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11

Jan

thedailywhat: Legalize It of the Day: A 20-year, federally funded study conducted jointly by researchers at UCSF and UAB found that smoking marijuana once a week, or even once a day in some instances, did no long-term damage to the lungs. The study, published today in the the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 5,000 individuals across 20 years, and compared their usage of marijuana and tobacco to their health stats. Cigarette smokers saw a considerable loss in lung function over time, but participants who smokes marijuana as often as once a day for seven years saw no change. Additionally, no harmful effects were recorded in individuals who smoked marijuana occasionally for longer. According to the study’s authors, one possible explanation for the results may be THC — the active ingredient in marijuana. The compound is known to combat inflammation, and may be responsible for offsetting irritants that cause lung problems. Dr. Stefan Kertesz, the study’s co-author, also posits that an unintended side-effect of marijuana usage is the strengthening lung tissue as a result of breathing deeply during inhalation. And as if all that wasn’t enough, researchers found that pot smoking might actually improve lung function. “At levels of marijuana exposure commonly seen in Americans, occasional marijuana use was associated with increases in lung air flow rates and increases in lung capacity,” Kertesz said. He did note that the increase was not enough to “make you feel better,” but, then again, if you’re smoking marijuana, chances are you’re already feeling pretty great.  [ap / afp.]

thedailywhat:

Legalize It of the Day: A 20-year, federally funded study conducted jointly by researchers at UCSF and UAB found that smoking marijuana once a week, or even once a day in some instances, did no long-term damage to the lungs.

The study, published today in the the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 5,000 individuals across 20 years, and compared their usage of marijuana and tobacco to their health stats.

Cigarette smokers saw a considerable loss in lung function over time, but participants who smokes marijuana as often as once a day for seven years saw no change.

Additionally, no harmful effects were recorded in individuals who smoked marijuana occasionally for longer.

According to the study’s authors, one possible explanation for the results may be THC — the active ingredient in marijuana. The compound is known to combat inflammation, and may be responsible for offsetting irritants that cause lung problems.

Dr. Stefan Kertesz, the study’s co-author, also posits that an unintended side-effect of marijuana usage is the strengthening lung tissue as a result of breathing deeply during inhalation.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, researchers found that pot smoking might actually improve lung function. “At levels of marijuana exposure commonly seen in Americans, occasional marijuana use was associated with increases in lung air flow rates and increases in lung capacity,” Kertesz said.

He did note that the increase was not enough to “make you feel better,” but, then again, if you’re smoking marijuana, chances are you’re already feeling pretty great. 

[ap / afp.]

2 weeks ago Short URL 13,557 notes

thedailywhat via thedailywhat

08

Nov

theyeasticando: Chocolate coffee cake, 11.06.11 Remind me never to let you goons talk me out of baking my own birthday cake again. Maah came to town to celebrate my birthday a little bit early, and we decided to tackle this decadent beast. It’s a lot of steps, but nothing particularly grueling, and it yields some surprisingly delicate flavors and great textures. We had our doubts there for a minute with the buttercream, but it all worked out in the end. Now someone please come eat some of this so I don’t injure myself. From Baked Explorations Oh my god, this is making me want to brave the lost in translation grocery store fiascos I always have to go through, and then the lost in translation metric system. HERE I COME SUPERMACHE. 

theyeasticando:

Chocolate coffee cake, 11.06.11

Remind me never to let you goons talk me out of baking my own birthday cake again. Maah came to town to celebrate my birthday a little bit early, and we decided to tackle this decadent beast. It’s a lot of steps, but nothing particularly grueling, and it yields some surprisingly delicate flavors and great textures. We had our doubts there for a minute with the buttercream, but it all worked out in the end. Now someone please come eat some of this so I don’t injure myself.

From Baked Explorations



Oh my god, this is making me want to brave the lost in translation grocery store fiascos I always have to go through, and then the lost in translation metric system. HERE I COME SUPERMACHE. 

2 months ago Short URL 399 notes

foodfuckery via foodfuckery

thedailywhat: Meanwhile, In The Heartland of the Day: Out: Richter scale. In: Donkey-scratching scale. [copyranter.]

thedailywhat:

Meanwhile, In The Heartland of the Day: Out: Richter scale. In: Donkey-scratching scale.

[copyranter.]

2 months ago Short URL 1,257 notes

thedailywhat via thedailywhat

thedailywhat: Eminently Captionable Photo of the Day: John Cassidy, Gusiness Record holder for “Most Balloon Sculptures Completed in One Hour,” entertains First Lady Michelle Obama with “a balloon act” in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. (Caption it!) [whflickr.] this is epiccc

thedailywhat:

Eminently Captionable Photo of the Day: John Cassidy, Gusiness Record holder for “Most Balloon Sculptures Completed in One Hour,” entertains First Lady Michelle Obama with “a balloon act” in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.

(Caption it!)

[whflickr.]

this is epiccc

2 months ago Short URL 639 notes

thedailywhat via thedailywhat

somepinkfluffy-dinosaur: ‎”THROUGH A RAPIST’S EYES” (PLS TAKE TIME TO READ THIS. it may save a life.) Reblog this! ————————————————————————————————————————————It seems that alot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not manypeople know how to take care of themselves when faced with such asituation. Everyone should read this especially each n every girl in this world.THOUGHT THIS WAS GOOD INFO TO PASS ALONG…FYI - Through a rapist’s eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists inprison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victimand here are some interesting facts:1] The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle.They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun! , braidor other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely togo after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not commontargets.2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for womenwho’s clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissorsaround to cut clothing.3] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching throughtheir purse or doing other activities while walking because they areoff guard and can be easily overpowered.4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at isgrocery store parking lots.5] Number two is office parking lots/garages.6] Number three is public restrooms.7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a womanand quickly move her to a second location where they don’t have toworry about getting caught.8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouragedbecause it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that goingafter you isn’t worth it because it will be time-consuming.9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,orother similar objects that can be used from a distance, in theirhands.10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close tothe attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convincethese guys you’re not worth it.———————————————————————————————————————————-POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage orwith you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and askthem a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk:can’t believe it is so cold out here, we’re in for a bad winter. Nowthat you’ve seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up,you lose appeal as a target.2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front ofyou and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked tosaid they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she wouldnot be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASYtarget.3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate ofit and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPERSPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.4] If someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you cando it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist frombehind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow andarmpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class thisguy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who wastrying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skinand tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinchingyourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from aparticularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy’s parts itis extremely painful. You might think that you’ll anger the guy andmake him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told ourinstructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot oftrouble. Start causing trouble, and he’s out of there.6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingersand bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushingdown on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without usingmuch pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles crackedaudibly.7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware ofyour surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see anyodd behavior, don’t dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feellittle silly at the time, but you’d feel much worse if the guy reallywas trouble.——————————————————————————————————————————-FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL ….I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will besome, where you will go “hmm I must remember that” After reading,forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful inthis crazy world we live in.1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on yourbody. If you are close enough to use it, do it.2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asksfor your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away fromyou…. chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/orpurse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD INTHE OTHER DIRECTION!3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the backtail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving likecrazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This hassaved lives.4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating,working, etc., and just sit(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS! Thepredator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity forhim to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tellyou where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE.5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, orparking garage:a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may behiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside thepassenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORERIDING A TAXI CAB) .b. If you! u are parked next to a big van, enter your car from thepassenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pullingthem into their vans while the women are attempting to get into theircars.c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, andthe passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearestyour car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get aguard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFETHAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells arehorrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYSRUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times;And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It mayget you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was agood-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathiesof unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and oftenasked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is whenhe abducted his next victim. Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that theworld we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it’s better safe thansorry.If u have a heart or compassion reblog this post.‘Helping hands are better than Praying Lips’ – give us your helping hand.REBLOG THIS AND LET EVERY GIRL KNOW!ATLEAST PEOPLES WILL KNOW WATS GOIN IN THIS WORLD.So please reblog this….Your one reblog can Help to spread this information.I hope you all will Reblog. Lets See how many of you really care for this. 

somepinkfluffy-dinosaur:

‎”THROUGH A RAPIST’S EYES” (PLS TAKE TIME TO READ THIS. it may save a life.) Reblog this! ————————————————————————————————————————————

It seems that alot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many

people know how to take care of themselves when faced with such a

situation. Everyone should read this especially each n every girl in this world.



THOUGHT THIS WAS GOOD INFO TO PASS ALONG…

FYI - Through a rapist’s eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists in

prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim

and here are some interesting facts:



1] The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle.

They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun! , braid

or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to

go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common

targets.



2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women

who’s clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors

around to cut clothing.



3] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through

their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are

off guard and can be easily overpowered.



4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is

grocery store parking lots.



5] Number two is office parking lots/garages.



6] Number three is public restrooms.



7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman

and quickly move her to a second location where they don’t have to

worry about getting caught.



8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged

because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going

after you isn’t worth it because it will be time-consuming.



9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,or

other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their

hands.



10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to

the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince

these guys you’re not worth it.

———————————————————————————————————————————-

POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:


1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or

with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask

them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk:

can’t believe it is so cold out here, we’re in for a bad winter. Now

that you’ve seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up,

you lose appeal as a target.



2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of

you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to

said they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would

not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY

target.



3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of

it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER

SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.



4] If someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you can

do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from

behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and

armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this

guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was

trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin

and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching

yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.



5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a

particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy’s parts it

is extremely painful. You might think that you’ll anger the guy and

make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our

instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of

trouble. Start causing trouble, and he’s out of there.



6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers

and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing

down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using

much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked

audibly.



7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of

your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any

odd behavior, don’t dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel

little silly at the time, but you’d feel much worse if the guy really

was trouble.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL ….

I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be

some, where you will go “hmm I must remember that” After reading,

forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in

this crazy world we live in.



1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your

body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.



2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asks

for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from

you…. chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or

purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN

THE OTHER DIRECTION!



3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back

tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like

crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This has

saved lives.



4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating,

working, etc., and just sit

(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS! The

predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for

him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell

you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE.



5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or

parking garage:



a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be

hiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside the

passenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORE

RIDING A TAXI CAB) .



b. If you! u are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the

passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling

them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their

cars.



c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and

the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest

your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a

guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE

THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)



6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are

horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).



7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS

RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times;

And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!



8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may

get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a

good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies

of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often

asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when

he abducted his next victim.
Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the

world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it’s better safe than

sorry.


If u have a heart or compassion reblog this post.



‘Helping hands are better than Praying Lips’ – give us your helping hand.

REBLOG THIS AND LET EVERY GIRL KNOW!


ATLEAST PEOPLES WILL KNOW WATS GOIN IN THIS WORLD.



So please reblog this….Your one reblog can Help to spread this information.



I hope you all will Reblog. Lets See how many of you really care for this. 

(Source: itssofluffy-im-gonna-die)

2 months ago Short URL 99,332 notes

seashellsandovariancysts via seashellsandovariancysts

thedailywhat:

Early Bird Special: 14-year-old Bryan Thompson was suspended last month from Colonial Forge High School for invading the football field during a game while wearing a banana costume.

DC’s NBC affiliate WRC sent reporter Pat Collins to investigate. He brought along a grape suit.

Fruitilarity ensues.

[reddit.]

2 months ago Short URL 752 notes

thedailywhat via thedailywhat

27

Sep

sentimental moment in my happy place.

Today, while riding the metro….

The feeling of shock rushed over me for the 200th time since I’ve been here. I cannot believe that today, I’m living in Paris. I did it. 

Not even a year ago I was completely miserable, working as an insurance agent, signing another two year phone contract with Verizon Wireless, saving up money in hopes that one day I’d be able to move out of Columbia, SC and away from the people that recycle values, opinions, ignorance- over and over again. Where progress is very hard to imagine, where people settle, where you walk down the streets with a decent outfit on and everyone looks at you as if you were crazy- because A. You have on a short dress, or B. you’re actually walking down the street. Where I lived the most challenging 20 years and felt the most dark feelings. 

Here, passerby’s don’t even look at you, and if they do- it’s usually because they think you’re beautiful(and they note their feelings with a look), or they’re glancing past you and minding their own business. If you smile at someone here, it’s almost like it made their day, because no one ever does it. Pale, line-less faces turn into huge wrinkly grins- and it gives you the most satisfaction you could ever receive. I’ve come to appreciate the smallest notions, the tiniest details, and the most basic feelings that all of us are given. I’m not sure- as it’s only been a month, but I have formed a hypothesis that french people definitely “get the big picture”.  I’ve never witnessed such beautiful and tender parenting, truly relaxed as I have here, or marveled at anything that compares to this city. 

My life has been full of disappointment, stress, estrangement, darkness…. and Now that I’m here, actually living- I can’t even remember what it feels like to long for something. To not find one thing each day that I’m appreciative for. I feel as if my life has been the definition of luck, but before I thought it was only misfortune. I was convinced that I was stuck, that nothing would ever get any better- now all I think about is everything I want to do in my life, so much, that I have a hard time deciding on where I should go next. These thoughts nearly started the waterworks in front of fifty strangers today. I am in shock; and I am one strong, fortunate, amazingly happy 21 year old female. You’re never stuck, you’re never hopeless, and you are never alone… and you sure as hell better never give up, because each day you are living, and that alone is a miracle. If at the very least, Just be thankful that you didn’t slip while getting out of the shower and bust your head open and die this morning- because literally, you are a survivor everyday… and every moment that you are a survivor, you have more and more chances to change the outcome of your life. 

4 months ago Short URL

25

Sep

A month since I left…

It’s been a month since I left the states. I decided after my last blog post, to not post anything or blog until I had been here for longer. For various reasons- seeding out the boring stuff that no one really cares to read about, to get over my ranting about homesickness, and to really have a starting point that I was comfortable with. So, that being said- expect to see a few blog posts a month- that’s all I can promise. Here, I rarely find the time to sit for long periods of time in front of a screen. It’s too beautiful outside, the food is too good, and the people are too amazing to ignore. For pictures, you can look on my facebook- or follow me on instagram-kreenatree for both.  Prepare to read a long post! 

For starters- I’ll begin with explaining how I’ve been getting settled.

Once you arrive in a foreign country (that you’ve moved to)- you have several things to take care of and organize. I had to send in my papers to the OFII (immigration), get to be comfortable with a manual car and horrendous Parisian traffic and driving habits, get a french phone, take my entrance exam for school, and get used to the Metro and fill out stuff for a navigo pass(I have yet to do this- oops).

The OfII stuff was a piece of cake, kind of. I sent everything in by certified mail, and now all I’m doing is awaiting my call for my physical exam to make sure I’m disease free and capable to work here.  The driving thing is still being worked on, but I can tell you- I have gotten the hang of it, and even pissed off a Parisian driver, which means I must be doing something right! I had some gratification when they applauded me out of sarcasm and even thought “dang, I must actually be getting the hang of this.. nice… you keep up your clapping french man”… disclaimer: I am a really safe driver. really.  The driving here is insane, by the way, Aggressive, no one stays in their lane, and mopeds do not follow any laws and practically asked to get killed.  People are always honking, the traffic is so heavy.  It’s fun though, especially with loud electronic music helping you out.  Getting a phone was the most frustrating thing, in fact it even left me thinking “what the fuck am I even doing here?” and extremely discouraged.   I had always heard from everyone in the states that french people are extremely rude and unhelpful to people who can’t speak their language(a.k.a- me, but that’s why I’m here, and you have to start somewhere). For the majority, I’ve been treated with the utmost hospitality and kindness, but this one occasion I was not. It’s most likely due because this cell phone company (ORANGE) is known for their awful customer service. (just like in America, customer service needs improvement). Anyway, I received my iphone via mail, the sim card didn’t work, and after two phone calls, a visit with a printed out translation of exactly what the issue was and a lady who refused to help me, and a phone call threatening to cancel everything- my iphone magically was fixed! Thanks to Florian- Pierre’s sister(marie-caroline)’s boyfriend, who was so helpful and still is- giving me suggestions about everything. The metro was a little confusing at first, but now that I’ve taken a few trips, I definitely think it’s user friendly.  I love riding on the metro so much. I know, it’s weird to love riding on something where there are so many germs, sweaty people- who will not look at you in the eye- most of the time, and random homeless people jump on and go through their spiels in french about how they’re hungry and need money-some are really entertaining, funny, and have great personality. But, it’s extremely fast, it’s thrilling, and I love watching people and how they interact with one another- so for me, it’s one of my happy places. I know, it’s strange, but it beats the hell out of idiot SC drivers, views of cow pastures, and un-maintained roads. (which, by the way, the roads here are great- and old… what gives SC?!? WHAT GIVES?!?)

I spend my days being a nanny. My routine, is wake up, be at the school by 11:30, pick up Maud-Marjorie, take her to the house, make her lunch- usually a meat, vegetables(always with dijon mustard for me), yogurt, baguette, water, and sometimes cheese or fruit. Then, Jocelyne (the mother of the house) will take her back to school and I mess around for the rest of the afternoon- play piano, clean my apartment, eat, lay outside in the sun, hang out with P.A if he’s here, and then I pick Maud up again and help her with homework, give Marc- Eduoard a voice lesson- sometimes make them dinner, and then after everyone is home, settled, we all eat dinner- I’ll take a shower; depending on the night, I may go out with Pierre- usually to see friends and drink, or stay in and watch illegally downloaded movies. It’s seriously the happiest I’ve ever been.  Hanging out with Pierre’s friends is always so entertaining and fun. Granted- I understand a fourth of what’s being said- they’re not easy on me and speak french- which I’m grateful for, because it really helps me connect words and learn.  French people know how to throw parties- and by that- I don’t mean “french people know how to get you wasted” French parties are a great time because everyone sits around and talks, which usually- animated stories about vacations are told, bets are made, drinking card games are played, and everyone paces themselves to thoroughly be able to enjoy their night. We still get really drunk, but honestly it’s much more enjoyable than any American gathering I’ve ever been to. I’ve met many people who have already interned and studied in other countries, and know atleast two to three languages. It blows my mind. 

Some stuff that i’ve done includes- the l’arc de triomphe, champs elysees, eiffel tower, sacre coeur (briefly at night), Louvre, montmarte(briefly), moulin rouge and the redlight district—-oooofffff(very very briefly) (there’s an erotica museum), nightclubbing, and of course many bakeries have been visited.   

In mid october I plan to go to Salon Du Chocolat- a festival devoted to chocolate, and there’s even a chocolate fashion show (gasp ooooommmmgggggg)!!!! and it’s only 12 euro! Plus, I’m going with Pierre and Marie-Caroline, and I cannot wait for it!

So far, France is everything I have always dreamed of and so much more. Sometimes I literally can’t believe that I’m here. It blows my mind that I am so lucky.

4 months ago Short URL

4 months ago Short URL

wingsandladders via wingsandladders

04

Sep

Sunday

This weekend has passed by so quickly. I got my french bank account, I walked around last night along the Seine, swam, relaxed, practiced driving, and met up with some friends today.

Today was the second day of driving on French roads. Can you say- nerve wrecking?!?! There are two main issues I have- maybe three… 1. stickshift. Although I practiced for months in the states, I had a break right before I left and now, I’m having to practically relearn everything. 2. The impatient french drivers behind me. I have the most difficult time at stop lights, probably because of my nerves due to the people behind me staring at the green light like it’s a big piece of gold. so. much. pressure. which foot goes where? which hand is my right?? pathetic anxiety. 3. Driving rules- even though they’re fairly similar to the ones in the states, my nerves get the best of me with roundabouts, people seem to just zip in and out between you, cyclists come out of nowhere, you have to yield at random points. Needless to say, I still have my nerves wound up from today. 

I don’t want to sound ungrateful or whiny, but I am really having a hard time adjusting to France. Of course, the food is amazing, the architecture is beautiful, the way of life is relaxing, the metro is FUN and EXCITING, the people are beautiful, ohhhh the french language is so great to listen to. But, Let’s consider that I lived in BFE, SC for how many years? Been on maybe a total of 20 subway rides in my life? Had no french language training, besides audio cds and movies, and I am not used to eating this much food.  Imagine plopping yourself right into your dream come true… how would you handle it? Sure, there are moments where I’m jumping for joy or relieving a huge exhale. Because France, is the best. But as mentioned before , I have things that I miss. It’s all part of the adjusting stage. I just hope that I will be done adjusting within the next week. I think a phone will definitely smooth that over. 

Today Pierre and I met up with Jerome and Ella, our friends from SC when they were all there interning/studying.  Our plan was perfect. Pierre gave me specific, clear cut directions to his apartment, or if I was running late, we even had a back up plan to just meet at the metro station where I would be getting off. From there, we would go together to meet Jerome and Ella in St. Michel. Piece of cake. 

Mistake number 1- I left maybe 15 mins late, (because I was stuffing my face with cantelope- side note: the fruits and vegetables here are so aromatic and tasty, I can’t get enough) so I was in a hurry, walking to the station in Rueil. The walk is about ten minutes from the house. When I got there, As I normally do, I went to the machine to purchase a ticket. The one I am getting in the meantime, while waiting for my navigo pass, is either the Paris visit ticket, for zones 3 and 5 or the student ticket on the weekends for 3 zones. I mistakenly bought the wrong ticket, out of being flustered because the one I usually get wasn’t available, at-least not at that machine (it was right next to the one that did, in fact have the appropriate ticket) SIMPLY PUT- I spent three times as much for 2 right tickets, and 4 wrong ones. viola.

So, I put in my ticket, everything is going great, I know where I’m going…. I thought…

The first leg went great, I took the A line to The Auben stop, got off, went to the 7 line towards Ivry, and then— Instead of taking the Porte d’italie, I took the Place d’italie.(hence mistake number 2)  Putting me at a wrong metro station, waiting for an hour for Pierre to show up. In this hour, I was trying to figure out a way that I could call, because I have yet to get a cell, and the payphone available only took credit cards.  I also people watched— there was a guy grilling corn in a buggy, a family waiting on a bench, and many people walking by.  After the hour, around the time we were suppose to be meeting jerome and ella, I decided to find out on my own, how to get to the intersection that we agreed to meet at. I was proud of myself for this step. I had to take the seven to the ten to the four, and get off at St. Michel. When I exited the metro, I looked around to find which street I was on, and Jerome, thank god, came up behind me and greeted me. Out of pure luck though,(with my third mistake) because if I would’ve been on the right street, we never would’ve found each other. I sat down, we all talked, Pierre was on his way—- probably fuming from me not being where I was suppose to be to meet him, and at last, we all sat down, I got a milkshake, they talked in french, and I tried to keep up!   We are all going out to the Duplex on Friday, and I can’t wait!  

Tomorrow is my first official day of work- taking the children to and from school, cooking lunch, and english lessons! Woooot! I will also be going to get a cell phone this week, taking my french placement exam for school (intermediate- I already know this), and browsing around to get used to my surroundings. I can’t wait for this adjustment period to be over, my french to become better, and to stuff my face with more amazing french cuisine. 

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