Nabaztag

What'll they think of next?

I saw this sophisticated Ferbie today at the Virgin Megastore on the Champs-Elysées while shopping (browsing) with Tanguy. I wonder if I would enjoy this all-singing, all-dancing Internet-ic rabbit, or if he would just annoy the crap out of me...

http://www.nabaztag.com/en/index.html

The Turning Point

From this day on, nothing will be the same.

I spent Fall Break alone in Paris and had a bit too much time to think about everything. 

My study abroad experience isn't what I'd expected.

I'm not disappointed.

But I feel a lot of pressure.

I feel like I have to come home with all these amazing stories, I have to make great friends, take a million pictures, become fluent in French, have wild & wacky adventures, and "find myself."

If I continue like this, none of that will happen.

I need to take charge.

If I want more, I need to seek out more.

I need something new.

New clothes.

New friends.

A girlfriend.

I need to take a risk.

I pour a glass of wine.

And start to cut my hair.

Song: American Boy - Estelle feat. Kanye West

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

September 4th. 

I can't believe the day is finally here. "September 4th." I've been repeating that constantly for the last 10 months... September 4th, September 4th, September 4th. septemberfourth. That combination of sounds no longer means the 4th day of the 9th month to me - but the beginning of an adventure, the beginning of a new life. 

Despite my mind-numbing excitement, I still snooze my alarm several times...

Here starts a day long voyage to the other side of the world.

Car: Fargo to Minneapolis

Plane: Minneapolis to Chicago, Chicago to Paris (CDG Roissy)

Train (the RER B): from Roissy to PARIS

Mom, Tay, and I pack in the car and head down to Minneapolis together. We arrive early. We spend a bit more time together, before our goodbyes. Mom cries, which makes me want to cry but I keep it in. Final hugs.

I turn to to check in. 

"There's is a problem... your return date is more than 3 months after your arrival date..."

"Um, I have a Visa..."
"OHHHhhh okay! Here's your boarding pass! Have a nice flight!"

:|

La Veille

The day before my flight to France for the YEAR.
Still plenty of packing to do....

....
.......
.....

ugghhhhhh...

I'm SO EXCITED to go. And packing seems like a really great way to express my enthusiasm. But really only in theory. I'd rather lie in my bed and think about what I might need for Paris...

Paris...