This week could be the worst week of my collegiate career in terms of amount of work to do. It may very well be the deciding factor in my final grades as well. I have three exams, one of which is a two-day exam. Also, I have a three-page French paper due on Thursday before my two exams taking place that day. Then, I have an excel project and a memo due in one of the classes giving the exam. Very stressed, but I feel good about my capabilities to do very well.
In addition, I have decided to run for a position with my professional fraternity; Beta Alpha Psi. It is a very challenging position that has a lot of duties that I must perform. In spite of the work and obligations I think that it is going to be a great opportunity to use my leadership skills in advancing our chapter to new highs. I look forward to the challenge.
I am in the process of applying and interviewing for scholarships and I am hopeful that I will attain one in the public accounting field. In fact, after speaking with the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, I was told that my participation as president would assure me an internship and most likely several job offers. I knew that it would better my position but I had no clue how sought after the presidents are. One firm in particular has hired four out of the five former presidents, although it is not my first choice I find comfort in this fact.
I am very busy and I have no time for myself at the moment, but I am keeping up with the site so that I do not lose touch with everyone. I hope that everyone is well and I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Spring Break With No Break
I am currently on Spring Break this week. While most students are having fun in a warm, tropical location I am working, studying, and writing. I am very jealous of those having a great time but I had to stay behind and get ahead. The last round of exams was excruciating and I do not want that to happen again.
I received one of the worst marks ever in French and as a result I have reapplied myself and I think that it is paying off. Last week I was speaking online with my roommate's mother and she said without solicitation that my verbal French had improved a lot! I hope to be able to use it soon in France. I am trying to plan a trip in July to Lyon, Roanne, Italy, Spain, and of course Paris.
For my Lyonnaisers who still check in I am going to try and post more pictures soon of friends and what I am doing. I thought the other day about how I have not taken many photos since returning. I am not sure why, but there are plenty of times that I probably should have. So, I will be tweaking with my blog and posting more information.
I am going out next week with a woman that I met at the restaurant. She is cute, intelligent, and has two little boys. I am a little bit reluctant to go on a date but I think that I should at least see if something is there first, right? On ne sais jamais.
Well, I have a meeting with my professor tomorrow, the last day of my break... Crazy isn't it? So, I better go and proofread my documents and get into bed soon.
Lots of love, Jules and Maddy I am happy to know that the two of you are home safe.
I received one of the worst marks ever in French and as a result I have reapplied myself and I think that it is paying off. Last week I was speaking online with my roommate's mother and she said without solicitation that my verbal French had improved a lot! I hope to be able to use it soon in France. I am trying to plan a trip in July to Lyon, Roanne, Italy, Spain, and of course Paris.
For my Lyonnaisers who still check in I am going to try and post more pictures soon of friends and what I am doing. I thought the other day about how I have not taken many photos since returning. I am not sure why, but there are plenty of times that I probably should have. So, I will be tweaking with my blog and posting more information.
I am going out next week with a woman that I met at the restaurant. She is cute, intelligent, and has two little boys. I am a little bit reluctant to go on a date but I think that I should at least see if something is there first, right? On ne sais jamais.
Well, I have a meeting with my professor tomorrow, the last day of my break... Crazy isn't it? So, I better go and proofread my documents and get into bed soon.
Lots of love, Jules and Maddy I am happy to know that the two of you are home safe.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
It's been a long time.
I am sitting in the library and trying to decide if this is where I want to stay at the moment. You see, I have been in the library for the last two and a half weeks and I do not feel like being here at the moment. It is about 22 celsius, or 65 farenheit outside today and I want to enjoy it a little more. However, I got really behind a few weeks ago and I am trying to stay ahead of the curve. Not too sure what I am going to do but I think that it is not going to be done here.
I have rencontrer'd a few french students in the past few weeks. Including one named Vanessa who is from Lyon. Last night we spent about an hour discussing France, going to New York in a couple of months, and what it is like to be a student studying abroad. In all I found her company very nice and we are having a French Table tomorrow night. It's something that we did before I left for France where the American and French students get together and meet one another. You can speak in French, or English, and get to know everyone. Hopefully this will mean a good turn-out to the French Film Festival as well. There are currently about 4 of us that are going but I think that number could increase five-fold in the next few weeks.
The festival showcases French Films from multiple genres. There are cartoons, shorts, and full-length features that come from a variety of writers, directors, and producers. Often the directors, actors, and others will come to the festival and interact with the crowd. There is a question and answer session after each film and it very cool. Last time, we met up with a group of the visiting envoy and went dancing and drinking. The atmosphere is very open and it's a great experience. Last time I did not speak French so I look forward to this year's event.
Well, I better get back to my studies, or head to my car to go and get a bite to eat.
Il faut en profiter de les beau temps, n'est-ce pas?
I have rencontrer'd a few french students in the past few weeks. Including one named Vanessa who is from Lyon. Last night we spent about an hour discussing France, going to New York in a couple of months, and what it is like to be a student studying abroad. In all I found her company very nice and we are having a French Table tomorrow night. It's something that we did before I left for France where the American and French students get together and meet one another. You can speak in French, or English, and get to know everyone. Hopefully this will mean a good turn-out to the French Film Festival as well. There are currently about 4 of us that are going but I think that number could increase five-fold in the next few weeks.
The festival showcases French Films from multiple genres. There are cartoons, shorts, and full-length features that come from a variety of writers, directors, and producers. Often the directors, actors, and others will come to the festival and interact with the crowd. There is a question and answer session after each film and it very cool. Last time, we met up with a group of the visiting envoy and went dancing and drinking. The atmosphere is very open and it's a great experience. Last time I did not speak French so I look forward to this year's event.
Well, I better get back to my studies, or head to my car to go and get a bite to eat.
Il faut en profiter de les beau temps, n'est-ce pas?
Monday, October 24, 2005
No Internship, No Worries
It has been more than a long time since my last post. I would like to tell you all that I have not had the time to write anything. However it is more correct to say that I did not have anything great to share and I missed writing my blogs back in France... Yes I am still longing for Lyon and France. Every time I meet recruiters from accounting firms and businesses I am always the one asking if they are located in France, how long can I expect to be with the company before transferring to Paris or another location in France, etc.
My father is doing well and this week marks the half-way point in his chemo sessions. He is feeling great, he was given a new job last week that he is very excited to have received.
Mother is also feeling better after her accident in which she lost her car. She took my advice and got a Honda that would be more reliable and less expensive to fill up each time at the pump. It's an Element and I like it a lot. It is a burnt rust color and reminds me of my old truck.
I applied for an internship and I was in the process of getting things ready to go in that direction when everything went south. I am not sure why but I was informed by a package on Friday that I had a disqualifying factor. They did not state why only that I had been disqualified. It definitely took the wind from my sails and I was more than dissappointed. I have been working 2-3 nights a week expecting to have had this internship. So I let the resto know that I would like 4-5 shifts per week now. I will just have to make sure I get my studying done during the day. It may be for the best and perhaps I would have been too busy with the internship to concentrate enough on school. It's all good now, I should be able to make a small fortune waiting tables through the end of the year with all of the Christmas parties and such.
Not too sure when the next post will be, but maybe I can get the feeling back and let you know how things are going from time to time.
My father is doing well and this week marks the half-way point in his chemo sessions. He is feeling great, he was given a new job last week that he is very excited to have received.
Mother is also feeling better after her accident in which she lost her car. She took my advice and got a Honda that would be more reliable and less expensive to fill up each time at the pump. It's an Element and I like it a lot. It is a burnt rust color and reminds me of my old truck.
I applied for an internship and I was in the process of getting things ready to go in that direction when everything went south. I am not sure why but I was informed by a package on Friday that I had a disqualifying factor. They did not state why only that I had been disqualified. It definitely took the wind from my sails and I was more than dissappointed. I have been working 2-3 nights a week expecting to have had this internship. So I let the resto know that I would like 4-5 shifts per week now. I will just have to make sure I get my studying done during the day. It may be for the best and perhaps I would have been too busy with the internship to concentrate enough on school. It's all good now, I should be able to make a small fortune waiting tables through the end of the year with all of the Christmas parties and such.
Not too sure when the next post will be, but maybe I can get the feeling back and let you know how things are going from time to time.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
First Night Back
Hello Everyone. In an attempt to start posting more I thought that I would tell everyone about last night. I started back at the restaurant and it may have been a good omen. I only took 3 tables and I was sooo lucky. Every table had wine and I had one 4 top that ordered a $135 bottle of Heitz Cellars without even having to recommend anything to them. After 3 tables and a little side work I walked out the door with $162 dollars and went straight to the bank. I am trying to make sure that I continue to live like I don't have any money and pay down my debt while saving every week as well. I have budegted out a $400 a week plan. I will be saving $100 from that and anything over the $400 benchmark. Hopefully I can have a nice little nest egg for Oz in another year. Gotta run and get a couple of hours of shut eye before heading to Uni in the morning to see some professors. Love to all of you, you are in my thoughts constantly!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Sorry For The Lapse
Hello everyone, I am sorry that it has been so long since the last time that I left a post. I haven't really been doing anything that exciting up until now. Not unless you want to hear about my life as a tow motor ( forklift ) operator? I didn't think so. I will try to recap the last week or so in a limited amount of space. My brother has been gone for about 3 weeks to Europe. I am driving his car until I get my 1990 Honda Civic back on the road. I estimate that to be in the $1,000 range since it needs new CV joints, an oil change, a complete detail inside and out. Not to mention a little body work just down the road. The up side is that I will have a vehicle without a car payment, low cost insurance, and great gas mileage for something outside of a hibrid. It was getting around 35 mpg last time I had it and I hope that after changing the air filter, oil, and strapping some magnets on it I can get about the same or even closer to 40 mpg.
Unfortunately the job that I had last summer is not as great as it was. They have only been calling me in 2-3 days a week and it has been frustrating since I only had 6 weeks before school started and that is almost over. Finally they called me in on Monday and Tuesday passed but I didn't want to go in for my Dad's first chemo session just in case there was a need for something here. Plus I had to keep my mom company yesterday. We went to the place where I had my first job and had some BBQ. It was good but I can't understand how some people will eat that everyday??? I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and realized there was a reason that I hadn't been there in like 3 or 4 years.
I have been hanging out with a couple girls named Mary and Erin. They have been a real help in my return to the States and I see them about twice a week. Last weekend I planned to work all weekend. It fell through after I rearranged my schedule and blew off my best friend to earn some money. They pulled me in at 2:00am and I worked 6 hours then left for home so that I could get up at 5:00pm to go back for more. I think that they played me like a deck of cards and never called me in so I traded in the Saturday night with Timmers for a Friday in the end and it worked out even better. Earlier in the week I had to choose between going to High Point or out with Erin and Mary. It worked out that I went up to High Point and had a great night of food, wine, and conversation. Then Saturday I went to a cool wine bar and then to a few bars afterwards that were a little off with there atmosphere so the 3 of us pretty much stayed together and got pissed. Next I called in a favor to a valet where I used to work because we couldn't get a cab to stop. Mike gave us a ride to Mary's house, or should I define "new house" where it was a little bit of a crazy Lyonaiss night with another bottle of champagne and me cooking dinner for the girls. I arm-wrestled a little with Erin and I thought about giving her a kiss. I didn't do it ladies. Sorry if I let you down but I will explain. It not that I am scared to kiss her but she just got out of a relationship before I got back and she is definitely not finished with it. Should I just go ahead and make a move but wait and see how serious it gets? Or do you wait until the ex is out of the picture to make sure you are not a rebound. Some womanly advice would be great from you gals. I miss you all more that you know and I am always day dreaming about being in Perrache waiting on the A line to take me up to Madz and meet everyone. Or hanging out with all of you in the Parc de la Tete D'Or. La France et Lyon me tellement manqe maintenant. I cannot wait to go back and see my city, to go down to Oz and see my people. Ciao and Gros Bisous. Dad is doing well and has actually driven himself this morning to finish up his chemo treatment, he is worried but in good spirits and trying to do all I can.
Unfortunately the job that I had last summer is not as great as it was. They have only been calling me in 2-3 days a week and it has been frustrating since I only had 6 weeks before school started and that is almost over. Finally they called me in on Monday and Tuesday passed but I didn't want to go in for my Dad's first chemo session just in case there was a need for something here. Plus I had to keep my mom company yesterday. We went to the place where I had my first job and had some BBQ. It was good but I can't understand how some people will eat that everyday??? I felt like I was going to have a heart attack and realized there was a reason that I hadn't been there in like 3 or 4 years.
I have been hanging out with a couple girls named Mary and Erin. They have been a real help in my return to the States and I see them about twice a week. Last weekend I planned to work all weekend. It fell through after I rearranged my schedule and blew off my best friend to earn some money. They pulled me in at 2:00am and I worked 6 hours then left for home so that I could get up at 5:00pm to go back for more. I think that they played me like a deck of cards and never called me in so I traded in the Saturday night with Timmers for a Friday in the end and it worked out even better. Earlier in the week I had to choose between going to High Point or out with Erin and Mary. It worked out that I went up to High Point and had a great night of food, wine, and conversation. Then Saturday I went to a cool wine bar and then to a few bars afterwards that were a little off with there atmosphere so the 3 of us pretty much stayed together and got pissed. Next I called in a favor to a valet where I used to work because we couldn't get a cab to stop. Mike gave us a ride to Mary's house, or should I define "new house" where it was a little bit of a crazy Lyonaiss night with another bottle of champagne and me cooking dinner for the girls. I arm-wrestled a little with Erin and I thought about giving her a kiss. I didn't do it ladies. Sorry if I let you down but I will explain. It not that I am scared to kiss her but she just got out of a relationship before I got back and she is definitely not finished with it. Should I just go ahead and make a move but wait and see how serious it gets? Or do you wait until the ex is out of the picture to make sure you are not a rebound. Some womanly advice would be great from you gals. I miss you all more that you know and I am always day dreaming about being in Perrache waiting on the A line to take me up to Madz and meet everyone. Or hanging out with all of you in the Parc de la Tete D'Or. La France et Lyon me tellement manqe maintenant. I cannot wait to go back and see my city, to go down to Oz and see my people. Ciao and Gros Bisous. Dad is doing well and has actually driven himself this morning to finish up his chemo treatment, he is worried but in good spirits and trying to do all I can.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Monsoon Season
It is raining here like it is Monsoon Season in Vietnam. I tried to go for a drive downtown and I had to abort it because the traffic was too thick and it was raining so hard I was worried about getting into a wreck. The freight job is pretty good but it has been so hot that I thought I was going to pass out the other night. I am trying to work between 8 and 10 hours per day. Last summer I was going for 12 hour shifts which meant that I had to be there twelve and a half hours. I was desperate for cash to get things for France and I have decided that was too draining and so I am going to be smooth and steady this time around. I am also trying to get a full time position at another place where my friend runs the dock. It is decent pay and I could use the steady income and job security. I also have applied for several positions as a business intern. I am hoping that one will come through and pay well so that I can use my expertise rather than muscle to earn my money.
So to let all my Aussies and Kiwi know what the romance front has to offer I will let you know that I have told the Erin, the red head, exactly what I think. We have been hanging out a lot lately and after she told me that she would give me the good word with one of her friends I told her that I was more interested in her. Although I am comfortable with a friendship as well. I have not heard back from her since so I hope that I did not do more damage than good as intended. I am sorry that I have not been emailing all of you lately because I have been too busy with everything here around the house or work. Even so I really have nothing great to tell all of you except I miss Lyon and all of you more than even I thought I would. I miss the nights at Maddy's apartment and the days in the park as well. I wish I could have all of you over for dinner tonight like old times and then hit Ninkasi or Johnny Walsh's!!!
I have worked out school now and I am starting back on the 22nd of August so I will be extra busy soon to be sure. Sorry I do not have more exciting news at the moment but I will hopefully have more. Madz is coming through New York on the way to Brazil so I am going up there to meet her in December and that is very exciting for me. We can perhaps have a day or two if all works out right. Love you all, biz!
So to let all my Aussies and Kiwi know what the romance front has to offer I will let you know that I have told the Erin, the red head, exactly what I think. We have been hanging out a lot lately and after she told me that she would give me the good word with one of her friends I told her that I was more interested in her. Although I am comfortable with a friendship as well. I have not heard back from her since so I hope that I did not do more damage than good as intended. I am sorry that I have not been emailing all of you lately because I have been too busy with everything here around the house or work. Even so I really have nothing great to tell all of you except I miss Lyon and all of you more than even I thought I would. I miss the nights at Maddy's apartment and the days in the park as well. I wish I could have all of you over for dinner tonight like old times and then hit Ninkasi or Johnny Walsh's!!!
I have worked out school now and I am starting back on the 22nd of August so I will be extra busy soon to be sure. Sorry I do not have more exciting news at the moment but I will hopefully have more. Madz is coming through New York on the way to Brazil so I am going up there to meet her in December and that is very exciting for me. We can perhaps have a day or two if all works out right. Love you all, biz!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Helping My Brother's Girlfriend Move and The Red Head
Well, I have been staying up late in preparation for my new job on Monday. It is not so much a new thing as a return to last summer. I thought that I would hate the idea of going back but I am actually enjoying it to be frank. It is at ABF Freight Systems. It is a provider of LTL services in the East I believe and it is not too bad. It is unionized so although I am a part-timer by technicality I still recieve the same pay which is about $16 per hour. Plus I will receive time and a half pay for anything over 8 hours in a day. If it's anything like last summer I will probably be able to make about $3200 before school starts. I have also interviewed with Starbucks coffee. I am planning to phase that in as I work the other job and then do that full-time and try to work into a management position. I may end up riding it to France actually. I just want something that offers benefits and has a ladder upwards. Working in restaurants is usually good money but it takes so long to build up into something, especially if you have a limited schedule. So for once in my life I am going to think about the future.
Today I helped my brother and his girlfriend move into her new place before they leave for Europe. It was a way to spend some time with the two of them and get a workout as well. She moved from the common University style apartment and atmosphere into a duplex near uptown Charlotte that is pretty cool. I may be able to use the place while they are gone if I need a night alone to keep my sanity.
Things around the house are beginning to settle down and I am getting my room ready so that I can be here as long as needed. Which is at least the next 7 months while my Dad is going through chemo. I am going to be very busy and I think that a social life is going to be out of the question. I am going to try and use the time to get into better shape and work on a business plan for my investment company.
Tomorrow evening I have a date/rendezvous with the now infamous red head. I talked to her two days ago and she was a little upset with me. I thought that we were going to do something Tuesday night and so I called and emailed her. I did not get any relpies so I sent her a less than cordial email asking her what the deal was. After being in France with my peeps I am not very patient and I think that being in my parent's house was multiplying the effect. It turned out that she had called I just had not gotten the message from my family. Ooops! Sorry E, didn't mean to be a prick. After all my talking about her "slipping" away a few years ago I am happy to say that I go into this as only a friend, I am not really interested in her anymore because I think that we are moving in different directions. I still think that she is lovely and I could get along very well with her but I think that the tides have changed. Probably for the better right now anyway since I do not want to get involved with anyone under the current schedule I am going to inherit soon.
I am a little bored right now and I have been playing my X-Box as a result. I have a cool racing game that I am trying to beat and it is kicking my ass. Talk to you all soon and I will take pictures tomozz. Gros Gros Bisous A Vous Tous!!!
Today I helped my brother and his girlfriend move into her new place before they leave for Europe. It was a way to spend some time with the two of them and get a workout as well. She moved from the common University style apartment and atmosphere into a duplex near uptown Charlotte that is pretty cool. I may be able to use the place while they are gone if I need a night alone to keep my sanity.
Things around the house are beginning to settle down and I am getting my room ready so that I can be here as long as needed. Which is at least the next 7 months while my Dad is going through chemo. I am going to be very busy and I think that a social life is going to be out of the question. I am going to try and use the time to get into better shape and work on a business plan for my investment company.
Tomorrow evening I have a date/rendezvous with the now infamous red head. I talked to her two days ago and she was a little upset with me. I thought that we were going to do something Tuesday night and so I called and emailed her. I did not get any relpies so I sent her a less than cordial email asking her what the deal was. After being in France with my peeps I am not very patient and I think that being in my parent's house was multiplying the effect. It turned out that she had called I just had not gotten the message from my family. Ooops! Sorry E, didn't mean to be a prick. After all my talking about her "slipping" away a few years ago I am happy to say that I go into this as only a friend, I am not really interested in her anymore because I think that we are moving in different directions. I still think that she is lovely and I could get along very well with her but I think that the tides have changed. Probably for the better right now anyway since I do not want to get involved with anyone under the current schedule I am going to inherit soon.
I am a little bored right now and I have been playing my X-Box as a result. I have a cool racing game that I am trying to beat and it is kicking my ass. Talk to you all soon and I will take pictures tomozz. Gros Gros Bisous A Vous Tous!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
The Current Plan
I have been looking all over the place for the perfect job. I do not mean to say that it must be something in my career field and pay lots and lots. Although that would be ideal I am looking for something that lets me live a little better. I have decided that I have had enough rough times with a restaurant kitchen and school and I am not going to put myself through that again. I am going back to ABF Freight Systems where I worked last summer. It is a decent paying job that I can maximize through the end of summer to catch up and to put a little in the bank. At the same time I am going to look for other jobs like waiting tables or anything that gives me a flexible schedule. I am also putting applications in with larger scale companies trying to find something for the longer term and perhaps something that I could actually transfer to France or Australia when the time is right.
Last night I went out with my brother and his girlfriend for a couple of beers. It was a nice time but I felt like a piece of shit because I have no money and they bought my beers and wings not to mention the $3 cover charge for some crappy music. It was nice to have a little fun though before Brendon leaves for Europe next Monday.
I had a coffee with Renee and her boyfriend last night. We talked about a lot of things like where we were going next and how my job search was going. In the end we did the French thing talking at the car for about 20 minutes before we left. It was nice to talk to her and have a little time out of the house.
Last night I went out with my brother and his girlfriend for a couple of beers. It was a nice time but I felt like a piece of shit because I have no money and they bought my beers and wings not to mention the $3 cover charge for some crappy music. It was nice to have a little fun though before Brendon leaves for Europe next Monday.
I had a coffee with Renee and her boyfriend last night. We talked about a lot of things like where we were going next and how my job search was going. In the end we did the French thing talking at the car for about 20 minutes before we left. It was nice to talk to her and have a little time out of the house.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
A Little Bit Of Uncertainty
Today I am unsettled in my pursuit to find a new job after arriving back home in the States. I have been out and about to several places and crossed a genre of possibilities. However, I am very unsure of my future at this moment in time. There are so many things that are going on at once that I find myself just trying to stick to one task at a time. I had a working interview today at a local upscale steakhouse called Mickey and Mooch. I worked there about 5 years ago and they are still going strong. I went in and explained to the chef that I am not sure if I am going to take the position yet or not since I have several applications in at other places and I do not want to act prematurely and cause bad blood if I were to leave and take another job in a few weeks. He thanked me for my candor and we rearranged the agreement to start on Tuesday instead. There is one problem because they are starting me at the same rate as 5 years ago. There menu prices have gone up, there overhead has most certainly been diminished and the resto seems to be in a very strong position. It's the busiest one in the area for the last five years as well. They are still paying the same wages though. I spoke with the chef and he has assured me that there is tremendous room for advancement in the future if all goes well. I do remember them taking care of those that took care of them and I am going to most likely end up there. I am also applying for a management level position at a large Sporting Goods chain called Dick's Sporting Goods. Not in my field but I would be able to have the possibility of promotion when I graduate. I am not sure that it would help my cause since I am headed to Oz and then back to France but it is a thought none the less. Lastly I also have applied at a wine store which bears a considerable relevance to the restaurant industry and is something that keeps my interest at the same level. I may end up in that business one day if my nerves become too rattled in the trenches of a kitchen. The main thing is that I am trying to make an informed decision that best reflects my future over the next 2 year period. I have a lot to prove to myself and I want to be moving forward as long as it is not interfering with my education.
I have also been frequenting the local bookstore trying to take some time to myself everyday. I usually pick up a couple of books and a cooking or wine related magazine. I browse through a chapter or two of the book and decide if it's something that I may want to check out from the library or buy. Which reminds me that I really need to check and see if the title 62 million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. Jo would be so happy that I want to check it out. As always I miss you girls more everyday. I really do not have anyone at the moment that I feel absolutely comfortable around. My best friends do not want to hear my stories and are already tired of my comparisons. Hope you are all doing well and your integration is going better than my is currently.
I have also been frequenting the local bookstore trying to take some time to myself everyday. I usually pick up a couple of books and a cooking or wine related magazine. I browse through a chapter or two of the book and decide if it's something that I may want to check out from the library or buy. Which reminds me that I really need to check and see if the title 62 million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. Jo would be so happy that I want to check it out. As always I miss you girls more everyday. I really do not have anyone at the moment that I feel absolutely comfortable around. My best friends do not want to hear my stories and are already tired of my comparisons. Hope you are all doing well and your integration is going better than my is currently.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Getting Back In The Saddle
I am sitting in my living room across from my Father watching the Home Run Derby for Major League Baseball. I am being completely overloaded with commercial advertising and poor sport's broadcasting. They just played the Japanese and Spanish versions and I think that those guys were having a lot more fun.
Today I got up around 11:00am which means I think that I am pretty close to being back to normal with my sleeping pattern. After having uploaded some songs on to my sister's Ipod I took a shower and went out to find a job. I think that it would be best to work near the house in case anything happens and to give my Mother some piece of mind as well. So, I am going to have to give up on trying to find something in a fine dining atmosphere. So I am going to go for the money. I went to a couple of places and got some applications before heading to Mickey and Mooch. There I filled out my application and turned it in, I think that it surprised the chef that I wanted the kitchen because I was not Mexican, Honduran, or Salvadorean. Even the server that I handed my application to was expecting me to be looking for a server position. I thought about it to be honest but I also think that I would like to have the steady income over the uncertainty of the floor. To be honest I am not sure that I would actually like to be waiting tables again because it gets kind of old and it never changes. You do the same thing every time and while the money is good I would not be developing as a cook. So, I asked for 14.00 dollars an hour and he told me that I am at the top of the list. I was kicking myself for not asking more but I think that I am going to request a 30 or 45 day review to get a raise. That is if I get a job there!
Next I wanted to go see Renee and since she was working I went to GAP. I thought that she might still be working inside of Concord Mills and so I headed there with all of the other suburbanites and rednecks. I inquired at the GAP and noone knew her so I stopped by Banana Republic to find out that it was another store. So I hopped in the pickem up truck and headed that way. She gave me a look as I walked in the door but it took a few seconds to realize who I was. She lit up a little more when she realized who I was. I talked with her for a bit and then Alex, her ex now again boyfriend came in to take her to lunch. I really do not think that the 2 of us really care for each other but we still say hello to be nice. Renee and I decided to have a coffee later this week and I expect it will only be the 2 of us. I think that she saw in me that I am having trouble adjusting back to things here in the US. It will be nice to see her and talk to her about things.
Afterwards I stopped by to say hello to Lava Bistro. I ran into Tatiana on the way to the bathroom. We actually talked for about 30 minutes and I learned that her daugher is now 15 months old and she is 6 months pregant with a little boy now. She is originally from Russia and we worked together for a total of 2 years. We were talking about how different Europe and Moscow are from here in Charlotte. If you want to go for a walk you have to take your car somewhere because there are almost no sidewalks. Their is public transportation but instead of being something that everyone uses I honestly think that is for people who are on the verge of poverty. Thanks for listening and I will hope to hear from a lot of you soon.
Today I got up around 11:00am which means I think that I am pretty close to being back to normal with my sleeping pattern. After having uploaded some songs on to my sister's Ipod I took a shower and went out to find a job. I think that it would be best to work near the house in case anything happens and to give my Mother some piece of mind as well. So, I am going to have to give up on trying to find something in a fine dining atmosphere. So I am going to go for the money. I went to a couple of places and got some applications before heading to Mickey and Mooch. There I filled out my application and turned it in, I think that it surprised the chef that I wanted the kitchen because I was not Mexican, Honduran, or Salvadorean. Even the server that I handed my application to was expecting me to be looking for a server position. I thought about it to be honest but I also think that I would like to have the steady income over the uncertainty of the floor. To be honest I am not sure that I would actually like to be waiting tables again because it gets kind of old and it never changes. You do the same thing every time and while the money is good I would not be developing as a cook. So, I asked for 14.00 dollars an hour and he told me that I am at the top of the list. I was kicking myself for not asking more but I think that I am going to request a 30 or 45 day review to get a raise. That is if I get a job there!
Next I wanted to go see Renee and since she was working I went to GAP. I thought that she might still be working inside of Concord Mills and so I headed there with all of the other suburbanites and rednecks. I inquired at the GAP and noone knew her so I stopped by Banana Republic to find out that it was another store. So I hopped in the pickem up truck and headed that way. She gave me a look as I walked in the door but it took a few seconds to realize who I was. She lit up a little more when she realized who I was. I talked with her for a bit and then Alex, her ex now again boyfriend came in to take her to lunch. I really do not think that the 2 of us really care for each other but we still say hello to be nice. Renee and I decided to have a coffee later this week and I expect it will only be the 2 of us. I think that she saw in me that I am having trouble adjusting back to things here in the US. It will be nice to see her and talk to her about things.
Afterwards I stopped by to say hello to Lava Bistro. I ran into Tatiana on the way to the bathroom. We actually talked for about 30 minutes and I learned that her daugher is now 15 months old and she is 6 months pregant with a little boy now. She is originally from Russia and we worked together for a total of 2 years. We were talking about how different Europe and Moscow are from here in Charlotte. If you want to go for a walk you have to take your car somewhere because there are almost no sidewalks. Their is public transportation but instead of being something that everyone uses I honestly think that is for people who are on the verge of poverty. Thanks for listening and I will hope to hear from a lot of you soon.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
I'm Back
I have returned to the United States of America as of the 7th of July. I am in complete culture shock right now. I think that if I were in a larger more diverse city that it would not be as difficult but I am not and there are a lot of rednecks in my area so it's odd and weird right now. Today I actually had a big wave of sadness and longing come for Lyon and also my friends. You know who you are, I miss you all terribly. It was nice last night because Maddy called me from Melbourne. It was great to hear from her and I was very happy to talk to her the little amount of time that we had. It was on her parent's phone bill but we did not talk to long so they should not freak out too much.
The day I got home I went straight to the hospital to see my father. He was not feeling to good and was still under heavy pain meds. It was nice to see him but still a little hard to see my pops in the hospital as imagined. Next, I wanted to make sure that I stayed up so I could beat my jetlag as soon as possible. I went with my brother and sister to Outback Steakhouse to get a good steak. Sorry for the Aussies that it is a real spoofy restaurant based on Australian stereotypes and corny language. However it was a nice piece of beef that I got. I was so amazed at how much food I got, we eat too much here in the States. Leaving there I went back to the house and tried to settle in with some Carambar's and a glass of wine with my mom and I got to see my dog. Jules did not even recognize me at first but after a night she realized who I was and became extra loveable. Well, it's a little late and my brother is waiting to watch a flic with me so I am gonna say goodbye for now but I'll post again soon.
The day I got home I went straight to the hospital to see my father. He was not feeling to good and was still under heavy pain meds. It was nice to see him but still a little hard to see my pops in the hospital as imagined. Next, I wanted to make sure that I stayed up so I could beat my jetlag as soon as possible. I went with my brother and sister to Outback Steakhouse to get a good steak. Sorry for the Aussies that it is a real spoofy restaurant based on Australian stereotypes and corny language. However it was a nice piece of beef that I got. I was so amazed at how much food I got, we eat too much here in the States. Leaving there I went back to the house and tried to settle in with some Carambar's and a glass of wine with my mom and I got to see my dog. Jules did not even recognize me at first but after a night she realized who I was and became extra loveable. Well, it's a little late and my brother is waiting to watch a flic with me so I am gonna say goodbye for now but I'll post again soon.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Leaving Lyon
I have been eluding to this moment now for about 3 months, I am finally going home. Today at 1:00pm I will boarding a train to Paris where I will stay until the 7th of July. At which point I will be flying back home to see my family and friends. It has been a rough night for me because I got back to the apartment after having a wonderful day with my friends and my mother had sent me an email that my Father was in the hospital with a partial intestinal blockage but not to worry. I called her immediately and I have just learned that my Father has cancer. We are unsure of the results of the pathology for a few more days but luckily the tumor was intact. It was removed last night and so the hardest part is now over. I was going to get a flight home as soon as possible but my Mother has convinced me that now we know it had not mastastisized I should stay until the 7th as planned. I know that it's serious and I share with all of you because you are also my family and I look for your support. Do not change your way about me even though the times are hard, keep me laughing and be your lovely, laughing, beautiful selves.
Now I am headed over to France Telecom to drop off my LiveBox ( wi-fi internet ) and to cancel my contracts for that as well as my cell phone. After which I am headed back to the house and going to make a once over before going to the train station to meet everyone and say goodbye.
Yesterday I spent the day with the teachers from Aristide Briand. I spent the last 9 months working with them and we went to David's house. He has a place outside of the city with a pool and a stellar view. We all brought a dish and we had some sangria, wine, and champagne as we talked. Unfortunately the time in the pool was short because as luck would have it there was a big storm yesterday that did not clear up until just before we left. I was excited to get to know Caroline a little better and I am sad that I had not had the opportunity a little earlier on. She was amazing with the kids and my regard for her grew even greater. Who knows what the future may bring if I am ever back in France. I plan to keep in touch with all of them and I hope that they do the same.
Yes, I am sad to go but now I look forward to going home and helping my papa get better. Love you all and I am sorry if I had not said it enough before. I will miss you and look dreamily to the next time I see you be it Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, England, etc. The website will keep going so you can always check in and see how I am doing but don't be too shy not to leave a comment.
Now I am headed over to France Telecom to drop off my LiveBox ( wi-fi internet ) and to cancel my contracts for that as well as my cell phone. After which I am headed back to the house and going to make a once over before going to the train station to meet everyone and say goodbye.
Yesterday I spent the day with the teachers from Aristide Briand. I spent the last 9 months working with them and we went to David's house. He has a place outside of the city with a pool and a stellar view. We all brought a dish and we had some sangria, wine, and champagne as we talked. Unfortunately the time in the pool was short because as luck would have it there was a big storm yesterday that did not clear up until just before we left. I was excited to get to know Caroline a little better and I am sad that I had not had the opportunity a little earlier on. She was amazing with the kids and my regard for her grew even greater. Who knows what the future may bring if I am ever back in France. I plan to keep in touch with all of them and I hope that they do the same.
Yes, I am sad to go but now I look forward to going home and helping my papa get better. Love you all and I am sorry if I had not said it enough before. I will miss you and look dreamily to the next time I see you be it Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, England, etc. The website will keep going so you can always check in and see how I am doing but don't be too shy not to leave a comment.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Happy 1000th Visitor!
I know that some blogs get tons of hits everyday and this is not a great milestone in comparison. But I thought it was cool that since I added the hit counter I have now passed 1000 hits on the site. This is about a two month span of time because I wanted to see how many people were coming to see the site. I hope you all enjoy my little rants, antecdotes, and stories about my time here in France and all of my the friends that I have made along the way.
Monday, June 27, 2005
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