Song of the Week: 10

Sorry I am late on this one, guys, but preparations for the ball (post on that coming soon) got the better of me on Saturday.  This week I am presenting yet another relatively unknown band, but one that I think has serious potential.  They are called "He is We" and I can't wait to get my hands on some more of their stuff.  Unfortunately they only have one song out on iTunes.  This one I got from a free download (typical, I know).  I love the vocals and the acoustic guitar.  It's chill, it's cool, and great to listen to on a semi-sunny walk along the canals of Bruges.  Enjoy "Light A Way."

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

The Results are In

I am just going to come right out and say it: Friday was one of the most nerve-wracking days of my entire life.  The word "nervous," though, does not even begin to describe how I felt when I discovered that our exam results were waiting for us in our student mailboxes.  "Sheer panic" would be a better way to describe how I felt, but that doesn't even cover it.  As usual, my grade anxiety kept me from ripping the envelope open immediately; so I folded it in half and stashed it in my bag and waited for a more private moment to confirm my doom.  Most people, unfortunately, do not share my love of privacy in these matters.  I was forced to sit for for four hours through the rest of class and then lunch, scanning faces for distress and/or tears and listening for exclamations of joy or the silence of failure.  It was awful.  
When I got back to my room (after treating myself to a deluxe waffle from Haagen Dazs.  What?  I needed SOMETHING to calm my nerves), my Mom Skyped me and watched me fall apart in the presence of an unopened envelope.  I could not bring myself to open the results on my own, so later, when I was ready, Mom called me back and I held my transcript up to the camera with my eyes shut tight.  I was crying and nearly hyperventilating.  I explained that anything under an 11 was really bad.  My Mom scanned the page and then told me it was okay to look.  And then I really cried.  From relief this time.  
My scores are as follows:

External Aspects of EU Internal Policies -- 15

The EU in a Global Political Economy Context -- 14.5

The EU as a Foreign Policy Actor -- 14

International Negotiation -- 13.5

Diplomacy Today -- 17.5

Legal Aspects of the EU's External Relations -- 15

11 is a passing grade and no one gets higher than an 18 (even though the scores go up to 20).  

Needless to say, I am beyond happy.  A bit of celebrating and now it is time to get back to work.  At least now my presence here has been affirmed by the powers that be.  I do belong here.  I do know enough about the European Union.  And maybe, just maybe, I will leave here with a masters degree in June.

Thanks everyone for all of your support over the past few months.  I couldn't have done it without you. 

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Back on the Circuit

I just want to give a quick shout out to Rotary Club t'Vrije; thanks for the warm welcome and the genuine interest in my talk!  It was great seeing you again and I look forward to coming back again before the end of my program.
That's right everyone, I am back on the "Rotary Circuit."  My speaking engagements began with a noon meeting today at the Crown Plaza Hotel on the Burg.   I visited club Brugge t'Vrije (Bruges Free club) last term but was unable to give my presentation due to a scheduling mistake.  I am glad I was able to return as this is the District Governor's club.  I was welcomed back today by a very enthusiastic club and I had a great time giving my speech.  After meetings like this, I sometimes think that I would really enjoy being a professional speaker.  I would love to travel around the US/the whole world, giving talks about . . . well, I don't really know what.  And there in lies the problem, albeit a small one.  Barring the occurrence of some cataclysmic, life-changing event, after this year, I won't have anything to talk about.  So that rules out "motivational" speaker on the list of possible careers.  Ah well, it was fun while it lasted.  I will just have to be satisfied with my short lived stint on the speakers circuit in Belgium.  My next meeting is in mid-February, but if you know of a group that needs a speaker to talk about living and studying in Belgium, contact my agent (oddly enough, she has the same contact information I do.  Weird.)
In all seriousness, it's good to get back into doing these talks.  I am really looking forward to giving my presentations when I get back to the states.  I am already working on a video project for those.
Well, I hope everyone is having a great week!

Exchanging flags with the Club President

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

You're Not Allowed to Feed Seagulls in Oostende

I died laughing when I saw this poster posted everywhere, informing people not to feed the seagulls.  Apparently people have been attacked and injured in the last couple of years.  By the looks of the crazed seagull on the poster, I am not at all surprised.  I also find it hilarious that seagulls seem to love frites (fries) as much as any Belgian.  Haha!

A Day at the (Cold and Wintery) Beach

Song of the week: 9

Ahhhh!  Oh no!  It is actually Sunday here (although only by an hour and a half) and I have yet to do the song of the week.  Shame.  Ah well, here it is.  Better late than never and better late it is.  Because of the birthday I have received several generous gifts of iTunes gift cards - the gift that keeps on giving.  I have been paring down my wish list since the start of the school year and have finally purchased an EP I have been dying to get into my library for a while.  His name is Austin Gibbs and his band is known as Austin Gibbs and the States.  His music is chill, cool, and perfect for a drive through the countryside on winding roads with the windows rolled down ( not that I get to do that too often here.  Okay, let's be honest, I never get to do that here).  So I like to picture myself driving down a winding road with the windows rolled down; it's the best I can do.  But Austin Gibbs can bring you to that place.  So have a listen to "All By Yourself."  
In other news, I am just coming back from the Anglophone National Party.  At the College, each nationality is required to host a week of cultural events followed by a national party to promote awareness of all of the cultures at the school.  This week was that anglophone week, co-hosted by the UK, Ireland, Australia, Malta, and the US.  We had a few politicians in to give talks this week and then tonight we rented out the Irish Pub in Bruges to host our party.  For the lack of planning and organization that went into everything, it was a success.  We had over 200 people come to the party and so we actually made a bit of money on the event (which was surprising)!  So I am pretty pleased.
I am also pleased to be getting out of town tomorrow!  Paul and Kaatje are taking Rita and me to Ostend to visit the city, walk around the beach, and then are having us over for dinner at their house.  I am so excited!  I don't even care that I really don't even have the time to go, I am just so excited to be going.  Hopefully I will get some good pictures out of the day and can share some with my readers.  I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Keep checking back here for updates - even if they are rather sporadic.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

"Happy Happy Birthday . . .

From all of us to you, we're glad you had a birthday so we can party too, hey!"  I love that song.  Cracks me up every time.  So yesterday was my birthday.  What a great year to turn 23.  Birthdays away from home, according to prior experience, are usually never very much fun.  There is no family, the friends you have are relatively new, so there is no one around who really actually cares that much that you are one year older.  Well, my theory was proven wrong yesterday.  I had a lovely day spent with several genuine friends.  They may be new friends, but they care a lot.  I did not have any classes - a nice bonus- so I kind of chilled until it was time to go to the American Cafe.  Big surprise everyone, that’s where I had my party.  The owner, who has now become a good friend, baked me a birthday cake and allowed me and my friends to take over the top floor of the cafe for a couple of hours.  We had coffee, real birthday cake with candles and everything, presents, and hilarious conversation.  It was a lovely way to spend my birthday.  I received some gifts as well, which was a surprise.  Paul and Kaatje dropped one off for me on Tuesday night!  They are too good to me.  Now my "correspondence wall" is so full of cards and postcards from people here and at home that it is in danger of spilling over onto the next wall!  Thanks to everyone who sent along their birthday wishes.  It was a beautiful birthday in Belgium and I am looking forward to spending the next one a little closer to home with some of my most loyal reader.  

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Inbox: Full (Old school style)

Hooray for letters, birthday wishes, postcards, and other such tenuous links to reality!   Thanks everyone!

A Windmill in Bruges

Song of the Week: 8 and an Update

I can't believe it is already time for the song of the week.  I have only been back for two weeks now, but it seems like I never left Bruges.  Memories of Christmas and family fun have already begun to fade under the shadow of encroaching deadlines.  I had a meeting with my thesis advisor yesterday (terrifying) which actually went rather well.  The only problem is he reminded me that I only have 4 months in which to research and write this monster.  Apparently I was supposed to have interviews scheduled already.  News to me.  Anyway, things are coming at me fast this term; I just hope I can keep up.

It has been a bit rough in Bruges, lately.  Since being back I managed to catch the flu.  I swear, I have never been sick so often in my entire life!  I feel like I am always calling home with a cold or something worse, sounding like a man.  I mean, come on Belgium.  I don't know if the germs are just different here, or if it is the fact that I live in very close quarters with three hundred other people, or, as all of the Europeans seem to think (without a shred of scientific proof to back it up) that it must be the weather.  Either way, I am sick of getting sick!  But hopefully now that I am on the mend after this round I will have more than two weeks reprieve before catching my next illness.  I think I will give up all of the hand-washing and just stop breathing all together.

Onto a happier note: music!  This week I have been working on a playlist for my "future" life; aka, my life after the College of Europe - wherever and whatever that may be.  This song is the first on the playlist and I rather like it.  I have had it for a while, so it is nothing new; but I rediscovered it recently and have not been able to stop listening.  No doubt you have heard of the band "Kings of Leon."  If you have not, then I pity your iPod.  This song is from the album "Because of the Times."  I would highly recommend all of their albums.  This video is a live performance because it is always more impressive when a band sounds as good live as they do on their album.  One day I will see them live and truly prove this statement.  For now, here is "Arizona."  Enjoy!

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Holy Chihuly!

Sorry, always wanted to say that.

London Bridge is . . .

View of the Tower Bridge from London Bridge

Please Watch This

So, remember the Cat Quiz post from a couple of months ago?  I am sure you all do.  Well, you can imagine my excitement when I saw what Martha had planned for this weeks show.  Check it out!*

The Cat Show**

*Please note that this post was written with a heavy dose of sarcasm.  The author of this blog does not support  the views expressed by Martha Stewart Omnimedia in regards to cats.

** Warning, this video may cause the viewer to question the state of the world and all that is in it.


Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Song of the Week: 7

Holy cow, I almost forgot today was Saturday.  Days are starting to blend into one already, but never fear, I have not forgotten about the song of the week!  Thanks to ever-more iTunes gift cards (thanks Ashley and Mom and Dad!) I have some new music to share.  This song is from A Fine Frenzy.  I have been listening to her for a couple of years now and her new album did not disappoint.  I love this song - magical, whimsical, lyrical - and I hope you enjoy it too!  Here is "Elements."

A Smattering . . .

Ok, Ok, I'm Back

Yes, indeed, it is true; I am back in Bruges.  Actually, I have been back since last Sunday.  Classes began on Wednesday so I was staying with the wonderful Paul and Kaatje until then (thanks guys, you are awesome!).  After a lovely, delightful, amazing, fantastically relaxing two weeks off spent galavanting around Europe with my entire family, I am back and blogging again.  Lookout readers, it is time for round two, or semester two to be exact.
Things got off to a bumpy start - snow storm, cancelled flights, lost baggage - but eventually I made it to Hamburg on December 20th where I met Ben, Alyssa and her family at the airport.  I can't tell you how happy I was to see people know again!  The rest of the family arrived on the 23rd and Christmas was spent together in a tiny house in Hamburg.  It was lovely.  There was ice-skating and Christmas trees, snow, snow and more snow, boat tours on the Elbe, bratwurst, muzen and gluhwein at the Christmas markets, raclette and champagne on Christmas Eve, Christmas carols attempted in German at church, plenty of German beer and oodles of quality time.  It was awesome.  We were sad to leave Alyssa and the Mattwigs in Germany, but almost everyone was excited to continue on to Bruges.
I was hesitant about this leg of the trip.  Actually, I cringed at the thought of coming back so soon.  But the 36 hours we spent there were actually wonderful.  It was a lot of fun to show my family where I live, go to school, and what I see everyday.  We explored the city under the perpetual rain cloud, visited my favorite bar, at some delicious frites under the bell tower, tasted waffles in the Markt, and had coffee at my favorite haunt.  I want to move into the hotel we stayed in, and aside for a slight mussel mishap at dinner, the trip was surprisingly fun.  Everyone loved Bruges and I loved showing it to them.
From Bruges we braved the Eurostar train through the Chunnel and made it to London on the 29th and then proceeded to walk several blocks in the rain dragging all of our worldly possessions and one odd frog-shaped umbrella before arriving at our flat in Kensington.  The flat was amazing.  Seriously, no words.  London in general was pretty much phenomenal.  Let's see, there was a Starbucks on every corner, followed by an English speaking population, Marks and Spencer, and the Gap.  Need I say more?  No, but I will.
Aside from my favorite stores, London also offered the sights.  We walked and walked and walked some more through the bitter cold and tried to absorb as much of the beautiful city as we could.  Hyde Park,  Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abby, and the Tower Bridge were just a few of the things we squeezed into our days.  We toasted the New Year  as a family (cozy and warm in the flat.  Those people who went out to see the fireworks were crazy!  It was freezing!).  This time together was extra special as the Pauluhns were spread across three continents this year.
The break was far too short and the 2nd of January found everyone saying a very tearful goodbye at Gloucester Station.  I headed back to Bruges and the rest of the gang returned to the States.  It was hard to come back but I imagine it would have been harder had I gone home for Christmas.  We spent a delightful vacation together and saw some of the things everyone should at some point in their lives.  The Pauluhns stormed Europe and everyone survived.  In fact, I think Europe is all the better for it, and perhaps we are too.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that the New Year has started well.  Be prepared for more regular (and slightly shorter) posts throughout the coming months.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.