Life in France: November Update

Here is a quick update on how things are going so far for me in France! I wrote it fast just to get my ideas out there so I didn't check for any spelling or grammar errors. Sorry!

Eating my baguette

Om nom nom 

Practicing Languages

Today was my first time tutoring a French student one-on-one in English! Taking a class simply isn't enough for anyone who really wants to learn a language. You must do as much as you can to surround yourself with the language and the opportunity to practice it! I was very happy to help this young boy today with his English!

Sunday Runday

Today was my second time running in France (or Europe period) and I beat my previous time for fastest mile. I set a goal to run 100 miles in Europe before May 7th. I'm not entirely sure how realistic my goal is anymore, but I'll be completely content even achieving half of it.

Photos from my run on 10/14 at Parc Saint Pierre

First Time Grocery Shopping

Today it took me almost two hours to go shopping for groceries. Maybe it doesn't sound that crazy to you, I can pass two hours shopping in Wal-Mart easily . . . but this wasn't even a big shopping trip. I only bought enough to be able to carry home on my own & it all cost me under 60€ (~$66). 

Though I speak French quite well, I still face many challenges every single day. At home I can pop into Wal-Mart or Harris Teeter for a quick shopping trip. I may only be frustrated by the busyness or the crazy people, but I'm hardly ever lost and confused. Yes, sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get used to the layout of a new store, but that was only half my problem today.

First Weekend - Friday

Hello everyone! YES, I'm alive and happy & I've finally found some time to write a post. This last month has flown by so quickly and every day was filled with either fun, stress, or relaxation. Leaving no space so far that I could justify dedicating to my blog. Have no fear though, you'll get the full scoop soon!

I've been in Europe for 32 days now and I have so much to catch you up on, but for now let me just tell you about my first weekend alone in France . . . PART I

Going Away Party

Today my wonderful family threw me a going away party, and it was AWESOME!

CLICK HERE to see all of the photos from the party!

Where's My Paperwork?

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My visa appointment is this Monday bright and early! Unfortunately there is much to stress about still since I have not yet gotten my arrêté de nomination in the mail. This piece of paperwork is very important because it is proof that I have secured a job in France and it is the only way I can get my visa. There has been quite the delay considering the administrators for our schools in France are on their summer vacation.

As it is, the visa situation is stressful! SO much could go wrong.

Plane Tickets & New Luggage

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We've purchased our plane tickets aka our billets! Woohoo! We got two round trip tickets for ~ $650 each! Our return dates are different of course. We'll be leaving on September 16th and arriving in Germany on the 17th. Stephanie or Tony will pick us up from the airport. It's starting to feel too real. It's a little scary!!

Picnic Time

Our good family friend's had a picnic today! Our families have been very close ever since we moved to North Carolina. Kathy and her daughter Jackie (who is two years younger than me) lived across the street from us and we've become a big part of each others' lives.

Stephanie (one of Kathy's other daughters) is in the Air Force with her husband. Jackie and I spent a few summers with her in NC & TX when we were kids. Stephanie & Tony are now stationed at the Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany with their two kids. Which is awesome because this means that I will have family close by when I'm in France (in addition to the Diaz family)!!

Stephanie came to the U.S. for a conference and had some time to visit with family and friends. It was great to see her again and to be able to sit and chat about me moving to France. She's told me all about what Christmas will be like and said I could possibly travel with them while I'm there. Having Steph's family close by is really going to be a blessing and it just gets me even more excited about everything!

Here are some pictures from the picnic!

Me & Stephanie	Me & Jackie	The 'After Party' with vin
Me & Mom	Me & my nephew Chase

New York City Trip

My mom, Dwight & I got to take an impromptu trip to New York City! CLICK HERE to see some photos of our adventure.