!! The last time I wrote on here it was 2 weeks ago today! I hope I can remember everything to tell you!!!
So on Thursday 2 weeks ago I was going to look for my friend's wallet at the bar but the bar was not open so I called later for her and luckily they had it!!! Everything was still in it except for the cash, of course, but that was such an awesome thing!!! On Friday I think we all just stayed in because the girls were here and that was C's birthday weekend celebration at our house! She turned 5 and she had a great birthday!!! G had to run some errands in Paris and had a meeting and so the girls and I hung out all day. We worked on some English and played a lot of games and just had a lot of fun! We had a really delicious chocolate cake on Saturday for her birthday and then on Sunday we celebrated it further with G's dad and his wife! We had a really good cake with ice cream, strawberries and meringue. YUM! She got a lot of gifts and we all hung out all day! Then we went to bed and on Monday my new week began!
I really need to keep updating blogs more frequently because nothing is fresh in my mind and it is difficult for me to remember everything. So, on Monday I don't think I really did much of anything...
OH WAIT! I forgot to tell you about Friday the 13th....wow I did not realize that was the day until just now! And on this day which is a little ironic...I went to the cemetery where Jim Morrison is buried! My friend, Alison and I went there and saw Jim Morrison's grave as well as Oscar Wilde's grave...it was so fun and the weather was beautiful!!! I really liked that day! Later this night we went out again and it was really fun!
So on Monday I don't think I did much and on Tuesday I don't think I did much and on Wednesday, I don't think I did much...ok so you get the point...One of these nights, I think it was maybe Thursday or something...no wait it was Tuesday haha I went to a place called UFO and they serve a Brazilian drink called caprihana or something like that and it was sooooo strong but it was not too bad after a little while hahaha...
So then on Friday I watched Australia with G and I love that movie!!! It is soooo good!!!! and on Saturday I went running like the beginning of my blog describes...it is much needed and more often because I am soooo out of shape!
On Saturday night I went to the TGC "The Great Canadian" to watch the OSU Michigan game!!!! It was sweet.....surprisingly enough there were literally like 30 OSU fans and it is such a small world because I could have connections with some!! There was a group from OSU who was studying abroad in Milan and came to Paris for their break and they were at the bar...one of the girls went to Watterson and now I really don't know her name but I have a picture with her to show all you Watterson peeps...I think she graduated in like '07 or something??...Then there was an older couple who A. The man went to Bishop Reedy I think and B. My dad might know his cousins, C. The woman went to worthington! and D. It was sooo crazy. So then there was a bandee from OSU there but he was much older and is currently teaching in Nice as an astrology professor...but he was nice and the thing about him was..he spoke Hungarian because his parents were full blooded off the boat Hungarian and that was amazing to me!
ALSO! I met another girl who was there and she is Hungarian and was in Paris buying clothes for her store because she has a store in Budapest!
The night was crazy and there were also some Michigan fans there!!
So, then I met this guy who was a lot older and was there with s french girl I got to know pretty well and he went to Thomas!!! And I was just amazed haha...but anyway so the girl I met that was friends with him and his friend wanted me to come with them the next day to sight see and show the american men around so I said I woul love to go with her. So on Sunday we went to Notre Dame, on a boat tour, to a good place to eat, and just had a really good time showing them around Paris!
Notre Dame...let me tell you that place changes you as soon as you walk in. The way you feel as you enter the doors is priceless and just so spiritual. I cannot even describe it...there are no words!!! AMAZING....but It is HUGE and as we went in there was a mass going on so I got to see part of one which I will be attending soon because I am very excited!!! I bought a BEAUTIFUL rosary there and cannot wait to go back.
On Monday I once again did much of nothing and then on Tuesday I had class and then went to my friend, Yuliana's, for lunch after! It was so fun and we have a lot in common which is awesome! On Wednesday, yesterday I had to help a guy from the electric company look at the meter and some pipes and try to understand him but it was rapid french so most of what he got was a blank stare and a laugh haha....but he was very very nice and it was ok!
Then our cleaning lady came and I love talking to her because she only speaks Portuguese and French so we have to talk in French and she invited me over to her place sometime for tea or coffee or a coke or something. She has a 17 year old daughter and I told her I could hang out with her sometimes and help her with some english and she can help me with french and whatever. So then on Wednesday I went to a shop here in Paris called Thanksgiving! How perfect! It is an American grocery store that I found and they have everything from Hellman's mayonnaise to pop tarts, to nerds, to philadelphia cream cheese, to Jif peanut butter!!! I was looking for some pumpkin pie mix to make for TODAY!!! I found some and it was amazing but the only problem with this place is that the prices are GARGANTUAN!!! I bought a large can of pumpkin pie mix for 7.50 euros...and with the dollar being about 1.65 per euro right now you can do the math to figure out how much that is in dollars...outrageous!!! They had stovetop stuffing there as well and I was sooooo tempted to buy some after my already made plan to make my own stuffing...sooo I definitely stuck to my plan and decided to make homemade, made from scratch STUFFING!!! and I completely succeeded!! I am soooo happy!!! So it was really easy and G had a turkey but not a real turkey just like a loaf of turkey hahaha like a small, wrapped in net, rotiseri type hunk of turkey...so it was still good though....I was going to make green bean casserole and had the stuff but did't get around to it. By the time we ate dinner it was like 9:30 at night because there was no time earlier in the evening to prepare the meal....but everyone loved my stuffing!!!! G and J did but J hates pepper and could taste the little bit of pepper that there was. G's dad and his wife came over and they liked it too! The pumpkin pie was good but not completely ready when we ate it but oh well :) I loved Thanksgiving today!!! It was sooooo amazing and I am soooo thankful that I have such a great family here to share it with!
Also, I cannot leave out the middle of my day. Some other American girls from my class were having a get together for Thanksgiving and we each contributed a dish and we had green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, turkey, ham, bread, and salad! And then I took some apple tarte and chocolate pie stuff for dessert...it was MAGNIFIQUE! I am so lucky to have such an awesome group of friends here and a great family to spend time with. I love it and I am so thankful for all of my loved ones at home who always support me and who are always there for me no matter what...I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
So here is it about 1:30 am after Thanksgiving and I am finishing my blog because I am tired. I know this is not the best blog ever but I promise to try and not wait so long between blogs because then it will be better!!! My birthday is on Sunday and I am going to see Zorro tomorrow night with the family!!! We will be celebrating my bday with cake and everything that G is surprising me with so that should be interesting!! haha But I am so glad to be here and I can't believe I will be 24!!! I feel very young and I am young at heart right guys? hahaha I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! I will talk to you soon and XOXOXOXO
Bisou Bisou
LOVE J
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
AC?
Well hello everyone!!! I am sitting at home at 10 am and getting things together and cleaning my room after I write this! I am going to a bar at 1 with a girl I met in class because we went there the other night and she cannot find her wallet so hopefully it will be there! Going out in Paris is a lot different than at home! And if you want to wear heels it is really a good idea to rethink that decision because there is wayyyyy too much walking and cobble stones do not like heels....it was horrible!
But we had a lot of fun! I am excited because we have been talking about doing a lot of things together since we both have free time and we want to volunteer somewhere! I think that woul dbe something so fun for me because I love volunteering and I could meet more people and really make good use of my time! I am really going to look into this I am so excited :)
Yesterday I ate falafel with Flo, the old teacher from OSU! It was really good....we went to the Jewish area of Paris near Le Marais...the stop on the metro is St. Paul....it was a really cool area and the food was delicious! After that we went to walk around for a while and just look for ice cream because I really wanted some but we couldn't find anything so we just went to Mcdonald's and got some....I got a Mcflurry with M&Ms but they use peanut M&Ms which is different....but anyways I think we ended up sitting in Mcdonald's for over 3 hours just talking about french and he gave me a presentation workshop that he had to give at his work about improving your ability to learn a different language and the steps you need to take and such...it was very interesting. I am very ambitious now and I realized that I want to take this whole learning french thing completely seriously...which means practice practice practice!!! I want to be so fluent and really be able to understand everyone! I already feel like I have caught on a lot better to things but that is not enough!
I am going to have to just learn at my own pace but stay positive and really just practice every chance I get!
So my friend Heath...(another shout out for my boy!) haha has introduced me to an AMAZING new song haha. It is from 1970 but I love it and it's soooo Happy....you should look it up on Youtube: "Les Champs-Elysee" Artist: Joe Dassin....I am telling you its amazing!!!
So I am planning on going to Monmarte soon and to Notre Dame for mass....I am really glad I met the girl in my class because I think we will have a lot of fun hanging out together and doing a lot of new and exciting things!
So Thanksgiving is coming up but I do not think I will be celebrating it with all of the proper American festivities because that is the day we are going to see the play Zorro outside.....I do not think turkey and stuffing are in the picture but that is alright....it will just make me more ready for Thanksgiving next year!!!! After Thanksgiving it will be my birthday!!! I can't believe I will be 24...sooo crazy....and I feel like my time here is already flying by....It has already been a month and I have soo much to do still. I just think the time here will go by quickly so I need to cherish every moment I have!
I really need to get into a routine here and start working out everyday or something...I want to have a reason to wake up everyday even if there is nothing for me to do for work. I just think I would make the most out of my day if I work out first....so wish me luck on that! Which means I need to start going to bed early and I can't talk to everyone on facebook...:( that makes me sad though...I really get so caught up on the computer with everyone that I don't realize how late it is and then I don't get to sleep very early....it is becoming an issue hahaha
Today, like I said I am going back to the area where I was last night and then I am picking J up at 4:30 with her violin and staying at her mom's until G picks us up at 6! I am going to get going and get my day into productive gear but I will talk soon!
Oh P.S. I finally did some shopping so it was really fun! I am excited to shop again! woohoo!!!
I am still working on post cards for you all don't worry!
LOVE YOU!
Jess
But we had a lot of fun! I am excited because we have been talking about doing a lot of things together since we both have free time and we want to volunteer somewhere! I think that woul dbe something so fun for me because I love volunteering and I could meet more people and really make good use of my time! I am really going to look into this I am so excited :)
Yesterday I ate falafel with Flo, the old teacher from OSU! It was really good....we went to the Jewish area of Paris near Le Marais...the stop on the metro is St. Paul....it was a really cool area and the food was delicious! After that we went to walk around for a while and just look for ice cream because I really wanted some but we couldn't find anything so we just went to Mcdonald's and got some....I got a Mcflurry with M&Ms but they use peanut M&Ms which is different....but anyways I think we ended up sitting in Mcdonald's for over 3 hours just talking about french and he gave me a presentation workshop that he had to give at his work about improving your ability to learn a different language and the steps you need to take and such...it was very interesting. I am very ambitious now and I realized that I want to take this whole learning french thing completely seriously...which means practice practice practice!!! I want to be so fluent and really be able to understand everyone! I already feel like I have caught on a lot better to things but that is not enough!
I am going to have to just learn at my own pace but stay positive and really just practice every chance I get!
So my friend Heath...(another shout out for my boy!) haha has introduced me to an AMAZING new song haha. It is from 1970 but I love it and it's soooo Happy....you should look it up on Youtube: "Les Champs-Elysee" Artist: Joe Dassin....I am telling you its amazing!!!
So I am planning on going to Monmarte soon and to Notre Dame for mass....I am really glad I met the girl in my class because I think we will have a lot of fun hanging out together and doing a lot of new and exciting things!
So Thanksgiving is coming up but I do not think I will be celebrating it with all of the proper American festivities because that is the day we are going to see the play Zorro outside.....I do not think turkey and stuffing are in the picture but that is alright....it will just make me more ready for Thanksgiving next year!!!! After Thanksgiving it will be my birthday!!! I can't believe I will be 24...sooo crazy....and I feel like my time here is already flying by....It has already been a month and I have soo much to do still. I just think the time here will go by quickly so I need to cherish every moment I have!
I really need to get into a routine here and start working out everyday or something...I want to have a reason to wake up everyday even if there is nothing for me to do for work. I just think I would make the most out of my day if I work out first....so wish me luck on that! Which means I need to start going to bed early and I can't talk to everyone on facebook...:( that makes me sad though...I really get so caught up on the computer with everyone that I don't realize how late it is and then I don't get to sleep very early....it is becoming an issue hahaha
Today, like I said I am going back to the area where I was last night and then I am picking J up at 4:30 with her violin and staying at her mom's until G picks us up at 6! I am going to get going and get my day into productive gear but I will talk soon!
Oh P.S. I finally did some shopping so it was really fun! I am excited to shop again! woohoo!!!
I am still working on post cards for you all don't worry!
LOVE YOU!
Jess
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hello My Darlings!
Bon Soir!
I need to keep writing to all of you because I have had many requests for more blog entries haha. I find it difficult at times to write but I will make sure I keep up with it because I know this will be good for me in the future and a lot of you enjoy reading which makes me happy :). Soooo it's Monday evening, J is upastairs practicing violin and I am just writing a quick blogaroo...I hope you realize that when I say I miss you every single time that I really do miss you! My heart never stops missing you all!!! Ok so...my last entry was on Thursday and I have had some fun since then!
I went to Germany on Friday morning which was really really early. I had to be at Paris Nord which is a train station at 6:25 AM because that was when my train left for Koln or Cologne in french and we pronounce it Koeln...the German version which is the first one up there is supposed to have 2 little dots above the O but I really don't know how to add those so sorry about that! hahaha But my idea was to leave the house very early so that I had plenty of time to find my train and prepare for my trip and pray that there were no strikes..
Well I have a listing of the time table for the train by my house and it said the first train came at 4:40 AM....so I left the house at like 4:32 and literally sprinted...full sprint not kidding here....with my luggage and all....in my boots....worked up a sweat....got it? Haha ok so I sprinted to the train station to guarantee that I would catch the earliest train.....WELLLLLLLL apparently that time table was wrong because as I approached my platform the screen informed me that my first train would arrive at 5:20....cold and alone I sat and waited for the 45 minutes that it took for my train to arrive. It was pitch black outside too because it was soo early....but I felt good after my small little work out of sprinting to the station to start my day....I finally got on the train when it came along with a mere 5 other people and arrived at Le Gare St. Lazare where I had to catch the RER E which is similar to the metro....I took the RER E from there to Paris Nord and then found my train in Paris Nord. I was excited that it was not on strike and once the screen signified which platform my train was on I walked to find my seat.
I was finally on the train! I was headed for Germany and it was exciting! The train was full and I had to use my ticket from the previous day because there were no cheap tickets if I wanted to exchenge it...the lady told me it would be ok to use my ticket on Friday and it would be the same as if I had gone on Thursday. I was worried about this and I was hoping there weren't going to be any problems with my seat or anything. There was a group of high school age kids with a leader who said that their seats included the one I was sitting it but it didn't matter because there were enough seats in that car so it was no big deal. PHEW that scared me but I was fine after that. Once the ticket man came around to check the tickets I was nervous as well because I was not completely certain my ticket was alright but I was just going off of what the woman had told me the day before and I assumed she knew what she was talking about because she worked for the train company :)....The group of high schoolers that I mentioned really made me realize how crazy languages are...What I mean is that they were all interchangeably using German, French, and English! And not just the formal versions of these languages that we learn in school but really sounded like they knew the slang and all of the normal talk that we use in English. It made me really jealous that they could easily transition from one language to another and know each language so well!
I think a lot of German people are required to learn English in school and I think I have heard before that when you learn at least 2 languages when you are young it is easier to learn more languages later in life, and also that your brain is more advanced and children who know multiple languages growing up are more educationally advanced...now I have not done any studies on this nor do I know that it is a fact but in theory it sounds like it could be true!
I really think it made me realize how hard I want to work to learn French because I just love hearing the language and I want to be able to speak it and understand everything. Sometimes I get caught up in the little things and realize how overwhelming everything is when you think about all of the tiny steps it will take to get to where you want to be...BUT I have recently decided to focus only on the big picture and just keep my goal in mind so that I do not freak out with all of the small steps along the way. I just need to make each small step apart of the big picture and I will eventually be so good that you would think I was French!!!
Question...would you Americans still love me if I turned French? I mean I am quite irresistable I know but...hahaha Just kidding :)
So I was riding the train and studying French and listening to music and playing games on my phone and it was really relaxing and peaceful! The train ride was about 3 hours and 45 minutes but there were a few stops on the way. finally I arrived in Koln where I had to wait about an hour to catch another train to my destination, Paderborn! Here I had to ask an information lady which platform my train would be on and I heard her speaking English to people just before me but she gave me a little attitude when I was asking her questions....that did not make me feel very welcome haha but Oh well...I was told that German's often sound angry whenever they talk so maybe that is what it was hahaha
I found my train and got on...the ticket I had was printed from the internet and I had to show proof of my credit card when I was on the train to make sure it was me. I forgot about this and the man asked me to see my Visa....ok so I got out my passport and he said no Visa card...and then I felt silly but I realized what was going on! hahaha ohhh those visas....
So the train from Koln to Paderborn was very desolate for a while until we stopped a few more times and then it filled up! I was having a lot of fun because Germany is soooo pretty and the land is beautiful and as the train sped by I captured pictures of the scenery. The train from Koln to Paderborn was about 2 hours and 20 min but there were sooo many stops on this train. Without stops it would have been a lot faster I am sure!
I arrived in Paderborn!! YAY!! sooo exciting! And I walked out front and Twig was waiting! I was happy to see him and it really felt good to see a familiar face....very comforting! So we drove around for a little bit and then went to Mcdonalds! My first experience with fast food on this trip....and it was delicious! Twig was busy with basketball stuff so for a few hours I just chilled at his apartment and watched a movie. His apartment is really nice though and he has a million and one movies...not exaggerating hahaha After he had practice we went to the grocery store and made dinner and then just watched a movie and I drank some beer...which by the way German beer is very good! I was worried it would be bitter because I HATE bitter beer but the kinds that I had were not bitter at all so I was happy about that.
So the next day we drove around the city some more but the weather was bad and rainy so we didn't get out to walk around but we decided that I would try to drive his car since it is a manual. I need to get some kind of practice in before these driving lessons that I will have coming up....that will be a laugh! hahahahaha
So I was excited to drive the car and as I began I surprised myself and Twig because I was actually not that bad....of course the transition from stop to start was not the smoothest and my confidence was low but once I tried it for a few minutes my confidence grew and I got better! It is not as difficult as I thought but we were only in a parking lot and I was too scared to go near any cars. I ended up driving onto the road but pulled over to the side when I realized the road led to a busy area....NOT COOL!!! hahaha so we switched and went back home. Twig's game was far away on Saturday so I could not go :( I was sad but oh well...haha I am going to try to go back again and actually see a game! So while he was gone I started to walk into town and I found a couple of shoe stores along my way. I looked for a while and at the second store I found a really cute pair of shoes that took me a while to decide on buying but they were only 30 euros and they were my size and they were sooooo cute! It is very difficult to find my size in France (even though I haven't looked yet) but I was really happy and excited...I am at the check out and they tell me that they do not accept VISA!!! What the heck? Visa is supposed to be accepted everywhere! Then I got out my American card and tried to use that because it was MasterCard....BUT that was unacceptable as well....I was sooo upset....the shoes I really wanted had to say goodbye :( Oh well so I kept walking until I reached the supermarket where we bought our groceries the night before and there was a little stand with a man making gyro-type things and I got one and then started to head back to the apartment because it was really dark and things were closing. On the way back I stopped by the gas station where I bought some more beer and THEY accepted Visa so I was happy about that!!!
I was walking and enjoying the feel of the country and I just got this feeling that Germany was really safe and clean and that no bad things happen there because that is how it seems....then all of a sudden right after this thought crosses my mind, a GIANT white van pulls up onto the curb slowly, right in front of me and next to where I would be walking in like 2 seconds......and a man gets out and starts speaking to me in German and I think he was asking for directions but I don't really know and all I said to him was "English" "English" hahahaha...soooo that kind of creeped me out but then I realized they were not creepers they were just lost....
I made it back to the apartment to watch some movies and use Twig's phone that could call numbers in the US...I know I did not get the chance to call ALLLLLL of you but it was good to hear some familiar voices! I think we really take using the phone for granted :)
Twigster got home at like 1:30 AM or something and I had the key so he had to ring the bell but I was confused and scared that it was someone else because in the hallway it was pitch black...I was on the phone with Shay at the time...remember that? hahaha But then I realized I had to push a button and it was all ok!
On Sunday we just chilled in the morning until T drove me to the train station at like 2PM and we bought a ticket and then said goodbye and I was on my way back to Paris. The train I took back to Koln stopped in Hamm and I had to catch another train but that was easy peasy....The thing that I screwed up on was getting off in Koln...what an idiot!!! SO I got off at the station before the one I was supposed to be in and I was like ummmm this does not look familiar and this is definitely the wrong station...it said Koln but it was not the main Koln...I was walking and trying to tell myself that I was right and it would all be ok but then I realized I was DEAD WRONG!!!! I just went back up to the area where I had gotten off and found a nice young boy who knew how to speak some English! I was telling him my dilemma and he pointed me to platform 10...which means nothing to you I know haha....but he told me that platform always stops in Koln Hbf which is the main station....sooooo I got on the train and everything was ok and I ended up in Koln!!! YAY!
While I was in the station waiting for my train I used the restroom and had to pay 1 euro and that was the first time I did that...actually no I take that back after I saw a movie in Paris I payed to use the restroom as well but it was different because in Paris it was a man who just took my money and at the train station in Koln it was a machine that would not open unless you put money in kind of like at the train station when you are exchanging trains or on the metro when you pass through the thing....for those of you who know what I mean....But I remember things like that when my family and I traveled to Europe in 2007.
That is another reason why America is so great hahaha we never have to worry about paying to use a restroom...I mean that seems odd but I can understand it I suppose....
So I made it back to Paris and it seemed to me like I had a sign on my back that said "Take me please" because a lot of things have been happening that make me feel like people notice me easily or might take me....hahaha of course this is a bit of an exaggeration (Parents do not be alarmed) but I just think it is funny! I forgot to mention that when I was waiting for my train from Koln to Paderborn a man was talking to me and told me that he saw me waiting at the Paris Nord station....and he was asking me what I was doing and said that he hoped to see me again in Paris...it was really weird and I did not like that haha Luckily he did not get on the same train to Paderborn!!!
But when I was back in Paris I was looking at the screen to be sure which platform to go to so I could get back to St. Lazare...a man came up to me while I was looking and said "La Gare St. Lazare?" And I was like yes, it's here? And he said yes...and then he asked where I was from and I said USA! hahaha But it's like how did he know that I was going to La Gare St. Lazare?? I found that a little odd but I guess it is a pretty big station and I was near that platform so maybe he was just trying to be nice....for now I will just stick with the "everyone is trying to take me" theme because it is more entertaining! hahaha
I got home around 10:30 and I felt good to be back! I had such a great weekend but I realized something on the train back to Paris....The French language is now beginning to sound familiar and provide comfort to me, just as English does when you are in a foreign place. That made me realize that I have finally made this my new home and I am so happy that it brings me comfort. Sometimes you have to take a step back and re-evaluate what you have to realize it's something worth having. I think we all need to do that with a lot of things in life because we lose sight of these things too easily and it is so important to stay grounded and really keep in mind the blessings we have. I just think from now on I will try harder to not take things for granted...it is a very difficult thing to do but I will try.
I have been doing a lot of self exploration since I have been gone and I really want to become a better person...there are a lot of things I should work on which will take a while...but hey, realizing it is the first step right?
I am grateful for the opportunity to be sitting here in Paris and be able to really have amazing experiences and really reflect on myself as a person. I just really, truly love my life and I could never have done any of this without all of you! You guys are amazing and I pray for you all of the time!!! You are forever in my prayers and my heart. A quote I keep in mind a lot is this:
~**Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You'll find what you need to furnish it - memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey**~
I found this quote online and I do not remember who it is by but it is soooo true!!! It is amazing and I love it..when I first got here I missed home and felt like I was not at home but when I think about it....no matter where I am I will always have my friends and family, I will always have my memories and every experience I have had....those will always be there....my physical home and my town or country...those may not always be there and I may not always stay in one spot...this quote is really the best quote!!!!
I hope you all know that you each help make up part of what I consider to be "home" and it feels so great to know that I have such a strong support system.
I thank God everyday for an amazing life!
I Love you sooo much and I will again soon but I am actually not done with this blog yet....
Ok sooooo I woke up today and I had my french film class which is a JOKE...not like it's stupid but it's hilarious because it is not about French film really....I met a girl in my class who seems awesome so that is good! And she doesn't live too far from me so we are going to try to hang out soon! But in this class the man is really funny but the thing that makes me laugh is because it is mostly about learning verbs and things and not really watching films...I went today for the first time and was 30 minutes late because of my great sense of direction again! hahaha but it is really relaxed and not a big deal and plus, I have been studying a lot of french on my own!
I am excited for this class because it is funny, interesting, and really intriguing...I think I will get something out of it!
After class I came back to the house for a little bit to eat lunch and chill and then pick J up from school and go to her mom's to do homework and learn a little bit of English. I need to get in touch with some people who teach ESL or English in general because I would like some advice but for now I am doing alright I think. I am probably going to try to print some worksheets offline and try to keep it fun! If you have any suggestions or know anyone who might I would love to know!
I know a lot of teachers as well so I am working on contacting them to see if they know of anything that would help me!
Now I am just finishing this blog after dinner...cordon bleu and pasta...it was good! But I need to go take care of some paperwork and I will write again soon....I promise...I hate to leave ya'll hanging! hahaha
MUAH XOXOXOXO Bisou Bisou!!!
Love You ALL!!
Miss you ALWAYS!!
Talk SOON!!
Jess
I need to keep writing to all of you because I have had many requests for more blog entries haha. I find it difficult at times to write but I will make sure I keep up with it because I know this will be good for me in the future and a lot of you enjoy reading which makes me happy :). Soooo it's Monday evening, J is upastairs practicing violin and I am just writing a quick blogaroo...I hope you realize that when I say I miss you every single time that I really do miss you! My heart never stops missing you all!!! Ok so...my last entry was on Thursday and I have had some fun since then!
I went to Germany on Friday morning which was really really early. I had to be at Paris Nord which is a train station at 6:25 AM because that was when my train left for Koln or Cologne in french and we pronounce it Koeln...the German version which is the first one up there is supposed to have 2 little dots above the O but I really don't know how to add those so sorry about that! hahaha But my idea was to leave the house very early so that I had plenty of time to find my train and prepare for my trip and pray that there were no strikes..
Well I have a listing of the time table for the train by my house and it said the first train came at 4:40 AM....so I left the house at like 4:32 and literally sprinted...full sprint not kidding here....with my luggage and all....in my boots....worked up a sweat....got it? Haha ok so I sprinted to the train station to guarantee that I would catch the earliest train.....WELLLLLLLL apparently that time table was wrong because as I approached my platform the screen informed me that my first train would arrive at 5:20....cold and alone I sat and waited for the 45 minutes that it took for my train to arrive. It was pitch black outside too because it was soo early....but I felt good after my small little work out of sprinting to the station to start my day....I finally got on the train when it came along with a mere 5 other people and arrived at Le Gare St. Lazare where I had to catch the RER E which is similar to the metro....I took the RER E from there to Paris Nord and then found my train in Paris Nord. I was excited that it was not on strike and once the screen signified which platform my train was on I walked to find my seat.
I was finally on the train! I was headed for Germany and it was exciting! The train was full and I had to use my ticket from the previous day because there were no cheap tickets if I wanted to exchenge it...the lady told me it would be ok to use my ticket on Friday and it would be the same as if I had gone on Thursday. I was worried about this and I was hoping there weren't going to be any problems with my seat or anything. There was a group of high school age kids with a leader who said that their seats included the one I was sitting it but it didn't matter because there were enough seats in that car so it was no big deal. PHEW that scared me but I was fine after that. Once the ticket man came around to check the tickets I was nervous as well because I was not completely certain my ticket was alright but I was just going off of what the woman had told me the day before and I assumed she knew what she was talking about because she worked for the train company :)....The group of high schoolers that I mentioned really made me realize how crazy languages are...What I mean is that they were all interchangeably using German, French, and English! And not just the formal versions of these languages that we learn in school but really sounded like they knew the slang and all of the normal talk that we use in English. It made me really jealous that they could easily transition from one language to another and know each language so well!
I think a lot of German people are required to learn English in school and I think I have heard before that when you learn at least 2 languages when you are young it is easier to learn more languages later in life, and also that your brain is more advanced and children who know multiple languages growing up are more educationally advanced...now I have not done any studies on this nor do I know that it is a fact but in theory it sounds like it could be true!
I really think it made me realize how hard I want to work to learn French because I just love hearing the language and I want to be able to speak it and understand everything. Sometimes I get caught up in the little things and realize how overwhelming everything is when you think about all of the tiny steps it will take to get to where you want to be...BUT I have recently decided to focus only on the big picture and just keep my goal in mind so that I do not freak out with all of the small steps along the way. I just need to make each small step apart of the big picture and I will eventually be so good that you would think I was French!!!
Question...would you Americans still love me if I turned French? I mean I am quite irresistable I know but...hahaha Just kidding :)
So I was riding the train and studying French and listening to music and playing games on my phone and it was really relaxing and peaceful! The train ride was about 3 hours and 45 minutes but there were a few stops on the way. finally I arrived in Koln where I had to wait about an hour to catch another train to my destination, Paderborn! Here I had to ask an information lady which platform my train would be on and I heard her speaking English to people just before me but she gave me a little attitude when I was asking her questions....that did not make me feel very welcome haha but Oh well...I was told that German's often sound angry whenever they talk so maybe that is what it was hahaha
I found my train and got on...the ticket I had was printed from the internet and I had to show proof of my credit card when I was on the train to make sure it was me. I forgot about this and the man asked me to see my Visa....ok so I got out my passport and he said no Visa card...and then I felt silly but I realized what was going on! hahaha ohhh those visas....
So the train from Koln to Paderborn was very desolate for a while until we stopped a few more times and then it filled up! I was having a lot of fun because Germany is soooo pretty and the land is beautiful and as the train sped by I captured pictures of the scenery. The train from Koln to Paderborn was about 2 hours and 20 min but there were sooo many stops on this train. Without stops it would have been a lot faster I am sure!
I arrived in Paderborn!! YAY!! sooo exciting! And I walked out front and Twig was waiting! I was happy to see him and it really felt good to see a familiar face....very comforting! So we drove around for a little bit and then went to Mcdonalds! My first experience with fast food on this trip....and it was delicious! Twig was busy with basketball stuff so for a few hours I just chilled at his apartment and watched a movie. His apartment is really nice though and he has a million and one movies...not exaggerating hahaha After he had practice we went to the grocery store and made dinner and then just watched a movie and I drank some beer...which by the way German beer is very good! I was worried it would be bitter because I HATE bitter beer but the kinds that I had were not bitter at all so I was happy about that.
So the next day we drove around the city some more but the weather was bad and rainy so we didn't get out to walk around but we decided that I would try to drive his car since it is a manual. I need to get some kind of practice in before these driving lessons that I will have coming up....that will be a laugh! hahahahaha
So I was excited to drive the car and as I began I surprised myself and Twig because I was actually not that bad....of course the transition from stop to start was not the smoothest and my confidence was low but once I tried it for a few minutes my confidence grew and I got better! It is not as difficult as I thought but we were only in a parking lot and I was too scared to go near any cars. I ended up driving onto the road but pulled over to the side when I realized the road led to a busy area....NOT COOL!!! hahaha so we switched and went back home. Twig's game was far away on Saturday so I could not go :( I was sad but oh well...haha I am going to try to go back again and actually see a game! So while he was gone I started to walk into town and I found a couple of shoe stores along my way. I looked for a while and at the second store I found a really cute pair of shoes that took me a while to decide on buying but they were only 30 euros and they were my size and they were sooooo cute! It is very difficult to find my size in France (even though I haven't looked yet) but I was really happy and excited...I am at the check out and they tell me that they do not accept VISA!!! What the heck? Visa is supposed to be accepted everywhere! Then I got out my American card and tried to use that because it was MasterCard....BUT that was unacceptable as well....I was sooo upset....the shoes I really wanted had to say goodbye :( Oh well so I kept walking until I reached the supermarket where we bought our groceries the night before and there was a little stand with a man making gyro-type things and I got one and then started to head back to the apartment because it was really dark and things were closing. On the way back I stopped by the gas station where I bought some more beer and THEY accepted Visa so I was happy about that!!!
I was walking and enjoying the feel of the country and I just got this feeling that Germany was really safe and clean and that no bad things happen there because that is how it seems....then all of a sudden right after this thought crosses my mind, a GIANT white van pulls up onto the curb slowly, right in front of me and next to where I would be walking in like 2 seconds......and a man gets out and starts speaking to me in German and I think he was asking for directions but I don't really know and all I said to him was "English" "English" hahahaha...soooo that kind of creeped me out but then I realized they were not creepers they were just lost....
I made it back to the apartment to watch some movies and use Twig's phone that could call numbers in the US...I know I did not get the chance to call ALLLLLL of you but it was good to hear some familiar voices! I think we really take using the phone for granted :)
Twigster got home at like 1:30 AM or something and I had the key so he had to ring the bell but I was confused and scared that it was someone else because in the hallway it was pitch black...I was on the phone with Shay at the time...remember that? hahaha But then I realized I had to push a button and it was all ok!
On Sunday we just chilled in the morning until T drove me to the train station at like 2PM and we bought a ticket and then said goodbye and I was on my way back to Paris. The train I took back to Koln stopped in Hamm and I had to catch another train but that was easy peasy....The thing that I screwed up on was getting off in Koln...what an idiot!!! SO I got off at the station before the one I was supposed to be in and I was like ummmm this does not look familiar and this is definitely the wrong station...it said Koln but it was not the main Koln...I was walking and trying to tell myself that I was right and it would all be ok but then I realized I was DEAD WRONG!!!! I just went back up to the area where I had gotten off and found a nice young boy who knew how to speak some English! I was telling him my dilemma and he pointed me to platform 10...which means nothing to you I know haha....but he told me that platform always stops in Koln Hbf which is the main station....sooooo I got on the train and everything was ok and I ended up in Koln!!! YAY!
While I was in the station waiting for my train I used the restroom and had to pay 1 euro and that was the first time I did that...actually no I take that back after I saw a movie in Paris I payed to use the restroom as well but it was different because in Paris it was a man who just took my money and at the train station in Koln it was a machine that would not open unless you put money in kind of like at the train station when you are exchanging trains or on the metro when you pass through the thing....for those of you who know what I mean....But I remember things like that when my family and I traveled to Europe in 2007.
That is another reason why America is so great hahaha we never have to worry about paying to use a restroom...I mean that seems odd but I can understand it I suppose....
So I made it back to Paris and it seemed to me like I had a sign on my back that said "Take me please" because a lot of things have been happening that make me feel like people notice me easily or might take me....hahaha of course this is a bit of an exaggeration (Parents do not be alarmed) but I just think it is funny! I forgot to mention that when I was waiting for my train from Koln to Paderborn a man was talking to me and told me that he saw me waiting at the Paris Nord station....and he was asking me what I was doing and said that he hoped to see me again in Paris...it was really weird and I did not like that haha Luckily he did not get on the same train to Paderborn!!!
But when I was back in Paris I was looking at the screen to be sure which platform to go to so I could get back to St. Lazare...a man came up to me while I was looking and said "La Gare St. Lazare?" And I was like yes, it's here? And he said yes...and then he asked where I was from and I said USA! hahaha But it's like how did he know that I was going to La Gare St. Lazare?? I found that a little odd but I guess it is a pretty big station and I was near that platform so maybe he was just trying to be nice....for now I will just stick with the "everyone is trying to take me" theme because it is more entertaining! hahaha
I got home around 10:30 and I felt good to be back! I had such a great weekend but I realized something on the train back to Paris....The French language is now beginning to sound familiar and provide comfort to me, just as English does when you are in a foreign place. That made me realize that I have finally made this my new home and I am so happy that it brings me comfort. Sometimes you have to take a step back and re-evaluate what you have to realize it's something worth having. I think we all need to do that with a lot of things in life because we lose sight of these things too easily and it is so important to stay grounded and really keep in mind the blessings we have. I just think from now on I will try harder to not take things for granted...it is a very difficult thing to do but I will try.
I have been doing a lot of self exploration since I have been gone and I really want to become a better person...there are a lot of things I should work on which will take a while...but hey, realizing it is the first step right?
I am grateful for the opportunity to be sitting here in Paris and be able to really have amazing experiences and really reflect on myself as a person. I just really, truly love my life and I could never have done any of this without all of you! You guys are amazing and I pray for you all of the time!!! You are forever in my prayers and my heart. A quote I keep in mind a lot is this:
~**Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You'll find what you need to furnish it - memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey**~
I found this quote online and I do not remember who it is by but it is soooo true!!! It is amazing and I love it..when I first got here I missed home and felt like I was not at home but when I think about it....no matter where I am I will always have my friends and family, I will always have my memories and every experience I have had....those will always be there....my physical home and my town or country...those may not always be there and I may not always stay in one spot...this quote is really the best quote!!!!
I hope you all know that you each help make up part of what I consider to be "home" and it feels so great to know that I have such a strong support system.
I thank God everyday for an amazing life!
I Love you sooo much and I will again soon but I am actually not done with this blog yet....
Ok sooooo I woke up today and I had my french film class which is a JOKE...not like it's stupid but it's hilarious because it is not about French film really....I met a girl in my class who seems awesome so that is good! And she doesn't live too far from me so we are going to try to hang out soon! But in this class the man is really funny but the thing that makes me laugh is because it is mostly about learning verbs and things and not really watching films...I went today for the first time and was 30 minutes late because of my great sense of direction again! hahaha but it is really relaxed and not a big deal and plus, I have been studying a lot of french on my own!
I am excited for this class because it is funny, interesting, and really intriguing...I think I will get something out of it!
After class I came back to the house for a little bit to eat lunch and chill and then pick J up from school and go to her mom's to do homework and learn a little bit of English. I need to get in touch with some people who teach ESL or English in general because I would like some advice but for now I am doing alright I think. I am probably going to try to print some worksheets offline and try to keep it fun! If you have any suggestions or know anyone who might I would love to know!
I know a lot of teachers as well so I am working on contacting them to see if they know of anything that would help me!
Now I am just finishing this blog after dinner...cordon bleu and pasta...it was good! But I need to go take care of some paperwork and I will write again soon....I promise...I hate to leave ya'll hanging! hahaha
MUAH XOXOXOXO Bisou Bisou!!!
Love You ALL!!
Miss you ALWAYS!!
Talk SOON!!
Jess
Thursday, November 5, 2009
MES AMIS!!!!! Today marks one week since I have written to you and there is a lot that has happened! Last week we began vacation from school so the girls and I did not have school. Friday night was my first succesful attempt at a half marathon!!!...well it was only 18 miles but that is close....and it was roller blading...BUT I am still proud!!!
The festivities began around 10 PM and G's brother and I made our way to Paris for the grand parade of roller bladers. There were nearly a thousand participants as the night settled and the action began. This particular evening invited Halloween costumes so it was a sight to see! With my witch hat on head and my roller blades on feet we took off with the crowd. The ability to come to a quick halt for my feet is something that needs work because it is not the best feeling when you are behind thousands of people who are standing still and you are speeding toward them. I will continue to work on that because it can be quite frightening.
As we glided through the streets of Paris, the atmosphere was enchanting and the onseers faces lit up as we drifted past....the traffic is paused just for us as we sweep in and out of intersections and the comfort of the police lagged behind to cap off the train of people. There were several stops along the way in order to close the gap between the front and the rear.
The crowd was interesting and I enjoyed my time sooo much! The night was getting late and cold but we kept going. In all, three hours had gone by once we were finished. I did not feel too tired from the trip but 18 miles sounds like a lot! Along the way we met a nice guy from England who was happy to find some people who could speak English. He was all alone but wanted to find people with whom he could talk! He was really nice and now we are facebook friends and going to keep in touch!
I have some pictures from the evening so I will be posting those on facebook soon!
On Saturday I was tired because I did not return home until 2 or a little later! And once I woke up the family was preparing for Halloween. The girls dressed up and painted their faces and we carved a pumpkin and made some soup out of it which was really good! I took the girls out for some trick-or-treating around the neighborhood for a brief 10 minutes or so and no many people participate in Halloween here.
I have been told it used to be more celebrated but now it is just not as popular. I was sad that I could not be home celebrating Halloween the BIG way like many of those holidays that us Americans know how to completely take to the extreme!!! That is my favorite thing about America...we sure know how to celebrate...even when there is little reason to celebrate!! I am having such a good experience here in France but I have been realizing so many things about my own culture and how much more I appreciate where I come from. I think France has so many great things to offer and much more history than America, of course, and I do enjoy learning about the culture, however, I just think America has so much more variety and many more things to experience because of our mixed cultures.
So on Sunday, I woke up and went to see "This is it" the Michael Jackson movie with my friend Flo Dizzle...hahaha Or should I say "smooth criminal" haha but anyways I was late because I got lost and could not find the train very quickly and I am not surprised at all!!! But we made it without missing too much of the movie and that movie is AMAZING!!! I really reccomend it!
I miss MJ a lot and the movie made me sad that he is no longer with us R.I.P.....I wish I could say that I really knew him hahahaha but then we met up with his brother and had lunch at a sandwich place which was good and then Flo and I went to a bookstore called WHSMITH which is an English speaking book store so I felt right at home! I bought some books on french grammar and vocabulary and a lot of books for the girls as well.
I really need to buckle down and learn this French stuff because I am getting very frustrated not being able to express myself to people!
After we were at the book store for a long time, because I am obsessed with children's books and could not leave that section, we headed to a bar for some beers and chatting about french things! haha I am so lucky to have Flo because he helps me so much with french and is such an awesome person! You flower thug you! hahahaha
That night, Sunday to be exact, I came home and G's mother was over for dinner and we talked and ate really good cheese where you melt it on this machine thing and then put it on ham or potatoes. It was sooo good!!! Gs mother is a French teacher so she can somewhat help me, however, she does not know much English. G had an idea, which was kind of what I was wanting to do, to find something to do as a second job in my free time so that I can make more money to travel or whatever. He suggested that I teach English or tutor people in English for some extra money! I thought that would be a great idea because I like to teach people and I know English!!! hahahaha So his mother agreed to mention it to people in her neighborhood and at her school and get my name out there so if people need assistance that would be perfect! Also, I am looking for people who do not know much English at all with whom I can talk and it will force me to speak in French! To be honest, for the past couple of days I have felt the urge to give up, but I know that God has something amazing in store for me and I must not give up now. I need to stay focused and really concentrate on practicing the language everyday!
With my new books it will definitely help me as long as I stay on task and try to use the language as much as possible.
So, on Monday I woke up and did not feel very well and had a bit of a cold so G took the girls to the horse club where J rides and they spent the day there. I slept and just tried to feel better and after sleeping a little I felt great! We did not do too much on Monday evening. On Tuesday we went to EuroDisney!! It was sooooo fun!
I uploaded pictures on facebook already from that day and I am such a huge kid at heart!! I cannot get enough of that kind of stuff. No matter what, I will always be fascinated with the giant costumes of the characters! I got soooo excited to be close to them hahaha
Disney never gets old and my favorite ride is DEFINITELY the Dumbo ride!!! We went on several but that is just always the best in my book!
After a long day at Disney we came home and ate dinner, which is often pasta for the girls because they love it! Then, on Wednesday, I had to get up and go to the post office, the bank, and the store. Wednesdays is when the cleaning lady comes and I try to talk to her and it is fun but also confusing haha At 3 PM we went to see the play Cinderella. Of course it was in French which made it very very difficult for me to understand, but I already knew the story so I knew what was going on for the most part. After the play we went to the big mall here called Gallery Lafayette! It is HUGE but I know where I want to go when I decide to splurge most of my money on shopping! I know there are many of you who have asked me about that and I still need to go shopping but do not worry I definitely will be going soon I hope!!! My mission will be to find shoes big enough for my feet!! hahaha
I cannot believe it is already November 5th! This is crazy but I feel like I have been in France for longer than 3 weeks.
Today I was supposed to be headed to Germany but there was a strike on the train line and I was unable to make the journey :( But I can use my ticket from today to go tomorrow! I am definitely going tomorrow because I am really excited about this trip! I am sad that I was unable to go today but everything happens for a reason and I will still have soooo much fun!!! Right Tweeg?? haha
So I am just sitting here taking this time to write to my loves and do laundry and I will be studying French after this. I downloaded the 2 episodes of Modern Family that I missed since I have been gone and I LOVE IT!!! That show is amazing and I never can stop laughing when I watch it.
Through Skype I can get unlimited world calling for 9 euros a month which means I can call you people on your phones at home through my computer. I might try to look into this so that I can talk to you guys but I have not decided if I want to do that yet or not.
After I get back from Germany, granted there are no strikes tomorrow, I will have class on Monday and then at 4:30 I will be picking J up from school and taking her to her mom's and doing homework, which helps me with French when I help her with homework, and spending some time teaching her English! I am working on some lesson ideas because I really think it is easier to learn when there is a good structure for everyone to follow. I think I will begin with some grammar conducting sentences using the, a, or an and is and connecting words together using these words. English can be difficult to learn in many aspects but I think the language is very logical and the basics may be easier, in my opinion I believe English is much easier than French, which may seem biased because I already know it obviously, but by really breaking it down and focusing on many aspects of each language, it seems that there is more of a patternin English and just an easier way to grasp many concepts.
I really hope to become very knowlegable about languages in general and once I do that maybe I will move on to conquer many other languages one day.
I have thought about maybe taking some online classes or something while I am here so that I can work on a goal to get my masters. However, that does cost money which I have little of and I still am not positive which direction I want to go as far as getting my masters.
I will be saying Au Revoir for now!!! A Bientot and I look forward to talking with you again!
Please keep me updated on what is going on in your lives as well because it is important for me to stay connected and feel as much apart of your lives as I can! Miss you all and I hope to see some of you very soon!!!
If anyone has any suggestions on good books to read I would appreciate it! Also, any good songs or anything that I should know at all would be good!
I heard about the voting YES for casinos in Ohio....not too happy about that!
I will be trying to keep up with the news from over there as much as I can. LOVE YOU!!!
Keep me in the loop ya'll!
My prayers go out to all of you and God has been taking good care of me here!!
MUAH!
XOXO
J
The festivities began around 10 PM and G's brother and I made our way to Paris for the grand parade of roller bladers. There were nearly a thousand participants as the night settled and the action began. This particular evening invited Halloween costumes so it was a sight to see! With my witch hat on head and my roller blades on feet we took off with the crowd. The ability to come to a quick halt for my feet is something that needs work because it is not the best feeling when you are behind thousands of people who are standing still and you are speeding toward them. I will continue to work on that because it can be quite frightening.
As we glided through the streets of Paris, the atmosphere was enchanting and the onseers faces lit up as we drifted past....the traffic is paused just for us as we sweep in and out of intersections and the comfort of the police lagged behind to cap off the train of people. There were several stops along the way in order to close the gap between the front and the rear.
The crowd was interesting and I enjoyed my time sooo much! The night was getting late and cold but we kept going. In all, three hours had gone by once we were finished. I did not feel too tired from the trip but 18 miles sounds like a lot! Along the way we met a nice guy from England who was happy to find some people who could speak English. He was all alone but wanted to find people with whom he could talk! He was really nice and now we are facebook friends and going to keep in touch!
I have some pictures from the evening so I will be posting those on facebook soon!
On Saturday I was tired because I did not return home until 2 or a little later! And once I woke up the family was preparing for Halloween. The girls dressed up and painted their faces and we carved a pumpkin and made some soup out of it which was really good! I took the girls out for some trick-or-treating around the neighborhood for a brief 10 minutes or so and no many people participate in Halloween here.
I have been told it used to be more celebrated but now it is just not as popular. I was sad that I could not be home celebrating Halloween the BIG way like many of those holidays that us Americans know how to completely take to the extreme!!! That is my favorite thing about America...we sure know how to celebrate...even when there is little reason to celebrate!! I am having such a good experience here in France but I have been realizing so many things about my own culture and how much more I appreciate where I come from. I think France has so many great things to offer and much more history than America, of course, and I do enjoy learning about the culture, however, I just think America has so much more variety and many more things to experience because of our mixed cultures.
So on Sunday, I woke up and went to see "This is it" the Michael Jackson movie with my friend Flo Dizzle...hahaha Or should I say "smooth criminal" haha but anyways I was late because I got lost and could not find the train very quickly and I am not surprised at all!!! But we made it without missing too much of the movie and that movie is AMAZING!!! I really reccomend it!
I miss MJ a lot and the movie made me sad that he is no longer with us R.I.P.....I wish I could say that I really knew him hahahaha but then we met up with his brother and had lunch at a sandwich place which was good and then Flo and I went to a bookstore called WHSMITH which is an English speaking book store so I felt right at home! I bought some books on french grammar and vocabulary and a lot of books for the girls as well.
I really need to buckle down and learn this French stuff because I am getting very frustrated not being able to express myself to people!
After we were at the book store for a long time, because I am obsessed with children's books and could not leave that section, we headed to a bar for some beers and chatting about french things! haha I am so lucky to have Flo because he helps me so much with french and is such an awesome person! You flower thug you! hahahaha
That night, Sunday to be exact, I came home and G's mother was over for dinner and we talked and ate really good cheese where you melt it on this machine thing and then put it on ham or potatoes. It was sooo good!!! Gs mother is a French teacher so she can somewhat help me, however, she does not know much English. G had an idea, which was kind of what I was wanting to do, to find something to do as a second job in my free time so that I can make more money to travel or whatever. He suggested that I teach English or tutor people in English for some extra money! I thought that would be a great idea because I like to teach people and I know English!!! hahahaha So his mother agreed to mention it to people in her neighborhood and at her school and get my name out there so if people need assistance that would be perfect! Also, I am looking for people who do not know much English at all with whom I can talk and it will force me to speak in French! To be honest, for the past couple of days I have felt the urge to give up, but I know that God has something amazing in store for me and I must not give up now. I need to stay focused and really concentrate on practicing the language everyday!
With my new books it will definitely help me as long as I stay on task and try to use the language as much as possible.
So, on Monday I woke up and did not feel very well and had a bit of a cold so G took the girls to the horse club where J rides and they spent the day there. I slept and just tried to feel better and after sleeping a little I felt great! We did not do too much on Monday evening. On Tuesday we went to EuroDisney!! It was sooooo fun!
I uploaded pictures on facebook already from that day and I am such a huge kid at heart!! I cannot get enough of that kind of stuff. No matter what, I will always be fascinated with the giant costumes of the characters! I got soooo excited to be close to them hahaha
Disney never gets old and my favorite ride is DEFINITELY the Dumbo ride!!! We went on several but that is just always the best in my book!
After a long day at Disney we came home and ate dinner, which is often pasta for the girls because they love it! Then, on Wednesday, I had to get up and go to the post office, the bank, and the store. Wednesdays is when the cleaning lady comes and I try to talk to her and it is fun but also confusing haha At 3 PM we went to see the play Cinderella. Of course it was in French which made it very very difficult for me to understand, but I already knew the story so I knew what was going on for the most part. After the play we went to the big mall here called Gallery Lafayette! It is HUGE but I know where I want to go when I decide to splurge most of my money on shopping! I know there are many of you who have asked me about that and I still need to go shopping but do not worry I definitely will be going soon I hope!!! My mission will be to find shoes big enough for my feet!! hahaha
I cannot believe it is already November 5th! This is crazy but I feel like I have been in France for longer than 3 weeks.
Today I was supposed to be headed to Germany but there was a strike on the train line and I was unable to make the journey :( But I can use my ticket from today to go tomorrow! I am definitely going tomorrow because I am really excited about this trip! I am sad that I was unable to go today but everything happens for a reason and I will still have soooo much fun!!! Right Tweeg?? haha
So I am just sitting here taking this time to write to my loves and do laundry and I will be studying French after this. I downloaded the 2 episodes of Modern Family that I missed since I have been gone and I LOVE IT!!! That show is amazing and I never can stop laughing when I watch it.
Through Skype I can get unlimited world calling for 9 euros a month which means I can call you people on your phones at home through my computer. I might try to look into this so that I can talk to you guys but I have not decided if I want to do that yet or not.
After I get back from Germany, granted there are no strikes tomorrow, I will have class on Monday and then at 4:30 I will be picking J up from school and taking her to her mom's and doing homework, which helps me with French when I help her with homework, and spending some time teaching her English! I am working on some lesson ideas because I really think it is easier to learn when there is a good structure for everyone to follow. I think I will begin with some grammar conducting sentences using the, a, or an and is and connecting words together using these words. English can be difficult to learn in many aspects but I think the language is very logical and the basics may be easier, in my opinion I believe English is much easier than French, which may seem biased because I already know it obviously, but by really breaking it down and focusing on many aspects of each language, it seems that there is more of a patternin English and just an easier way to grasp many concepts.
I really hope to become very knowlegable about languages in general and once I do that maybe I will move on to conquer many other languages one day.
I have thought about maybe taking some online classes or something while I am here so that I can work on a goal to get my masters. However, that does cost money which I have little of and I still am not positive which direction I want to go as far as getting my masters.
I will be saying Au Revoir for now!!! A Bientot and I look forward to talking with you again!
Please keep me updated on what is going on in your lives as well because it is important for me to stay connected and feel as much apart of your lives as I can! Miss you all and I hope to see some of you very soon!!!
If anyone has any suggestions on good books to read I would appreciate it! Also, any good songs or anything that I should know at all would be good!
I heard about the voting YES for casinos in Ohio....not too happy about that!
I will be trying to keep up with the news from over there as much as I can. LOVE YOU!!!
Keep me in the loop ya'll!
My prayers go out to all of you and God has been taking good care of me here!!
MUAH!
XOXO
J
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