Monday, quite amazing I must say

I woke up to an AWFUL nauseas TIRED disgusted feeling...thank you du vin from last night =\ But, eating a little, drinking water, and taking some Tylenol fixed that really fast.

Feeling a tinsy bit better was just the start of a beautiful day. This was the day I finally met my pen pals, Pavel from Mexico and Barbara from Paris, after becoming friends with them through this language learning website 3 years ago. I had a free day today so it was parfait to meet them! It was an hour ride for them to meet me at my hotel...I waited for a long time since plans were delayed a few hours since Pavel wasn't feeling too good. However, I walked outside the hotel because Bab fb msged me saying she's 2 stations away from Port D'Orleans. I run into them and I was in shock. I was just filled with happiness because I finally saw these two AMAZING big hearted caring people in person. I hugged them the next moment it hit me! But the funny thing is...not ONE second did I think, wow this is so weird. The whole time it felt that...I hang out with them every day and today...is just another day :)

Barbara showed me around, we went to Notre Dame, Latin Quarter,  La Sarbonne and, Jardin du Luxemborgue. We took a lot of pictures, mostly of each other! They are an extremely cute couple, and  I did NOT feel like a 3rd wheel, expect during PDA. Quick fact, the French don't find PDA as a rude or impolite thing, it's normal. First we went to Notre Dame. Very beautiful and dark inside. I don't know how people can pray and worship there when theres sooo many tourists taking photos and crowding around. My favorite part of ND were the beautiful stained glassed windows. So massive and colorful! Infront of ND is a metal plate that marks the Center of Paris. Directions and distance is referred to this spot. It's said that if you walk in a circle within the plate, you will return to Paris!

Anywho, we were hanging out and talking in the Garden for a long time, and we saw an empty gazeebo where Pavel used his photography skills on Bab and I. He took great natural pictures, I'm in love.

These two people are so in love, you can feel it! I hope I can find that some day. Us three had a lot of fun around Paris and I really hope I can see them soon again. This day was bound to happen, like what are the odds that Pavel dated Barbara, went to Paris the SAME TIME as I did? What are the odds that I chose this summer to study in Lille but my professor decided to stay in PARIS for a few days? This WHOLE trip so far has been based on instances like these, coincidence or not...they are making me happy and EXTREMELY thankful.

Sunday Bike Tour

Yes, I actually rode a bike around Paris for a few hours. It was def a struggle, I'm not agile hahah and I haven't rode a bike in YEARS. This tour guide bike place called the Fat Tire has a stock of bicycles that have names on each one, mine was "The Little Prince", tres mignon! We saw a lot of sites and we rode in Paris traffic! It was crazy having like 25 people in our group following a guide and avoiding cars and most importantly, each other. I had a little hard time because the handles were really wide and I couldn't keep my balance. I had a tendency to run into things and take really wide turns. Almost ran over a little boy and a man, je suis desolee! But this was the most interactive and amazing tour I've ever taken. I felt like I lived in Paris, and just riding a bike through parks and such was beautiful! I wish I had background music, with that the tour would be PERFECT.

We ate at a small cafe middle of the tour, I had a Fromage Crepe, kind of dry but what can I do? It's quite expensive here, and I try my best to get meals that will be super filling at a decent price! Gotta save some up for shopping ;) I was joking mom if you're reading this :p

Afterwards, some of us went back to shower. Rebecca and I were ready before everyone else and just walked around our hotel, found a nice bakery,  I got a strawberry macaroon, they are SO good! Then we just came back, relaxed, and met the group downstairs around 7. We went on the metro towards Eiffel Tower and had some wine by La Seine watching the sunset. At 10pm the Eiffel Tower had lights sparkling, it was beautiful

I know I'm not writing a lot, and my trip sounds EXTREMELY bland when I try to recall everything and put it in words. I hope my pictures might do some justice.

Oh, Kim was looking out the balcony and across the street there is an Indian Restaurant! I know I know...try new things but when I walked in to see when it closes tonight, I was melting in the amazing smell of spices.

Thank you for following me so far, I know I put up pretty petty updates =\ I hope to see you all in a month or so ...and then I will give you detailed information on the things I've seen heard tasted smelled touched, everything!

Friday, flight to Paris, Saturday

I know this was a couple days ago, but this experience was crazy! So this was what was suppose to happen when I flew...

I had a flight at 3:20 to Chicago, and I was suppose to reach at 4:30...where I catch my connection flight to Charles De Gaulle, Paris at 5:55. Then, I'd reach Paris Saturday morning around 9:10...25 minutes after Madame Beckman and a few others were reaching. This way I would ride a bus with them to the hotel. However I was worried, what if they can't wait for me? What if my planes are delayed?  I had to figure out how to get to the hotel by myself. Laura and I figured out that I needed to take a 10 euro Roissy bus shuttle into Paris which is like a 50 minute ride. Then I had to find a metro and get on it (with my 80lb luggage, 2 roller bags and a big purse to remind you). Just because I've been to Paris a couple of times doesn't mean I know how to get around it! I, including Momma and Laura were freaking out how I'm going to get around this city by myself, without theives stealing from my things and me getting lost and panicking.

I get to the airport, with BUTTERFLIES trying to like kill my stomach. There was a tornado watch and it was raining here and there before our way there, however my mom got a notification from American Airlines that my flight to Chicago was on time. However, the second I went to check in my bag, the man makes a face and says it's delayed. My mom and I were like, "whaaaaaaaaaat's going on?!" I had to catch another flight!! However the guy said, hold on, and we trusted him completely. In a matter of minutes he got me a different flight with US Airways, a flight straight from Charlotte to Paris at 6 which reaches at 8:05am the next day! Perfect, no worries about missing my connection flight, loosing my luggage, and reaching earlier than the group so I can wait on them! I texted Bryan to notify my change, and he replied saying oh you're coming in at the same time as Kim. I texted her ASAP and she called me saying I'm on the same flight as 4 other people in our group! WHAT A RELIEF. I didn't want to be by myself! I was so excited!

I finally met up with them and realized we get a lot of delays and we finally got to sit on a small plane. The group realized we were probably going to miss Madame and the bus to the hotel. Luckilly I had my plan, but little did I know how painful it was..

We finally reach the airport and I led the group to the bus and the metro. With everyone and their 2 bags, we had to truck them through so many stair cases in the metro and around the city. My arms wanted to pop off!! We had to switch 2 different trains and we were all so exhausted since we barely got any sleep and the time difference!

We reached around 10 and we didn't get to the hotel at 1. Do the math, reallllllllly rough trip. I got hit on my a newstand guy since I was the only one asking for directions. He said he'd only tell me where the metro is if I gave him 2 euros...and I said.."noo...I don't have it" and he's like "what about 5 euros?" and I said I don't have any money!"..."what about 5 kisses?" ewwww hahahaha

We finally made it and I had to wait because my room with my 2 other roommates wasn't ready. I got a sandwich, mozerella lettuce and tomatoes. I also got peach juice box! Sandwich wasn't really good though..

I took a shower when the room was ready and we took a boat tour on La Siene which I did the last year. We also passed the Eiffel Tower, always beautiful and it never gets old. Whit Bryan and I went to a very amazing Italian restaurant, I had this delicious spinach ricotta ravioli! Yummm and I thought I was going to starve here!

That was my Friday and Saturday! I took some pictures! My arms and back and shoulders HURT from carrying all that luggage :'(

Much more later :)

Paris

I'm ALIVE :) I have so much to write but so little time. I woke up at 6:07 am and remembered suddenly, I'm in Paris<3  

omggggg pt 2

It's 8am (Why am I up so early?!) and I'm about to get some things done. I'm anxious about bringing laptops on airplanes, never done that before =\ Aussi, I hope I'm blessed with muscles when I lug two suitcases, one especially heavy one (I need my clothes.) around!

I have so many butterflies in my stomach, but as courage wolf says...

ommmmmmmmmg

I'm leaving tomorrow afternooooooooon. I'm like 98% packed! That has been the most challenging task of my life. What to bring for a month stay in FRANCE. Of course the finest things I own, I really haven't checked my check list but my mom helped tons with the process and I don't think I'm missing any significant items. It's not like I'm going to outer space where they don't have stores or anything. I'm just trying to refrain from buying things that I already have here because anything European is much more expensive.

My numerous concerns:

1. Will I get to my hotel from the airport safely? It is like a 1.5 hour trip I THINK from CDG to the hotel...and I'm just a little girl who can freak out easily and knows NOTHING about the Paris Metro and streets and such. I'm just praying my plan that I've looked over numerous times with Laura is accurate and easy to follow!
2. Will I starve in France? 
3. Will French people hate me because of my awful American accent?
4. Will I remember all the French I've learned these past like...8 years?
5. Will I make the most out of my study abroad trip?

Those are like my deepest fears at the moment, but these past few days...I've been having this mind set. Be aware of your surroundings, TRY YOUR BEST, and DON'T FREAK OUT. Stop, breathe, and take one step at a time. Don't worry about things you cannot control, and focus on whats in your hands. Be responsible for yourself and be weary! Just breathe, everything will work out <3

How To Lose 10lb Fast!


I'm not sure if this is a good thing for me or bad. I'm going with the latter...

Mon Dieu!

More than being excited, I'm nervous about Friday.

I'm half way done with packing...I think.
I don't have a "red shirt" that is necessary for group traveling, it's not a flattering color on me and I honestly don't own one.
I'm freaking out that I will starve in France since I can't eat a lot of items there.
I hope I get a phone to call people locally with, especially Madame B.

I'm getting anxious and worried, J'ai peur. Ugh I don't even remember French and I don't want to be seen as the French's stereotypical "Stupid American there"

Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of the greatness that you are.

— Jo Blackwell-Preston

Money can't buy happiness...

But it can buy me these!

Actually my new pants aren't olive, but khaki... but both of these are more appealing when I wear them!

I'm excited to strut these in FRANCE which is in T-4 days!!!!!

I'm Beautiful Again

Three months of growing out my eyebrows (why yes, I did say three months) and it finally paid off. I got them done today and I feel like a woman! I finally achieved the bold brows look, I mean it's not intense but it's better than pencil thin ones! I also got a hair trim because my split ends have been distracting me from paying attention in class for the past semester.

And my sweet mother how I love so much, bought me a Micheal Kors watch that I've wanted since winter. I preferred the gold one but it lacked diamonds around the dial, unlike the silver one they had only one of ! It's beautiful and I know I'm going to wear it all the time and take care of it like a baby :) She also bought me a new black skirt from there! We're going shopping again today with the entire fam (wow we haven't done that since we were like what? 7?)

Speaking of babies, here is my current favorite commercial which oddly enough I've only seen ONCE on television...

I feel so pretty and worthy of good things for the past two days, THANK YOU MOTHER<3

pinterest

I'm in love with Pinterest, THANK YOU LAURA! You can finally organize images of make up, fashion, interior design, DIY, Stephen Colbert, everything you can possibly think of on your personal boards. You need an invite to join, well you needed one when I had to sign up (once again, Merci Laura!) So I have some if you'd like!

It gives me a LOT of inspiration for fashion, beauty, and how to decorate my room and maybe my new apartment?!

 I do not want to start packing.

Big Girls Don't Cry

I never liked this song when it came out, I never listened to it and thought "hmm I hope this comes on the radio again!" It was a hit in 2007 (wow doesn't that seem like ages ago?) and I remember sitting in my grandmother's house in India watching India's MTV and the music video to this song was on. I was in the living room with my uncle and he's always been interested in the things I say and do (and then proceeds to make fun of me.) I remember the scene where Fergie is flaunting and marketing Candie's lingerie and I got embarrassed and flipped the channel.

For the past few months, I find myself singing that song, or WANTING to get it stuck in my head. I seek out to listen to that song. I guess now I actually put meaning in all the songs I listen to than when I was in like 10th grade. I love this song and it makes me reminiscent; of something, everything, I'm not sure what of but something nice for sure.

It's funny how this one song, one that I never loved before, and how I really don't listen to this type of music on the regular, but how this song stands out.

scratch that last post

Just watched a French film called "Student Services", should have read the warning on the description. Minus the 21423432 sex scenes, the whole cafes, French men, and well...the hearing of French everywhere around me, reminded me why I'm doing this whole thing in the first place<3

To be honest, France is the last thing on my mind right now :(

Je suis desolee ma cherie, mais il y a un petit probleme that is in the way. Not to worry, I will solve it soon.

scotty pippen

He's annoying.
He's sometimes hilarious.
He can be such an asshole.
He makes me want to scream
and pull out all my hair
and bang my face against the wall
He ruins my day.
But in an instant he can save it.
He drives me crazy, no, insane.
I hate his guts.
But I still love him.

want love need

one day, i'm going to be so strong, emotionally mentally and physically. watch me

done

sophomore year is another check on my list :)

life

I've had the crappiest two weeks. I just want to crawl up in a ball and live under my bed (as long as there is a large supply of food with me, of course.)

hope everyone's finals are going/ went well! one more on Thursday then I'm a free bird. Oh how I want to be a free bird soon.

for Anna

I was eating a bag of Chex Mix while walking through campus, and people kept staring at my talent of apparently walking, eating, and looking good. I was getting annoyed by the staring, I just wanted to shove my bag of ChexMix in their face and ask "want some?"

Cue flashback.

Remember we were walking around CMills (because that was the cool thing to do in 10th grade) and some European guy at the kiosk just shoves his half eaten butterfinger at us as we pass buy "want some?"

Put that in your juicebox and suck it hahahaha good times those are only 2 of the kazillion things I remember :'(

Tried on the CUTEST $20 dress at Marshalls and I was in love , i mean STILL am in love with it. I was debating if I reallllllly needed it or not, I tried it on and instantly knew I had to have it. However my funds in cash are like $3 and I don't like that. I don't mind using my card but still...I feel weird. I'm just going to wait a few days, if I still need that dress, I'm going to get it. If not, then I saved an innocent $20 life!

OH it was like navy blue with feather prints all over it. Beautiful puff sleeves and cinched below the shoulder. The back had a cute loop hole. Came with a fabric belt. I can't find it online, which is kind of good so I can actually STUDY FOR MY 5 EXAMS STARTING THURSDAY, then just goof off. I suck.

optimism vs pessimism

My personality professor would be so proud.

So we ALL  know that Osama Bin Laden died, hopefully I win for being the 100,000th person to tell you!

I remember where I was when 9/11 happened, and I sure as hell know where I was when I heard this news. I was taking a walk with Milan at night, and we were walking back to my dorm where we passed one dorm's study lounge (with glass windows). The big screen TV was on and all I could see was Osama's face. Milan was instantly intrigued and with his super sonic vision read "OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD, BODY IN US CUSTODY" or something like that lol. (P.S. Milan just called yay :) haha )

Initial feeling, I felt a load off my (?) shoulders! It was a sigh of relief! Justice has been done. I felt so happy at that moment, because lately I unfortunately have been feeling that the world is undergoing a crisis thats so scary, that basically just backs up the end of the world theory that I never believed till lately. However, I feel like this is one thing to be optimistic about.

Unfortunately, I checked my facebook, ughh my friend's status was "Osama Bin Laden is dead but he's blowing up my news feed!" hahaha

And I saw everyone's opinions via status. I saw so many like "1 problem down, 2342 more to go" or "Obama is releasing this information so close to elections" and "people who never watch or keep up with currents are following the bandwagon" wtff?! it just made me feel a little sad. Pessimistic much? We shouldn't celebrate death, but one of the world's biggest terrorist is gone, forever.

Whatever, I'm not a political person at ALL, but I always considered myself pessimistic but I proved myself wrong. 

favorite professor

If you're a reader of my blog, or my mom, or boyfriend, you know that this man is my absolute favorite professor at State. He is extremely intelligent, cultured, funny, quirky, and simply fantastic. He is so sweet to me and always interested in my life.

He spoke for TED talks at NC State. Watch him <3