life:

Unfriended

2010-04-27T06:31:00.002+01:00

I just found out that I was unfriended by someone on Facebook. This isn't the first time that I've caught someone in the faux pas act. I'm not even surprised that he unfriended me, but I'm still a bit stunned, but I don't blame him. If I where him I would have considered unfriending me. Though, since I am myself, I wouldn't do any unfriending because I think information is useful. To avoid any unwanted heartache I would simply make his or her profile dormant and move on with life. Later, after I felt better, I could go about snooping and knowing.

Even though I remember his profile being sparse, I'm like soo curious to read it, but he has his privacy settings on high. That [+1 add as friend] button is killing me! I just want.. to.. press it! And then when he rejects my friend request I want to press it again and again, until all he can do to make me stop is tell me to buzz off or leave me in friend limbo. Why do I have the desire to do this? Why can't I just let this guy live his social network life without me?

I'm gonna sleep on it.. and then I might wake up and friend away!!!

VS Promotion Pantie

2010-03-03T02:11:00.005Z

OK- let's talk about this. I just need to talk about how I feel.

Victoria's Secret sends promotion postcards about, hmm.. every month to advertise new merchandise. Sometimes it's relatively signification new products, such as a new bra technology, other times it can be seasonal and other times it's just because they want you to get in there and buy more stuff. I can absolutely understand the marketing strategy: get customers in the store to get their freebie, while they're in the store hook 'em on with the promo and/or something they just realized they can't live without. As it turns out, I'm much too smart for this to really work on me.

Putting aside all marketing and product production costs knowledge, as a plain jane customer- I have a beef and Imma tell you my beef. If only I hadn't used my coupon today, I could have recited the restrictions verbatim, but I'll just have to wing it, which shouldn't be a big thing I feel like I've been reading these restrictions all my life. The most consistent and important ones as follows:

FREE Pantie, value of $8.50 (no purchase necessary)
$5 off a bra (limited to select styles) or $15 off 2 bras (cannot be combined with other promotions)

1. not redeemable for cash (well obviously)

2. cannot be combined with any other promotion, expect for VS rewards points (<-- how kind of them)

3. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase

4. limit one pantie per customer

5. LIMITED TO SELECT STYLES, while supplies last

I know that they're offering something to me for free, but UGH why! do they only offer the boring styles and colors? I should be thankful that they have at least expanded their color range from the standard selection that limited us to nude, black, white. It is a baby step to include all colors and prints, but a step never the less. If color in print weren't enough, I swear my most nearest VS location purposefully orders lower quantities of size medium just to tork me off. OK- fine, I get it, I can only choose from the limited selection of cheaply produced, basic underpants, that are like, so unsexy, I doubt I could get laid wearing them, but for cripes sake, could you at least carry a decent quantity of my size? I'm not asking for a 6X here, just a flippin' medium.

I can't find an appropriate paragraph for this fact, so I'll just spit it out: the freebie has nothing to do with the hot new merchandise being advertised on the promo coupon. Don't be fooled.

Alright, I'm done being the ungrateful customer pissing and moaning about her free VS panties. Remember how I said I was too smart for to be sucked into purchasing additional merchandise when I show up to retrieve my freebie? Well, it's true, I just show up... act like I might purchase something and the not allow anything to "work out for me"... but while I'm already in there "I might as well pick up a free pair of panties". To be quite honest, I feel like such a schmuck when I do it. Thus the act about buying something instead of b-lining in an out- it's just too obvious and I'm just not that bold.

I've been getting these flippin things for quite a few years now, believe me- after free panties + the semi annual sale pantie binge, I absolutely don't need any more underpants (or bras either, and that's why it was oh so easy to not purchase one.. or even two today). Furthermore, most of the free panties I don't even wear. They typically fall into the B-grade selection of the underpants drawer. Why? Because they're plain old cotton, the style is boring as hell and the cut almost always shows pantie-lines regardless of what size I get or what I'm wearing them under. Unless of course once choose to get the v-string option, and lets be honest, while you might think "you can never have enough v-strings" truly, you really can have enough. I, in fact, have enough v-strings.

By now you have to be wondering what the deal is. If the panties are so subpar and I'm too ungrateful about the free merchandise, why do I even hustle in there retrieve them? I have a few reasons...

1. Because they send me the promo! Something about "free" gets me, it just doesn't always "get" my money. I like making VS follow through on their offer to give me something for free. IF they didn't want me to walk out without spending a dime, than "no purchase necessary" should be omitted from the promo.

2. I just like new panties. Even boring panties that aren't sexy.

3. There is the rare occasion when the selection includes one other style, and that style is actually stylish.

4. Six months ago I ventured in for one of these free pantie hunts. That particular hunt I was also in the market for a new bra, so I purchased the promo bra with the free panties. To my surprise, the woman looked at my heart shaped coupon and said, "You're eligible for any pair of pantie in the entire store, no restriction on color or style". I was like, in. heaven. I probably took 15 minutes to decided what I wanted: uber sexy? awesomely practical? the most expensive pair I can find? I went with the most sexy/expensive pair I could find.. truth be known, I don't wear them all that often. I thought perhaps it was because I used the bra promo. I purchased a bra the following promo, but didn't reach a similar result. I don't' know what it was, but I secretly hope that it happens again.

So *sigh* today, I searched and re-searched each of the 3 qualifying table of panties to find the best option for my freebie. See photo for my final selection. Yes- they look "cute enough", that's because I hunted like a mad woman and compromised the size. Oh yes- they are a large, but heck, maybe the pantie-lines won't be as noticeable.

A quick FYI: If one were to purchase one pair of regular priced panties at VS the lowest priced pantie would be $8.50. I would kill to know exactly how much profit they make on these underwear, particularly basic freebies that run $8.50 apiece. This particular batch was made in India. As of 3/2/10 $8.50 USD is 388 Indian Rupee (Google). What I don't know is how far 388 INR would get someone in India, but someday I will. Enough petty customer banter, back to
business.

The Good Catholic

2010-02-17T05:30:00.000Z

I am not a good Catholic. However, this year I was inspired to participate in the Lenten season, inspired by mom and surprise! Janelle Domeyer. Janelle, I know it's a bit creepy, but I really dug your blog post, best of luck with your vegetarian endeavor. :)

I can't remember the last Lent I actually "gave up something" or refrained from Friday meat eating or even had ashes smeared on my forehead. Last year I got a real tickle out of proclaiming that I was Jewish while the entire department ordered Hardee's yummy greasy fish fillets and I munched on a roast beef sandwich. Of course, I'm not really Jewish, just a Catholic on the sidelines.

I'll cut to the chase: I'm giving up Facebook. Six weeks, 40 days, countless hours all without the beloved Facebook. Initially I thought it was a great idea. So many times throughout the year I'd find myself thinking, "Facebook is such a waste of my life" as I'd hit my cursor on the log out button.

It's Fat Tuesday, the eve of Lent. Instead of eating a bunch of food, getting drunk and flashing my chest, I'm writing my farewell to Facebook. Carpe diem, right?

I kind of want to take the whole thing back. What if I'm plagued with overwhelming curiosity of a minute detail about someone I haven't spoken to in years? (that happens more than you'd think) What if I NEED to contact someone and Facebook is the only line of communication I have to them? What if... someone offers me the most dreamy fashion job of my life and I miss out because they used Facebook message? What will I do?! Oh God, what was I thinking? Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, but he didn't deprive himself of social networking..ok, yes he did, but I'll be honest- I'm getting cold feet.

There's no going back now. I've already told a variety of people. I've already told the Good Catholics: my mother, the spunky redhead my sister goes to school with, the women at work, the priest.. jk, I didn't tell the priest. :) And now I'm telling you, there really is no going back.

Ok- enough. It will be a sacrifice, but isn't that the point of Lent? It's 40 days and 40 nights and lots of hours earmarked for better uses of my time. It's not like I'm giving up the internet. I'm keeping Twitter, social networking site that only sucks away my life in 5 minute increments, at most. I'll still be connected through email, phone and permanent address. Note to self: you will not be stuck in a desert sans wifi connection.

Please contact me via other portals if you need or want to. If I'm not replying to a wall post/messages/friend request, it is not because of my usual terrible response etiquette, it's because I'm actually fasting. And feel free to email me to say hello, or that you're pregnant, got an awesome job, thoughts on a current event, or that you are just going tanning after work... jk, I don't care about your tanning schedule. ;)

You can also request my mailing address to say "what's up" the old fashion way. :D

email: martaeng [at] gmail [dot] com

Happy Lent, see you on Easter!

Have I ever told you...

2009-09-22T05:01:00.001+01:00

how much I dislike the following phrases?

It is what it is
I know, right?
Take care

Well, I don't like them.

Just another day with the CEOs and Republicans

2009-07-02T04:54:00.003+01:00

Wow- it's been a while.

Yesterday Chuck Grassley had a town hall meeting at Dupaco. Everyone was surprised at how packed it was. There were about 125 people that showed up... it was a tiny room though. I will say, I was not surprised. The meeting was set up Q/A, the questions were mainly about health care, some about the economy and a few about abortion. Unfortunately, nothing about student loan repayment. :(

Anywho, I helped greet and usher the hour before the meeting. I basically stood around with the credit union big wigs, I felt a little random. To top of the random-ish-ness this photo was taken right at the end with high up credit union people... plus the random n00b in a yellow dress. I almost was right next to Mr. Senator in the in the photo, but then Jose dude decided he wanted to stand there. The whole thing makes me giggle.

Oh- and I shouldn't forget, my "males under 30 radar" picked up a hottie-boom-body that made the whole event about 50% more exciting. We made eye contact a few times, but I think it was only because I was looking at him first. :D

Oh Love, what are you?

2009-02-16T08:10:00.004Z

Valentine's day was just a day last year, this year it was more of a season. Maybe the talk of love, cards and excessive candy has always been around weeks before the 14th and I've been too wrapped up in day to day stuff that I had never noticed. A few thoughts on love that caught my ear or eye this season:

The first two acts of This American Life
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=374

"I don't know if you're the only one for me, but I think you have to be at least 1 in 100,000"

The first time I heard this it was from an old doctor's wife that liked to travel. I was a senior in high school and she told me, "Hunny, you can find someone anywhere you go."

"The story of struggle of pain, fighting through and over coming- the story of how you stayed together."

Ok- so really, this is hard to understand because it's taken so much out of context. What I liked about it was that it was a story about two people who had to "work" at love after their being in love bliss faded. I was "touched" by the fact that the couple stuck it out. Naturally, I just think, if you have to work at it, what's the point? If it's not going to work easily, I don't want to deal with it. That's a pretty bad attitude, huh? This couple gave me hope, that love isn't perfect or always glamorous .

_____

The Mess of Love

We've made a great mess of love
Since we made an ideal of it.

The moment I swear to love a woman,a certain woman, all my life
That moment I begin to hate her.

The moment I even say to a woman: " I love you!"--
My love dies down considerably.

The moment love is an understood thing between us, we are sure of it,
It's a cold egg, it isn't love anymore.

Love is like a flower, it must flower and fade'
If it doesn't fade, it's not a flower,
It's either an artificial rag blossom, or an immortelle, for the cemetery.

The moment the mind interferes with love, or the will fixes on it,
Or the personality assumes it as an attribute, or the ego takes possession of it,
It is not love any more, it's just a mess.
And we've made a great mess of love, mind-perverted, ego-perverted love.
--D.H. Lawerence, English 1885-1930

____

But finally,

"He who would know the secret of both worlds will find that the secret of them both is Love." -Attar

Extracted

2009-01-16T05:57:00.003Z

The best part was being put under. The red stuff is a periodontal ligament. I still feel like a chipmunk.

The Update

2009-01-08T18:22:00.001Z

Sue informed me of Bob's diagnosis yesterday morning. He had a Transient Ischemic Attack.

http://www.webmd.com/stroke/tc/transient-ischemic-attack-tia-topic-overview

4424

2009-01-07T03:27:00.002Z

I was at the kitchen table eating dinner with Dan and Sue. The phone rang. We all looked around and realized Ellie wasn't home to answer the phone. I said to them, "Let's just let the answering machine get it." Sue scoffed and rolled her eyes, Dan got up to answer the phone. We overheard Dan say, "What? I can't understand a word you're saying." We look at each other and bolt to a near by phone. As we listen, we also couldn't understand him. We listened a bit longer, Sue pulled the phone away and said to Dan, "I think this guy is having a stroke!" We listened longer, Sue spoke in a calm and soothing voice- people having strokes may not be able to understand what is spoken, but they are able to comprehend the tone of voice. Sue asked the man on the phone what his name was, he continued with his incoherent speech. She asked again, finally made out, "John Banano". Dan and Sue looked at each other, they both knew John. He started to give his address, "...4424..", Sue said, "Don't worry, we know where you live, we'll be there soon". We all hung up the phone, briefly looked at each other bewildered, put our coats on and headed to John's house.

John, lives with his wife Marie, both ancient. We knocked on the door, Marie answered. We asked if John was home and if he was alright. Marie said he had just gone upstairs to put on his pajamas. We told her we had received a strange phone call, she could tell we were worried, so she went upstairs to check on John. She said, "John, did you call Dr. Dan?" He replied, "No, was I supposed to?" We were relieved John was alright, but a big uneasy about the phone call.

We drove by the house of another ancient member of the community, by the name of Ray. Ray hasn't been in good health lately and may have been the person trying to contact us. Ray's house had a large picture window, inside all of the lights were on and Ray was in his chair sleeping. Dan looked in the window, Ray stirred and sort of scratched his face. Ray wasn't the man we were looking for.

As we drove home, we discussed are next plan of action. As soon as I entered the door, I dialed *69- failure. That never worked when I was young and now, in an emergency like situation, it failed again. I dialed the operator and asked if she could give us the last phone number that called our land line. She informed me they didn't have that information. We were at a dead end Were we supposed to resume our dinner? Someone could be in serious trouble!

Dan decided to phone the police, perhaps they would have access to tracking numbers or at least a suggestion of what to do next. The police were friendly, but seemed to offer minimal help. They said they would manually go through the phone book and look for a 4424 address. After the phone call with the police, Dan sat at the kitchen table with the phone book in front of him, Sue and I doing our own brainstorming. A minute later Dan says, "Here it is! Bob Banano 4424!" We quickly dialed the police again, they said they would send an officer and told us to make our way towards 4424.

We pulled up to a small blue house with flashing red and blue lights in front of it. On the porch was a man holding a small bag and an officer. We all walked up to the porch. Immediately Bob recognized Dan and started telling him of his oral issue. It didn't seem that there was much wrong, though- why was this man talking so weird?

An EMT arrived shortly. The officer said there was an ambulance on it's way. We suggested the ambulance be canceled, it seems like he's alright.. we guessed? The EMT knew Bob, though his speech is usually a bit mumbled, it sounded like there was defiantly something going on. Sue and the EMT asked Bob a number of questions; Sue asked him to squeeze her hands. He put his hands out flat, she repeated, "Squeeze my hands". He clapped his hands together, "Bob, can you squeeze my hands?". He then held her hand, she repeated on more time, "Bob, can you squeeze my hands?" Finally, Bob squeezed her hands. Perhaps canceling the ambulance wasn't a good idea.

For liability reasons, Bob could not ride with the EMT or the officer. We certainly didn't want him to drive, the ambulance had been canceled. Dan and Sue pulled their car into Bob's driveway and we were headed to the ER.

We arrived at the hospital, Bob's condition was the same. Bob was admitted to the ER, Dr. House was to arrive in minutes...

Unfortunately Bob's wife had died years ago and his children lived far away. We were informed that family would be contacted. Our work was done. We drove home to find our dinner still on the table and Ellie home.

on texting

2008-12-06T18:17:00.003Z

Alright- I just vented to a friend about this.. I didn't mean to.

Recently, I've been getting really frustrated with text messages I receive. Texting is supposed to be a convenient and quick way to get a message to someone. I read a short blog a while back, my favorite quote, that I whole heatedly agreed with: "We've already invented an incredibly efficient way to get thoughts from our brains to others - it's called speech."

So my bottom line: getting text messages that require more than a 5 word reply just bother me. I don't want to send 7 text and take 20 minutes to figure out say.. when we're going to meet to work on a project. I would prefer to simply pick up the phone and make plans and be finished and clarified in 3 minutes.

I think texting is getting out of hand. And it pisses me off.

lost and found, lost and sorry it's not here

2008-11-21T17:38:00.003Z

Often, so so often, people loose their USB drives. As a lab monitor, I'm obligated to check the lost and found and that's. about. all. I really feel for these people; what a bummer to loose all your work. I try to help brainstorm and I look in other places for them, like drawers that they would and should not ever be in. The truth is though- that all my sympathy won't make your USB drive pop back in your hand. That leads to the other truth.. it's not really my problem. Ahh! I can't believe I just said that, I feel like I'm just asking for bad karma.

I don't think I'm better than anyone, but why don't they back up their information. Especially if it's something as simple as a paper. (Just at note that Illustrator and Photoshop files take a lot more time and space). Of course, I wouldn't ever tell someone that while their in the middle of their panic attack.

So anyway, what a strange topic to suddenly blog about. The reason I had to talk about this somewhere is because of the most recent student that lost her USB drive (about 5 minutes ago). I didn't know what to do as she sat there, probably just retracing her steps, but also looking at me as though I knew where it was, but wasn't telling her. I made my best attempt to phrase my unhelpfulness in the best way I could. "I'm really sorry, I'll be watching for it". What got me was when she started looking in my desk drawers. Maybe I'm painting too outrageous of a picture.. the poor chick was just worried, I knew it would make her feel better to look herself, so I didn't tell her to stop. Again, not to be insensitive, but as anyone ever considered that it's in a different place? I know it would make sense for it to be here, but what about your computer at home, the bottom of your bag, your apartment, your car, your pocket??

Back up your shit.

how is it my homie?

2008-09-29T17:35:00.002+01:00

I don't mean to take credit for a phrase I obviously did not coin. I do think, I can take credit for the popular usage of the word "homie" amongst the UClan international community of spring 08.

Phrases such as "Que Pasa homie", "How is it my homie" or "my dear homie" were unprecedented until even late in the spring semester. In my unbiased opinion, the usage of "homie" was a trickle down effect, starting with, myself [at Uclan].

My credit can be attributed to Miss Ostermann, starting from the fall of 2004. She is a lingo Goddess. What she says- we all say. And we spread her word. Congrats HO, your influences have made it to Europe. =)

What's happening?

2008-08-22T08:57:00.006+01:00

Everyone is getting MARRIED! It was such a stir of emotions when I saw Libby and Tad got married. It's even more strange that this is the couple that has made me feel so damn old.

I met Libby my freshman year, we lived on the same floor. Without introducing herself, she gave me a hug, as I was walking back to my room from saying good-bye to my parents. I wonder if she knew I had been crying (I was wearing sunglasses). I also met Tad my very first night at Iowa State. I remember him describing himself as a "hard core Christian". He was friends with Danielle... a total opposite of him. I wasn't especially close with Libby, but I can say, with confidence, that I've watched her develop through out her time at Iowa State.

I think I'm so taken by this particular marriage (as opposed to Sarah & Brad or Jayleen & Fab) because we all started in the same place- literally. I've observed them both over the years, Libby more so than Tad, and observed them as they eventually found each other. It may be a bit difficult to take in because, from and outsider's perspective, it all seems so effortless, classic and, well, perfect. It's all pretty Libby-style. =)

Moreover, this time, this particular week, seems like such a milestone. It was four years ago that I met these two people, who eventually met each other and have now committed to each other for life. Even more- I'm still here!! Even if for just one extra semester, I feel like I shouldn't be. By "here", I mean Iowa State, but by "here", I also mean this resident complex. I'm still, after four years, surrounded by freshman, fresh faces and newness- although it's not new to me. I can appreciate that they all have excitement and experiences awaiting them, but I can't help but think that I have loose ends to tie up, good-byes to say and my own newness I need to find, secure and experience.

I'm riding a roller coaster this year. I'm glad to see Iowa State again, glad to connect with people again, to do my "thing" knowing the ropes again (peace out UClan) and living the student life with more knowledge and privilege than I started with 4ever ago. And then I look ahead and I see the people I started with. Jealous that they "soared in four", or really, just graduated in proper time. I feel like I'm a late bloomer, while I watch so many of my peers plunging into adulthood, but I feel old old old-- like I'm lingering and stretching my allotted time for this chapter of life. I should really stop saying and thinking that I'm old and just be in the moment, I'll try to get it all out now... I FEEEL SOOOOOOOOOO FUUUU----CCKINGGGGG OOOOOLD!!!! Yes, caps, fucking and exclamation points were all necessary. How strange is it that I'm looking at adulthood as though I'm not a part of it, yet I feel old?

Alas, I am who I am, I've done what I've done and I'll be where I'm taken. So- here's to where I'm at, a fabulous final semester, my own future and everyone who's tied the knot- especially Libby & Tad.

I'm not leaving the party at 10:30

2008-05-10T20:03:00.004+01:00

I'm in the library working on my last project at UCLAN. I can't wait until it's finished... there's a lot of work left to do though. :/

Anyway, as I'm slaving away on this project, ISU Undergrad commencement is taking place. So, had I decided not to come to Preston, I would be graduating right now. It started about a half hour ago... ya think they're on the Es yet? =)

Alas, I'm glad I came here- there's always time to graduate. But of course... congratulations!!! to everyone that is blowing this pop-stand called "university".

Flatmate love

2008-05-06T02:56:00.002+01:00

Tonight Maaret and I convinced Rakib that we were taught the world was flat. He didn't like the idea. Eventually, we told him, "We know the world is shaped like an orange!!!"

Yes- we thought we were pretty funny.

Let the light shine!

2008-05-05T00:15:00.004+01:00

...Let the light shine in... flat 20... room 5!

Tonight I observed that Rakib had taken off the cover to the overhead light in his room. It's so much brighter! So.. he came in and took my cover and now (breathes deeply) I feel alive and fantastic in my brightly lit room.

The follow up

2008-04-30T02:48:00.010+01:00

I didn't go to bed right after finishing my post last night. Instead, I wondered if Jordi would think of me when he noticed his underpants were missing. In case he didn't notice after a day or so, I drew him a picture to hang up. You can see below.

I went to school today from 11-3:30. I stayed a little longer than planned. I hadn't forgotten about the foreign knickers in my room, but the giddiness wore off.... so I thought.

When I came home at 3:30, I unlocked the door to my room. Side note: it's really easy to identify each room without actually leaving your own or having your own door open. Anyway, I stuck my key in the lock and immediately Jordi's door swung open. I tried to get into my room as quickly and naturally as possible-- failure.

I couldn't contain myself- the giddiness was back! I turned to greet "naturally", but couldn't help but have a giant grin on my face. I blew my cover. He followed me to my room and asked where they were. There was a lot of dialogue; I played dumb for a few minutes.. the smiling and laughter prevented me from fooling him. I surrendered, because this guy really wanted his underpants... he was about to search my room, I felt there was no need for that. I will say though, he started to look in the completely wrong spot. =) He was smiling through out most of this too, btw.

A bit later he came out of the shower ready for his clean knickers. After flipping me the bird 3 times, we chatted about the whole situation. He said he remembered hanging them up.. and this morning couldn't find them. He looked around his room, wondering if maybe he had moved them, but hadn't remembered. When he couldn't find them after looking in all the likely places, he thought, "That fucking bitch." And that... that quote still makes me feel warm inside.

I didn't need my picture for its original purpose. But I really liked my picture, it kinda looks like him and the details make me smile. So why waste a perfectly good picture? I hung it on his door... it's still there, I think he likes it too. =)

"I'm free ballin' coz I can't find my underpants"

gAHHhhh!!

2008-04-29T01:32:00.007+01:00

Have you ever done something that gets you all giddy and giggly and bubbly? =)

My flatmate likes to sneak up and scare me so I scream, yell "Jesus Christ" or pee my pants. The rush wakes me up sometimes, but I mostly enjoy it because it amuses him so much. Tonight was another scare in the kitchen; that's where it always happened. I walked back to my room after eating and found my door half propped open, it surprised me that my door stop slid on the carpet, but whatever. So I opened my door and shoes came tumbling down on my head. Hmm.. how did that happen JORDI?! It's all in good fun, of course.

I brainstormed for like.. 10 minutes on what I could do to return his little surprises. I couldn't think of anything that was tasteful, but good. In the past I turned the light off while he was taking a shower (you can only access it from outside the bathroom) and banged really hard on the bathroom door while he was peeing, in hopes he'd jump and... swerve, or something.

Later I asked a few people for ideas. Everything they had to offer was way over the top... too much work and not on the same innocent level. Someone, that someone was Steve, suggested that I take his underwear. It seemed like the best idea given, but I was pretty sure Jordi never left his door unlocked and to wait until he was in the shower or something seemed like too much work. Hmm.. so I forgot about it.

And then tonight I had a knock on my door, it was Jordi,

"Mmm.. do you have the thing for the clothes?"

"Uhh, say what?" I replied.

"Ah, that strange thing I saw you had the other day for the clothes."

"My hamper?" I replied again.

"Bah, no to dry the clothes." he said.

"Oh, the drying rack, it's there behind the door."

Later I walked to the kitchen. The hallway smelled like someone had just took a shower right outside my door. I wondered for a minute and then saw Jordi's door propped open with all his laundry drying. Of course I didn't think anything about it.

After talking with Jordi in the kitchen I had my game face on again. I walked back through the hall way... it just seemed too easy; his door was propped open, laundry drying, he was still eating.. the underwear was even clean. Ok- in case you're wondering I would not have been interested if they weren't clean. Innocent level, remember? Anyway, so I quickly tip-toed in, grabbed all of them... ran out... giggled. Ran back in a minute or so later, turned the clothes rack 90 degrees so the theft was less noticeable and ran back to my room.

I'm sorry this will have to be a cliff hanger, because currently, his underpants are in my room. They're neatly draped over my heater with a towel concealing their whereabouts. It would be nice for him to notice tonight, but I'm going to bed as soon as I finish writing this. =)

Hmm.. I'm finished.

call me crazy

2008-04-28T17:40:00.004+01:00

I really don't like Photoshop. I've become better friends with Illustrator. It's simpler and not nearly as temperamental. I want to know how to do everything in Illustrator so I can use Photoshop as little as possible.

To be rational, I realize the strengths of Photoshop. If it could do everything that Illustrator could, then we wouldn't have Photoshop. What I'm also realizing slooowly, is that Photoshop is not for every crazy detailed massive sized file where you have to adjust and jump around and add layer after layer after layer until inevitably the massively large files goes corrupt or fails to open or print and you have to do all the minute little pixelated details over again, assuming that the whole computer doesn't freeze and oh MF you haven't saved your work in the last 15 seconds so you really do have to do it all over again!! Yes- reading that sentence is the same feeling I get when I use Photoshop.

Illustrator, on the other hand, is simpler. Sometimes it gets fussy when your not patient enough to understand it's logic, but even then, the file usually doesn't blow.

So. After these projects are turned in, I'm going to take a little break from Photoshop (I have strings attached- or files rather, so I have to keep dealing with it). Hopefully my time apart from Photoshop will help me realize what I need it for. And then, I can use it then- and only then. And for the rest of the time I'll hang out with my new best friend, Illustrator. Hopefully I'll be introduced (and like) others from the Adobe clan.

Lancaster

2008-04-27T13:52:00.007+01:00

In lieu of not posting in a while, I'm dedicating this to my babies.

I was flipping through facebook photos... slowly wasting away my day. I believe they were from Miss Martini's latest album, something about "extra onions". As I looked at all of their young, happy, drunk faces I... I missed them. It was shocking to see how relaxed they've gotten about some rules.

I can tell I've been in England a while. In addition to some of my lingo and inflection that rings British, I've gotten used to a younger drinking age, relaxed attitude regarding drugs, and noise... lots and lots of noise. Who cares about the noise though, I don't have to do anything about it, just call security if it's bothersome. Which I've done.. a few times.. I know, what a bitch. =)

Anyway, so my darling residents were drinking in the hallway. I didn't even make the connection for a minute or so. After I did notice I thought, "You little shits are not drinking in my hallway." Of course- it's not my hallway anymore and I'm not offended by their underage drinking either. But it's nice to remember how I would have, at one time, been an alcohol waster and made them dump it out, but it was always in good fun.

I guess that's what I miss, they're carefree attitudes. Their fresh spirits: laughing, talking, playing, procrastinating, fellowshiping, bonding. I'm hesitant to use the word "community" for fear of sounding cliche and like I'm writing an essay for the DoR. They are a community though, a good one and I miss them- I wasn't sure that I would, but I do.

I think they're in their final two weeks. I wonder what kind of excuses they're making so they don't have to study for finals. I wonder how late they're keeping Shane awake with all their noise. I wonder who is secretly in love with who now. I wonder if good-byes will be hard. Recreation is never the same, Lancaster 08-09 won't be the same as Lancaster 07-08, but at least they'll have next year. Whitendale also won't be the same next September, but we won't have each other again.

I guess I don't have much left to add. Lancaster, you kept me on my toes, but I enjoyed you and all of your shenanigans. Lucky for me, you'll be back at ISU in the fall and lucky for you I'm a super senior.

See you soon. =)

... and no fucking drinking in the hallways... or anywhere!!!... and it's quiet hours!... and Evan stop pissing me off!! (*sigh* =)

Big Yellow Taxi

2008-04-06T23:10:00.006+01:00

Today has been the classic unproductive day. I'm too embarrassed to say what time I actually got out of bed. My accomplishments have included: bathing, proofreading a paper and 1/2 and having dinner/fellowship with a friend. I'm feeling melancholy though...

Tonight is the last night of spring break. I have class tomorrow, but it's been so long since I've been to it. 3 week spring break + a cancellation the week before + I think I skipped the previous week = I actually forgot what time the class starts. I remembered eventually- I plan on attending tomorrow. =)

So we're on the "second half" of our semester. I feel like I'm getting short changed though, because even though there's a little less than half left, people are leaving early. It seems so bazaar, who would think of leaving early in the US? For clarification, by "early" I mean 2-3 weeks before the semester ends.

There's one person in particular that's leaving early. I'm a bit surprised at how gloomy I am about it. I just found out tonight- a flight hasn't been booked yet, but the mentality seems to be confirmed. I think part of why it's so difficult is because I don't know why he's leaving early.

When I was in Idaho I had dinner with a full time Coldwater Creek employee. He was young, maybe 23ish? I remember him commenting on my short term experiences-- Paris and CWC. How I've gone to places, knowing I would only be there a short amount of time and managing to build some sort of community or friendship. His words weren't exactly those, but close enough. It really went in one ear and out the other-- I didn't think anything of it.

I didn't think anything of it until I got to Preston. A few weeks in hit me that actual friends weren't exactly easy to make. It was a weird feeling, enlightening for sure and made me appreciate the friends I had back home. It's hard for me to admit it, but a few times- for this reason, I was homesick.

Friend making is one thing- when you have large amounts of time in front of you, like 4 years of college... or time as far as you can see, until something moves you, whatever and whenever that is. Friend making is another when your time is limited and you can clearly see the end in front of you, like one semester studying abroad in Preston, England.

I've ran into some mentalities that think there just isn't enough time to invest anything significant. The thought that the parting would be too difficult if you had grown close with someone. And what's the point of a friend if they're not in close proximity? Distant friends- especially international friends really should not exist. I've exaggerated a bit in the last sentence and for the record- I don't agree with the whole paragraph.

Anyway- my point is, making friends has been among the challenges here. There are plenty of people here and plenty of opportunities to spend time together, unless you're taking 4 modules. I think my three obstacles have been 1.) I think quite a bit about human interaction as a result, things can be unnatural 2.) I have high standards for what I call a "friend" and 3.) I'm taking 4 modules.

Aside from the grumbling about my course load; analyzing and high standards have taught me something: a short amount of time to make friends is unfortunate. You can't measure on a daily basis what your friendship status is with someone. It's only until they tell you they're leave early that you realize what you've got, but a friend far away is as good as a friend close by.

I think other study abroad students would agree (or at least my brother would)... just about the time you get settled, it's time to go home. I feel like home is getting closer and closer and it's only April.

Bad Karma

2008-04-02T15:45:00.006+01:00

I just got back from London last night. I took like.. 350 pictures. I'm working on my creative picture taking-- some turn out, quite a bit don't. Without even looking at the other 349, I know which one is my favorite...

The family and I had just finished our tour of the Tower of London. I was waiting in line to get a hamburger. I looked down to see a little boy reaching as far as he could to put catsup and mustard on his half hotdog. I thought, "This could be be a nice photo, in a 'carnival/saturday afternoon fun' type of way." Alas, my camera had run out of battery, so I let the opportunity pass.

All of a sudden I heard a squishy splattering sound. I thought to myself, "Hmm, what was that?" I glanced around in a few spots... above me, at the child with hotdog, myself, the ground. It only took me a few seconds to figure it out. A bird shit on the child and it landed right on the edge of his baseball hat! I started laughing out loud. This sweet boy looked up at me and gave me a sincere and adorable smile. All I could do was laugh at the bird poop on his hat. I didn't tell him or look for a napkin to wipe it off.. I just laughed and quickly took out my camera and snapped a quick picture before the battery totally died.

Shortly after, I got my hamburger and popped a squat with my family. I could hardly compose myself when I told them the story; only Ellie thought it was as funny as I did. And then came the bill-- the bill for the entertainment I just had. The currency for the bill wasn't in pounds or dollars or an angry mother, it was karma. I had the worst burger of my life. At that point I couldn't have even called it a hamburger because there was absolutely no way the consistency was beef. I'm not sure what it was- except terrible. I finished it, feeling slightly queasy.

We walked to the Tube. I was balanced with the universe and had my photo that illustrates a story. I was happy. =)

Preston Lesson 1,232,008:

2008-03-12T14:30:00.003Z

everything takes longer than you expect

SK-RRRR- ATCCCH scratchscratchscratchscratch

2008-03-05T23:36:00.003Z

This probably isn't appropriate, but oh well. =)

I have had so many sightings of "crotch-itch" since I've been here. I try so hard not to see it, but people with itchy crotches like to find me and stand in my line of sight and/or have conversations with me while they're doing it. I won't mention who I've witnessed this fax paux from, because that would be inappropriate and there more than you would expect.

Anyway, there's not much more to say about it, except that I've seen it and considering the amount of times I've seen it, it must not be fax paux around here.

Twice in a night

2008-03-04T21:46:00.008Z

I have a critique on Thursday for my fashion design class. I have A LOT of work left to do. If Amanda (my teacher) asks what I do with my time, I'll tell her this: my time is usually spent in small amounts, to a large number of different distractions: eating, playing around on the internet and people I live with. That's all part of the experience, right? (the people I mean)

Anyway, tonight while I was eating dinner Rakib said something amusing. He has recently learned that he was pronouncing a fellow flatmate's name wrong. He tried 3 or 4 different pronunciations and finally concluded with, "Ah- it's just easier to call her hunny." I was amused.

I go to the library a lot. It's open 24 hours. I cut back on about 65% of my distractions here. I've seen a guy here a lot, it seems we're always here at the same time. Usually we just kinda look at each other, sans any facial expressions and then look away and carry on with our business. A very slight acknowledgement. I also see this man when I'm leaving/returning to my flat sometimes. Again, we will look at each other for a few seconds- sans expression and move along.

Tonight I saw this man on my way to the library. I was going to make a brief stop at a flat before leaving, the same flat this man was leaving from. I said hello and asked him a question regarding the gathering going on inside... he didn't really hear the question. So I introduced myself and noted that I seen him often at the library. He made the same notation and introduced himself- as Hunny. I figured I didn't hear it right and/or it was some kind of cultural thing. I asked if he was going to the library- he said yes, I told him I'd see him there.

We chatted a bit at the library and soon found out- Hunny is not really his name, but it's easier to call him that. Once I tried to nickname myself SweetPea, it didn't work- "Hunny" probably won't stick for him, but it was amusing never-the-less.

Also, I just heard that I didn't received a scholarship I applied for. =( I always feel like a failure after reading emails like that. *sigh*

Learning

2008-03-03T22:39:00.006Z

There are some things in life that just aren't that hard, they take practice, but they're not complex and not so difficult.

When I was in Paris, I never navigated my own way on the metro until at least a month into the trip. I was always with someone, usually Julie or Sari and usually- they did the navigating. At first I didn't think too much of it, but quickly it started to bother me. So I would read the map myself, but they would always figure it out before I did- they were faster, they had more practice. Eventually I went somewhere on my own and had the opportunity to read the map at my own pace while still finding my own way. Reading a Paris metro map isn't that hard (I've heard otherwise about the New York subway) all you need is a little practice.

I've found myself in the same position with Photography. Light reading, equipment set up and picture taking isn't all that complex- all you need is some practice. This may come as a shock to some, but I'm timid. Our class isn't big, only 7 if there's a complete attendance. Even with this small number, I'm not outgoing enough to take the camera and dink around with everything that needs dinking with in order to learn. My other problem is that in order to learn, I must, at some point in time, do it myself. I can observe and listen until the cows come home, but I'm a hands on kinda girl. ;)

So what am I gonna do about it? Of course, take a trip on the metro alone... or do a solo photo shoot in the studio. That's what I did tonight. I took some 250 pictures, half of them were terrible- technically speaking; the model was terrific. I nearly quit in the beginning because I couldn't figure something out. Somehow, things worked out and 2.5 hours later we wore the battery out. =)

Taking this solo journey was a lot of work and quite intimidating. Logistically speaking, there was nothing convenient about getting everything booked- I'll spare my bitchy details. =) When I first walked into the studio... well, I couldn't find the light switch. After that there was so much to do- they key word being DO. Not so much to watch people do, but to do myself. I gave it a go and it went well.

This posting was initially inspired by my feelings of frustrations. I was frustrated because every time I turned around someone was doing this for me or doing that for me. Even when I walked out the door today, on my way to the studio, I ran into someone that could offer me photography advice, but I didn't want it- not at that time anyway. I still have a lot to learn, but now that I've experimented a bit on my own, I'm ready to listen to my teacher again and I'm open to taking advice from my peers/subjects.

I may not have mentioned what my project is. I'll be taking portraits of 6 people, with black, white and w/e backgrounds. There should be some sort of theme. My theme is culture. As of now it kind of ends there. I'm not sure how subjects should portray their country or culture without being super obvious... like holding up their county's flag. I think I'm content with whatever their appearance and expressions are- the audience can guess their nationality. Although, any ideas are more than welcome... I'm not so touchy on creative advice. =)

I haven't been to the ATM in a while... gbp to usd: $1.98

Creepytown

2008-02-29T03:18:00.005Z

My window is facing the courtyard. There's usually quite a bit of nose, this is mostly due to drinking being an "any day" sort of activity- it's the British culture. I've gotten used to it and for the most part, it doesn't bother me anymore.

On the flip side, I can hear conversations depending on how far away they are and how far my window is open. I like to people watch- so naturally, I like to look out the window when I hear conversation. However, I don't really care about looking out the window when people are being drunkly loud. I'm always afraid that people will see me looking out the window and that they'll think I'm creepy, but I take the risk. I get really giddy, jumpy and childlike when I think someone has seen me... although- no one ever sees that.

I'm able to recognize voices now, I can successfully recognized about 12 of them. There are some conversations that I am more interested in than others- obviously the ones were I know the people conversing. My biggest problem is, is that I can't ease drop on conversations in other languages! Sometimes I forget about language diversity and listen for a few seconds... until I realize- there's no use.

I'm hesitant about posting this, since I don't actually know who reads it- except a for a handful of people. I should add though- it is uncommon to talk about interesting things below my window, so mostly I just enjoy birds-eye-eye-candy. Got that? ;)

gbp to usd: $1.98

AHHH!!-lalala-hing-wing-hoom-ahh-la-bab-wahh

2008-02-07T02:24:00.000Z

Do you think it would be bad to get a squirt gun? So I could let people know in a unique way that I would appreciate better VOLUME CONTROL! It'd be bad-ass-er if it was a super soaker... yeah.

Going down like the fog horns outside my window: not a lot, but it still counts

GBP to USD: $1.96

Tiny

2008-02-05T22:27:00.000Z

I can't find Tiny. Incase you're unaware, Tiny is my awesomely bad, extra petite in her physical appearance, but generous in memory, USB drive. I've lost her between a print shop and my room. I hope she wasn't lost during my walk to the park yesterday- that's my worst fear.

60% chance she was left at the print shop.

30% I subconscious left her at the library.

10% She slipped out of my purse during photography class.

Attached to Tiny was Marta, my USB drive that is larger in size and smaller in memory. (yeah, obviously, since both of them are lost!) A brief story about Marta: I purchased her at Bazaar de L'Hotel de Ville two years ago in Paris. She's really pretty with her stainless steal and leather casing, with a nifty cap. Marta, however, was quite a pretty penny. 69 euro- at the time I thought was a stellar deal for a 1 gig USB drive- it wasn't that great of a price- especially with the exchange rate. However, she was really pretty and has held up well... until now.

Tiny, Marta- I hope you're safe, please come home. I miss you.

___________

Toilets in England upset me. They're not much different in their appearance than American potties, the only difference- you're damn lucky if you can get it to flush!

At first it wasn't too bad. A few times here and there I had to jiggle the handle a little extra. Once or twice it wouldn't go down- I felt like a tool, but I'd just go back later and try again.

All of a sudden I can't get any of them to work! We have two in our flat- I make a point to go to the one used less- it doesn't help. It happened again at school today. I was so irritated. I vented to a few girls in my class who thought my accent was lovely. I'm not sure what they thought of the conversation content, but they were sympathetic. I asked how they get their toilets to flush, they said, "You push the handle down." I said, "I know!"

It's like in the US, if you'd flush the toilet 2 or 3 times right in a row... you have to wait for the toilet bowl has to fill up again. I think it's like that here, except you have to wait 10 minutes (no exaggeration!) and sometimes, no one has used it in the 10 minutes pervious to my use. I also am getting the sneaking suspicion that you can't have water running anywhere else in the flat or else Mr. Loo can't do his damn job! We probably share pipes with other flats. MF.

I have left so many toilets unflushed in the past two days. Not because I wanted to let anything "mellow", I don't have a dirty sense of humor, I don't use too much toilet paper and I never "just forget"- not even when I'm half asleep.

This recurring issue is not a matter of "number two deposits". It's a matter of their toilets being terrible toilets.

________

On a less crabby-pants note, I had a very productive day drawing mens clothing and bonding with Mina and Taya. I went out with Simon tonight, we informally met up with Matt and Meghan and had a great dinner that was cheap too!

And hey! The exchange rate has gone down a bit! w00t!

GBP to USD: $1.97

Welcome to Complicatedtown

2008-02-03T16:27:00.000Z

I got a phone. Finally.

European cell phones frustrates me. In Paris I would constantly hear, "I don't have any credit..." it was the universal excuse- some how not having any credit would exempt anyone from anything. It bugged me, but what did I care? It only really effected me a handful of times.

Before I came over here, I decided that I would have a cell phone, mobile, if you will. From that decision I pre-excepted that I would probably be one of those people that were always out of credit.

I postponed getting a mobile the first week-ish. I didn't really have anyone to call. The lonely night at the Adelphi was a sign that it was time. Shortly after I walked back to Saint Georges Shopping Centre and began my wild goose chase . I'll spare the details and just highlight on a few things so one can grasp what it is like to obtain a decent deal on a short term mobile in Preston.

4 trips to the shopping centre all specifically in attempt to purchase a phone

Different conditions applying, every time you speak to someone, even if you're at the same store... even if you're talking to the same sales men

New lingo: top-up, Ps per minute/text, sim card, tariff, locked/unlocked phones

Surprise price increases

Creepy sales men... smelly sales men... hard to understand sales men... cute, but kinda awkward sales men... sales men with funny hair

"Oh... you'll need another sim card for that."

"I'm sorry, you'll have to get that unlocked"

"Great, I'll take it!" "Oh I'm sorry, we don't have that phone with that provider.. oh wait, we don't have any of them. Come back on tomorrow."

"Come back tomorrow"

"Oh yeah, there's another Phones4U around the corner, it's much bigger, it probably has what you want."

"I'm sorry, you don't have a chip in your bank card... we can't take it."

Nokia 2610, 20 pounds credit, 5 text free with the first 5 text sent in a day, 3p text for Virgin mobile users, 10p regular text, 15p on calls in the UK.... 34.95 pound. Not bad.

So maybe I'm just that whiny American girl that has trouble grasping this complex "pay as you go" system. It shouldn't matter now. I have a mobile and now the world can reach me. My number is not exclusively for people within the UK, if you'd like, you can call or send me text message from Skype. =)

Ok, I'm done. I have a phone, mission accomplished. If you'd like my number- even just for novelty purposes, let me know and I'll gladly send it to you.

GBP to USD: $1.99

New Blood

2008-02-02T17:33:00.000Z

We have a new flat mate! I use "new" loosely, because he was here last semester- so really, we are "new" and he's well... not. Anyway, I woke up from a nap and heard someone unlocking a door. The first week I would jump up to see if it was anyone new, but it would always be a current flat mate. Soon I was able to distinguish at what part of the hall noise was coming from and soon after that- I just stopped looking.

Today was a different day- I woke up from my nap, and the sound seemed to be more centrally located- I was curious again. So I whipped open my door and stood, staring at room 2. Room 2 no longer had a pile of papers under the door. Room 2 was suddenly occupied. I wanted to take a picture, I should have. You know, when something is the same for so long- then suddenly different, the differences is picture-worthy.

So.. I knocked and said hello. We chatted for a bit- I showed him his new, and probably smaller, space in the kitchen. Mystery flat mate is from Spain- he studies design. He seems pretty cool. I've heard from the grapevine that our flat was pretty hoppin' last semester. We're gonna have new dynamics in the flat. =)

GBP to USD: $1.99

And something to mark on your calendar: the 2 year anniversary of arriving au Paris.

"actually, just come to the adelphi at like, nine."

2008-01-31T01:19:00.000Z

Tonight I went to a pub called the Adelphi to meet some friends. I couldn't find them. This taught me a lesson- get a mobile! But really... we all know how much I liked my phone back in the US, so isn't this to be expected? Just kidding- of course. My next chance is Friday, unless I have a surge of energy tomorrow at 5.

While I was at the Adelphi, because I stuck around a while, I noticed a few things...

First: I did not get the memo about dressing up like Rambo. Before I left the US I heard something about the English fancying dress-up. I didn't really think too much of it, until I went to this pup packed with people dressed up. It appeared to be someone's birthday- that's probably why I didn't get the memo.

Second: Whoever said that there aren't good looking men in England were not at the Adelphi tonight. I'm didn't include the percentage that were dressed up- I wasn't going to go there (they were that ridiculous). The guys in regular dress looked roughly 50-57% like good eggs. I purposefully slowed my pace so I could walk be hind 5 of them on the way into the pub. Now, whoever said that British guys aren't very outgoing--they were correct. No one talked to me the entire time; I was there for about 15 minutes.

Third: I stayed even though I knew I probably wouldn't find my group. There was a soccer game on, so I stayed to watch. Marta, I didn't know you liked soccer? Well, it's not that I like it, but I wanted to observe this crowed of people for a bit. However, it is just a bunch of guess running around on a huge patch of grass kicking a ball. Occasionally there's something exciting- not that often though. =) We'll see if that changes.

The reason I brought up this soccer game is because it made me laugh- even as a girl being ignored, all alone, in a crowded bar. I didn't speak, so besides my non-skinny jeans and my pretty nice teeth (relative- of course), I was assumed to be British... except a Brit without a pint in her hand, which is kinda strange.

Anyway- the point of laughter ... there were many. The most prominent one: MU vs. PO. 'Okay, MU... Manchester United, which must be why they're tuned in. PO... Poland?... ahh yes, Poland." A red team and a white team, but which was which? Perhaps this was a good conversation starter, but I didn't use it. In stead, I pretended like I knew, although there wasn't any indication so one could tell. It was one of those assumed things. I never did figure it out... neither team looked distinctly Polish or English in their features. If I had to made a final educated guess- I'd say--England: white, Poland: red.

For a short period of time my guess was the other way around. I would get excited when the crowed got excited, this humored me. Even acting as part of the crowed didn't aid me in making my decision. Oh well.

I must have looked like I was intensely watching this game, but what I was really doing was watching the ball closely and trying to pull any memories I had from when I played soccer. One important piece of knowledge I was after: How long did these games last? I decided 90 minutes, though I'm still not sure... I left around 73 min.

Your daily exchange rate, which is actually, quite accurate:

$1.98 for 1 GBP

Arrival

2008-01-24T02:11:00.001Z

I've made it to England. The Enlsih are very different from the French, but I like them. Although i haven't made any British freinds yet, I intend to grow on them.

I have two flat-mates, one from the US and one from Finland, both girls. There are 5 rooms in the apartment. Two of the mates are MIA... I hope they come.

I finally have my classes, horary! I am taking:

fashion photography- neat :)

fashion design- I know it's an illusive title, but it's probably what you think it is. If you're still curious, drop me an email... and if you're AMDP, I think it's like a more intense 326... we even do men's wear.

creative knit wear- which I am quite excited about.

Alas, staying up late as not changed.... which is preciously what I am doing now. =)

Cheers

2008-01-24T02:11:00.000Z

hello again

2008-01-14T07:50:00.000Z

It’s been so long since I’ve blogged, I feel a bit shy. This will be my second time abroad and second time recording my memories. Of course, this time I will attempt to be more consistent.

Out of all the time I’ve had through out winter break, I chose now to give my blog a makeover (comments on the new look are welcome). I’ve had a nice time doing so, however I’ve picked a time that should be spent doing other things… such as packing. I’m headed back to Lames for a day-ish to say good-bye. Unlike last time, I won’t see everyone again in the fall. This is sad and scary and I don’t think I’ll talk about it.

Anywho, Whenaway and I have reunited. This post is a greeting as well as an attempt to separate my archives from Paris. I hope it works. =)

Hello! Thank you for reading… I’ll be back soon.

GBP to USD: $1.95… ouch. (google)

Au revoir

2006-06-14T07:20:00.000+01:00

I'd like to make a note that spell check isn't working (or else I've spelled everything correctly, which I doubt) and I'm not on my own computer, so I'm just going to leave everything misspelled!!! If that bothers you... don't read this, call me instead.
Today my plane leaves at 2:50 pm... so what am I doing up at half past 8? Okay, so perhaps that really isn't that early. Sari left an hour ago, we got home at 3:30 this morning, so she really didn't get much sleep... poor thing, she's sick too.
Anyway, it is apparent that I suck at keeping a blog, sorry Markman (if you even know it exist). But hopefully this last entry (unless something outragiously cool happends on the plane and I feel so compelled to write about it on my dail up) will be slightly interesting to Summer's Mom and Max.
At the moment I'm hanging out at Kristine's apartment until my cab comes. I'm a little bored (perhaps why I'm blogging), I think the batteries in my alarm clock went out, so going back to sleep isn't an option (bad idea anyway). But back to wrapping up this Parisian experience....
It was lovely, but I'll be frank--Paris is Paris, Paris is not Pariadice. I do hope to return someday (more sooner than later), but if I do, I must know more French. And incase anyone is wondering right now, "What you actually thought of the French," I'll answer that. I thought they were great, of course there were some assholes here and there, but assholes are universal. Other than that, their English sucked, but their smiles were big, they were helpful (most of the time), they aren't quite as lazy as I thought, the men were nice, and they seemed to enjoy Americans (a common quote I came across: "We love American's, we just don't like your leader")
I had intentions about ever 2 weeks or so to write funny stuff that happend from day to day, unfourtunatly... life gets busy and well, I for got about my bloggy blog blog blog. Now... if I can recall some of those stories. Until something comes to mind, I have one that happend about 20 minutes ago. I'm walking back from the ATM, a bus stops, a woman gets off, her mouth stuffed full of something (crakers perhaps??) and asks, "jumble-mumble-jumble...fire..crunch crunch.. lighter," while motioning that she needs a lighter for her cigerette. Woah.. Je ne fume pas. Haha?
After I fininished school, I left good old 17 Rue Bertollet (my actual adress, the one on facebook is where my mail goes... but I see no one took advantage of that :P) On May 26 I took a midnight train (well.. 11:15) to Munich. It was nice, my big adventure, thanks to Duet for bribing me not to go to Turkey with a Eurail pass. After Munich I went to Hamburg to see Fabi, Jayleen and Andy. From there Berlin and then Milano (btw, it doesn't have much for tourism.. only shopping, I wouldn't advice staying more than two days). Then from Milano to Switzerland, which was the most asthetically pleasing and had the best weather of the whole trip, the company was pretty good too. Anyway, back to the point of this story... which will probably not be that funny, but alas..... Sari and I were sitting in a park having a drink (btw, if you find a bar in Milano that's open on the weekdays, let me know... because I'm pretty sure there aren't many, if any). So were talking.. weaving out of serious conversation and rubbish talk. There were three dudes sitting at the table next to us, one was cute. Oh, Italian men were way less agressive than I expected, perhaps we were just lucky and didn't meet any of the creepy ones. And another side note, someone told me that the Italians speek English well and they're very helpful and friendly. Now, I can't generalize for all of Italy, but at least in Milano... not so much on the pervious statement. So no one speeks much English or really understands it either, but no biggy, I'm used to this sorta thing by now. All of a sudden, this girl in really really tight white pants comes over to the table with the dudes, the cute one gets up and walks off with her. I said to Sari, "Aww, the cute one left with white pants girl." I didn't think too much of the comment really, until one of his friends turns around and says, "Don't worry, he'll be back soon and you'll get your chance." Woah! Where did the sudden English comprehention/speeking ablities come from.. and why now? Why this comment? Why not, "Hey, I think this metro ticket machine is broken... how do we get a ticket?!" Well anyway, it was still amusing and he assured me that the guy would be back and I really could have my turn. (Side note, I wasn't actually interested, but if I was that would have been bad news, because tight white pants girl could have kicked my ass hands down... so looked pretty into him).
*sigh* Enough with the stories... although, I forgot this blogging business is pretty fun. Maybe I'll keep one while I'm at home over the summer. I think I'll pass. But perhaps one more post, with pictures.. and news of anything exciting that may occure between now and then.
So this is my good-bye, to Europe and Paris. To the metro and train system, to the bready sandwiches I adapted to, to pretty bulidings, old school monuments, Berty and your over priced art supplies, knitting Tuesday mornings with Susan, excessive shopping options, Paris American (may you someday use a syllabus), nice McDonalds (you're a lot better in Europe), L'vert Or, the Boucherie, Franprix, dude at Franprix, Moufftard, "Greek" (but really Turkish) food, being legal, pasta sides, Port Royal, Le Bon Marche', BHV, crappy bubble gas water, crappy French food, our big apartment, people not having credit on cell phones, RAIN!, the daily exchange rate, Oliver, cat calls and eye contact, Le Royal, diso tecs, walk all over, pretty things and everyone I've met.
I'll miss my Paris. *kiss kiss* Ciao.
Euro to USD: $1.26

Fashion Shhhooows

2006-03-05T22:21:00.000Z

Today we woke up at 7:15! We hopped the B line to the Louvre to dress for the Elie Saab fashion show. It was interesting and an experience. It kinda reminded me of show choir... people running around all hectic.. except without the feathers and vocal warm ups. Ohh.. and I wasn't running around, so that made it all the more fun. I saw Mr. Saab himself.. idk, looks like a regular dude to me. Julie got a picture, even though we were forbidden to have cameras. So anywho, I saw a lot of model boobs... one chick poked herself in the eye with a fake flower leaf attached to some blouse, I didn't laugh though. There are a group of girls from LA staying in Paris for two weeks doing work shoppy like things with PAA. Julie and I were paired with two high school girls (our "stations" were right next to each other) and wow, where these girls a hoot. They were defiantly sporting the 80s look. We were told to dress comfortable. Let me paint a mental picture (because we didn't get an actual one)... platform gold heels, black tights, and oversized tee shirt, a big ass belt around her true waist line and some crazy fluffed hair. Oh, and a cassette pendent on a chain. Plus they kinda reminded me of those girls from Laguna Beach. :D My model was from France, I forgot her name though. When she came she I had to remind her to change her underwear (into an itty bitty thong) and also to put her tights on... she was wearing miss matched socks. She had personality, seriously.

After Elie Sabb we decided to try to crash the Valentino show, to our surprise, we got in... with ease. Some guy was looking for the LA girls, when he found out they already went in, Peter asked if he could get any more people in. The guy said he'd try. We walked up to the gate and he said in a very authoritative voice, "These girls are with me" and we didn't have any troubles. Valentino was exciting.. high energy, stairs for the models to walk down... pretty clothes, ya know, the works.

In the afternoon we went to another part of town for another show. I hadn't heard of this designer; Gilles Rosier. I'd just woken up from my nap so I was a little crabby. But anywho, the show started and we had a pretty good view. Turns out, I liked this one the best. Through out all the shows I've seen since I've been hear, it's been a consistant thought that there is such a large amount of preperation that goes into a show, but it only last 15 minutes. Sometimes the pace is so fast, I feel like the clothes being presented aren't getting the proper recognition that they should. SO ANYWAY, that's why I liked this one. The pace was kicked down a few notches... the music was classy, so were the clothes and the models walked a particular path, so we could see them 2 or 3 times. : D

Later we had Greek food at "The Cave". The food was good and the guy working was cute.

Geeta's

2006-02-19T01:49:00.000Z

Tonight I met an American. The conversation was great... grand... AMAZING! (well let's not go that far). He lives near us and has a TV... bonjour Project Runway! Ps. I think I'm developing a taste for red wine. Fancy that.

First French Date

2006-02-18T01:13:00.000Z

Tonight Sari, Summer, Julie and I went out for dinner... to Le Royal. We saw waiter-friend-guy. It was fun, we didn't make quite as big of a spectacle as we did last time. Except for when Julie said, "Ask for more water and let's just finish off this pitcher" as she poured the remaining water into my glass (that was already full) and overflowing it, getting water all over the table. Way to go Julie ;) Perhaps it was a "ya had to be there" thing... either way, we looked pretty cool, like usual. :D

All right, so anyway... Sari could communicate with this guy, which was kinda cool. I didn't say much; apparently I looked "serious," according to waiter-guy. But finally, after our plates were cleared and we were ready to boogie, I built up my lil courage to ask in French, what his name was and if we could get the bill (great combo, eh?). So... waiter-guys name is (drum roll)... Yaneck (yen-eek). When he brought us the bill, he asked if we wanted to go out later that night. Sari didn't want to go, but Julie and I said we would. So we met him at the metro station an hour later. It was kinda cool/awkward without someone there translating, but still fun in a strange way.

We went to a bar and it was a very nice bar in fact, with lots of good-looking European men... although I avoided eye contact. Julie and I both ordered a drink called Monaco; it had Stella, lemonade and s. grenadine in it. If anyone knows what kind of alcohol Stella is... holler, because all we could find was beer, even though that could very well be, any additional information would be excellent. Thanks. I'm sure we looked uber dorky, we had a French/English dictionary and we used a lot of jesters and facial expressions.

It was a short date, but that was fine by me, because we have to be at school at 9:20 tomorrow. Yes, a Saturday... wtf. On the way back on the Metro, I think he asked for a phone number, but I wasn't sure. Although I am interested in another "date", I played it conservative/dumb and didn't give him my number. I mean... what do people do on the phone? That's right, talk... obviously verbal conversing isn't our strong suit...yet. I think a phone number would be a little much, besides, we know where he works...

Le Royal

2006-02-15T23:22:00.000Z

So.... I'm waiting for my mom to get home, so I can talk to her. I'd really like to go back to bed though. Today was long... good, but long. For FIVE HOURS I had a color theory class. It was good, there were some boring times--there were some not boring times. Apparently, during the bored times, I looked bored. :( That makes me feel kinda bad. Then we had French lessons for two hours. FINALLY! I've been here two weeks and this is the first one! I'm so happy!... Yet so conditioned to not talking to anyone because I don't know how. Hopefully I'll bust outta that shell.

The story of the evening has to somewhat do with the whole French thang... somewhat. Summer and I went to the University Cafe' tonight. Side note: everything I ate was "low" in the "weird" category. And by weird I mean /good. Anyway, on the way to this lovely dinning establishment, we have to walk past the lovely Le Royal. Le Royal is where the waiter guy works that I have a semi-crush on. I have a green coat. I've seen one other person in Paris with a green coat. So if you see a green coat, you see me. Anyway, the point is, we walk past there a lot...he sees us a lot. Usually we wave and giggle to ourselves and he'll do the same (minus the giggling). Except last night he gave us this look like, "Are you ever going to come back in here? Because if you don't pretty soon then I'm gonna stop waving to you." Yeah, all that in one sleek look. With this knowledge, I say to Summer, "I think we're going to eat at Le Royal tomorrow. Let's walk on the other side of the street so we don't run into anything awkward and/or feel obligated to go inside." And Summer replies, "You're going to make me walk across the street?" We continued to walk...right past Le Royal and guess who is TWO FEET away from the window. That's right, Mr. Waiter Guy. Of course, I get a "confused puppy/why aren't you ever going to come in here again.." look. This is where my story differs from Summers, but w/e because her version is inaccurate. By this time, we have to go in. Which kinda sucks, because we're hungry for our cheap food and we're supposed to go tomorrow with Sari and Julie. However, unspoken social obligation calls... we go in.

Part two
The smooth, comprehendible conversation ends at "Bonjour." Summer and I sat down and had a glass of vin blanc. Apparently pronounced "vah-blanc" or something incredibly not like "vin" but hey, no big deal. Btw, our stomachs: empty. His English seemed to be better than last time. I know, it probably appears that I'm one of those jerk Americans who don't attempt French. That's false...kinda. Like I said, I've become conditioned to just not talk if it's not absolutely necessary. And I'm timid, I feel like I shouldn't say anything unless the accuracy is exact or damn close. I realize that is probably a big problem. I picked up a few words here and there. Summer can speak better that I can, so she talked a bunch more than I did. Oh, and there was this older guy in the corner that tried to translate for us. God bless his attempt, unfortunately his English wasn't that great or good... maybe satisfactory, maybe. A nice man never the less. It was communicated that we're not on vacation... we're students, living on Rue Saint Jacques (hehe, that's not where I live though... :D) and we study fashion at Paris American Academy... we're here for 4 months and we're American. Oh and we like it here. Oui.

So anyway, the wine wasn't bad and the guy was still cute. We finished up and left (b/c the dinning center was gonna close soon!). I blame Summer not listening to me about crossing the street. I also blame her for disrupting all proper transitioning and timing. It was a good laugh... perhaps we'll actually return tomorrow. The goal for tomorrow: apply what I learned today. 1. Comment tu t'appellles? 2. Tu es marie' ou tu es celibtarie? Jk on the second one. *sigh* Baby French steps. Ahhhhhh...anyway, Summer and I were glad to get to the dinning center, where she proceeded to pick a bad spot to sit. This guy next to us listened (and stared) as we bickered about the pervious events. *sigh* Oh well... there's always a story at dinner time. We took a different route back home. :D I hope my mom

p.s. There are a few errors in probably every post, but I don't feel like looking for them... so that's all.

Ketchup

2006-02-13T23:49:00.000Z

Currently I am doing laundry with Sari and Julie. There is a 24 hour laundry mat right across the street from us. I decided to join some wireless network and even though I have a signal, I can’t go online… boo. Anyway, sitting right behind me is some cute guy reading a book. He’s cute, but I can’t play my music since he’s reading—I’d feel bad being a disturbance, because I know how much people love their reading.

Tonight we found the closet thing to the UDCC that there is in France. (Oh and side note: at this moment some weird guy is looking in through the window at us..ekk!). It’s a University Café’, I’m under the impression that it is available to all university students (duh!) and it’s uber cheap…only 2.70 Euro! And ALSO, the guy girl ratio was excellent! I would estimate about 5 guys to every 1 girl. Sari, Julie and I sat at the furthest table so we could look at all of them. Sari goes to an all girl’s school, so she was excited about the males congregating in one area. Quote of the evening from Sari, “It is raining men.” On our way back we walked past Le Royal and through the window I saw my favorite monsieur (waiter)… and he saw me, sigh.

Today we had a sewing class and it was excellent. We’re making a corset. Sewing class brings back memories of TC 121. It’s always dreadful at the beginning and I never think I’ll be able to complete the project, but some how I get through and I have to admit… I do enjoy quite a large portion of the process. :D Although I did feel like a dumb ass, but on the optimistic side, I’d say it turned out alright considering I only knew what she was saying 5% of the time. Then we went on a tour at a museum Cluny. It had a bunch of art from the middle ages. I’ll be honest, our “guide”/teacher talked WAY TOO MUCH and kept repeating herself + it was cold. But the jewelry from that time period was cool.

So I’ve realized, that I’m letting a lot of little details and stories slip by without documenting them on here or anywhere else. I’m going to try my best to recap fun events that happened since last Thursday.

It all started with my salmon pannini. Julie, Sari and I stopped at the boulongerie (bakery) to get a late lunch. I thought I'd venture outside my box and try a salmon pannini... it tasted like CRAP! There were eggs and some sort of weird sauce. Oh did I mention, it was uncooked salmon...I think, otherwise it tasted like it wasn't cooked, because it was all slimy and grody. On top of being disgruntled that my highly anticipated lunch sucked, it gave me a tummy ache. So I took a nap for 3 and half hours.

When I woke up from my name, Summer and her friend Bethany were here. Summer taught Julie and I how to knit. Btw, Bethany is from Wis. and has lived in Paris for about a year being an Au Pair (Nanny). At midnight Bethany said she was going to a party and off the cuff; Summer, Julie and I decided to go with. The last metro left at 12:30. We made it half way there before the metro closed for the night. Eventually we found this club called “Wagg” with sketchy directions and no means of communication to the person that’s supposed to get us in. Anyway, we get to the door and there are to large bouncers that asked us of we were on the list. Summer—the suave one she is, gazes over the list and says (like she owns the place), “Yeah, we’re on the list… Shantell…” and the bouncers said, “Of course” and move out of the way. I’d just like to note that I’m not really sure if any of us knew Shantell from a box of rocks. :D So we danced… some how got up to the VIP room (even though it was INCREDIBLY boring up there)…danced some more…got a drink (7 Euro from a Smirnoff (sp?) smaller than from a six pack at home!).. and kept dancing. We noticed that the French are terrible dancers, so we didn’t have any problem going out and bustin’ a move, because there clear was not any standard we couldn’t hit (and we all know how good of a dancer I am). ;)

Hokay, then on Friday orientation started. Julie, Summer and I were exhausted because we didn’t get to bed until 5 in the morning and orientation started at 9 bells. We had a welcome lunch where they served us wine. Julie and I got a kick out of it. We don’t have too many people in our school. It’s pretty much a school for foreign students.
There are two people from Australia, a girl from India, on from Egypt, a BOY from Greece, and a hippy chick from Virginia. After our wine and dine we went to the Louver…it was huge. We have student passes that get us in for free for a year. So that’s cool. Saturday we went around the area looking at the street market in our area. Again—good-looking dudes, that are more “forward” than guys at home. That’s always nice for a good laugh and at times self-esteem booster. We also took a look-see at the fabric stores and a really old school area of the city. We even saw were Amelie was filmed…too bad I didn’t fall in love with the movie like the rest of the world…perhaps someday.

Now for a little story… One of these past days Julie, Sari and I were walking through the tunnel under the Arc de Triomphe (sp?) and this English woman stops me and says, “Do you speak English?” Of course I stop and say yes, thinking perhaps she needs directions (like I could give them anyway) and before I know it, this bitch had a Jamaican colored bracelet tied around my wrist. It all happened so fast and I just wanted her to get away from me (before I got pick pocketed) so I decided, I’ll count this as a 3 Euro lesson and never let myself get screwed again. So like… 45 minutes later, we’re walking to the Louver and this Middle Eastern lady comes up to me and says, “Do you speak English?” and I CLEARLY didn’t learn my lesson, because I said yes, thinking… perhaps this woman needs directions. She hands me this card, and it says something about how she has a little brother and no food and doesn’t speak French… etc (but you speak English??). So what am I supposed to do? Tell this woman to stick it? I wish, but I just couldn’t tell if it was sincere and I’d already been roped in. So I told her two Euros, gave it to her, and walked away. Turns out it was 5 Euro to learn my swindling lesson. The two days later we were somewhere doing something and I spot a whole gang of the Jamaican bracelet people. And this time it wasn’t a bubbly weird ass English chick, it was big guys who followed me and stood 6 inches from me heckling me. But like a good lassie, I kept my head down and said, “No Marci, no Marci.” Sigh. Then they just got on my nerves and I turned around and said, “NO THANK YOU!!!!1!” After that they stopped following. I win. Point me. :D

Yesterday we took a bus tour around Paris. It was 2.5 hours and I fell asleep for 5-10 minutes of it because the driving there makes me sick. I’ve gotten motion sick in everything but the metro. Oh well. We stopped to snap a few pixies by the Eiffel Tower. Later we stopped at a flea market and it was crazy. There was the antique part and then all of a sudden there was the modern market. It felt like we walked into the ghetto. I won’t elaborate, but Lynn—if you were there, you’d be eaten alive. :D And then I got some shoes.

All right, that should wrap things up for now.

Bonsior.

Booties!

2006-02-09T00:47:00.000Z

Today I got new boots and a pair of yellow Chipie shoes. Also, I got some green yarn for a knitting class. Nothing exceptional happened today, except I saw an older lady (in her 50s-ish) riding a Razor scooter... it was funny.

SUNday

2006-02-06T00:41:00.000Z

So... eventhough blogging is tons of fun and this blog-site is the shiz... it's just NOT that Mac friendly. Or perhaps it is, all I need is Christopher to assist me. Unfourtunatly he's not here. What really erks me is that I can't post pictures. One night I did and I made a cute little, EXTREMELY informative caption about the picture and shortly after realized that probably wasn't a good idea. SO... I took it off and though, "Oh, I'll repost it later." Now is later and it's not working!!1!1! Also, I want to go to bed, but I emailed my family some pictures of the flat (which YOU can't see, because I can't post them right now!) and I want to make sure they got them. That means I have to wait and wait and wait, because we have dial up at home. And yes, I want things right now because I've only been here 3 days and the European waiting thing hasn't sunk in yet. Xang.

Anywho, today our other roommate moved in. Her name is Sari. She is a fashion student that attends St. Mary's College in Madison, WI. She is a lovely girl and perhaps (with her permission and assuming technology will allow) she'll let me post a picture of her. If you didn't know, you'd think she was a neitive.

Today we went to a museam... the name has sliped my mind, I'll document that later. Victor Hugo's tomb was there. Who's he? He wrote Les Miserables. It was mildly exciting. Then we ate.. it was good. We also found a cool shoe store that was closed, so we're gonna look for some kicks tomorrow. :D

Alrightly... Goodnight/Bonsior

Day 2

2006-02-04T21:31:00.000Z

Currently, it is 4:40 a.m.; I think it's time for me to go to bed. Before I do, I must document my day or I might forget the details... except I need to go to bed, so hopefully I can nut shell it. :D

Hookay so...

Julie and I had to be at school for a presentation about Madden Gres. (side note, due to the time, I cannot guarantee spelling French or English will be completely accurate). We weren't quite sure who she was, but we found out that she is an old high fashion (houte' couture) designer. The lady that spoke to us worked with Madden Gres for 24 years. During WWII Madden Gras was shut down by the Germans because she included two dresses, one red and one blue, in her collection. At that time, those colors of fabric were not available, so the German's inquired where she found it. Gres didn't tell them and the shut her sealed her house for a year (she paid rent, but was not allowed to go in it). After a year, her fashion house was closed. Anywho... she returned in 1944 and re-opened her fashion house and went on to be the bomb diggity. One dress we saw represented 250-300 or work and cost around $40,000-$50,000... in the 30s and 40s. Over all it was a pretty interesting presentation, interesting enough to wake up for. : D they also showed us some draping techniques, but I'll skip any elaboration on that.

Julie and I made a new friend named Summer. She's from Texas, but recently graduated from Arizona State University in Theater and Design. We hung out with her all day. After the presentation we ate lunch, went back to school for a little meeting with a teacher and proceeded to go shopping. We took the metro down to the shopping district, (Printemps and other stores of the such). It was fun; the metro was an experience, read my facebook quotes for that story condensed.

After our metro adventure, we ate. The first restaurant we stopped in, the owner told us he was only open for another 30 minutes and that we should leave (except it took 5 minutes to understand that) and he was drinking, because I could smell it. After that we went to a different one, with a much better looking and more sober person to wait on us. The language barrier was hilarious, for the first time. He was cute and kept speaking in French; I kept smiling really big (and turned red) and pointing. Summer ordered a dessert, but never got it. After the man looked at her surprised when she requested dessert after finishing her dinner! (Bonjour! we're hungry!) Then he left, he put his coat on and left. So we waited and waited for the bill... and eventually got up to see if we could pay up front. Right when we did that, he walked in and looked at us and most likely thinking, "Are you going to leave without paying for your meal?" We were confused... laughed, smiled... etc and then Summer left him a 5 euro tip and apparently that's rude, but ya know, she was kinda pissed about not getting her dessert. Oopsy daisy.

So anyway, those were the highlights.

En Route

2006-02-02T17:34:00.000Z

Sometime between Central and Paris time
Most likely February 2, 2006

Alrighty, It’s 11:51 p.m. Central and 6:51 a.m. Paris (I’m not sure what their time zone is called). I’m on the plane. I have a window seat and no one sitting next to me. :D The plane isn’t even half full. I did a head count earlier. There are approximately 50 people in coach and 20 or so in first class. I heard through the grapevine that there are 260 seats… so pretty much, the plane isn’t full at all.
Now that that’s clear, I’m BORED! Mom strung FIVE pearl necklaces for me to knot and I forgot them at home! I’m incredible bummed. So here’s what happened: I got this massive book-bag on Sunday and it just so happened to be ridiculously on sale, so my mom picked up 2 extra, because they’ll be visiting in April. She started putting crap in the pink one, but I took the red one. Well anyway, the beads are relitivly small, so pretty much, we assumed they were packed when they really weren’t. And that blew almost my whole entertainment plan. Lift off was neat/intense. I could defiantly feel the altitude change. I’ve watched a movie: In Good Company, took a nap, ate dinner (pretty marginal, but I still ate it). And that’s about all.
There’s a girl sitting straight across from me, she looks like Jessie Bouche. Also, I think she thinks that I’m weird, because I keep looking at her. However, the way I’m sitting, she’s the first think I see when I look up. I’d think I’m weird too, but oh well. There’s a guy a few rows back that keeps looking at me… but maybe that’s because I keep looking at him. :D There’s a couple with a young baby (Xang!) It’s a cute baby, but it likes to cry. And there was defiantly a diaper (dirty) in the isle. It made me laugh; it was probably only funny because it didn’t smell. And somewhere on this plane, is someone with a Julian laugh, because I’ve heard it three times. I laugh too. :D
Julie flew in from Omaha and we met up with her almost right when she disembarked from the plane. AND! She called me before she was in Omaha and told me her seat number, 36J. Then later, I was randomly assigned to 35J. What a cowinkidink.
/Sigh* I could keep typing for another hour, because I’m just not tired and there are so many little details to comment on. I think there’s only one other person besides myself that is still awake… oh and the baby. Ya know, not to be critical or anything, but there are quite a few open seats in first class and I think that it would have been very nice of American Airlines to offer the adorable family (they really are cute) first class seats. I’m not just saying that so they wouldn’t be sitting by me. :D
SOOOOO…. Some miscellaneous details before I rap this puppy up. I cried when I said good-bye to the parents (they got to go through security with me). I wore my moose hat, my mom said a lot of people stared at me and I stuck out like a sore thumb. :D My IPod is acting weird and it’s PISSING ME OFF! (Kinda, and if it keeps acting weird, then I’m gonna get a new one… provide the budget allows.) I have about two more hours until I land. And I’m hungry. :D
Tchow.

Pre-Paris

2006-01-26T01:51:00.000Z

*Sigh*
So here is my blog. It is a nice bloggy blog blog blog. :D It would be lovely if I waited to start until I actually left, however, I'm impatient and can't deal with how bland my blog currently is- thus I need to write SOMETHING.
Hokay, so... I would like to thank Markman for initially giving me the idea to keep such a modern and public collection of memoirs while I am away. And incase he's not reading- or he doesn't recall, he said, "If you have a blog, I'll read it everyday." Everyday is a lot and I don't expect that much dedication. Every once in a blue moon will be acceptable; hopefully I can be dedicated myself and keep it interesting.
Anyway, pre-Paris is going... well. I'm still on Christmas break. Please, don't be jealous, all of my friends are gone or have school themselves, I work long days at Fareway, and I have dial up. On a very honest note: the anticipation has hit its peak. I'm ready to leave. I feel a little bad because I feel SO ready to hit the road, because "Won't you miss your family?" *sigh* I will, but I can't miss them when I'm not gone. :D It will be hard to say goodbye to Lucy. I haven't started packing yet, even though Mum keeps reminding me every 7.5 minutes. I suppose that's what mothers are for.
Currently I'm perched at the library, where there is wireless that I can so easily tune into. The only downfall is they close really early, 5 on weekends and 8 on weekdays. However, I figured out a loop hole- their wireless reaches the Police station, so really... all I have to do is go and hang out there. Xang! I'm getting the feeling that this is getting long winded, even for myself. Chelsea's mom is making a lovely dinner tonight, so I must prepare for that.
Until next time...