Stuff

Don't really know what to write, but I somehow felt obligated to do so. I mean, I suppose that is the purpose of a blog. I did want to make one correction. My classmates' level of French isn't that low. It was clearly worse the first day than other days. Apparently, mine is still higher than I gave myself credit for, and everyone thinks I would have no problem passing the exam that would let me get into the university. That's good. Still waiting to find out about starting with the Master's. Should know next week.

So, yesterday wasn't a great day. I was feeling down about several things. In part, I was worrying about things that I shouldn't have worrying about. Money and time were two of them. I'm back to working on trusting that what I need will be there when I need it. I think it was also due in part to the fact that I spent a lot of time alone this week. I don't mind being alone, in fact it's good sometimes, but I really thrive on talking to people. Most of this week has consisted of sitting in class, walking around by myself, or being in my room.

Anywho, I'm feeling better now, and I got a ton of love yesterday. It was awesome. Just when I needed it, I was reminded that there are a lot of people who love me. In the last 48 hours, I have received calls from the US, France, and Oman plus several e-mails. Yay! Thanks, everyone!

Here are a few things about France and the French that I've been reminded of lately:

*Rules are flexible...this has its pros and cons. I mean, I got admitted for a certificate degree and may get to do a Master's instead. I suppose this could happen in the US, but it doesn't seem likely. I've learned that if I don't get the answer I want, I can just try to ask someone else. And if it still doesn't correspond to what I want, I can explain why what I want isn't a problem and makes perfect sense. It usually works.

*Organization is not at the top of the list of good qualites the French possess...my check-in at the dorm involved a bunch of people standing around in the lobby around a couple tables. There were all paper files, which were being sorted in boxes and file folders based on dorm location. Said boxes and folders were just sitting out on the desk. That, my French friends, is how papers get lost. Laptops, people, put it in an electronic database.

*I'm fatter here...I don't mean literally. I'm actually eating healthier and have walked at least 1 hour/day every day this week (usually 2-3). However, I tried on some bathing suits yesterday, and the one that came closest to fitting was a XXL. Excuse me? I know I have gained some weight back, but I haven't worn a XXL anything in a long, long time. So, I don't mean I weigh more, I mean by French standards, I'm bigger than by American standards. That being said, I would 10 times rather be a little overweight and happy with the person I am than skinny and still not like myself/my body. Take that, French ladies!

*French people have a weird thing with change...I have never been asked more in my life if I have exact change. I'd forgotten about that. I'm not sure why. I understand a lot of the culture here, but that's not one of the things I get. Furthermore, they don't like small coins. They make 1 and 2 cent pieces, but you can't really use them for anything. Nobody actually wants them. You have to save them up and force them on someone. And the stupid cashier at the grocery store is not helping. This is how the interaction went today (and was similar yesterday):

Her- Your total is 3.52.
Me- (I hand her a 5 euro bill, and she opens the till) Oh, I have 2 cents.
Her- It's too late. I opened the cash register.
Me- It's the same if I give you 2 cents. The total will be the same, I'll just have a 50 cent piece.
Her- (Blank stare)
Me- Nevermind. (Now I'm stuck with more of those damn coins that I can't use)

So, unless they do cash reconciliation that somehow includes the kind of change she should have in her till, I've decided she's not the brightest bulb in the box. And I have learned to make sure that I look for change before handing her the bills, even if it holds up the line. Ha!!

Ok, that's it for now. I shall step down from my soap box!

P.S. There's no spell check on this thing, so please forgive any typos/errors!