ALIVE

There was an earthquake in a city about 60 miles of Rome the night before last... which just so happened to be our final night in Rome. As much as I would like to say I felt the aftershocks... I didn't. It happened about an hour after my friends and I went to sleep for the night, so we were pretty tired after a long day. I wish I could go there now and get in to my photojournalism mode, but I am with friends on our spring break, so it's not the time and place. Sadly, much of the city is destroyed and over 150 people are dead and thousands are left homeless.

So, we are alive and well in Florence and heading to Siena tomorrow.

beeeehind

Oh no! I am WAY behind! Catch up time will come before I leave for 3 countries in 16 days on Friday... You must hear about Paris and Munich... and see the photos. But now it's back to study time! Histoire de l'art examen demain... :)

Bittersweet

This week has been bittersweet... I have stayed in every night studying, which has been great because I'm pretty sure have done well/will do will on my tests (I have one left in the morning!). However, it's bittersweet because, while I may be retaining the information for the class, I don't feel as confident with my spoken french as I did last couple of weeks when I was hanging out and having conversations in french all night long. So it's kind of been a bummer... but at least next week I'm test free!!! :)

Beau

Il faisait beau tout la semaine. Pour cette raison, la concentration est très dificil... et allant au cours aussi, parce que je veux rester dans le soleil et je veux lire un roman... mais n'est pas possible quand j'ai cours! Mais, c'est aussi dificil d'aller au cours quand il pleut. Donc, je ne suis jamais satisfiasant.

It has been beautiful all week!! For this reason, concentration is very difficult... and going to class also, because I want to rest in the sun and and I want to read a book... but it's not possible when I have class!! But, it's also difficult to go to class when it rains. So, I am never satisfied!

but... it is supposed to get colder next week. bummer.



Sneak peak for Paris photos... my love for this street performer may have something to do with my love for reflections. Check. That. OUT!

Death and Dying

I found out late last night that a friend died in a terrible motorcycle accident on Thursday. What's sad about it, is I received an invite to the memorial services on facebook and I thought it was a joke... it's so surreal to hear someone die at our age: especially when it is sudden.

It just makes me realize - once again - how short life is, and that in an instant it can be taken away. Make sure you tell those you love that you love them and live each and every day to it's fullest!!


http://www.pitmanfuneralhome.com/view.php?id=794

Paris

I love Paris. Not as much as NYC... but still, I love it. My friends there are absolutely fantastic, and it's always great to meet new people!!

However, my point and shoot camera broke :( Bummer man. I'm going to try to get it fixed this week at the camera shop in Angers.

One thing I don't like about Paris, however, is how EVERYONE speaks English! It's great if you don't know any French... but when I want to be practicing my French, it makes things quite difficult. It was kind of funny, though, because I had 4 people this weekend think I am German. At least they didn't think I am an American lol


Ok, time for bed. Photos and stories to come sometime this week... I have 4 tests to study for, so it may be the end of the week.

Take care!!!

Destiny

I got my care package from my dad, consisting of TWO jars of peanut butter and 2 giant bags of reeses pieces. I might as well be in KS! (+ my 501 verb conjugations book!)

But also a card saying this:

"Watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Choose your words, for they become your actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character. Develop your character, for it will become your destiny."

..."Great words to live by! I think of you every day with a smile and love. Be safe- enjoy- experience. Love, Dad"


He's right. As always.