Une Nouvelle Amie :)

10 octobre 2011
23h00

Well, today I definitely did not want to get out of bed. It's strange thinking that skipping class isn't even an option here. I mean, it's not like a skip class a lot back home, but at least I feel like it's an option. So when I do get out of bed, I can say, "Good job, Ashley. Way to go to class!" But here, there's no positive encouragement. The professor would totally badmouth me if I didn't go, and everyone would know. Well, I guess that's not such a bad thing, haha. I should be put in my place :P

But there was "a grave accident" this morning on the métro, so the line was interrupted. I had to switch to the RER three stops in, then catch the 14 from there. Man, I was a little nervous because I didn't know how long it was going to take! But, I ended up only arriving three minutes late, and I wasn't the last one! So, I guess there's that. I feel like there's nothing I could have done. I left early enough to allow me to arrive ten minutes early--there's no way I could have predicted an accident. But of course, there's no excuse for being late. I know that.

I'm beginning to understand a bit better what is important out of all the things the professor reads. It's still difficult because often in the midst of a bunch of useless statistics, he'll randomly say, "Make sure you know that." What?! Know what? So, there's that. But we figured, there's twelve of us. If we all get together and compare notes, we should have everything combined. If not, the problem is more serious than we thought. But, we read the course reviews for previous years today at lunch, and we're not alone. Apparently, he's always like this. So that makes me feel a bit better, haha.

I had my presentation for French today. Oh my goodness, I was nervous! I think I mispronounced like three words! I'm not sure why I was so nervous--I'm usually perfectly fine giving presentations. Who knows...I'll get better :) We also got the first of our two assignments back graded. My written assignment went well, and I'll see my oral exam results soon enough, I suppose. Really, I'm more interested in those. I know I can write...it's the speaking I'm worried about! But I still very much like the class. I'm excited to go see l'Avare à la Comédie-Française on Wednesday.

I was at campus today from the evolution class until 19h30 because we had a gathering of students from other Parisian Universities. The purpose was to meet and socialize, and whatnot. I really didn't want to go--I was nervous I wouldn't have anything to say, or anyone to talk to, or there would be too many people there. But I went. I did it :) It wasn't so bad, after all. Still not totally natural, I don't think, but I met a girl who is studying here in Paris and is from the south of France. How cool! I think we're going to go do something later on. She was telling me about this symposium thing that sounds pretty cool. So...I made a new friend :) And, she's FRENCH! :P

Overall, not too eventful of a day, but there were these desserts at the party:

Tomorrow is National Strike Day for the transportation system. The French are basically, always on strike. I'm a little confused how this whole "National" day works, but the gist is that I have to leave like an hour earlier just to get to class on time. Man, that's a bummer. But it will be an educational cultural experience, indeed. The students were surprised we haven't encountered a strike yet, and we've only been here for a little more than a week!

Also, interesting and possibly exciting side note: I found tickets to Berlin, Barcelona, and Dublin for less than 20 euros each! Do exciting adventures await?! :)