Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Please Excuse My English

Originally, I came to the College of Europe believing I would improve my French and maybe pick up some Dutch and German along the way.  After 8 months here, I realize that the only linguistic change to have occurred in my now overflowing brain is the inability to speak English like a proper native.  You see, I have spent so much time with non-native speakers (Italian, British, French, Greek, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Romanian . . .)  that I have adopted some of their, hmmmm, rather odd phrasing.  So please forgive me when I return and say things like:

"It's true, it's true!" (while waving my hands in front of myself)
"My hairs are dirty; I need to wash them." (I tend to forget that hair is a singular entity where I come from.)
"He seems a monkey."
"Spetta" (wait)
"Uh oh, it looks like the honey is finished."  (meaning there is no more honey left in the bottle)
"If you have time later, we should make a pause together."  (meaning "take a break" together).
"Let's go to the canteen." (rather than the Dining Hall or cafeteria)
"When I was at university." (because people don't understand "college")
"I hope I get good marks this term." (grades)


Please also be warned of the following:
The over use of introductory phrases: "For instance", "Such as", "In addition to" and the list goes on
The random spouting of nostalgic English colloquialisms like "baller", "yo", "peeps", and "homies."  (I have begun using such words to throw my European friends off a bit, but I am afraid the phrases are beginning to stick.)
The use of very Italian (although sometimes improperly employed) hand gestures, just for emphasis.
The occasional "Dank je wel"  or "merci" instead of "thank you" at the check-out.

I am also currently engaged in a debate over when you "brew" tea versus "steeping" it.  

This is just a small glimpse into my everyday struggle with my own language.  If I think of anymore strange phrases I have adopted, I'll be sure to add them to the list.  As it stands, you have been duly warned so you can properly prepare yourselves for my return.  I hope everyone is having a great week.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.  

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Song of the Week: 21

Ok, readers.  Only a week and a half more of sleepless nights and stressful days and then the thesis will be turned in!  I am not exactly pleased about this arrangement, but I am getting excited about the deadline because that means that no matter how much I actually still have to do, it WILL be done by May 6th.  Still, say a little prayer for me, if you don't mind.  I need some help keeping my sanity amidst all of this pressure.  Thanks.  
This week Ali's music world has been equally as slow as last week.  But I do think I have a song for you, at least.  It's not a new one, that's for sure.  But it's a good one.  As some of you will know, The Killers have been one of my favorite bands for YEARS.  I love them.  Over the past few years they have put out some of the best albums available.  Their music is energetic, electric, and, like their lyrics and videos, just a little bit odd.  This week's Song of the Week is one of my favorite Killer's songs (although it's hard to choose a true favorite).  I feel like this song really fits my current mood and situation.  So sit back and enjoy "Read My Mind."  And yes, the video is hilariously awesome.  

Peace, Love and Waffles.  

Monday, April 19, 2010

I Have Failed

I am terribly sorry and I really hate to admit defeat, but I was unable to choose a song of the week for this week.  I had my iTunes on shuffle for hours.  I wasted quite a bit of time on iTunes recommendations, Purevolume.com, etc.  It just isn't there.  So I'll shoot for next week.  Again, my apologies.  But I think it may have something to do with my current stress level.  I am topping the charts this week as my thesis deadline approaches.  I have just begun writing and, therefore, just begun to notice how much I don't know about my topic, how much information I am still missing, and how many hours this is actually going to take.  I may appear calm on the inside, but come May 7th (the day after I am supposed to have turned the beast in) I promise to be a blubbering mess, releasing all of the emotional nonsense I have been keeping bottled up for the past few weeks.  Should be fun.  Anyway, sorry; I didn't mean to rant in this post.  I just wish I could find a song to post here.  Better yet, I wish I could find a song I actually wanted to listen to.  Stress just takes all the fun out of it.
Have a great week everyone.  I'll keep you posted on my paper progress.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

War and Cookies

Sometimes, as I am sure all of my readers know, an event will come along so simple in nature and yet so profound in impact and irony that it forces you to tilt your head to the side and laugh at what the world throws at you.  I had one such experience today.
Wednesdays mean one thing at the College of Europe (the same thing Mondays and Fridays mean) ham and cheese night at the canteen.  Not wanting to subject myself to a questionable meal yet again, I decided to indulge my American cravings and head to Subway for a 6 inch Spicy Italian sub.  I walked into the tiny establishment directly on the Markt and asked for my sandwich on the only bread they were out of (figures).  So I switched to wheat and proceeded to ask for cheese, but please, don't toast the sub.  At this point, the young man behind the counter asked me where I was from.  As this is a normal question for me by now, I answered "St. Louis, MO, in the U.S."  And, as I normally do, I said it with a smile.
Normally this is a conversation-starter, but my sandwich maker just looked slightly amused and went back to attempting to put tomatoes on my sandwich (please, anything but tomatoes!).  His English was very good and not at all infiltrated by Flemish, so I asked him where he was from.
He smiled at this and said "Actually, I am from Iraq."  After we both let this sink in for a few seconds, he stopped and said "This is where it gets awkward, right?"
Had I any less self-control I am sure I would have found myself on the floor laughing at the utter absurdity of what was happening; instead, I responded "Not necessarily.  There is no reason for awkward.  We're just two people, making a sandwich."  But admittedly, if ever there was a time to whip out the awkward turtle, it was then.  In an effort to move the conversation on, I requested mustard on my sandwich.  Alas, they stopped selling mustard because "Americans were the only ones who ever asked for it."  This time I was laughing.
Sooooo . . . "How long have you lived in Belgium?" I asked.
"About 16 years" he responded.
"Nice; so are you here with the rest of your family?  Or are they still in Iraq?"
"I live here with my brother" he said.  "My father is back in Iraq because he was just elected to the parliament this past election cycle.  So, obviously he has to be there."
"Wow, that's awesome" I replied; thoroughly impressed. (In my mind I was trying to figure out the odds of an American meeting an Iraqi parliamentarian's son in the middle of Belgium.  Not high.)
"So what is an American doing in Bruges?" he asked.
This time, I really did laugh out loud while attempting to say  "Studying international relations and diplomacy.  Pile on the irony," I laughed.    
He saw the irony too and laughed right along with me.  (The amount of irony you can cram into one room is astounding.  We could have killed a small elephant, I am sure.)
As I was paying for my sandwich, he smiled and said "I'll give you a free cookie today."
I smiled back and said "Now that's diplomacy."
So he placed my double chocolate chunk cookie in a bag and said "you should come back."
I said "it was a pleasure talking with you, I promise I'll be back for more diplomacy."

So in a Subway, in the center of Bruges, an Iraqi and an American solved our countries' differences with better diplomacy than I have seen exercised in the past 9 years.  Sometimes, all it takes is a free cookie.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Song of the Week: 20

Wow, this week was a tough one.  I haven't bought any new music in a month and I haven't listened to anything stellar in the meantime.  Besides, I haven't really been in a super great mood this week.  Stress is an understatement.  But I can't leave you without music.  It's just too important.  So here it is.  I thought that this week deserved a classic.  It was a hard pick, to be sure.  But after much deliberation I have selected Coldplay's "Yellow" as this week's song.  I can always go back to this one.  It's just comfortable, even when nothing else seems to fit the mood.  So sit back and listen, even if you've heard it before.  It's beautiful.

I'm Getting Married . . . To Myself

So says Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw.  And you know what, I am going to take a page out of her book.  While some of you understand where this post is heading for others, this statement probably requires an explanation.  I shall gladly oblige.  You see, as I approach the end of grad school, it is daily becoming clearer that I won't just be facing the prospect of having a job and responsibilities and the harsh reality that is the ever so cliché "real life."  There is so much more to it than that.  I find myself rather ill-equipped to face all of the wonderful things that await me outside of Bruges.  Sure, I have the education, I have the brains, and occasionally I can muster the confidence.  What I am missing is far simpler than all of that, yet incredibly more elusive.  I am missing the monogrammed towels, the Kitchen Aid mixer and the matching china set.
Again, let me explain.  Last summer - the summer after I graduated from college as a very single, very happy, very independent individual - I watched as six of my friends posted pictures of their weddings on Facebook.  Over the past two years I have attended or been invited to at least 5 bridal showers.   This summer I have more weddings, showers, and other friend's future happiness to be involved in.  And as I continue to shell out for plane tickets, dresses, and Crate & Barrel gift cards, I have decided that it is now time to take a stand.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am by no means lamenting my current marital status.  Nor am I complaining about showering gifts upon many dear friends and deserving couples.  I am simply pointing out the fact that, in our highly developed culture, we think that getting married means you deserve loads of free stuff with which to start your new life.  And while I don't disagree with this practice or the underlying concept, I would just like to point out the shortsighted nature of the system.  Because all of those girls exiting the church steps in frilly white dresses and us lonesome graduates have something in common.  We graduates may not be walking down the aisle anytime soon, but we are facing an empty apartments and most likely un- (or significantly underpaid) employment just the same.
So I would just like to know where the "I'm entering the real world" registry is located at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Where do I sign up for the "I just graduated from grad school" bonus at Macy's?  And where on earth is the "Congrats!  I'm an adult" poster at Party City?  Why is it that we celebrate marriage like it's an accomplishment?  Everyone is  pleased to help a happy couple start their new life together.  Well, news flash, we loners are starting our lives too.  We are just doing it in the absence of blenders, toasters, pillows, his and her towels and synthetic bamboo napkin rings.  Instead of being capable of furnishing our lives like our fettered friends, we can only hope to be able to bedeck our walls with some awesome framed inspirational quotes whilst recording our lonely, but highly evolved, thoughts in about 5 Moleskin journals.
I love all of my married, engaged, hopelessly in love friends.  But I'm not gonna lie; I am fighting for equal treatment.  So here it is.  I am getting married, to myself.  As soon as I can find somewhere that recognizes same-person unions, I'll let you know where I have registered.  In the meantime, I urge you to consider this peculiar societal tradition.  We love to love the lovers.  But please, don't forget the over-educated loners.  We need muffin pans and duvet covers too.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Time Turners, Pez, Postcards, and Memories

I have never received so much mail in my entire life.  In fact, I am pretty sure that everyone else in my residence secretly hates me because I am always getting packages and letters.  And it's all thanks to you, dear readers.  Thank you!
Yesterday and today were some of the best mail days yet.  I received even more 100 Post Challenge responses and some very special items.  Last week, after working hard to finish two presentations and two papers while working on a thesis outline and planning a trip to Paris, I explained to my Dad that I needed Hermione Granger's Time Turner.  For those of you who are not avid Harry Potter fans, I apologize for the reference (but seriously, read the books).  I was just feeling (and still am) so pressed for time that the thought of being able to go back in time in order to elongate my days by a few hours was so tempting.  Well, wouldn't you know that my Daddy sent me a Time Turner!  It arrived yesterday amidst 50 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (I can go back in time and eat them again, so that makes 100), and I just squealed when I opened the package.  I laughed hysterically and wore it around the rest of the day.  I got some strange looks, but most of the people who noticed it asked if they could try it to see if it really works.  I informed them that I had already tried it (seriously, I did), and that unfortunately it is just symbolic.  But my Dad still deserves the Best Dad of the Year Award, hands down.
I also received a postcard from my Aunt Rhoda, Uncle Mike, and cousins Joshua and Caleb.  It was so sweet of them to think of me while they were on vacation in Indiana!
In addition to that was a thick envelope from the Wesche family.  I opened it and proceeded to tear up a bit.  They had sent me 100 memories.  I read through them all and was touched by the effort they had put into it.  It was fun to reminisce over all of those years at Our Redeemer and beyond.  I haven't thought about playing softball and soccer for the Little Ladies and the Sparks in so long.  It was a great way to dig up some great childhood memories with my very first friends.  Thank you Gregg, Michelle, Ashley, Devon, and Dean!
Today I received a very heavy package.  I had no idea what was inside and I was definitely NOT expecting 100 packages of Pez candy!  But what a great surprise!  If any of you know Gregg Wesche and his extensive Pez collection, then you will understand.  I can't wait to share this crazy candy with my friends here at the College!  I have some of the best and most thoughtful Godparents in the world!  Gregg has also sent me on a mission to find the Pez dispensers that have only been released in Europe.  I shall do my best.
Well, that's about it for mail.  I bought the postcards today and they will be in the mail soon!  Remember, you can still send me stuff, even just a postcard, and I will send you a postcard in return.  I hope you are all having a great Thursday and looking forward to the weekend!  The sun is shining in Bruges, but I still cannot wait for it to get warm!  See you in June.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Song of the Week: 19

Sorry for the delay on this one, guys.  Our hotel didn't have internet, so needless to say, no blog posts this weekend.  But I think I made up for it today.  This week is a difficult week for music.  I don't really have anything new (I spent all of my gift cards.  Sadness).  I had to dig in the archives a bit, but I found a good one.  I recently added this song to a mix I am working on for spring.  This song always reminds me of summer.  It think it is because I would listen to it on drives back to St. Louis with Ben.  He only kept three CDs in his Mazda, Queen: Greatest Hits, and two U2 albums.  He would not allow me to play any of my music.  So for 10-13 hours we would listen to three CDs on repeat.  It sounds like a terrible form of torture, but those songs turned into the soundtrack for some great memories.  This particular song has always stuck with me.  It comes on sometimes when I have my iPod on shuffle and I am instantly transported to a winding American highway under the stars.  The windows are cracked, the lights of passing cars are bright, and the air is thick with the quiet potential of summer.  So in honor of good memories of the open road and my rapidly approaching summer, here is U2's "City of Blinding Lights." Thanks for the memories, Ben.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Train Travel

This picture pretty much defines my travel style.  Did I mention I love trains?

Parapluies in Paris!

Bonjour tout le monde!  Hello everyone!  I am back in Bruges once again.  I just spent the loveliest weekend in Paris with two of my dearest friends and today I just can't seem to wipe the smile off of my face.  Sure I have a ton of stuff to do, but all I have to do to de-stress myself now is think back to this past weekend.  It was just what I needed. *Giant sigh*
On Friday morning I made my Dad call me at 5 a.m. (10p.m. in St. Louis) to wake me up so I wouldn't miss my early early train into Brussels and then the Thalys into Paris.  Miraculously, I made it on time and arrived in Gare du Nord bursting with excitement.  I was s finally back in FRANCE!!  It had been so long (since 2007) and I missed that place like it was a second home.  There will always be something so intimately familiar about Paris for me.  It is one of my favorite places on earth and I hope to make it back there often in the course of my life.  This weekend just solidified that feeling for me.
After fighting the crowds to get my Metro pass, I met up with Sarah at Gare de l'Est where there was much hugging and squealing.  We had not seen each other in almost a year, and it was so nice to see her again.  From there we went to meet Sally at Gare de Lyon for another happy reunion.  More hugs, bigger squeals.  I heart my friends and I did not realize how much I had missed them until we were laughing together again.
Friday included lunch in the Latin Quarter, crêpes, drinks with Brita at the Lizard Lounge (so nice to see her too), boutique shopping in the Marais, and a stroll down the Champs Elysées!  Another giant squeal.  I do believe I jumped up and down when I saw the Arc de Triumphe.  Then it was a failed attempt to find a quick dinner under 10 Euros which led us to six piece Mcnuggets and M&M Mcflurries at the Champs Elysées McDonalds.  (Don't judge us.  Someone has to uphold the stereotypes).  After our nutritious meal we put on our 3-D glasses and settled in for a showing of Alice in Wonderland!  It was a day jam-packed with hugs, squeals, and fun that can only be had in Paris.
Saturday was the day we had all been waiting for.  A short trip on the RER and we arrived at Disneyland Paris, the promised land.  We had hoped that the freezing cold, high winds, and driving rain would deter other, younger visitors, but we were wrong.  This, however, did not stop us from having an excellent Disney experience.  We rode Space Mountain, Star Tours, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Teacups, Peter Pan, and several other rides.  I must say that the Carousel (upon which the average age was 10) was one of my favorites.  We raced to find the best horses to ride and thoroughly enjoyed that 30 second segment of our lives.  The highlight of the Disney trip was definitely dinner.  We planned ahead this time and made a reservation at the Blue Lagoon, a restaurant INSIDE the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  Everyone who rides the ride floats past the restaurant.  It is freaking awesome.  We had swordfish and for desert, a flaming crème brulée.  It was AMAZING!  We basically closed down the park and then headed back to our discount hotel for some much needed sleep.
Sunday brought with it a beautiful Easter morning.  Sally and I went to Hillsong, Paris, a contemporary church that is gaining a lot of popularity among youth in big cities.  It was a great service and so refreshing to encounter a young, dynamic, christian community in a city like Paris.  It gave me a lot of hope.  I was also very glad for the opportunity to worship with Sally on Easter.  He is risen!
Sunday afternoon brought us back to the Latin Quarter for another crêpe, a long and windy walk along the Seine, past the Louvre, through the Tuileries and finally to the Eiffel Tower.  The sun was shining for us at the Eiffel Tower and I couldn't have been happier.  We spent Sunday evening relaxing, eating pizza, and watching videos we had shot the last time we were all in France.  I have not laughed that much in a long time.  It felt good.
Monday morning was sad.  Just sad.  Sally and Sarah left me in the morning and then I had to leave Paris.  So I said goodbye to three of my best friends and headed back to reality. But I think that after that weekend, I am ready to face whatever Bruges has to throw at me over the next three months.  And I'll  promise you this, I am going back to Paris as soon as is humanly possible.
I hope your Easter was filled with as many blessings as mine.

Peace, Love, and Waffles.

Paris Pictures












Stuff!


Happy Easter everyone!  I returned to Bruges on Monday after a fantastic weekend in Paris (post on that to follow) to find my mailbox overflowing with STUFF!  I was so excited!  Three responses to the Post 100 challenge came in this weekend and boy did you guys do a great job.  From Min and Papa I received 100 beads and various other jewelry making stuff along with enough gum to last me the rest of my life (thanks!).  From Erin I received a box of 100+Jujubes (which we used to laugh about thanks to an episode of Sister Sister.  Yes Erin, I do remember.  Hahaha!).  Finally, my Mom sent me 100 Reese's Pieces, a beautiful Vera Bradley clutch, and the cutest bunny card ever.  So thank you guys!  You made my week!  I am munching on the Jujubes now and I can't wait to savor the peanut buttery goodness of the Reese's Pieces.  Postcards are in the mail!

Peace, Love, and Waffles.