October 23rd

Alright audience, let's see if you've been paying attention to those whom I have mentioned in my blogs. Remember Antoine? Probably not since I often refer to him in the nickname "Toine" since it's shorter. Yes, I am lazy with keyboards. Well, to dissolve any previous ideas about that I may have unintentionally planted into your brains, he is not a stalker. In fact, he's actually a decent friend of mine here. True that he shows up when I want to be left alone, but also true that he studies the liberal arts at my university. Plus I often like to be left alone. Now that the image of Antoine creeping on me is gone, I can began to discuss today. I'm not starting with class because comparative literature was boring as hell today. Let's just skip to lunch for two reasons; a, lunch is usually interesting, and b, lunch was different this time making it more interesting. On this Tuesday around noon, I had lunch with Antoine. Aw how sweet. Yeah can it bud. It was fun, even though I mostly spoke in Franglish, and he was very patient with me. I did blather about Chicago, but hey any native would, but also spoke about regular college topics such as classes, projects, and the upcoming fall break. It was a grand ole time. Afterwards we drifted to library where I stuffed my nose into "On the Road" for some much needed research. Toine was a bit curious about the book, it does have a fantastic cover, and I allowed him to read the back summary. He gave a surprised expression upon reading, "search for release or fulfillment through drink, sex, drugs, and jazz," and asked why I was reading it. I told him that it was for research. The universal, "uh huh you're crazy" nod was given my way. I guess French girls only read dime store romance novels or Betty Crocker cook books. I know that the father of Beatniks was not a moral icon by any means, but gimme a break Toine. "On the Road" is way better literature, for instance the term literature actually suits it, rather than other crap like "Fifty Shades of Grey." He might have looked less surprised had I been reading that monstrosity. I only accomplished three chapters, bummer, since I felt it was rude to read in front of someone, even though I was in a library. I asked him if he had even travelled out of France. He told me that he had, color me impressed. That sounds strange, but like crossing State territories, leaving France is a big step for the natives. I travel a lot, have ever since I was born, so I cannot fully understand those who rarely or never travel. I know the whole cost excuse, but a camping trip to Turkey Run in Indiana is by no means a stay in the Isle of Wight. Thus Toine's voyages were something to be noted. He has been to the States. Not my state, rather he went to the Big Apple. At least New York City is something, though to all those wanting to go to the States, the Windy City has better pizza and festivals. Taste anyone? Besides NYC, Toine had visited other areas of the world; more specifically he has gone to places that I've never heard of. Oops. He could not believe that I didn't know where some small Eastern Euro countries were. I admitted that geography outside of the Americas, I have your back S.A., was basically unknown to me. Heh, ignorant, and proudly arrogant, American. Since I love to debate and argue, I asked him if he knew all fifty states. He said no. I told him that he couldn't give me any crap. He shook his head. I then made a deal with him, if he learns all fifty states, not capital because who honestly cares, then I would learn European geography. He said easy. I then tacked on that he must pronounce each state correctly. He didn't agree to that stake. I then mulled it over and took away the pronunciation aspect. I had to, there is no way he could ever say "New Hampshire" or "Arkansas". Yes, Arkansas is challenge for everyone outside the U.S. because it looks phonetically like "are-Kanas". So instead the ending sounding like "saw" it sounds like "us". Brilliant. (Not) Sorry guys, but the internet has interactive maps of the States that pronounce each state name. I'd love to eradicate "Mary Land" and "Illinoise" from the world. Moving on, Toine left shortly after for class and I had some time on my hands before I left to tutor the little Frenchlings. Well, for about eight seconds I had time. Jessy decided to appear from nowhere and asked me how lunch had been with Toine. I looked at Jessy as though he were on crack. What the hell was he doing here and why did he care? I soon found out that he and Kate had been watching me from above, the third floor to be exact, exchanging giggles and whatnot. My oh my. I was then dragged upstairs and instructed to dish all the details to Jessy. Oh Jessy, it's now time for your character profile. Jessy is a flaming French student who shares a translation course with Kate and has since befriend Paula and me. He is hilarious and much needed. Paula and I, both American college girls, have a certain necessity for male gay friends. I have no idea why it is embedded into our beings, but we love them. Thus, Jessy is a welcome adversary my growing collection of friends. After conversing with him for about an hour, I left to walk to the Racadot residence. This session was a lot of fun because it was all about Halloween vocabulary. Hell yeah, score for one of Mary's top three holidays! Louis actually knew quite a few words, but I taught him the famous "Trick or Treat" and "Jack o' lantern" lines. I then helped Anne with her speech, including having her recite it to me, before taking my leave. It was a long day, but definitely not a bad one.