October 15th

Late morning again, score for MareBear. Yesterday I wrote down a list of tasks, a grocery list, and a daily meal plan; all in French I might add. I am rather pleased with the result of this preparation. My breakfast was a lot easier to make since I had the menu written down.  Around noon I left for the library to upload some articles, check my e-mail, and goof-off online. What a fascinating agenda. At five-thirty I had my French civilization class which was interesting as usual. This week's topic was about citizenship and independence holidays. Paula and I talked about the fourth, duh, and the other students gave background to their independence days as well. Except for Kate. Humorously, many of the European countries that were mentioned had independence days that celebrate independence from Great Britain. Haha, poor Kate. She did tell everyone about a national holiday in Scotland that celebrates their heritage. It is centered around a renowned Scottish poet, who even has an ode to haggis piece, with dancing, kilt wearing, haggis eating, and poetry recitations. Sounds like fun actually. When class finished I bought some groceries and returned to my dorm for some much anticipated dinner. Fried eggs, bell pepper, carrots, and oat meal make for a very delicious but very college dinner. Least I'm digesting plenty of nutrients. I also had some hot chocolate and  pudding for dessert; it was an odd but fantastic combo. Right after I finished the last scoop of pudding, my doorbell rang. I was greeted by two Chinese international student who each had a plate of food in their hands. The girl who was closest to me explained that she was my across the hall neighbor and that she had made me some Chinese dinner. Awe, that's so sweet. She then mentioned that, I think tomorrow, she was going to be hosting a dinner party with lots of food. Sounds fantastic. I thanked her and told her that I was definitely game for the party. What a sweetheart. Sucks that I couldn't finish the meal, I had just eaten after all, but was able to enjoy the amount noodles and stew that filled the remaining corners of my stomach. I then talked to my father on the phone. He told me that I should cut back on the partying, aka I should stop drinking so much. That actually is a good idea, drunk behavior isn't classy, hope that I follow it. I told him that I missed maple syrup. The French claim that the syrup they have is delicious. Uh no, it's crap. Then again so is American syrup. I am a snob when it comes to maple syrup, typical Canadian attitude. Vermont syrup isn't bad, but anything that is made from corn syrup needs to be destroyed. As I child I liked Mrs. Butterworth's, but then again at that time I liked ketchup on my hot dogs too. No, real viscous maple syrup is something that Europe does not have. Sucks too, goes great on pancakes and in oatmeal. My dad wished me luck and told me, "I love you sweetie," and that he missed me. For being 6'2" my dad can be a real softy during certain moments. I'll do my best here and it was a good Monday.