I like...

...fresh from the dentist clean teeth. Good design/architecture. Primates. Cute animals in general.

Also, from working at a big box retailer for almost two years, I've discovered that the masses go nuts and brainless two times a year: back to school and Christmas.

Calling Rudolph

Winter break! Time to read, work on my portfolio and cover letters, and research more firms to intern.

The other night I had a dream that I called Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in my sleep and it came up as "Rudolph RNR" on my call log.

I recently got to know an old acquaintance. We completely hit it off. I've never met a guy who has shared so much in common and communicated openly. We "hung out" and confessed our admiration for one another, etc. But he just got out of 5-year long relationship that left him scarred and unable to be in another one for who knows how long. Bummer. He was really great. And nice. So nice.

Boulder?

As much as an international internship is alluring, my resources are lacking. Sigh. Thus, Boulder, CO is next! I've always had a vision of living in Colorado for a short period of time. Additionally, if a job doesn't pan out after graduation, I would like to do a masters in Environmental Design or Interior Architecture. I'm also very interested in BaSiC Initiative, or similar programs, that build sustainable structures in lacking communities. It combines the humanitarian architecture aspect, which has recently become of interest. I like dreaming of my options....

There are so many books to read, so many opportunities in the world and so little time! These things make me overwhelmed and excited.

I prefer drinking tea out of mugs with a white interior to see the color of the liquid.

Aqua Colbert

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Attn: Canadian Readers

I am considering an internship this summer in CANADA! Montréal or Québec City, working at an architecture or interior design firm that specialized in LEED, to be more specific. Tell me anything and everything you know. Good/bad? Interesting info? Visa required? Many thanks!

Environmentalism gets me off

It really does. While talking to a PECI at the career fair today, I found myself getting flushed and overcome with excitement of sustainability the progressing "green revolution". His passions didn't run as deep as mine though, and towards the end think he thought I was a little crazy.

There is some sort of mildew issue with my couch from a bit of water I spilled the other day. It smells like a moldy toot! :(

Powered by wind

I just changed my electricity to 100% renewable power! They claim only a 10% increase in my bill. This does not amount to much monetary difference in the scheme of changing the world's power grid, especially since it's only me. Living alone is going quite nice. Not lonely so far. I really enjoy my place, although it feels like I'm in a war zone sometimes because of my "obnoxious college guy" upstairs neighbors.

The internship class this term is so exciting. Portfolios, resumes and internship searching! Ideally my goal is to find a firm abroad specializing in sustainable design. Canada, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Thailand, even Iceland...anywhere. Why stay at home when I can experience something different?

PS: Increasing CO2 levels are stressing me out, thanks to Hot, Flat & Crowded (very good read though, even if you're not into environmental issues :D).

Discovery!

After a thoroughly enjoyable spa manicure with Sara the other day, complete with a lavender and buckwheat-filled neck warmer, I set out to search for a neck warmer pattern on Google. Intrigued by this photo, I discovered some beautiful pictures of India at The Global Indian Biking Community website. I love how one search leads to an entirely different but delightful result.

Soleil

A sun-saturated sky filled entirely with wildfire smoke produces the eeriest colors shadows.

Earlier this week at work, I talked to a guest that had the exact same German accent as Patrick (but in a woman's voice). I haven't cried since my return but the moment after she walked away, I almost had an emotional breakdown. All of the memories came surging forward. If it wasn't for work, I wouldn't have been able to hold it together.

Summer is almost over. I can't believe it. It has been more than I could have ever asked for. There might be something developing with a guy. It's been almost two years in the making. But I'm still not sure about everything...it's all very friendly and innocent at this point.

Also, I'm to be a pirate for Halloween! As for names, I've only come up with Pirate Long Leg. Ideas?

More memoires

• The bisous or "biz" (cheek kiss) is so much more personable than a handshake or awkward hug. I wish I could continue this tradition in the states without disapproval. I heard one woman amiably talking on her cell phone, ending the conversation with "gros bisous". Cute.
• Many women, make an "up" sound when making some kind of movement or guesture. When something is outrageous or crazy, people shake their hand above their shoulder.
• And yes, there are some people with body odor. I was probably smelly from time to time because of the heat, so whatever. :)
• Personal space bubbles are a lot smaller. Surprisingly, I didn't mind. I sat next to strangers on the tram without a thought.
• Everyone must wear a swim cap in the pool and men are required to wear speedos! Such a sight the first time. After our numerous visits to "La Tranche piscine," it was the norm and I secretly miss wearing that bonnet de bain.
• The exit signs have a funny little figure running away. Danger signs show a gesticulate stick figure getting shocked.
• Ultimate joke learned from a South American exchange student: An American ship is in German waters when they hit a storm and their ships begins to sink. They call for help and say, "We're sinking, we're sinking!" The Germans reply, "Oh really? What are you sinking about?

French memoires

While in France, I complied a list of thoughts, observations and random (facts) to blog about (due to lack of computer access). I am happy to present the following memoires:

• "La joie de vivre" is ever-present. People love leisure. Whether it be at a cafe, park or bar. The city is lively but relaxed.
• Kébabs are AWESOME. Great fast-food sandwich. There was a good resto by my apartment called Batman Kebab. Supposedly the German ones are better.
• Cobbled streets and sidewalks are charming but bad for drunken walks home.
• "La religieuse" is the best, most orgasmic French pastry you'll ever have. My favorite was the small caramel puff at top and the large rich, chocolate cream puff on bottom. But every French pastry is like heaven.
• No one knows how to make baguettes and cheese like the French. My favorites ones were more "artisan". Almost every other morning, my host mom (famille d'acceuil) had a difference baguette for breakfast.
  
• Lots of walking, shopping, enjoying the sun, swimming, hiking. Since school was from 8:30-12:30, it hardly seemed like I went to school.
  
• Most French men are short.
• Even cheap French wine (must be Appellation d'origine contrôlée) is better than an affordable bottle of American wine!
• Lots of tasty beers! Considering I'm on a student budget, I found my favorite in Annecy, a German beer called Erdinger Weißbier.
• Giraffes. Everyone loves a giraffe. Filled with the French beer of choice, Kronenbourg. Formidables (large beer mug) are also very enjoying if you do not wish to have a table-top mini-keg.
  
• Loin des yeux loin du cœur. My host mom told me this common French saying on the last day driving to the train station, after I told her of my German boyfriend. Out of sight, out of mind.
• They have "auto écoles" but what they HECK do they teach? How to drive like a maniac, curb jumping 101?
• My apartment with Madeleine (host mom) was in the "centre ville," close to everything one could fancy in a city, nightlife, restaurants, etc. It was intimate yet mentropolitan. The Old Italian district/Notre Dame area had a youthful vibe.
• My French increased dramatically, as well as my confidence. Almost nightly conversations at the dinner table were best. A lot was learned from Patrick as well...a good source for what younger people say.
• One of my notes says, "want to stay longer, could live here forever."
• There is much more ethnic diversity.
• Most French men dress very clean and sophisticated. They are very suave in their behavior as well. Cat calls happen daily. Sometimes it is nice and flattering. "Just a poor French boy wanting a kiss." Others are not so welcoming...stalkers on bikes, cars, etc.
• "Best year of life," is another note.
• Grenoble was surrounded by mountains. My bedroom balcony had a view of Vercours on the left and Chartreuse on the right. Both sunsets and sunrises were insanely beautiful with this backdrop.
• I went camping for the first time at the base of Mont Ventoux in Provence for the Tour de France the next day. I've never seen such an abundance of stars before in my life.
• The tram was incredibly convenient. Just 15 minutes to school, where I was still surrounded by the beautiful mountains.
• Les banlieues de Grenoble (the suburbs) are quiet, fenced and stately but quite warm and typical European.
• European men, or at least my German, are far better lovers than American men.
• Annecy is the most charming French city. The lake is pristine and ever-so-clear. One of my favorite places in the world.
• An English transplant in Grenoble told my friend Mel and I one night, casual sex is common and not looked down upon. The man gives his best during a one night stand, doing anything to please the woman. A female is only considered a slut if she cheats on her boyfriend, not sleeps with many men.
• In some magasins (shops), they will speak English to you despite your attempt to speak French. Sometimes I believe it was a mutual trade-off to increase language skill. Other times it felt like an insult.
• The French Alps=return visit necessary to snowboard!
• Most everyone (9 others) in my program are amazing people. They turned out to be great friends. The only guy and I became good friends, he was like my brother that I never had haha. Patrick was jealous of our friendship, I think. Competition!
• Dinner is served late, around 7:30-8:30, sometimes later. I was starving and had to snack quite frequently but the pay off was great--more time to spend outside during the day and enjoy the beautiful Grenobloise weather. The French just know how to live.
• The Jardin de ville was "the" hang out for young people at night. I met so many different students from all over the world. Cabaret Frappe was held the last week or two we were there, free music all over the city. The non-gratuit concerts could still be heard while sitting in the jardin.
  
• Grenoble is famous for their walnut. And they sure are delicious. I looove nuts!

I miss being immersed in French culture.

More memoires and photos will be added as I continue remember my French life. Plus a German "sinking" joke that you're sure to love.

Mr. Who?

I was skimming my junk mail to see if there was any important emails when I read, "Tired of meeting Mr. Wong?" I thought, "Well no, actually. I've only meet a Mr. Wong once or twice in my life." Seconds later I realized it read, "Tired of meeting Mr. Wrong?" hahaha.

Mini

Miniature versions of foods, mainly produce and meats, freak me out. Cocktail weenies, baby corn, and those small French pickles called cornichons. Cauliflower isn't small but it reminds me of brains.

Baby carrots are an exception.

Hold tight

I'm working on a post of all of my random memoires from France that includes pictures, links and the like.

More adjustment

Sun, where are you? What the heck Oregon? I'm going to lose my European glow!

Nothing is in French. Ugh. I'm avoiding everything American and fast-faced by being a hermit in my room. Although, I did go for a run this morning. My lung capacity increased. Thank you Grenoble!

Just ate a Bueno. HEAVEN.

Back to American life

I'm home. It's weird. I keep thinking that tomorrow I'm going to wake up in Grenoble, where things are normal, go to class, see my friends, spend time with Patrick in the jardin de ville...the usual.

La France, tu me manques.

It's already decided, I have to find an international internship next summer.

PS: I'd forgotten how unnecessarily large American vehicles are and how everything is so horizontal and sprawling.

Never wanting to leave

I'm leaving tomorrow and am finally used to the French keyboards. So much to write about upon my return. I love life here and absolutely hate that I'm leaving. I met an amazing man who is perfect in every way. Finally. And we are a zillion time zones away.

Mental breakdown.

France!

France is amazing, beautiful and all things wonderful. Don't have a computer at home, so more later!

Packing is making me anxious and sweaty.

EDIT :: I just want to be there now! I can't sleep...so excited! It is supposed to be in the high 70's/low 80's in Paris for our first week.

EDIT 2 :: Looking at a French news website, there was a word I didn't know. I entered the sentence in Babelfish:

Steve Jobs aurait subi une greffe du foie. = Steve Jobs would have undergone a clerk's office of the liver.

BAHAHAHAHAHA!