From meeting my host family, to saying bonjour to my classmates- to skiing, to not drinking soda everyday, to learning French, to dealing with teachers, to shopping, to recipes, to tanning, to 2 hour French and math classes, to 104° weather, to 14° weather, to hiking in Marseille, to riding old presidential cars, to laughing with friends, to drinking wine, to cursing in another language, to crying, to racing in waist-deep mud, to singing, to hot guys, to donkeys, to bowling, to quiche, to castles, to markets, to medival villages, to postcards, to the Easter Bell, to high heels, to MacDo, to houses catching on fire, to pizzerias, to teacher's on strike, to saying goodbye- France has dragged me along through ups and downs. But as we hope all experiences that leave an impression on us turn out, it was the best time of my life.
I'm having a hard time realizing that I am leaving in a week. There are moments when I think I'll be starting school again with everyone else in September, here in France, and then there are times like yesterday when I get home after saying goodbye to friends, and I'm a complete mess. I'm really looking forward to going back home, where I will do things my own way again and I'll see my friends and family. On the other hand, I'm so upset that I won't come here again. A lot of people have told me that I'll come back one day. Well unless you're planning on buying me a plane ticket soon, it won't be the same. Whether or not I ever get to come back here, I am just entirely happy that I had the opportunity to a)be in France b)meet these wonderful people c)learn French.
In reference to A. - It was ALWAYS my dream to go to France, and I must say that it was a pretty awesome dream for a little kid, because it is obviously the best thing I could ever wish for. I love France soooo much and I have nothing against it, whereas I might have had some issues with people(but this would happen in America too). France <3 France <3 France<3!
B.- I met my host family and my friends and so many others who made my experience absolutely amazing! Karl, Elodie, Diane, Marie, Melanie, Antoine, Mr. and Mrs. Bonnin, and all my classmates are definitely the people that had the greatest impact on me and I will never ever forget them.
C.- French is gorgeous. I am positive that I will be accidently speaking French when I get back, and I don't even care. I still have a lot to learn, but I understand everything and write in French. I still have a bit of trouble speaking it fluently, but no biggie. I love FRENCH
I guess this my goodbye to France after the 5 and half months I spent here. They were the best, and sometimes most dramactic, moments of my life. I know that I have changed so much, but it isn't as though I just swapped personalities. I guess I understand myself, now. I have a better idea of who I am and who I want to be. However, there will be subtle(subtle to me at least. I'm sure my brothers will make fun of the new noise I make instead of saying 'I don't know', or the way I shake one of my hands when something shocking happended.) changes in the manner I do things.
So, thanks for everything France! America, I'll see you soon!
Fun Fact- My favorite time of day in France is when I go outside at 6:15 or 6:30PM and sit on the swing. Not only am I on the swing, but from that spot, I can always see a plane that goes by at that time of day. The plane lets out 4 or 5 parachute things almost everyday. I don't know exactly what it is, but I think it is so pretty!
Schedule: Saturday at 5 o'clock in the morning(French time), I get the train to Paris with two other AFSers from Germany and Switzerland. 6 hours later, I'll be in Paris with a million AFSers and I'll spend the night there. The next day, I get my 8 hour plane to the New York, where I'll arrive around 4 or 5PM(American time). Then I'll be going out to dinner with family. <3
Pau
Ma ville
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
2 Month Mark!!
Five days a week, I spend every subject with the same class. I absolutely love my class. Even though I can't talk all the time, considering I'm American, they are always so nice, supportive, and they manage to include me when they can. Oh, they're really funny too! I found out that I only have 8 more weeks of school here in France, and that practically brings me to tears. The thought of leaving my class is awful. It will be a million times more difficult to leave here, than it was to leave the United States. This is because, not only the fact that I will never come back to these people, but I already know that I will become closer to these people that most of the people I knew in the USA. Most days, I'll forget I'm in France, and than one day it'll hit and I'm just so happy! The down side to school here, other than actual schoolwork(imagine that?!), is I can be very lonely sometimes. I tried to explain it one day to a couple of friends when they asked about my life here, and one kid actually laughed when I said that I'm all alone, because he didn't understand how I could be alone when they were there. Sure I have people to do things with and talk to, but I can't talk-talk to them, considering I can't say very much when I am used to being able to talk in English and have people understand me. All the same, I think they will be the group of people that I will have the hardest time saying goodbye to once I actually can get points across. Speaking of all this speaking, today is the 2 month mark and I understand a whole lot more than I did when I first came here! Still working on the talking and writing part, but I definitely understand! I also noticed how I know a lot more vocabulary. When did I ever think I would need to know the French word for 'butterfly'? Apparently, it's pretty important! Yeah, so everything is going good and I ordered American food online. I swear the French go out of their way to make sure they despise anything American that touches their lips, but McDonalds is absolutely fine. Who cannot like Dr. Pepper, peanut butter, Hershey's chocolate, or Pop-Tarts?!?! It is beyond me. Okay, I have to vacuum my room!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
I'm Happy, I'm Healthy, I'm Terrific!
"I'm Happy, I'm Healthy, I'm Terrific!" is an XC slogan, hahaha. Felt right for this post!
Today will be a month and 3 weeks that I have been in France.
I really love being here in France and I can already see and feel a difference in myself. I'm happier. Here, I'm surrounded by the French language 24/7, which is something I have always dreamed of. That alone makes me smile through most of the day and take in every moment of every of boring class. I'm becoming closer to people here, than most of the people I knew in America. Sure a had a few friends that I could call close, but within 2 months, I already know how hard it will be to leave all these people in a place where I'll have changed so much. I'm more confident, slimmer, relaxed, stronger, healthier, more outgoing, and even my skin is better! Although I still want more independence, to the point where I just live on my own, this is definitely a step up. Food has always been a challenge while I am here, because I ache for American food that I'm familiar with, even though I love French food. It's a pointless and bizarre battle with my taste buds. As I'm writing this, I can imagine my family thinking that I am flat out lying, haha. But no. Unfortunately, my family gets to listen to all of my complaints(mainly about foreign food and impossible homework), but this is mainly because I need to say it to someone. Once I've gotten out my frustration, it's much easier to know that somebody slightly understands(as much as you can without going through exchange) what exactly is bothering me. Soon, I might be able to complain in French, and therefore my parents and brothers can hear about my adventures... the good ones. Speaking of family, I'm at that stage where your home in United States isn't really your home anymore, but your house in France really isn't your home either. Basically, I'm without a home, but I don't mind. I can shape here into something I'll want to call a home, so that it will be much happier and right once I can. As a side note, I'm tired ALL THE TIME. Guess that is expected though.
The people in my class are really nice to me. They don't hate me because I suck at basketball, they try to include me in conversations that are far too difficult for me to comprehend, and they don't entirely die with laughter when I eat my meal in the wrong order - entirely. Oh, and they didn't laugh too much when I attempted speaking in Spanish for a script in class(which was a complete fail). It is also hysterical when they sing American songs and don't know the words. I'll try to upload a video to Facebook one of these days. Ummm, I've been complimented on my niceness various times, which always leaves me happy! I've had guys bother me about their sexuality at leat 6 times so far. I've skiied 6 times, as well. Way too boring for me. I slept at the neighbors house. I participated in the Journey du Mauvais Gout(sorry if this is wrong!), which is where you wear ugly clothes to school. I met up with other AFSers one weekend. I visited Lourdes and I will visit Marsaille in 2 weeks! I managed to say I have 3 balls(like on a guy) when I meant cats. Okay, for now, I am tired(like always), so I will stop writing and write again later(which normanlly means in 2 weeks! Oops, sorry! Writing is too boring these days!)! Au revoir!
Today will be a month and 3 weeks that I have been in France.
I really love being here in France and I can already see and feel a difference in myself. I'm happier. Here, I'm surrounded by the French language 24/7, which is something I have always dreamed of. That alone makes me smile through most of the day and take in every moment of every of boring class. I'm becoming closer to people here, than most of the people I knew in America. Sure a had a few friends that I could call close, but within 2 months, I already know how hard it will be to leave all these people in a place where I'll have changed so much. I'm more confident, slimmer, relaxed, stronger, healthier, more outgoing, and even my skin is better! Although I still want more independence, to the point where I just live on my own, this is definitely a step up. Food has always been a challenge while I am here, because I ache for American food that I'm familiar with, even though I love French food. It's a pointless and bizarre battle with my taste buds. As I'm writing this, I can imagine my family thinking that I am flat out lying, haha. But no. Unfortunately, my family gets to listen to all of my complaints(mainly about foreign food and impossible homework), but this is mainly because I need to say it to someone. Once I've gotten out my frustration, it's much easier to know that somebody slightly understands(as much as you can without going through exchange) what exactly is bothering me. Soon, I might be able to complain in French, and therefore my parents and brothers can hear about my adventures... the good ones. Speaking of family, I'm at that stage where your home in United States isn't really your home anymore, but your house in France really isn't your home either. Basically, I'm without a home, but I don't mind. I can shape here into something I'll want to call a home, so that it will be much happier and right once I can. As a side note, I'm tired ALL THE TIME. Guess that is expected though.
The people in my class are really nice to me. They don't hate me because I suck at basketball, they try to include me in conversations that are far too difficult for me to comprehend, and they don't entirely die with laughter when I eat my meal in the wrong order - entirely. Oh, and they didn't laugh too much when I attempted speaking in Spanish for a script in class(which was a complete fail). It is also hysterical when they sing American songs and don't know the words. I'll try to upload a video to Facebook one of these days. Ummm, I've been complimented on my niceness various times, which always leaves me happy! I've had guys bother me about their sexuality at leat 6 times so far. I've skiied 6 times, as well. Way too boring for me. I slept at the neighbors house. I participated in the Journey du Mauvais Gout(sorry if this is wrong!), which is where you wear ugly clothes to school. I met up with other AFSers one weekend. I visited Lourdes and I will visit Marsaille in 2 weeks! I managed to say I have 3 balls(like on a guy) when I meant cats. Okay, for now, I am tired(like always), so I will stop writing and write again later(which normanlly means in 2 weeks! Oops, sorry! Writing is too boring these days!)! Au revoir!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Pain, not bread!
It's been around a month since I last posted and I have some time today, so I'll write!
School & the class:
School is practically pointless for me, because I understand very little and the teachers expect me know what they are talking about. It's pretty hard to explain to them that I don't know what they are saying during class, in addition to what they are trying to tell me now. My French teacher actually told me that he would give me an easier book to read than the rest of the class, but by the same author. He ended up telling me to read Candide by Voltaire in French! Have you seen the English version!? I have my work cut out for me. Thankfully, once every two weeks, I have a biology class in English and an English language class a couple times every week. English class, right. The teacher is pretty good for a high school English teacher, but that doesn't say very much. As for the students, they are very studious(Imagine that!). They underline words and sentences with rulers, they have multi-colored pens, white-out, and glue handy. It's insane, so I just sit there and free-hand everything. The students are nice, but I'm picking up on the fact that they talk about each other behind their backs a lot. It can be dramatic, but I like watching it unfold- very French. Do not fear, I don't participate(Making us Americans look good). I went to McDonalds with the class the other day and it turns out that they eat SO much. They bought item after item, seeing as a meal wasn't enough. When they finally finished, they said they would have to eat something else at home because they were still hungry! Crazy!
Athletics
I'm starting to run again and I have a bunch of paths I can take. It's really pretty and there are loads of dirt paths with streams. I also went skiing for a week for the first time! I don't feel like elaborating, but it went well! I think the sport is a bit boring though. And guess what?! They have a swing in their yard, which I have been on a million times so far. I just can't resist the urge!
Food:
It's growing on me. I definitely want to emphasize that you should always try things twice! I have tried something and hated it, but tried it again and realized that it tastes better now. So I eat everything, unless it is guacamole! Oh, and cheese is becoming less of an enemy and I look forward eating a new type each day at dinner. Pain(I won't erase it, because I am so happy to realize that I wrote 'pain' instead of 'bread'! 'Pain' is 'bread' in French!!!!) has always been a friend and I eat it 24/7. No complaints there. Oh, and I drink tea all the time, too! And out of a bowl.
In general, I'm getting closer to my family and to the country. It's been over a month, so I'd hope so, but there is a lot more I still need to get used to. I definitely need to become more comfortable with eating when I'm hungry. It's hard understanding when I can have a snack, so I usually stick to eating at meals. Basically, there is a lot I don't understand, but hopefully everything will be cleared up once I improve my French more! Well, anyways, I'm having a great time here and maybe I'll talk about the actual culture soon! But I ran today(with my host mom... and it was hard), so I'm tired. And it's almost dinner time(at 8:00PM), so I'm hungry. Talk soon!
School & the class:
School is practically pointless for me, because I understand very little and the teachers expect me know what they are talking about. It's pretty hard to explain to them that I don't know what they are saying during class, in addition to what they are trying to tell me now. My French teacher actually told me that he would give me an easier book to read than the rest of the class, but by the same author. He ended up telling me to read Candide by Voltaire in French! Have you seen the English version!? I have my work cut out for me. Thankfully, once every two weeks, I have a biology class in English and an English language class a couple times every week. English class, right. The teacher is pretty good for a high school English teacher, but that doesn't say very much. As for the students, they are very studious(Imagine that!). They underline words and sentences with rulers, they have multi-colored pens, white-out, and glue handy. It's insane, so I just sit there and free-hand everything. The students are nice, but I'm picking up on the fact that they talk about each other behind their backs a lot. It can be dramatic, but I like watching it unfold- very French. Do not fear, I don't participate(Making us Americans look good). I went to McDonalds with the class the other day and it turns out that they eat SO much. They bought item after item, seeing as a meal wasn't enough. When they finally finished, they said they would have to eat something else at home because they were still hungry! Crazy!
Athletics
I'm starting to run again and I have a bunch of paths I can take. It's really pretty and there are loads of dirt paths with streams. I also went skiing for a week for the first time! I don't feel like elaborating, but it went well! I think the sport is a bit boring though. And guess what?! They have a swing in their yard, which I have been on a million times so far. I just can't resist the urge!
Food:
It's growing on me. I definitely want to emphasize that you should always try things twice! I have tried something and hated it, but tried it again and realized that it tastes better now. So I eat everything, unless it is guacamole! Oh, and cheese is becoming less of an enemy and I look forward eating a new type each day at dinner. Pain(I won't erase it, because I am so happy to realize that I wrote 'pain' instead of 'bread'! 'Pain' is 'bread' in French!!!!) has always been a friend and I eat it 24/7. No complaints there. Oh, and I drink tea all the time, too! And out of a bowl.
In general, I'm getting closer to my family and to the country. It's been over a month, so I'd hope so, but there is a lot more I still need to get used to. I definitely need to become more comfortable with eating when I'm hungry. It's hard understanding when I can have a snack, so I usually stick to eating at meals. Basically, there is a lot I don't understand, but hopefully everything will be cleared up once I improve my French more! Well, anyways, I'm having a great time here and maybe I'll talk about the actual culture soon! But I ran today(with my host mom... and it was hard), so I'm tired. And it's almost dinner time(at 8:00PM), so I'm hungry. Talk soon!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Kicking Back In France, Like the French
There are plenty of differences between America and France that I have already noticed. Different paper, different subjects, different bathrooms, different ways to take notes, keyboards, movie titles, ways to write numbers, fashion, FOOD, and people. I am craving soda and I will probably perish if I don't get my hands on some. I've only had one glass since I've been here, and that is clearly not enough. I love it here- school and the weekends, my new boots, and slowly, but surely, my family. Yet, I desperately miss soda, a Grace special, Munchos, popcorn, and the million snacks I had. Is it sad that I only miss food? If only puppy chow could magically appear in my hands, then I'd be quite satisfied. But, I will prevail with my efforts to be French! I eat, sleep, not really talk, but speak my poor poor poor version of French, like the French! In addition to my many lists, I have met really great people here! Such as the neighbor, my host sister, and the millions of extremely friendly people at school. If only I could speak the language! Speaking of speaking, I totally don't understand the jokes and sarcasm here. (Although I am catching onto the variety of curses) If they spoke English(rather than French), I would have had tons of opportunities to crack myself up with my pathetic responses and attempts at humor. Oh well. Now to get back to failing in school. Oh, and for my friends who have been asking 24/7, hot French guys do exist. And yes, there are a lot of them. Voila. Until next time, Au Revoir!
P.S. - Sorry this is short, I don't have a lot of time!
Addition- because I have time!!- My mistakes and confusions(Always a fun topic)-
1. First, how about this quick conversation(Actually spoken in French, duh.)-
Carl(host dad)- "Are you cold?" Litteral translation... You have cold?
Me- "No, I'm hot." L.T.... No, I am hot.
This resulted in Carl laughing his head off, which is probably the funniest laugh I have ever heard. Apparently, I should have said, "I have hot." If you say "I am hot," it is only meant to be said by guys and I was told I should never say it again. So... still working on figuring out that one.
2. I'll start out by saying that my French sucks, so everything is really hard to understand. Also, some French people are always in a state of hyper-excitedness. Take that into account.-
In line for lunch, there was a group of us waiting. One girl was trying to explain to me that the guy in our class(next to us in line) wasn't a something. I couldn't understand, so the boy said he wasn't "gay... a homosexual. I don't like men." Then the girl goes onto tell me that he only seems like a girl and laughs like a girl. I didn't understand why I would be questioning his sexuality, so I just said stuff like yes, okay, good to know. Hahaha, I was quite confused. Later, I found out his last name is Gay. Now it all makes sense.
3. Also, I called these delicious chocolate filled croissants, Chocotines, when they are called Chocolatines. I didn't think it was that funny, but everyone else did.
4. I also was trying to ask the neighbor how to spell something, and I kept accidently speaking Spanish. We both laughed for long time, blah blah blahfrenchishardblah blah blah.
5. I was asking one girl who was sick if she was sick in her throat( I don't think that is English, but it's Frenchish), as I pointed at my throat for good measure. But I accidently said stomach while my hand was directed to my throat. I didn't even realize my mistake, so she said she was sick in the stomach ad pointed to her stomach. Oh me.
I can't think of more, but there are. Just to let you know a bit more, I'm pretty sure almost nobody understands me with my thick accent, sparse vocabulary, and poor grammar, but oh well! I can't tell tell you how many people I ahve met! Also, I'm be meeting plenty more this weekend, when I go to Bordeaux!! Ooh la la! I do the bisous everyday, and I am still probably really awkward with it, but I'm sure they understand. At least I hope. It's also hard to give the bisous to certain guys, because they are so tall, thank you heels! Speaking of guys, they dress really well here, which is so refreshing! It's not just like they hop out of bed and go to school or wear just jeans and a T-shirt. They actually wear sweaters and scarves and jacket sort of things and all. Even the gusy who come to school with jogging suits(nice ones) have a scarf or something to add to it. Many of you are probably thinking, "They all sound gay." Then I should send pictures, because it's not like that at all. As with the boys, the girls are always well dressed. No sweatpants and sweatshirt or something along those lines. I'm liking this place quite a lot. the school days are long, but I can just walk around the school or go outside if I don't have a class for the hour. So cool! Lunch is awesome, mainly because of the bread. Bread bread bread.Ummm.. and I'm going to a circus this weekend. Enough writing, because a cat is sitting on me and it's really difficult.
P.S. - Sorry this is short, I don't have a lot of time!
Addition- because I have time!!- My mistakes and confusions(Always a fun topic)-
1. First, how about this quick conversation(Actually spoken in French, duh.)-
Carl(host dad)- "Are you cold?" Litteral translation... You have cold?
Me- "No, I'm hot." L.T.... No, I am hot.
This resulted in Carl laughing his head off, which is probably the funniest laugh I have ever heard. Apparently, I should have said, "I have hot." If you say "I am hot," it is only meant to be said by guys and I was told I should never say it again. So... still working on figuring out that one.
2. I'll start out by saying that my French sucks, so everything is really hard to understand. Also, some French people are always in a state of hyper-excitedness. Take that into account.-
In line for lunch, there was a group of us waiting. One girl was trying to explain to me that the guy in our class(next to us in line) wasn't a something. I couldn't understand, so the boy said he wasn't "gay... a homosexual. I don't like men." Then the girl goes onto tell me that he only seems like a girl and laughs like a girl. I didn't understand why I would be questioning his sexuality, so I just said stuff like yes, okay, good to know. Hahaha, I was quite confused. Later, I found out his last name is Gay. Now it all makes sense.
3. Also, I called these delicious chocolate filled croissants, Chocotines, when they are called Chocolatines. I didn't think it was that funny, but everyone else did.
4. I also was trying to ask the neighbor how to spell something, and I kept accidently speaking Spanish. We both laughed for long time, blah blah blahfrenchishardblah blah blah.
5. I was asking one girl who was sick if she was sick in her throat( I don't think that is English, but it's Frenchish), as I pointed at my throat for good measure. But I accidently said stomach while my hand was directed to my throat. I didn't even realize my mistake, so she said she was sick in the stomach ad pointed to her stomach. Oh me.
I can't think of more, but there are. Just to let you know a bit more, I'm pretty sure almost nobody understands me with my thick accent, sparse vocabulary, and poor grammar, but oh well! I can't tell tell you how many people I ahve met! Also, I'm be meeting plenty more this weekend, when I go to Bordeaux!! Ooh la la! I do the bisous everyday, and I am still probably really awkward with it, but I'm sure they understand. At least I hope. It's also hard to give the bisous to certain guys, because they are so tall, thank you heels! Speaking of guys, they dress really well here, which is so refreshing! It's not just like they hop out of bed and go to school or wear just jeans and a T-shirt. They actually wear sweaters and scarves and jacket sort of things and all. Even the gusy who come to school with jogging suits(nice ones) have a scarf or something to add to it. Many of you are probably thinking, "They all sound gay." Then I should send pictures, because it's not like that at all. As with the boys, the girls are always well dressed. No sweatpants and sweatshirt or something along those lines. I'm liking this place quite a lot. the school days are long, but I can just walk around the school or go outside if I don't have a class for the hour. So cool! Lunch is awesome, mainly because of the bread. Bread bread bread.Ummm.. and I'm going to a circus this weekend. Enough writing, because a cat is sitting on me and it's really difficult.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Woot Woot!
Almost finished packing (I am a complete procrastinator.)! I leave for New York tomorrow, woot woot!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Goodbye Again?
Hi everyone!
I leave in just a couple of days and I figured I should write something as a sort of 'Goodbye to the USA' type of deal. I've written loads of 'Goodbye Letters' this week and this is just another one, hence the title of my post. It definitely hasn't hit me yet that I am leaving soon. You would think I would realize that this dramatic change is happening soon whenever I look out the window and think about how it could the last time I see snow in PA, or when I wake up to the sound of showers running and know that next Monday I'll be hearing somebody else get ready in the morning, or even when I eat peanut butter and think that I should wince at the thought of not having Jiff for 6 months. But it hasn't. I predict a rude awakening in my future. This week I've said goodbye to my friends(and managed not to cry) and to my extended family(I also didn't cry). It will be a different story when my parents and brother drop me off at a hotel in New York and I go off all alone. But, it will definitely be an adventure, and one that I am excited to start. I thought so much about why I am doing this and everything I will learn. My dream at the age of six is actually coming true- and I haven't even started packing. I'm only 16 and I'm prepared to try and spread peace across the world(which is one the things that AFS stands for). This wasn't one of my original reasons for going, but I feel honored and proud of myself when I realize that I really am go to get to do something that can impact the world, however small. I have always wanted to do something outrageous and difficult, as long as I help somebody, and think this is just the beginning of that path. *I feel I need this to be from the heart, no matter how corny it is, because this is the last post before I cross an ocean in plane and take a train in a foreign country to my new home. This should be the least you allow me to do ;)* Okay, but yes, enough of this annoying from-the-heart junk I hate to read when other people cry it to the world. (except when it is from friends in a sentimental letter especially for me)
I leave Wednesday for New York and I leave the USA Thursday morning for Paris. Also, I know I didn't keep up with the 'Counting My Memories', but I didn't think I would be so busy the last month before I left- silly me! Oh, and completely out of the blue, I'm going to tell you about a book I just read, mainly because it has distracted me from studying and packing this last week, so why not allow it to distract me from writing this post?! "Room", read it. It is really interesting, but boring at some parts, mainly because there is a lot of detail- but for a reason! Definitely Google it. It's not scary- so read it! Since I'm on the topic of books you should read, "Tales of Beadle the Bard". Get it. Read it. Love it. It's a sort of branch off of the Harry Potter series. And Harry Potter books are awesome, so....
Finally, thanks for all the support, my journey starts shortly! If you would like to receive these mass e-mails/Facebook messages that I am going to send out, let me know! What I'll do is write up a long message/letter sort of thing that describes everything I'm doing and seeing and such, and then I send that e-mail/Facebook message to the people who told me they would like to get it. I'll probably send it every two weeks to a month, which is about the same amount I will be updating this blog. (Everyone gets the same message, but I'm sure I'll be sending personal ones as soon as I get a schedule set up for myself.) Seriously, anyone who wants it, tell me, even if I don't know you too well, because I know I would want to hear about anyone's trip to France- even if I barely knew that person. I'm not scarey! (Dan, shut up.)
Hope I didn't make this post completely illegible with my poor grammar knowledge! I hope everyone has a fantastic 6 months!!
~Grace Mahoney
I leave in just a couple of days and I figured I should write something as a sort of 'Goodbye to the USA' type of deal. I've written loads of 'Goodbye Letters' this week and this is just another one, hence the title of my post. It definitely hasn't hit me yet that I am leaving soon. You would think I would realize that this dramatic change is happening soon whenever I look out the window and think about how it could the last time I see snow in PA, or when I wake up to the sound of showers running and know that next Monday I'll be hearing somebody else get ready in the morning, or even when I eat peanut butter and think that I should wince at the thought of not having Jiff for 6 months. But it hasn't. I predict a rude awakening in my future. This week I've said goodbye to my friends(and managed not to cry) and to my extended family(I also didn't cry). It will be a different story when my parents and brother drop me off at a hotel in New York and I go off all alone. But, it will definitely be an adventure, and one that I am excited to start. I thought so much about why I am doing this and everything I will learn. My dream at the age of six is actually coming true- and I haven't even started packing. I'm only 16 and I'm prepared to try and spread peace across the world(which is one the things that AFS stands for). This wasn't one of my original reasons for going, but I feel honored and proud of myself when I realize that I really am go to get to do something that can impact the world, however small. I have always wanted to do something outrageous and difficult, as long as I help somebody, and think this is just the beginning of that path. *I feel I need this to be from the heart, no matter how corny it is, because this is the last post before I cross an ocean in plane and take a train in a foreign country to my new home. This should be the least you allow me to do ;)* Okay, but yes, enough of this annoying from-the-heart junk I hate to read when other people cry it to the world. (except when it is from friends in a sentimental letter especially for me)
I leave Wednesday for New York and I leave the USA Thursday morning for Paris. Also, I know I didn't keep up with the 'Counting My Memories', but I didn't think I would be so busy the last month before I left- silly me! Oh, and completely out of the blue, I'm going to tell you about a book I just read, mainly because it has distracted me from studying and packing this last week, so why not allow it to distract me from writing this post?! "Room", read it. It is really interesting, but boring at some parts, mainly because there is a lot of detail- but for a reason! Definitely Google it. It's not scary- so read it! Since I'm on the topic of books you should read, "Tales of Beadle the Bard". Get it. Read it. Love it. It's a sort of branch off of the Harry Potter series. And Harry Potter books are awesome, so....
Finally, thanks for all the support, my journey starts shortly! If you would like to receive these mass e-mails/Facebook messages that I am going to send out, let me know! What I'll do is write up a long message/letter sort of thing that describes everything I'm doing and seeing and such, and then I send that e-mail/Facebook message to the people who told me they would like to get it. I'll probably send it every two weeks to a month, which is about the same amount I will be updating this blog. (Everyone gets the same message, but I'm sure I'll be sending personal ones as soon as I get a schedule set up for myself.) Seriously, anyone who wants it, tell me, even if I don't know you too well, because I know I would want to hear about anyone's trip to France- even if I barely knew that person. I'm not scarey! (Dan, shut up.)
Hope I didn't make this post completely illegible with my poor grammar knowledge! I hope everyone has a fantastic 6 months!!
~Grace Mahoney
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Counting My Memories(10)
I kept telling myself to not explain this post, but I felt nobody would understand any part of it. So... This post represents the weird things I stumble upon while on the family computer. Odd that most of them have to do with Dan? Not at all. (I'll probably add to this along the way.)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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