I have always loved Thanksgiving for many reasons. The most important, however, is the fact that this particular holiday is all about the act of gratitude. Other reasons include: spending quality time with my family, American football (Goooo Jackets, Sting Em!), the awesome food, the nap after the awesome food, time off from school, Black Friday shopping, and kicking off the countdown to Christmas! Many of my reasons for loving Thanksgiving are missing this year: I'm not with my family, I didn't get time off from work or school, I couldn't watch American football, I had normal French food**, I didn't have a nap, and no Black Friday shopping! Although one would think that missing all of these vital and wonderful aspects of Thanksgiving would leave one sad, lonely, homesick, and perhaps ungrateful, that is not the case. The realization of my countless blessings have become more apparent with each passing year....and this year is no different.
Both of my host parents work late in Paris on Thursdays... so every Thursday it's just me and the 4 kids from morning till they go to bed. Tonight at dinner, while eating our pasta with sausages and spinach, I had each of the kids go around the table and tell us one blessing in their life. As each one spoke, they really thought about what they wanted to say and were very excited to voice their gratitude. Unexpectedly, when it was my turn, I choked up. As tears began to stream down my face, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am. I have been blessed with so much. It was almost as though missing all of the normal activities of Thanksgiving helped me realize the importance of the holiday.
First of all, I am so grateful for my family. Although it has been by far the toughest year for us, we have grown stronger together. We know we can get through anything! I am grateful for my vocal talent and the amazing vocal teachers/ coaches and professors who have nurtured my passion for music. I am thankful for my health and my family's health. I am grateful for my friends near and far. I'm thankful I've been able to experience many different countries/cultures (Mozambique, South Africa, England, Italy, Mexico, Canada, France, Turkey, Ireland, and China) and I hope to add a few more to the list this year. Last of all, I am thankful for my baby brother who turns 21 today! Happy Birthday Jacob!
**Note: Don't fret! I'm having a Thanksgiving meal with my friends this weekend! Also, my friend Jenna is visiting me for the weekend!! :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Paris: la ville de l'amour
Paris is known for being "The City of Love." I have to admit, when I first arrived, all of the PDA (public displays of affection) made me a little sick to my stomach. I mean, it seemed sooo overboard. I thought to myself, "Well, my parents would fit right in!" Couples here can't keep their hands off each other and kiss all the time in public... it's hard not to feel slightly uncomfortable. I've noticed it the most in very touristy areas/ romantic sites and while on the Metro. The large amounts of PDA was a little foreign to me and caught me off guard. If you ever get to visit this wonderful city, be prepared!
When I see PDA here, I am often reminded of the movie "Paris je t'aime." One of my favorite segments from the movie is when American tourist (Steve Buscemi) accidentally stares at a couple making out in the metro station. The couple end up fighting and to make her boyfriend jealous, the girl kisses Buscemi. The boyfriend beats him up, which in turn makes the girlfriend forgive him because he "fought for her love." Great scene.
You can watch the scene here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15uyv_paris-je-taime-tuileries_shortfilms
One night I had a very interesting discussion with a Frenchman on the topic of PDA. I told him that all of it made me a little queasy. He totally did not understand my thought process. He responded, "If I like a girl, I want the world to know I'm with her." When you think of it that way... it sounds, well... romantic.
After living here for two months (yes, I've been here 2 months), I'm definitely becoming more accustomed to their "romantic ways." This past week, I went on my first date since being here (Mom, stop freaking out...). It was so different than any date I have ever been on. First of all, it reminded me of the stories us southern girls have been told for years: The Tales of the Good Southern Gentlemen. After 25 years, I've begun to think that this tradition has either died, or the stories were just a mean joke older, wiser people like to play on poor, gullible girls. He was incredibly charming. He even ended our date by showing me the Parisian skyline at night. As we stood there watching the Eiffel Tower glowing from afar, and I thought, "This is how I'm supposed to be treated." I don't think anything will come of the date, but I learned a lot about myself and what I deserve from a relationship in those few hours.
I have to add, the first time he showed me any kind of affection... I pulled away. I think I actually said to him, "I'm an American," which was implying, "I don't do PDA." I remember looking around me and noticing that no one was staring at me or thought it was "over the top" that he wanted to hold my hand in public. I was the only person who was freaking out. So, I held his hand and gave in to the French way.
On Sunday I went to Paris to have a coffee with my friend Isabelle. We stopped by this Turkish restaurant to look at the menu. Ever since my trip to Istanbul in the summer of 2009, I've wanted this traditional Turkish dish I ate during my stay. It's this sort of kebob made of pita bread with sliced lamb and tomato sauce, cooked in a porcelain dish. As I was looking at the menu, one of the Turkish men working walked out of the restaurant to ask if we wanted to eat inside. I spoke the little bit of Turkish I know (Hello, how are you, etc...) and then asked him if they had the dish. He said, "un minute" and walked inside. When he came back, he had a humongous rose in his hand, and wrote down his email address for me. He gave me the rose and then said, "let me know when you plan to eat here and I'll cook you whatever you want."
If that happened 6 months ago, I would have thought, "omg, so cheesy." But this time, it struck a different chord with me. I thought it was so kind. The rest of the night, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
When I see PDA here, I am often reminded of the movie "Paris je t'aime." One of my favorite segments from the movie is when American tourist (Steve Buscemi) accidentally stares at a couple making out in the metro station. The couple end up fighting and to make her boyfriend jealous, the girl kisses Buscemi. The boyfriend beats him up, which in turn makes the girlfriend forgive him because he "fought for her love." Great scene.
You can watch the scene here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15uyv_paris-je-taime-tuileries_shortfilms
One night I had a very interesting discussion with a Frenchman on the topic of PDA. I told him that all of it made me a little queasy. He totally did not understand my thought process. He responded, "If I like a girl, I want the world to know I'm with her." When you think of it that way... it sounds, well... romantic.
After living here for two months (yes, I've been here 2 months), I'm definitely becoming more accustomed to their "romantic ways." This past week, I went on my first date since being here (Mom, stop freaking out...). It was so different than any date I have ever been on. First of all, it reminded me of the stories us southern girls have been told for years: The Tales of the Good Southern Gentlemen. After 25 years, I've begun to think that this tradition has either died, or the stories were just a mean joke older, wiser people like to play on poor, gullible girls. He was incredibly charming. He even ended our date by showing me the Parisian skyline at night. As we stood there watching the Eiffel Tower glowing from afar, and I thought, "This is how I'm supposed to be treated." I don't think anything will come of the date, but I learned a lot about myself and what I deserve from a relationship in those few hours.
I have to add, the first time he showed me any kind of affection... I pulled away. I think I actually said to him, "I'm an American," which was implying, "I don't do PDA." I remember looking around me and noticing that no one was staring at me or thought it was "over the top" that he wanted to hold my hand in public. I was the only person who was freaking out. So, I held his hand and gave in to the French way.
On Sunday I went to Paris to have a coffee with my friend Isabelle. We stopped by this Turkish restaurant to look at the menu. Ever since my trip to Istanbul in the summer of 2009, I've wanted this traditional Turkish dish I ate during my stay. It's this sort of kebob made of pita bread with sliced lamb and tomato sauce, cooked in a porcelain dish. As I was looking at the menu, one of the Turkish men working walked out of the restaurant to ask if we wanted to eat inside. I spoke the little bit of Turkish I know (Hello, how are you, etc...) and then asked him if they had the dish. He said, "un minute" and walked inside. When he came back, he had a humongous rose in his hand, and wrote down his email address for me. He gave me the rose and then said, "let me know when you plan to eat here and I'll cook you whatever you want."
If that happened 6 months ago, I would have thought, "omg, so cheesy." But this time, it struck a different chord with me. I thought it was so kind. The rest of the night, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
Friday, November 5, 2010
J'aime l'automne! (I love Autumn)
Spring and Fall have always been my favorite times of year. Without fail, I am always so excited as those glorious seasons approach. I love Fall in Georgia, not only for its beauty, but it's a perfect time to cool off from the summer heat. In Minnesota, Spring is such a relief from the harsh, brutal, sub-zeros temps. In both places, however, I've never felt as though I experienced a proper Fall season. The leaves turn, and within two weeks, it feels like winter. That's not been the case, however, this year in Saint Germain!
This afternoon, I went for a walk in the woods to take pictures of my beautiful surroundings.The leaves are vibrant colors of yellow and red...seriously gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:
After I picked up the kids from school, Faustine made me a leaf bouquet. Isn't it adorable!?!
The only thing that's been better in the US, in regards to Fall, was Halloween! I mean, I had fun... don't get me wrong, but no one here celebrates! My friends and I met up to get ready together. We pumped ourselves up for a good time. Seeing as my costume budget is non-existent, I put together a "hippy" outfit from my everyday clothes. It wasn't hard... I lived in Duluth, MN for two years! I drew a peace sign on my face, and voila! Costume complete! As my friends and I walked through the city, we received some pretty interesting stares. We thought things would be better in Paris.... nope. We were pretty much the only people dressed up. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb. We took the train to an english speaking pub in Paris. I had some pretty great conversations with some of the locals. All was well until the guy I was speaking with asked me, "Why do you have a Mercedes sign on your face?" Are you kidding me!?! I totally painted a Mercedes-Benz sign on my face instead of a peace sign. In my defense, I live in a rich town, filled with wealthy people who drive expensive cars. I see that sign 30 times a day. Must have been on the mind...Oh well... :)
To end this fabulous post, you must listen to this recording of Edith Piaf singing "Autumn Leaves." Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2s2tPORlW4
This afternoon, I went for a walk in the woods to take pictures of my beautiful surroundings.The leaves are vibrant colors of yellow and red...seriously gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:
After I picked up the kids from school, Faustine made me a leaf bouquet. Isn't it adorable!?!
The only thing that's been better in the US, in regards to Fall, was Halloween! I mean, I had fun... don't get me wrong, but no one here celebrates! My friends and I met up to get ready together. We pumped ourselves up for a good time. Seeing as my costume budget is non-existent, I put together a "hippy" outfit from my everyday clothes. It wasn't hard... I lived in Duluth, MN for two years! I drew a peace sign on my face, and voila! Costume complete! As my friends and I walked through the city, we received some pretty interesting stares. We thought things would be better in Paris.... nope. We were pretty much the only people dressed up. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb. We took the train to an english speaking pub in Paris. I had some pretty great conversations with some of the locals. All was well until the guy I was speaking with asked me, "Why do you have a Mercedes sign on your face?" Are you kidding me!?! I totally painted a Mercedes-Benz sign on my face instead of a peace sign. In my defense, I live in a rich town, filled with wealthy people who drive expensive cars. I see that sign 30 times a day. Must have been on the mind...Oh well... :)
To end this fabulous post, you must listen to this recording of Edith Piaf singing "Autumn Leaves." Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2s2tPORlW4
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)