Stuff is weird, and yet ha ha ha (awesome)

Just a few things I'll mention, sort of like a summary or whatevs. More like your "Random/stupid news regarding some random kid that you may or may not be interested about/like/hate". But hey, tis my blog.

Stayed up to watch the Michigan game. It was friggin' awesome. I was well-rewarded. My dad left after half-time because he was so disgusted. I was disgusted too. SO many fumbles, and they had NO offense. Thank god we had some defense. But then- just like that we got two touchdowns in 6 minutes. And then we won! I was also on facebook and was describing what was happening to this other girl who was on, which was fun. Next game is vs. Illinois, another team I like. But Go Blue! 

Hit counter- so there's about 20 hits a day. Not bad, not bad. 'Course, some of those are from me, but yeah. 

I've started a glass Coke bottle collection. Well, I actually started it a few weeks ago but didn't mention it. I have 3 Coke bottles, (the other coke bottle from our first day here), one Sprite bottle (from this post). Two of the Cokes are on my bookshelf, and I labeled them with post-its saying what I had for dinner and stuff with it. So obsessive, I know. But it'll help remember stuff and stuff. 

My cold is much better. It has been reduced to a mere cough, slightly snotty nose and I'm not that tired. I haven't practiced my trumpet in a week (can you believe it??!?!), but I might start tomorrow or so. I bet I'll sound like a dying cow. And we're still looking for trumpet lessons, which is like first priority over here. Sort of... 

School has gotten much better. I'm really "balancing" the whole thing like they always say to. I have a bad habit of not doing much HW on Friday or Saturday then cramming it on Sunday. I need to change that.

"Hey, are you free like (some day I forgot) to the morning of (the next day)?" Blood rushed to my head. Dude. Jess just invited me to something. A birthday party she said. Sleepover. This was in math speciales, and we had to whisper because we were supposed to be working and the teacher was whispering (she had a frog in her throat) so we felt like it. Dude. So I said yeah I think so and gave her my email. Holy- holy crap. Holy crap. That is what I call... friends inviting you to their birthday parties... in a different county.... after knowing them for a few weeks. Wow. This is a revelation. Dunno if you guys know what I mean. But this is COOL. I'll have to invite her to my birthday party.

Yesterday, I went with my dad and mom to visit Pierre again. (My dad's old friend with the motorcycle that now lives in that windy, steep, small road if you remember) I wasn't going to go at first because I had to do HW, but then I got too stressed and went. I was glad I did. I was tired so I got to read my book in their house while they talked. Their house is getting built; it's almost done now. Lunch was yellow custard, which apparently was talked about a lot between my parents and Pierre when they were in England. Then I met some more of the African kids who only knew French. We also played the Swiss version (or variation) of (American) football. We were all standing on three different levels, and when Pierre missed the ball it rolled down the hill. We got it though. It was fun. I showed one of the daughters (Lorri) how to throw the football. That was her first time. She's a little younger than me and doesn't know English so it was... ahh... a little awkward. But it was cool. A short walk followed, which was the best part even though we were "late". We walked on the nearby road from their house, passing farms and seeing the mountains really well.

We passed this one farm and the tractor said "FRICK". It was funny sort of. I should've taken a picture. Then Caroline, who was the smallest kid and who also didn't know English, acknowledged the "caca de vache" (cow poop). It was funny. She said stuff to me sometimes, and I'd just say like, "ooh" or "oui" because I didn't know what she was saying really. It was quite amusing. 

After climbing up a little hill, it was amazing. Soft grass under our exercised feet, cool air that was fresh in our lungs, a stunning view of an orb of yellow fathom and inspiration thinking on top of the lake and mist cloaking the mountains. Just like taking a deep breath almost. Happiness. Ha ha ha. Yes. The yellow pierced the sky, the slate of liquid blue calm and acknowledging the warm light, causing quivering streaks and a stairway up. 

It was so excellent it almost convinced me to have a different blog title. Excellence transfered into words inside the brain. Comprehension? Perspective? 

As we walked back I talked to my mom about the Spanish test. I knew the material pretty well, and she said this didn't really matter. This year was to have fun, to just take in the experience. First priority was learning French, then the English classes, then the other French classes then Spanish probably. She did say having learned two languages would look good on my college application, but honestly I don't care that much about Spanish. I've got a load of other things that I want to pursue, out of love. 

I brought up the fact to my mom that I was much more optimistic. "It's weird, though, 'cause like this year, I'm really really optimistic, and I'm not worried about tests hardly at all," I said. That is definitely a plus. When I come back it'll be so awesome.

"The problem is though, it feels like I'm slacking because it's like I'm not doing the work, and also it's bad to do this now because I'm doing a year where grades don't matter and when I come back, the atmosphere will be where grades matter the most," But she said I wasn't slacking. Maybe I am sort of working hard. Maybe I shouldn't set my standards so high. I'm trying, I want to learn, and like Becca said, it's not that I'm stupid, it's the language barrier. 

The Spanish test was easy. I studied. It was one page, with like 10 questions. I didn't ace it, but I don't think I failed it. Before the test, I told Jessica I was just going to have fun. I was so un-nervous it was almost scary. This test so didn't matter. I was just going to do my best and yeah.I also brought my jewel of concentration from band, which helps. At the end she asked me if I had fun. I just smiled back at her. You could say that.

You guys. We are seeing Wicked in London on Halloween. That is so wicked, chum! I am so getting a poster. I can hear Ms. Smith now telling us about how you should see stuff live, and how she did and got all of these posters that she put in the band room. I miss that place. I miss Ann Arbor. I'll get flashes where I remember a place, like Packard Road with the Levins or under that bridge with graffiti taking pictures with Jenny. Excetera. 

I've just got to endure. I'm worried at the beginning of the day, but then the unfamiliarity becomes familiarity and I'm optimistic. I still don't fully trust optimism. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I don't want to put so much "trust" in my "non-panicness". I dunno. But seriously, how many life experiences will it take for me to not worry at all? 

It's been a while

Since I've sat in the basement with Anthony, Erez and Oren with a box of cheez-its while watching Michigan cream some team. Ah the memories. So we have booked tickets to London. We're going October 29- November 1st. Visiting Canterbury, London, and my mom's friend Zach (who's a woman). So it should be cool. In London I want to like... talk to the Buckingham Palace guards or whatever. Should be fun. I won't have Halloween in France though. But whatever. And also there's a Wicked show when we'll be there, so my mom's looking at tickets. That'd be awesome to go to! But it's really expensive. Sigh. Ugh. So yeah. And hey check this out.

We'll watch the game tonight. It'll be quite late though. But hey, GO BLUE!!!! Dang. I miss Ann Arbor. I predict this thing (as in my school and France life in general) is the kind of thing that I'll just get really sick of after awhile. Like, I can live with it, but I'll just get sick of it. So then when I come back everything will be awesome though.

You guys ever listen to A Prairie Home Companion? It's on NPR on Saturdays. We always used to listen to it. Favorite part is Guy Noir. You can listen to the most recent shows here. But you know whats weird? There's this one show called All Songs Considered, and I always, always thought it was All Things Considered. Weird. I just found that out yesterday. I could have sworn it was things. Ah well.

GO A2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3rd edit: what the frick is wrong with this thing???! I made the size "Normal" but it's showing up as large! WTF???? Sorry for the inconvenience. I don't know what's going on. I guess it gets kinda screwy if you mess around with the sizes and colors and stuff. Stupid thing.

Loud music, 5 guys, 3 girls and 2 beers

... and no peer pressure. Yeah I went to a bar last night. Here's the story before you start asking questions.

So you remember Simon- that senior guy? Well his mom's birthday was yesterday, so we met up at this pizza place in Geneva. They invited this other family and like a bunch of cousins. They were like 17ish though, so I didn't really fit in. I sat next to this one Austrailian girl who was nice I guess. And then there was this red-haired guy that looked sort of like Ron (he was named Jacob, and was good friends with the girl), this other guy with glasses named Reuben, Simon and this other guy named Alex with cool hair that was like pushed to the side. So while we waited for the food, the girl, Simon and Alex were talking about injuries and Zach and Reuben and Jacob were talking about school or something. I sat in the middle more or less of these two conversations, mostly listening to the injuries one. But before the main conversation, the boys had to get up and go to the bathroom, so that was hectic 'cause they were sitting against the wall so the girl had to move her table a lot. But yeah. Zach was fitting in pretty well towards the end, which was cool. The pizza was pretty good. Not the best. It took awhile to come though.
Then we walked a block or so to this bar at around 10. I could hear the music before we walked in. Loud drums. The door was small, and getting into the bar was close to impossible. There were so many people already in there, and about 10 more trying to get in. We had to push past people and be rude. But whatever. The lyrics to the song were "it's a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll". As I walked in, I just said to myself, "yeah sure". We eventually got to a spot where we could have some personal space. Everyone around us were drinking beers while the singer did an air-guitar impression. It was wild. So we hung out there for a bit. It was very loud. Couldn't hear the guitar much. Luckily no smoking. Then we went outside. It was sort of cold. Simon gave me his jacket. He was pretty cool I guess. Then the girl and Simon got beers. It was legal, 'cause the drinking age here is like 17. Jacob drank some beer too. And the other guys took sips sort of too. My dad asked if I wanted a coke, but I didn't. I was pretty full.
We went back inside after a little to hear the music. They were playing like Red Hot Chili Peppers or something. The bassist was Simon's uncle. They were a pretty good band I guess. Then, as we were walking back to the roomy-ish area, this guy who must have been one of the bosses starting shaking his head when he said me. He asked for my name and told me I was too young. So I had to stay with him till my dad came over. I didn't blame the guy. And honestly, it wasn't like this place was in my top ten. So I didn't mind going outside. The other guys came out then and we talked more. I was sort of out of place, being 13. But whatever. It was interesting. They couldn't get beer after 11 or something. Then we left at like 11:30. We probably won't see those kids again, 'cept for Simon. It was fun I guess. Maybe.

Then today, I slept in till 1. I went to this mall with my mom to get our friends swatches. It was cool, 'cause on this bus this guy said he liked my shirt. I was wearing my Strong Bad hoodie. I just said, "thanks," My mom asked him if he knew about the cartoon and said it was the best. He said yeah. He was Scottish. Slight accent, but spoke English. Looked around 20 something. Glasses, clean-shaven, green shirt, tan hoodie. So yeah. That was cool. Then we got some pizza and went home. I was tired. We'll watch the game tonight. I still have a bunch of HW to do. Sigh. But I might podcast today. So yeah...

blue ink #6 & illegal finish line

Omgee it's another blue ink! French math teacher is sick or something so I have a free hour. Youguysyouguysyouguys- you guys!! I got an awesome idea for the blog!!! So my dad was noticing the playlist and stuff, and brought up the idea that I could record my own music and put it on! And then I thought- "hey, I could do a podcast!!" My dad brought over this recording device so I can talk to you guys about everything now. It's so great. I already have a name and logo for it. It's called Bligadesh BlogCast. (BBC without the English accents!) Bligadesh is a word I made up a while ago, and it means like weird, random, whatever, etc. and yeah. And the slogan thing is "Your source for yeah and yeah!" 'cause I'll talk about like... yeah and yeah. Which means basically, in my personal dictionary, just whatever. I'll try not to be boring of course.

So anyway. Can't wait to do that! I'll probably do them every week or so.

This morning was ok. In French I did FLE work and have to practice an oral presentation for English class. I got some English math HW too. Ugh. But hey it's Friday! 3-hour lunch and I only have one class after and it's fun- so yay.

Michigan plays Wisconsin tomorrow. I'ma talk aboot that on the blogcast. And stoof.

I brought my iPod to school today. Only listened to 3 songs about. It's cool. Smells really nice outside, and the tree leaves are starting to explode.

----------------
I got to leave etude 30 minutes early. There wasn't anyone home and I didn't have a key, which really sucked. I read my book near the door while listening to Simon and Garfunkel. It sucked. I had to wait almost an hour before my mom finally came. She was on a walk. I still had 2 hours for lunch. I checked-a my email, did math HW, listened to music and yeah. Art was fun. I'm drawing a picture of a banana, apple, eggplant and mushroom. And maybe a carrot. I laughed a lot in art. I've had pretty... amusing experiences in art classes. Take 6th grade at Slauson. Ahh. Goosd times. Anyway. I have that darn Spanish test on Monday, but whatever. And sort of a lot of HW. Not tooooo bad though. Should be a good weekend. Oh and GO BLUE!!! They just had to make the game at 3:30, which is 9:30. So it'll end at like... 1:30 am? I dunno. But GO BLUE anyway. I might blogcast (new word I think) today. I'm really excited about it. Hope it doesn't suck. And that you guys like it. I'll keep the playlist, but not make it auto-start. And, of course, if you guys ever have any ideas for the blog or blogcast, or anything really, like music, just comment or email if you know my email. It'd be awesome. Thanks.

Hail to the Victors, man. Them BADgers are goin' down. (I hope/doubt, but I'm a loyal fan, ok?)

Clicking

It's taken 3 school weeks, guys. September 4th (first, worst day of school) - September 25 (changed from "school is eh..." to "school is yeah"). I don't dread school with intense hatred, I have some good friends, some French things are actually clicking, my schedule is pretty much all figured out and I'm SO optimistic it almost hurts. So today was awesome. I got some homework sure, and have a Spanish test on Monday, but stuff is awesome! Stuff like... this. My theory/take on things is that pretty much after Tuesday, the week is OK. Friday is nothing, Thursday I get to sleep in a little and Wednesday is a half-day.

In histoire-geographie, I don't really need to copy the notes down. So I basically just sit there, taking in the French and stuff. I sat next to Adja (the tall nice NY girl) who helped me with stuff, which was cool. I got some homework, but see the thing is, get this- when the teacher came over to explain what I had to do, I actually kinda sort of understood what she was saying! Like more than I had been "understanding". Words clicked and my brain could comprehend mostly. So cool!

And in Spanish, I knew how to answer most of the questions, but it was weird 'cause I would raise my hand, but the teacher would call on Jess mostly. But when we had to do this one thing in the class, I (thought I) knew what to do sort of. I thought the teacher said something like, "study the text for 5 minutes and write questions that could be answered from it" but it really was to study it for 5 minutes but the teacher would ask questions. I was close. I feel way more confident now. In FLE I had to do an oral test in front of the class, but I wasn't too bad. The teacher (Monsieur Besson, who was there during the French tests) said I looked nervous, and said I shouldn't be scared to speak French. He also said speaking French was fun. I like teachers that tell you not to like... stress it. It makes you so confident and feel so awesome.

During the second FLE, M. Besson mentioned us singing a song, which we weren't too thrilled about. At the end he played this thing on the computer that was like little kids singing some song about the days of the week or something. Then of course, M. Besson had to treat us to his singing of that song. Jess was close to tears and several of the other students seemed to rather have their head in a septic tank. As Jess and I were walking out of the school after, I said, "... and just think of those poor little French kids!" It was funny.

In English we're interviewing another classmate and presenting this oral 5 minute presentation about them. I have to interview this one French girl who doesn't know English. So... eh.

In Math-Speciale, I got called on a lot but I had a lot of fun on the computer with Jess and this other girl. The teacher is nice.

The September wind was like the equivelent of listening to my iPod, only better, as I went home. The grass was green and soft and the sky had puffy clouds like the Earth spilled white but tipped with purple 3-D ink on their masterpiece, the sky. My voice was raspy and low when I talked but I was coughing less and my nose didn't have so much snot. I was smiling and hungry, and couldn't practice my trumpet. I grabbed my backpack straps as I ran on French pavement, thinking "awesome".

"Out of all of the friends I had Fry, you're the first!"

Ergh a derg. Spanish is by far the worst class. I am like failing. Actually, forget the "like". I AM failing. Or at least have a terrible horrible grade. But honestly, there's not much I can do really. The teacher is annoying, so much stuff to learn and I don't even get half of it probably. We have a test on Monday. I'll study, sure, but my chances of passing are like... close to zero. Ok, ok, I guess I really won't pass it with that attitude, but whatever.

I didn't miss much on Tuesday according to Jess. We had a math test, which I knew nothing about, which didn't thrill me. But I think I passed maybe. I skipped this one question 'cause I didn't really know what it was asking (they were in French) and I couldn't figure out this one problem where I was supposed to find 2 numbers that when added together are equal to 1, and when divided are equal to 3. I just couldn't get it. The teacher told me some stuff in French, which I just replied "d'accord... ca va...." even though I didn't really get what he was saying. He saw me looking up a word in the dictionary and asked what I was looking for. I think he knows English pretty well maybe 'cause he told me it was the verb to know. Or something. So yeah.

Wednesdays are probably the 2nd best school day, after Friday. Half day and OK classes 'cept for Spanish. In SVT (Sciences de la vie and terre= earth and life science) we're learning about earthquakes. I think I already learned about those though. We have an English math test sometime soon, which I should do OK on I guess.

I missed the English spelling test today and need to still turn in my essay. Hope the teacher won't kill me and Jess. Jess was nice enough today to let me take home her Spanish binder because I needed to organize mine or else the teacher would majorly mark me down.

So I'm pretty much... "hooked" on Futurama now. Well, as hooked as someone can get after 3 episodes. It's pretty funny. It's easy to see the Matt Groening influences. Bender is awesome. The stupid thing takes like an hour to load though. But yeah.

Bad news. The LHC collider (CERN thing my dad is working on, which is the whole reason we have to do this whole stupid trip) is going to be shut down till April 2009 for repairs. Which means there'd only be 4 months or something till we would have to go back after it's turned on again. Hm. We're still going to the party thing in October. It's supposed to be pretty cool.

So... lots of blog posts for September. Might be the most in a month so far... anyway. I've sort of gotten better I guess. Head doesn't hurt and I just have those light phlegmy coughs. Nose is sore, still use some tissues. Oh and also, my parents went to Lyon today while we were at school to get my dad a Swiss Visa so he could work at CERN because CERN is sort of in Switzerland. And they also brought me back pins of The Beatles minus George (so sad... it's just not the same without that quiet guy), Chuck Berry, Neil Young and the cover of HELP! So those are cool; I'll probably wear 'em tomorrow.

(Too Much) Information

Yeah I'm back. It's 5:50 and I have sort of been uh on the computer all day. But I did get some stuff done I guess. If you would scroll down to the bottom of this blog, you'll find the two wonderful new things I added. And I organized about 30-something blogs that were interesting into separate lists. There are TONS of blogs out there. So... check some of those out I guess.

I was almost surprised when I found this. I didn't know he was that well known. He is quite good though. But wow... 22.

Made some bumper stickers for facebook. They cool I guess.

Lunch today was ramen noodle soup. I discovered that I couldn't taste the carrots. So it didn't taste like much. But was still good. My mom said that when my dad goes back to the States for meetings, he should get a whole bunch of ramen. I brought up the fact that there was ramen here. It'd be awesome if I could go back though. We don't know when he'll go back, but he probably will.

Futurama. You've probably watched. I want to check out some of the episodes. Looks cool. And also, who can't love something made by the maker of The Simpsons?

Crap I still have homework. And school tomorrow. Spanish ugh ugh ugh. But I guess life is still good. Compared to HOW IT COULD BE. And also, this will all be a distant memory in a bit.

*Cough cough* Dang. The pile of tissues here is like... almost scary. I've probably used up the equivelent of a box. Nose is sore but less stuffed. Throat isn't that sore. I should take a nap. The day just like... died. Ah well. It's only French school. There's still college football, Gmail chat, funny bumper stickers and Fat Friday, which, by the way, we are going to check out this Friday.

Nose is feeling runny... lemme dig through the pile to find a usable-yet-already-used tissue...
Snot is yellow. Sort of greenish too. Just thought I'd remind you guys.

Tea is great stuff, you know? Ah... I've been drinking this tea. It's good stuff. Time for a cough drop I think. *cough cough*

Ah yes there's one more thing. I was chatting on facebook with my cousin who's in grad school and she brought up the fact that I had inhaled French germs, and was therefore like the coolest American. 'Cause I mean, how many of YOU could say you inhaled French germs???? Ha ha yeah.

Hockey blogging and a whole bunch of snotty tissues

I'm staying home from school today. It's 11:08, so I've missed my 2 hours of French and now the first hour of etude. But really I'm just going to miss a few FLE lessons, Spanish and math. Not so bad. I sort of got better, but I think it's good that I'm staying home. I mean, this way, the other kids won't be at risk, I can fully get better, whereas if I went to school I could get more germs. And I am pretty tired. My brain is sluggish. And, quite frankly, sometimes it's good to take a break from such a school that makes Slauson look like elementary school. In other words, its good to take a break from a school you pretty much hate.

I went to bed early, after failing to take a pill. I dunno why, but I just cannot take pills. My body just says "no" or whatever. It sort of sucks. But I did use this nostril spray stuff that cleared my nose a little. When I woke up I felt really sluggish. The kind where you can go into the kitchen to get a bowl of cereal but end up like staring at the spoon in your hand for a few minutes before you finally realize what you're doing. I read my USA Hockey Magazine while eating and it was cool. I use the pictures after I read them to make like collages and stuff. So its cool. It had this article in it, which was actually quite interesting. Even for you not-exactly-hockey-fan people. According to Ted Leonsis (see article),

A blog can be entertaining, it can be informational, and it can be enlightening. But the most important part of a blog is that it can be activating. It allows others to look at your thoughts and follow your life and then launch their own ideas, comments and perspectives on what you've seen and done. In short, your personal blog is a way to leave your footprints in the sand.

Along with that article, they gave us a list of 10 great hockey blogs. I'll add some of them in the blogs area I s'pose.

I guess I should be doing my homework shouldn't I? I have like... math, Spanish, English and chemistry. Sigh. I've been using a TON of tissues. I have huge piles around everywhere. 9 months doesn't seem that long. 3/4 of a year. Only 3 seasons really. And life goes on, you know? Time happens. Crap happens.

I might be back with another post today, 'cause I'll probably be bored. And writing (blogging) is a good outlet. Hope you guys don't get sick. I like sneezing sometimes though.

Sick

Warm snot started to drip from my sore nostrils. I just wanted to get frickin' home. I felt like crap. My head was smarting slightly, my nose was sore and runny, I was really tired and my throat was sore. Crap. We had two fire drills today- one in Math Speciales, and then in the next hour during FLE. During the first one, I talked with Joey, Quinn, Faouzi and Jess. It was cool. I heard that these students had stolen a canteen spoon and dug a tunnel under the fence. They got caught though. And then the second one, the FLE teacher told us to stay in the cement area 'cause he needed to tell some teacher something. So we did. One of the girls started saying something like "we should go to a cafe or something" or something. So then we talked about coffee, and I learned Jess didn't like coffee. She also didn't like tea. Wow. And she had never had Pepsi. So then we went back inside and had to learn French. 

Ugh I have a Spanish test on the 29th. I am doing so badly in Spanish. It's like not even funny. But well maybe it sort of is 'cause there's not much I can do. 

Turns out we are not allowed to go to the bathroom during class. I really really really had to go in chemistry though. Luckily the teacher let me go, but said this was the last time. I hate how they look at me like I'm... so... like a different species or something. 'Cause I don't speak French. Ugh.

It's Almost Time to Wake Up Billie Joe Armstrong

So it's been weird. Well, not really, but it's just sort of like a big perspective change every once in a while. During the school week, it's like all about school. French, work, a different culture and new friends. But the weekend is a huge break. Procrastination makes itself known, I spend a lot of time staring at a computer and there's way less French. So when I go back to school tomorrow. it'll be pretty weird. I guess. But it's gotten better. Like seriously.

I have a ton of FLE and MS (math speciale) lessons tomorrow. I get out at 5:30, which so sucks. See, it's just that like we get so much work to do and getting home at dinner time is not the most... convenient or inviting way to approach that work. I only have like 3 or so hours to do it. Sure, its possible and I guess having less time can make you get more done. But it's hard, people. It's tres tres hard. 

I finished my essay about my room. But I need a title. I was supposed to use a lot of similes, but only have a few. Oh well. I was thinking about calling it "Where I Am From" but eh. And there is like no way I am calling it "My Room". No way, Jose- I am not stooping that low. It's actually only due Tuesday. I'll think of one.

Along with all of those weird-ities, I also, for some ODD reason, like, want to go to college like a lot. Weird, huh? Like, its weird- I just... feel like going to college, succeeding at life and learning. And being in the Marching Band. Perhaps it is the September weather, me playing football outside that conjured up a major wanting to go back home. Perhaps it's Ann Arbor calling me back. I want to be back in that town where crazy college students hang out on their rented houses with music blaring and plastic cups cover the grass. I want to be back in the same town as the University of Michigan, and be able to hear the crowd at a game while hanging out at the Levin's house. I want to be playing football with Erez and Oren, while trying to sell parking spots on their lawn for the game. I want to feel that September wind blow while I'm in the Bear Bowl with friends and see the leaves dance. 

Crap my throat is like... sore-ish. Man, if I get sick that will suck. If this was Slauson, I'd hate missing school. I would hate it hear probably, but for some reason I just... care way less about this. Like I have said, it's like a year to throw away schoolwise, just taking in the experience. I just... argh... don't feel like (going to) a foreign school. It's like... not... American. Which may be a good thing actually, but not American means not my friends. It would seem that a lot of these posts are just rants and complaining. But it's frickin' weird over here, guys. It's frickin' different and I don't really even know what to think anymore. At least September is almost over. Wait what?? Are you serious??? Dude!!! Wasn't is like JUST Zach's birthday?? Double-you- tee - eff?Dang. I liked September sort of. October will be cool I bet. We might go to London on the break. And it'll mean only October, November, December (which will be easy), January, February, March, April, May and June. Then guess what happens. What happens after that is a little thing I like to call... um... "home... coming". As in, me coming home. So 9 months. I killed off a fourth! Boo-yah. Sure. 

This is the 82nd day according to my calculations. Which means only 283 more days!! Ha ha... ha. 

Nobody said it was easy

It's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh take me back to the star

(Coldplay- The Scientist)

For Some Reason, I Just Can't Think of Good Titles Anymore.

Slept in till 10 or so. I had stayed up late to chat. I lingered in my bed for a while, while my dad took a long shower. I want to ban killing polar bears in our apartment. And like everywhere. But anyway. Then I got on the computer after eating French toast, and looked at cool sweatshirts and things from Big Ten colleges. We had this plan set up a few days before to go on a ferry across Lake Geneva, so we did that. It was cool. Lumbered on down to the car, leaned against the door while French radio buzzed in the background and drove to Nyon. Not a cloud in the sky, so the sun was smiling pretty big. A big, wavering yellow tongue licking the amazingly-blue water. Big fat waves crashed against the human-made barrier, creating white froth like a beard.
We weren't really sure where or how to buy tickets, but later found out we had to buy them on the boat. As my dad said, we couldn't have planned it better; the boat came to the dock like just as we got there. So we got on and went to the top. I felt bad for Zach, who described it as "just a long fight not to throw up." He gets motion-sick. But nothing happened to him luckily.
My dad and I leaned against the side rails as the bulky blue boat amid the wide blue expanse full of senior citizens crashed though the flowing bumps of water. I took some pictures, videos. There were a lot of sailboats and some windsurfers. We got sprayed a little. It was cool.
The town was described as "one of the prettiest towns in France", which is what my mom says about every town in France. But she claimed it was quite official. It was cool, I guess. Steepish roads, not many cars, castle-like buildings. We walked around a little and got ice cream. My dad has a cold so he couldn't really taste his chestnut ice cream. I was coldish. It was actually sort of warm, until the wind came. I was wearing a sweater.
The way back was cool too. At first we sat down on the side in the bow, but then the waves majorly splashed us. It was sort of funny, 'cause the people would start laughing and whatever whenever a huge wave came up and dumped water. My dad got pretty soaked and my hair got pretty wet. So we re-located to the other side. Sun was still severely shining, no clouds. Lots of sailing. It was awesome. To just lean against the rail, looking at the water. Made me really miss our cabin in Canada and stuff. Made me want to go sailing. Among other things.
I worked some on my English essay and stuff. I'll have to do more tomorrow. But it IS technically tomorrow, as it is 12:21 AM. Sigh. I was hoping lots of my friends would be on chat now, but I guess not. We just watched The Kite Runner, which was quite good.

Congrats to Jenny!!! You guys will have so much fun at the party. Dang- I just so wish I was there. UGH. This sucks. But have fun with whatever. We'll have several parties when I come back. I've killed off like 3 months.

So anyway. People change a lot. Take one of my friends. Who also reads my blog. Who shall be un-named.... etc. But anyway. Go Blue and don't jump in the stupid can. Is there something else? There's tons more. That's for later posts.

"Tha's a big ol' Dairy Quen!!!" (Makes me crack up every time)

!!! American Media in our Apartment update (my new, just now made up this second, part of this "show")!!! 

One of my dad's collegues (how the crap do you spell that?!??!) told us how we can watch Michigan games over here, so we installed the thing, which is called Zattoo. We get like 5 or so American channels and stuff on the computer and it's really cool!!! We watched some Comedy Central and the last quarter of South Carolina vs. Georgia. It was awesome. 

Michigan's next game is vs. Wisconsin next week. GO BLUE!!!

I never thought I'd say this, but I like school somewhat now. It's the kind  of "like" that isn't "omgee it's the best thing ever!!!1" and it isn't "I guess...."; it's more of a "its gotten better, can be pretty fun but still sort of... eh-ish". Today. Was awesome. Friday is one of my favorite days. Wednesday probably first. In terms of school, anyway. I had 2 French classes, in which I did my own private work 'cause I'm just special like that. Well, it's actually because my French is like close to zero. But I don't mind. The girl that sits next to me (Emma, who's English and who speaks good French) helped me a lot with it. She has black hair and very intense eyes. It's like.. almost unnerving looking at her, because her green eyes mixed with her slightly pale face and whatnot is very... intense. But she's nice. It's weird though, 'cause I like tune out the class. I don't have to pay attention. It's sort of a habit to, though, so it was a little weird at first. I feel like I'm slacking. Eh. Anyway. I also had an etude, in which I continued my never-ending "debate" with Claire about OSU vs. Michigan. She wore her OSU sweatshirt again. All she ever says is the basics like, "Well Michigan sucks," and "No, you guys just suck," and etc. Whereas I actually bring up somewhat important points. Such as the fact that Claire didn't know where the actual University was and didn't know the fight song. And stuff. Then Adja (African American from NYC who speaks good French) came over and was like, "I'm talking to my new bff- Amelia!" in a slight mocking voice. "What are you doing tonight??" I just said uh and she said something I forget. She's nice. It was funny. 

Then I had math, in which I had more positive/negative problems. Which meant I could do them pretty fast. Except for some reason I got some wrong. That were like stupid mistakes. But oh well. The teacher ignores me for the most part, but I think he knows English. He's cool I guess.

3-hour lunch today. Boo-yah! I practiced my trumpet a little and had a ham/cheese sandwich on a baguette. And some kiwi and chocolate. And because I am so obsessed with telling you everything about my day, I had chocolate-muesli ceral for breakfast and a pear and a muesli bar. I finished my math HW at lunch too. Then all I had left was art, which I like. Or at least, I liked the first lesson. 

It was super fun. "Super"?? Where did that come from?? I never say that. But anyway. The teacher talked some, I sat with Claire, Olivia and Emma again and we did stuff. We apparently had to draw along the theme of "well eating" (me and Emma laughed at/with Claire's grammar) and we were supposed to draw like... food. And they'd hang it up in the canteen (cafeteria). At first I wanted to draw a hot dog. Then an apple. Then a carrot. Then I decided on an eggplant. No one knew what that was at the table so I explained. Then Emma made the joke that like chickens don't have to lay eggs anymore and that's why chicken farmers aren't making money. We cracked up. Then I wanted to draw a sign saying you shouldn't chug soy sauce. I had to tell them about how if you drank like a bottle of soy sauce that'd you like die because of all of the salt. Ha ha. It was funny. So I have to finish the rough draft sometime. It'll be funny. I actually like that class. For some reason, I didn't really like the Slauson art classes. Probably 'cause we had to do so much writing at the end. And 'cause I can't draw. But it's still fun I guess.

So on the way home I was really happy. I don't have that much HW, except for "learning the lesson" and writing an essay and whatnot. Oh and then ugh I have those FLE and Math Speciales lessons that mean I get out at 5:30. Ugggghhhh. So I'll only have about 3 hours for HW. Sigh. Could.... be... worse. I suppose. But could be better.

So my mom has to tell everyone about my blog. You might say, "the more the merrier!" and all that, and I mean, having lots of readers is I guess pretty cool. But still. Most of them are like... adults. No offense to you guys- no please- you can read this. Just be aware that I AM sort of a teenager, and yeah and yeah. I don't really know what I mean by that. Just... I dunno. This blog is sort of for me mostly. Sort of.... ok just whatever. Thanks for reading- yeah.

Here's your "question of the 'day'/whenever I feel like it":

Do you think the actors/actresses on those Disney/Nick shows and whatnot (such as Hannah Montana, Suite Life of Zach and Cody, etc...) actually like the material they have to act out? Are they brainwashed? Perhaps they didn't like it before and have to pretend they do? I just can't imagine how they could do that stuff. No offense to you people. Just not my thing, I guess. Anyway, think about it and maybe comment. Though the average number of those has gone to about .64 a post. But thanks to R! Seriously. But anyway.

My dad likes saying the name of these.

Optimism Freaks Me Out

"OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I threw the fork down and started spitting out spinach, jerking back.
"What is it?! What??" My mom stayed relatively calm, yet surprised.
"It's a bug!!! IT'S A BUUGGGG!!!!!!" Pushing the bowl back hurriedly, I started to... slap my knee and like spaz. I showed my mom where it was. Right there, 2 centimeters long, a greenish-yellow with a few pairs of dark legs and black beady eyes. In. My. Spinach. Zach came over while my mom denied that there was in fact a bug in my greens, saying it was just the stem. He observed it and came to the conclusion that it was in fact a bug. "Aaaahh!!!!" This was gross. I was gross. It was gross. Ugh ugh ugh GROSS. No. I started squeezing my knee and slapping it, panicking. "Argh!! Eww!!!" Oh and by the way, these are not your high-pitched, girly screams. These are my normal voice screams with some grossed-out ness put it them. Because I was grossed-out. So was everybody. How would YOU feel if you were eating something and SAW a frickin' BUG in it? A worm. They crawl. Tiny pincers. Little eyes... green... ugh stop it. Luckily it wasn't moving, but the bottom half was squished. Ew. I had probably just eaten some bug guts. Maybe even a bug. UGH I need to stop thinking about that.

That was lunch break. Everything was OK until then. After that, every little twitch or small hole in the ground where I stepped made me shiver. Everything felt like tiny little bug legs. Creepy.... Then I went back to school, not dreading it. Today was actually moderately good, except for the STUPID new schedule. Now, I get out at 5:30 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. And I have to miss some English classes, and my one musique class, which is awesome actually. UGH. But- I do get to miss sport (gym) on Thursdays. Oh yeah- and I got freaked out by life again today. I had the geographie/histoire test today in French. I had to cram, which sucks. The teacher wasn't there again today. So that meant 2 hours of etude, then my test. That's like... freaky. So I studied those hours. And I memorized it. 700 BC- birth of agriculture, 400 BC- birth of writing, 200 BC, time of the Bible, 1-99 was the debut of Christianity, 52 AD (or BC I don't know...) was the height of Athens, 50 AD or whatever was Cesar's victory at some place, 1452 or 1493 was the "prise de Grenade" and discovery of America, and something something. And Clovis was baptized in 496, and yeah there's more but I forgot. So that was awesome for me, to have that etude. I was feeling pretty confident.
The test was different than I thought (they almost always are, aren't they?) and I had to leave some places blank. Oh well. But it wasn't that bad. I had to answer 5 questions in French about like the rights and liberty and stuff, which we had been taking notes on but I didn't study for. But I did try. 'Cause leaving it blank is not my style. Then, since the ENP teachers had training activities or whatever today and tomorrow, we didn't have any English classes. So I had etude, then my first FLE lesson. I sat with Jess and Quinn, which was cool. We had talked before in etude about how the school system sucks and all that. I mean, the teachers give you homework to "learn the lesson". Isn't that sort of what the teacher is supposed to do??
The FLE teacher was the same one that gave me the French test. He's nice. I don't think he recognized me, though. I dunno. He's OK at English, but has a heavy accent. We had to get a bunch of stuff. Jess was pretty good; she had enough courage to actually ask questions and stuff. I didn't like the schedule. Like I said, I get out later. And I just... ugh. At the end, I said, "Ugh this sucks!" and Jess said, as she was putting her stuff away, "Well, could be worse," and I immediately thought about what Becca said. But then Jess added, "well, actually not really..."

Lunch was..... well, I already told you. I read some of my USA Hockey Magazine. Then had technologie and Spanish (groan). But I also had "Math Speciales", which was yet ANOTHER math class. I now have 3 math classes: 2 in French. 4 classes if you count my dad occasionally tutoring me in Algebra. Ugh. So I left techno after about 20 minutes and had some trouble finding room L 30. There was L 31, L29 and L32. But then I caught Joey walking outside and he showed me. The teacher was nice. I was also with Quinn and Jess for this class. Both of them had English accents, and I almost felt tempted to use mine, but that'd be... weird. So anyway.
Spanish was... ugh as usual. But- I did have a lot of fun with Jess. We had to write and orally perform a conversation in Spanish. We had like 3 lines, and me a terrible accent. And we couldn't use the paper when we got up. I stumbled a little. And then the teacher added at the end that "Amelia speaks Spanish like she's speaking English; no accent," and I'm just like, "There's sort of a reason..." but of course I didn't say that to her. It's annoying. We got 13/20 (65%= U at Slauson) for that, but that wasn't the lowest score.

It's weird though, 'cause you know how I used to be all worried and stuff? Well, things go OK. Like all the time. I'm starting to actually have some faith in that whole "everything is going to be okay" thing. I don't hate school. It's actually sort of fun with friends. I get lots of exercise walking back and forth from school 4 times a day. And I run sometimes, because I can and want to.

Time for some miscellaneous "news" because I suck at transitions. Someone wrote "Vinclaire is gay with {some person}" and "Hannah is gay and mental problems" on Vinclaire's and someone else's locker. It was terrible- people were laughing at her at recess and stuff. I witnessed that. Man, if that happened at Slauson, Ms. Smith would like.... explode. I would predict at least a 45 minute "don't jump in the stupid can" lecture, possibly for two days. And she wouldn't laugh like ever; glares and frowns. The kind that, when you look at her, you have to put on a "I agree with her- that was really stupid" and a surprised one perhaps. Well, at leas that's what happens with me. Oh, and about band- I've been trying really hard to practice a lot. But with the fact that I'll be getting home at like 5:50 most days, it'll be hard. But I guess I do really love trumpet. And I really want to get on a good marching band.

My dad got to take home the goalie equipment. He said his experience between the crease was sweaty and tiring. The helmet is cool. It's Itech. Supposedly the other goalie from Ann Arbor (French woman) injured her knee, so they need another goalie. And, one of the guys said they were starting a girl's hockey team in Meyrin, where the Levins' apartment was, which is close. So cool.

I keep remembering how my parents and people said this whole thing was worth it. And I bet at the end I'll like "learn important life lessons". Well, I have learned something important. Not necessarily "learned" but "come to realize" that optimism works and is realistic. I'm not going to end this post with some cheesy advice or conclusion or whatever. I haven't got a letter in a while. Or ridden my bike. Or had a cheeseburger. Or played baseball. Or frowned.

Hail to the victors and everything going alright

My mom wants to get me a computer, which we'd just sell at the end of the year. She wants to support my writing and whatever, 'cause she thinks I'm writing more than she is. I mean, sure, a computer would be cool I guess. But I think that's like... overkill. We have 3 laptops in our apartment, 2 of which I use. Those 2 are available to me like almost all the time. Whatever. She also wants me to get a cell phone for security/safety/convenience reasons. Eh.

I'm tired today. It was a half day, which meant I get lulled into this false sense of "security" where I think it's like Friday and I'm done with school for awhile. I practiced my trumpet and got on the computer for awhile. I even took a nap I was so tired. There is hockey practice tonight, but I don't think I'll go this time. My dad's going to try out goalie. Zach's pretty sick and I don't want to get sick. Ugh and then I have that geography/history test tomorrow in French. I am so going to fail. But the teacher can't really expect much of me, I mean seriously. I could have (should have) studied more but it's sort of hard. Ugh. So much work...

My dad's mom is coming over for Christmas, so yay. That's cool. And some other friends might be coming then too. It'll be awesome.

So, apparently Ms. Smith (old band teacher) has been talking about me and referring about me in class. Wow. I feel honored. That's cool! I really hate missing 8th grade band. Yeah I've said this a thousand times, but it's so stupid for me. Don't even get me started. I was about to get me started.

I've been looking at trumpets, and checking out some of the Big Ten marching bands. It's pretty cool. I added some links to some of the bands in the "check out some of these links!" area, which I recommend checking out. My ultimate goal: to get in the Michigan Marching Band. Oooh yeah. But the other bands looked cool too. It'll be tons of work, though. Football season will mean like no free time on weekends and tons and tons of practicing. My chops will get sore. But then again, they'll be strengthened by then so my chops will be like... skillfull. They play for hours at a time, whereas my concerts at Slauson probably lasted an hour, but we only played like 4 pieces. But that's like 7 years from now.

Cool band-related videos you might want to check out:
How to Make a Trumpet
How to Make a Trombone
How to Make a Flute
Michigan Marching Band plays Monty Python (part one)
Some school band plays Kenya Contrasts
Michigan Marching Band pre-game show (GO BLUE!!!!!)

The rest (and lack of it)

Blue ink #5 took me an hour to type. My neck hurts. I don't think this life is very healthy. My legs get cramps, which if you don't know are full of pain. Painful. Turns out they changed the schedule so I have musique every Tuesday and not on Friday. We listened to Beethoven's 7th. Then in Spanish I got called on. It wasn't so bad though. We always get so much HW there though. We learn like 10 new vocabulary words a day and I have it almost every day and I have to like learn them all. Then in math I got 3/5 on that test. That is like not even allowed for me. It'd be a U (60%) at Slauson. I messed up the last 2 questions. But I thought I did them right. Guess not. But I guess with this system that's a pretty good score. I ran part of the way home. I am soooo tired. Practiced my trumpet for 10 minutes, did math, no time to relax, again no time to relax, and bloggggged. My neck has a major crick. I'm hungry. Siiigh. SO much work. SO much stress. SO many problems. And so of course I had to hear that the world was going into another Depression. EXACTLY what I needed. Like, you just can't get any better with news. I feel almost like I'm slacking in school. But it's not as if I want to. I try, I pay attention, all that stuff. But it is sort of hard to fully participate when I don't understand the question or the answer. I aced that spelling test though. We have to write an essay about a place we like to go in or near our house. The teachers here like to say "Ok" or "d'accord" which means basically OK, as a sort of question. And whenever they say that I say OK out loud sometimes, but inside I almost laugh; what you just said, Monsieur or Madame, was not Ok seeing as I didn't understand. 

I guess I'll just try to focus on being happy, not worrying. 'Cause who knows? Maybe I will die or something tomorrow. Oh yeah and I saw a paramedic unit at the school and near my neighborhood which I assumed was for the fainting guy. 

After all of the work, your brain still remembers the things you should remember, but you just have less time. So this is for my future... everything is and is. But sometimes I just want to lie on the grass, you know? 

blue ink #5

Daaang. Dang! Sometimes life freaks me out. Like, seriously. So I was supposed to have 2 hours of gym today first thing but I didn't really know where to go and stuff. I went inside ('cause normally I wait outside for the bell) and tried to ask Joey. He was playing a somewhat violent pushing game, so I had to say his name a few times before he noticed. He said we meet near the Lycee and he pointed. So ok. Then I stood around, worrying sort of because this was my first gym class and I didn't really know what to do. Then I noticed Jess standing near the lockers and went over. I said hi and asked if she had gym now. She wasn't but showed me where to go and just said I should follow Joey. Well, first she asked Joey if he had gym and he said "maybe" which Jess translated to "yes". So I just followed Joey. We met up with his friends and one of them was talking about the world's smallest PC or something.

Claire, Olivia and some of my other classmates came and soon clumps of people formed around two teachers. Then I heard my classmates groan and didn't know what just happened. Turned out our gym teacher wasn't here, so we have 4 straight hours of etude. When Joey told me this I pumped my fist and said, "Yeah!" This was awesome! For me, anyway. Claire and Joey called their parents with their cell phones, 'cause apparently we might have been able to go home. That would have been great- get another hour or so of sleep and relax. But no- we have etude till 11:50.

So the point I'm trying to make here is that I guess things really do go OK. But for some reason, my first reaction to things, or the first thing I think/do is worry. I try telling myself it'll be OK, and I do and it helps, but I guess it's just that I can't see how it will be OK. It just seems so... like it's not going to be OK.

So anyway. Here I am, sitting on this chair with my pen and paper. Joey said this was the worst class. Eh. Maybe for him it is. This is frickin' awesome. I get to write a ton and have time to study for geographie. But there is like no way I am passing that test. I have to label continents, oceans, some cities, climate zones, forests, rivers, some countries and mountains and stuff. AND memorize some history about kings or something. Like, I'm trying to study for all that but I have to do like extra because it's in a different language. Argh. It's hard. I studied a little before I started writing this and I'll do some more later.

I want to be outside. It was nice. A little windy with crisp air. Makes me feel better. It's a blue-steel day but there is some sky-blue and the sun came out earlier. This is the type of and time of day when you should be writing/think outside and laying on the grass near your friend. Both with hot chocolate included. Sigh.

Claire has a bad cough. She's also wearing that OSU sweatshirt again... ugh. But she's like majorly coughing/blowing her nose. A ton of people are sick now. It sucks. But besides that, Fall is actually a pretty awesome season. Probably my 2nd favorite. I mean, what with the crunchy leaves, trees erupting with colors, recreational activities and smells, this season is like... just asking for poetry. It is quite inspirational.

Hey, this is a first- this is the longest "blue ink" I've written so far. Cool. Lots of typing today. But I get out earlier than yesterday- 4:40. But I have a crappy lunch- only one hour. It would've been way better if I had all of the morning classes first, so then I had like a 3-hour lunch. Oh well.

Everyone just like left. You might wonder why I am still here writing. I still have 2 more hours. So yeah. Oh wait, 3 more. Boo-yah!

I am now the only person in here except for the teacher. It's rather... weird. But she hasn't said anything to me and I don't really have anything else to do. Plus, it's not as if I'm doing something bad.

"Hey-Amelia!" I quickly looked up. It was Megan. "You're here all by yourself," I replied, "Uh yeah" as Megan and the two other girls from yesterday came and sat down. Then the teacher told us to move up, so I re-located to the 4th desk down, sort of in the middle. Some of my other classmates came in too.

I guess I'll study a little more. It's only 9:01. I also don't know where some of my cities are. But I guess it'll be OK. I'll pick up this pen in like 10 minutes. Not like you guys will notice.

It hasn't been 10 minutes, but I just remembered I had a spelling test today. Shizzz. But it shouldn't be that bad. Miscellaneous. Possession. Unfortunately. I think I'll do pretty well. But oral ones are heard. Argument. OK. Now for geographie.

Did you guys know that IVe millenaires av. J.-C. was the naissance de l'ectriture? Birth of writing. And also at 496 Clovis got bapteme- ed. Wow. that was a looooooooong time ago.

Where the crap is Shanghai?! I can't find it on the map in my planner. Ugh. I can't find Le Claire either. Oh well. I can use the Internet. Only 2 in a half more hours. I only have one English class today. I have math and Spanish like everyday. Except, Friday is no Spanish. At least tomorrow is a half day. That so rocks.

Last night I stayed up till 10:15 chatting with 4 friends. It was worth it. I cracked up a lot. But today I have to go to bed early-ish because I'll get like 7 hours of sleep the next day because of hockey practice.

I could read my book. I'm getting close to the bottom of the back page now. It's 9:22. I've been writing for about an hour. Wow. Ugh some jerk is throwing wads of paper around. And he made a weird noise. Woah, I just heard Megan say like, "I {f-word} you," then laugh. They certainly like the F-word here. I have physical science HW but didn't bring the books, and I don't really understand it. It's due Monday. The girls next to me are also throwing paper. What the F? Such a waste of trees. And therefore more dead Polar Bears. Sigh.

Fountain pens are cool. I got this one like 2 years ago in the US. It's a greenish-yellow with black stripes and like a dog theme. Obviously I'm using blue ink right now. *Stretches fingers and legs... I'm tired. But slightly happy. School doesn't suck so much.

Weird. There's some like... grown man in this class. He has light side burns, a mustache, glasses, is big and has dark skin. Maybe he like majorly fell back? Woah I need a

second sheet. Dang. This is going to take awhile to type. I hear whispering- low raspy voices like many small stones falling on other stones. Paper rustling-ripping and being written on. The kid in my music class with a mohawk has a small wad of paper on the desk behind him and his fingers are in formation to flick. He glances around, trying to look casual and looks at the teacher to make sure she isn't looking. His fist now covers the paper... he gets ready to flick... glances again and bang. The white ball of paper hit the chair and bounced to the floor with a firm tink-donk. He has a creepy smile. The teacher didn't notice. Yo, now he moved his tongue around in his mouth as if perhaps pretending he's making a spit ball... nevermind.

It smells slightly like stale, fingernails, paper and fake wood. My hand is seriously screaming so I'm going to read my Garth Nix book for a little. It's 9:39.

Now it's 10:13 and I'm in the library. I read some of my book but then the bell rang and I had to go outside. As I walked through the door, my nose immediately felt a light blue and bleak wind; coldness. I kept walking, treading on the grey gravel and becoming more alive, the thin yet powerfully not warm September wing bleeding through my jacket. I went to the middle of the pavement with lines and looked at the sky. Yellow sun poured like never-ending lemonade out of white-tipped, pencil-lead colored clouds. I saw a plane in the distance, the sky was like an ash-tray, yet troubled with the smile-inducing blue color. Suddenly I was out. Well, I wanted to get out; I felt caged in at this school, so bleak and foreign. The windows were black, revealing nothing. I needed to be somewhere else. Out. In space? In Ann Arbor? In a void. But yet with. I wasn't in the Lycee International of Ferney-Voltaire for a second, as I stared at and got lost in the ground. But then I was. There was a black bird flying clumsily. Another airplane took off. I was standing alone while middle school kids talked in French and English and laughed, dotted all over the paved campus. I could feel a part, a sort of blob in the back of my mind that was in that other place. Yet the rest of me returned, and perhaps had never left, when Fauzi said my name.

I forgot to tell you guys about Fauzi. He's new, from Sweden and is pretty nice. Short, sort of curly black hair and his face seems to almost always be in a somewhat saddened, innocent, curious and lost expression. He asked me about etude and stuff. He knows pretty good English and plays ping-pong very well.

The sun sneezed, spreading yellow light (goo) over the pavement, as if igniting the grey. But with the light, it also created dark shadows. Then the bell rand and the clouds acted as a tissue.

I lined up for etude and Jess came with some of her friends. She said hi to me first. Then they started to talk about some guy that had apparently fainted and his heard stopped beating. It happened like just now and people had just crowded around him. He didn't die though. Then Jess did this cool thing with her hand. "Hey- that's cool," She laughed and I tried doing it. You link your fingers and then sort of swerve them under and up. Then we lined up for CDI (the library) and they called our names to come in. I'm sitting next to Jess. She's cool. She played field hockey in Holland.

She's borrowing my calculator for her English math HW. I told her about how some guy brought a home-made bomb to Slauson. She was surprised.

Gosh my hand is sore. But tomorrow I don't have any etudes so I'll get a break I guess. This is my 4th side, 2nd page. Lots of typing. But it'll be fun I guess.

No one's asked what/why I write. Pretty much everyone here now is reading. I'm hungry. Only about an hour and a half till lunch.

I suppose I'll just read now. The rest of the day should be OK. I'm so glad it's only a year here, 'cause this school can really get to me. I'd get so tired of it. But after this, school's going to be hard. But then again, after this, school will seem easy. I can just imagine myself grinning vibrantly in my classes because I get to hear, read and speak ENGLISH.

And I am so visiting Ms. Smith and Slauson. That's like second priority after friends. Go Golden Bears.

Mmk I had to write again. It's 11:15. I'm in the library again- we had to leave it, then go to etude, then went back up here. I'm sitting with Jess again- we talked a lot.

She's staying here probably 10 years or even permanently for her dad's job. She might go to the Geneva International school which speaks English. She also sort of wanted to come here- she already had a friend. We were talking about how the teachers yell and stuff and Jess was actually a little more... non-optimistic about it than me. I was the one to say "chill"; first time for everything. Then she told a story about how the cool musique teacher talked to her one time in the class. He said like (in French), "Oh you're from New Zealand- that has a lot of cows," and Jess said, "Um no it has lots of sheep..." and then the teacher baah-ed. Ha ha. It's so awesome to talk to friends. Jess actually wanted to walk, sit and talk with me. I only have one class with her today. She's pretty cool. Nice British accent.

I only have about half an hour, and only 1/3 of the page or so left. This is like a new hobby or whatever. I like it. The library has a bunch of posters- there's one of Matilda, Indiana Jones, the 6th HP and Tintin, to name a few. The chairs are "wood" with bluish-purple plastic/metal legs. Lots of tack boards, some old black Dell desktop computers, blinds pulled 2/3 of the way down. There's a little corner with a few couches and magazines behind me. I think there's even a metal detector after the door. Interesting.

Someone's phone went off. My parents want me to have a cell phone. I'm not like... really excited about that. I mean, it's oo kay but just another electronic to take care of. A lot of my friends have one. In fact, I guess everyone in that "hang out at Amelia's porch" group except for Oren and I. Ah, and let's see... it's 5:30 AM there. So most of (all of) you guys are probably asleep. Then you get to go to wonderful Slauson! That wasn't sarcastic. Have fun, guys. But by the time you read this it will have passed. And my day will have too. I'll write about that when I get home. So far, life is a-pretty-pretty goosd.

blue ink #4 & illegal finish line

Yo. It's 11:06 on a Monday and I'm in etude. I would have been in math right now but they moved that to 4:55 for some odd reason and now I have another etude. Sigh. But I'm just so happy that Becca is reading my blog again. That is very cool. I sort of have homework- finishing my independent French, reading, studying georgraphie or Spanish and yeah. But it helps to write. It's fun. Except for the irking aftermath of a sore right hand. Perhaps I can write some poetry. They have a different teacher in etude that I haven't seen before. Looks younger, tan, and brown hair flowing over and around her neck. Seems like an OK teacher.

I wore jeans today. It's sort of chilly. Not many kids here wear shorts now. And I'm also wearing my Strong Bad hoodie, which is cool. For some odd reason, I didn't bring one of my Slauson sweatshirts. Ugh. I so should have. I guess people really do grow because the last time I wore the Strong Bad hoodie it was quite large. But now it fits better. Hmm.

I've been thinking (considering) about bringing my iPod when I walk to school. It's about a 15 minute walk maximum and might help me like... not be so... lonely or whatever. But then again I could lose it or whatever.

As I walked past the "school buses" (they use big grey tour buses), there was this kid leaning over the side of the sidewalk and he coughed and some pancake-batter-like stuff came out of his mouth. I could hear the barf splatter on the ground and quickly looked away. Behind me some girls said eww and whatnot. And of course I had to play it over and over again in my mind as I walked to my class. I tried thinking about dogs. Chester is a dog. I haven't talked to him in a while. I should send them an email or something soon.

Gosh my hand is sore. I have about 20 minutes till I go home for lunch. Technically, I only have an hour for lunch, but I don't really care if I'm supposed to go to etude. I mean seriously. I'd rather just do my homework or whatever at home.

Lots of coughs. I'm not sick really, but I might have the beginnings of something related to the cold. Last night we had chicken soup, which was really, really good (my mom made it). I almost cracked up into my spoon as I was eating when I remembered (I'm smiling now too) talking to one of my good friends and she said she wasn't good at flirting. Crap my pen just ran out of ink. But luckily I had another ink cartridge. Now the letters are really blue. Anyway, so then my mom asked what was so funny and I said, "nothing" with a grin. Ha. My friends are funny.

In geography I sat next to Quinn, who also doesn't know much French and is new. He's British. And pretty nice I guess. But I learned then that two confused and lost people don't make one non-confused and not-lost person. Instead, it makes a...

------------------------

I had to leave etude then. This is the "illegal finish line" because I didn't write this part in pen. But yeah. What I was going to say was that two lost and confused people make two even more confused and lost people. Also in geography, we had to write definitions and notes and stuff, but the problem was I can't really tell what the teacher is saying in French or write it down. So when she said the start of a phrase for me and Quinn (she was standing behind us and exaggerating it), I was quite off. It sounded like she was saying "different" but she was saying "defende". Eh oh well. I had to do a lot of that guess work. Like in Spanish, the teacher was also telling us stuff to write, and I just had to guess. Spanish was awesome. I sat next to Jess again, and we were confused. She's pretty confident and seems like a good student; she tried answering where something/someone was but was wrong. I didn't even like know the question. And then it was also funny, because (I'm started to laugh now) the teacher, who's short with strawberry-blondish hair and a crooked nose, had to use a large ruler to turn on the TV. Jess mentioned this to me and we had to cover our mouths from laughing. And then the TV wouldn't turn on because she had to plug it in. It was very funny. Ha ha.

Today was actually pretty good. Clare was wearing an OSU sweatshirt, which was gross. I asked her about it before math and she said yeah she was a fan. I expressed my dislike for them and we started one of those "No actually OSU sucks-" "no Michigan does" etc. things. Claire is like way taller than me, so she hovered above me saying, "Oh yeah?? Well you're short and Michigan sucks!!" we continued that after class. Olivia said she was "on my team" and I wanted to give her a high five, but didn't get the chance. After school I walked out of the school with Claire, Olivia and Megan. (I'll talk about Megan in the next part.) and I brought up the fact that Michigan beat OSU 57 times, whereas OSU only won like 42 times. So ha. And then as we were walking out Claire explained to Olivia that we were talking about American Football. I said smugly, "The only football," then Megan brought up that old fact that it's stupid to call it that 'cause we don't even use feet. I replied to that, "Well Americans are just weird," and Claire was surprised I would say that as an American. So I explained to Megan that Bush was... and she understood. But yeah.

I got a 3-hour lunch today. It was flippin' sweet. After that etude with the 4th blue ink, I got to go home early and then had like 11:30-1:40 of free time. (*Pumps fist) And I got to walk home with my dad and Zach because they told him to go home till they call him back. He's gone to school like 5 times, not in the right class. So now he'll be in the right grade. Yay. I actually didn't get that much done, but I did finish my math homework. I should have practiced my trumpet. Then etude was full and I noticed Megan, her friend and this other smaller girl who had sat with and helped me in math sitting in the lobby thing. So I went over there and talked. It was a very interesting experience. At first they talked in French and then Megan was like, "Now it's important to be polite for guests," meaning the two other girls should speak English. So they did. Megan was like, "Oh fuock," and then looking at me, said, "that's English," They seem to like the F-word here. Megan told some story about how the doctor people at pharmacies aren't supposed to tell anyone else the patient's problem. So then this patient person whispered to the guy, "I have a constipation problem," and then the doctor person said, (Megan said this in a loud, loud voice:) "Hey, I need some constipation medicine over here!" and we cracked up. Then the lady from the Vie Scolaire came over and told us to be quiet. Then the smaller girl told some story that made like no sense and was like two sentences. After this Megan said, "Oh.. ok. I like your story..." and it reminded me so much of Becca and Anthony that I almost like... died. Not really. Ha it was funny. Then I walked with them to my next class, which was awesome. Megan told some story about how they were in some restaurant and Megan's mom yells out, "Megan, stop touching my {a-word}!!" Ha ha. I laughed a lot. I was happy. Ha ha! Anyway. Megan has brown hair that's sort of fluffed/curly on the sides and she has a tannish face. She knows some English, but I think is French. I make lots of friends. Well, no. But yeah. And then also she asked me if I "loved anyone in the class" to which I of course I said no. Then she asked if I was ever going out with someone. I groaned inwardly. I said no again. I was wondering when the kids here would get to that.

I felt so accomplished today. Practiced my trumpet, cleaned my room, did some homework and blogged. Blogging is almost the replacement for a writing class or whatever. Oh and by the way, if you're looking for a better vocabulary, interesting thoughts, to learn some stuff and "broaden your horizons" or whatever, check out this blog. Seriously, folks, that is a must-read.

My mom recently discovered YouTube and I find her looking at stupid videos about people that think CERN is like... in ca-hoots with Satan. This movie is pretty funny- the guy is so off. It is not true. My dad is against me putting it on here, probably because it is against his experiment, but guys seriously- this is not true. It's funny, ok? Well, in a way yeah.

This is not real.

Well, somehow this got to be a looooong post. I have to go to bed soon. I got my USA Hockey Magazine today. Cool. And I'm actually not hating school now. It's pretty cool! And the physics/life science teacher said I don't have to take the tests because I don't know French. So that's less stress I guess. I'll still study and whatnot, and my mom says around Christmas is when the students start to get French. So, 3 more months. And we might go to London on the October break (that's right- I get a break for Halloween! I don't know what I'll be though).

It's getting better all the time

I used to get mad at my school

The teachers who taught me weren't cool

You're holding me down, turning me round

Filling me up your rules

I've got to admit it's getting better

A little better all the time

It can't get no worse

I have to admit it's getting better, it's getting better

Since you've been mine

(I hate "Fall" puns, but I couldn't resist:)My Nose Falling into the Addicting Smell and Aura of Fall Causes a Poetry Impulse

Went to a museum today in downtown Geneva. About like prehistoric life. And of course my dad has to read every single little word. And it was in French. Sigh. I was tired too. After reading some of Cider With Rosie, I actually took a nap. And am still sort of tired. I got a Green Day CD (American Idiot, which is like the only one I can stand) yesterday for 30 bucks. Stuff from the US here is expensive. It's weird though, 'cause I synched it onto my iPod but Green Day doesn't show up in Artists. Huh. Gosh, but some of their songs are like... re-pet-it-ive. It's not even funny how simple they are. Anyway. After that we walked around the old part of Geneva and we got some really nice hot chocolate and it smelled like fall. That crisp, coldish and windy feeling that made me want to get outside so suddenly. I like just wanted to like... go... outside. It was awesome. It was the kind of day and smell that made you want to read poetry. You had to write poetry. You had do something, and just say "screw Green Day-I'm with the classics". You had to walk outside, to just like experience life. I suppose you could call it inspiration. I so have to write a poem today.

As I was walking, I stepped out of my way a lot to step on them extra-crunchy looking leaves. Ooh yeah, feel that crunch- ha ha! The average person would reply "lol" to that.

I was so happy last night. After watching a movie about Shakespeare, (which got me inspired) I discovered that one of my best friends, Becca had read my blog again! And commented! That made my day. Like seriously. It had been awhile. So now I know that at least someone appreciates it. Well, at least someone regularly comments or at least tries to. So thanks. Thanks to everybody.

I sort of have homework. I have a history/geography test on Tuesday I think, and I didn't really study. So I'm naturally worried. Freaked. But I'm trying to put it into perspective. Because in the big scheme of things, it doesn't matter. But that means I won't know that information. So I dunno.

I've been wanting to make a movie. And a slideshow. I have some ideas, but it's hard. Especially because I don't have anyone to film me. With a good angle. But again I don't know.

My dad got a hockey stick. 20 dollars. I also just started using the new facebook because I figure I might as well use it. But so far it's.... ugh.

I like blogging. I don't know what I did before them, I mean seriously. I've been trying to think outside of it all, but in the car for a second I forgot how to not think about it. I suppose it's just because I've had many holes formed since I've got here. I write to vaguely sometimes, partially because this blog is for me mostly. I have lots of readers, and actually I don't normally go back to read my posts, but I have lots to say and do so this a good outlet. I told the teacher in my English class that I had a journal. I didn't tell her it was actually a blog, though.

I think I need a plan. Or like, ideas. Because although this might be working (I'm not sure) it's not... working. It's not really... really. Like I said, I dunno.

WOAH. Ok. Another perspective boom-ba-foog. (My new word for when you get a huge dose of perspective and realization or lack of.) And what is it that I must? I must write a poem. Keeps. Attacking. Should it stop though? Maybe I just need them. Hot sauce twinkies, eh? My mom says I should start a homestarrunner.com fad at school. Clouds are wet. This is so copying the style. We're actually all different people each time, because really no one wants to beat them up, they just do it because they do, but they do it because they do. Being a teenager.... is cool. I think... I mean, what with vocabulary, stereotypes (those can be positive I guess) and I should just remove my hands from the keyboard, because your brain might turn into a hot sauce twinkie if I keep fooging-ba-booming.

I'd like to end not with lyrics as I sometimes do, but with a quote. A quote that is one of my favorites. And you can probably guess who said it. She always knows how to make me smile. Ha ha. Enough of that friend-... friending.

becca said...
You'll be here soon enough.
I'm more concerned about you surviving your being smothered in hugs and whooping and yells of affection when you return.

Maybe it's best you start bracing yourself now.

Simply smile-inducing.

That smell... my pen/keyboard is calling. Or. *inhales more.... that should be a perfume. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. *sniffs nose... ahh yes! It's like addicting. Now all I need is to go with Jenny over there and go down Slauson hill in a red wagon. Looks like I didn't actually end with a quote. But you guys get the just of it. Actually I don't know that.

"Yeah our school is weird... like really"

Last night we had dinner with Simon's (kid spending his senior year over here) family and this other family with a daughter my age. She was actually in one grade higher. But she was ok. Name was Lena or something. Her family had been here since like 1995 or something, and Lena knew like 3 languages: English, French and German. Wow. We had home-made pizza, salad and sherbet. Basically us kids talked about school and whatnot while the parents talked about politics and other whatnot. It was fun I guess. I didn't talk much. I found out Lena and like all the other French kids watch(ed) High School Musical because everyone else does and they like to make fun of it. She also said they danced to the music. And she and her friends like Disney movies. Simon and her talked about slaughter movies, which did not sound like... non-slaughter. Bloody. *wrinkles nose in disgust. She reads like Gossip Girl books and such and used the word "fun" to describe lots of things. She likes Twilight. And we also talked about the school. I learned that the school I'm going to does not have proms (*pumps fist) or senior prank day. She didn't even know what that was. Wow. She said this school was like different. (See title quote) so I guess I'm not getting the "normal" French school experience. Eh whatever. And all of us (meaning parents and kids) got to the conclusion that the school here is sort of more... hard. The people are nice but lots of work and stuff. Yeah I agree. 

A lot of people here wear Converse. Lena described that as "in the fashion". And they used to wear ripped jeans but they got too cold apparently. Ha. And according to her, there is like nothing to do in this town. Kids just go to Geneva. Eh whatever. 

I was really tired when we went home. Then I went to sleep like instantly. The weekend should be pretty good; I don't have that much homework, but have to get some more supplies. It's raining. Bleak. I'll check out Fat Friday next week I suppose. And my mom wants me to go to the Ferney market today and take pictures. Supposedly the pictures would be good for my blog. I haven't done much pictures on my blog in awhile. So maybe expect some. 

Here's your daily question: well, not daily.. more like, "whenever I feel like it" question to think about: 

What would you guys think if a lawyer turned in his client because he knew the client guy was the bad guy and didn't want to support the bad side? Think about it, maybe comment if you want. But it would appear that no one wants to comment. But I can always hope. Just... just think.

Gah... what should the title be?

You ever feel like running and maybe singing just randomly? You ever feel sort of excited, sort of on the happy side and optimistic about life? You ever feel like you know what you want to do, you know what your purpose is sort of? Well if you haven't you won't know I how felt. Ha ha ha! That was a happy chuckle. 'Cause it's Fry-dai and I have like no homework and school sort of is ok. Art was fun. The teacher seems nice and I got to sit with Claire and Olivia and this other English-speaking girl. I have to get some painting stuff and I'm actually looking forward to art. Even though I can't draw worth crap, we'll get to make a gum (as in the chewing kind I think) sculpture and am going to do black and white drawings or something. Black and white is one of my favorite things. Are. Is? You guys know what I mean. But anyway. The art room is in the Lycee (high school) and the hallway smelled like kiwi. Then I got to go home early (3:30) because I didn't have any classes after that, except for etude but Claire said that students that live close can go home. So that's what I did. School is definitely getting better. Maybe even to the point of being "somewhat good". But I don't wanna jump to conclusions. 'Cause we all know how hard it is to get back. And yeah.

My mom called the music place but had some communication problems because her French is not perfect. Trumpet lessons will add more stress, less time for stuff and more responsibility and ability-to-get-more-irked-ness, but I like trumpet and I'm not really going to get anywhere just practicing the basic stuff. So yeah. But I want an English-speaking teacher. That would REALLY help. And my mom wants me to invite Claire over. I told her it was against the rules. I said it was weird. I don't know her at all! You just don't do that thing. No.

Fat Friday (see some earlier post to know what I'm talking about because I do not feel like explaining it to you people for like the 10th time) is probably starting soon. But we're going to this other dinner party tonight. There's supposed to be an English-speaking girl my age there. So that should be cool I guess. I have to stay up late to chat with my friends, which is annoying.

I know I sort of copied this from a different blog (Stuttered Submissions) but this can not go unnoticed. I mean, seriously. Are you frickin' serious??!??!

Michigan vs. Notre Dame tomorrow- we are so going to woop. 'Cause them Victors are VICTORIOUS!!!! Ok yeah. When I come back I am so going to a U of M football game. And a hockey one eventually. (Yeah that's right, dad and mom- I AM) Anyway, same as always, M GO BLUE!!!!! Them Fighing Irish are going to trip and fall on them clovers!!! Or like.. fight.. themselves!!! What I'm trying to say is, they are going down!!!!!

Hey, check this out.

blue ink #3

1:57 in etude and only one more class then another etude then I am FREE. Boo-yah! And I don't even have like any homework. I'm happy. Also, having friends is so under-rated. I'm still smiling at the thought of what just happened. As we were walking to etude, I walked with Jess and we talked. I found out she was from New Zealand, which is cool. And she only came here like a few months ago. She has shoulder-length, brownish-blonde hair that's in a ponytail. Wears Converse. In fact, it seems like pretty much every kid here wears Converse. And blue jeans. And the boys wear belts, except they still sag a few inches. (groan) God. If you're wearing a belt guys, might as well use it properly, right? Seriously.

But back to Jess. As we walked in the line, we talked about how etude was boring if you don't have anything to do. And then I added, "Yeah and then the teacher just like violently yells randomly," and Jess was like, "Yeah I know!" and did an impression. I put in, "I mean it's like- anger management?!" "Ha ha yeah I know,"then we talked about how there's so much graffiti and they just don't feel like doing something about it. There's also the F-word and someone's name (I think a teacher's) written behind the desk in pretty big letters. Huh. The F-word is probably the most commonly-used on the walls here. There's also "I love you"s and other assorted messages.

So that was cool - talking to Jess. It's always nice to complain about school or whatever with someone your age who relates. Jess also doesn't know that much French, so we relate sort of. It's cool.

Technically I have homework. But I have like an hour of etude later and it's just reading. Shizz and I have to practice my trumpet!

Uh-oh, the yelling teacher just came in. She's so subtle and... violent. Never seen her smile.

We had a math test today. It was short. But I didn't think I did too well. It was adding/subtracting positives and negatives, but the last question was this long equation that I probably did wrong. Oh well. And the teacher asked me to answer a homework question, which I did. The answer was -16. I had to think how to say 16 in French, which was slightly sad. But I didn't fail. I guess.

In French the teacher gave me this sheet that I did. It was easy. I just had to fill in "Je" or "J'" and stuff. And in English we're supposed to write about a special place near or in our house. I chose my room back in A2. I also answered some questions in class, and when asked to name the 5 senses, I blanked out on taste, but Jess helped me.

My hand is sore. It's a very bleak day. Sky is white and it rained. I'ma read some of Cider With Rosie.

Slauson like just started. Wish I was there. Oh, and you know how I said I had a long day? Well Monday just got longer- we now have French math at the end, making my school days on Monday end at 5:30, adding another etude which totally sucks. Uggggghhhhhhhh....

As of Late

Yesh, it's yet another post on my blog. I imagine it might be a little hard to keep up with all of these somewhat long posts, but I suppose it'd be good to take care of boredom. What can I say? I'm bored, stressed, have thoughts I have to write down and have a blog. It fits. Plus I'm a writer. And writers write. I hate to break it to you people, but that's what they do.

Speaking of writing, my mom read(s) my blog. She is probably even reading THIS sentence. Then she of course had to talk to me about my  blog, and now she knows like everything. But she mentioned that she noticed I wanted to write a book. Which I do. And so she said that this, this blog, was my book. And yeah I guess it sort of is. It's sort of acted as my journal, my outlet for when life gives me limes. Yeah I'm still waiting, life. I'll tell you guys about it when it happens. I've been waiting for them limes for a while now. Actually, I haven't hadOK back to what I was saying, she said I could publish this book and sell millions of copies or whatever. (Chuckles) That's a good joke, mom. No but yeah. I'd have to revise it and stuff... but you know what? Just whatever. I'ma just keep writing on here and see what happens. If anything. But I do also want to write a fictional book. I have a few ideas and yeah but yeah.

Hockey practice. There was this guy near the crosswalk that we passed that gave us a freaky look as we drove by. He just stood there near the road, giving us a blank/slightly mad/confused look and followed the car with his head, which along with the 9-o'clock darkness created a somewhat unnerving sense. But I was still excited. I mean, hockey. But I was tired. And I was going to get like 7 hours a sleep tonight. 

The practice was awesome. That other woman wasn't there so I had a whole locker room to myself. We did some passing drills and stuff, some of which I sucked at. Then we played 5-on-5 which is always awesome. I gave up the puck a lot and made a ton of mistakes, but whatever. And, let me remind you, these guys are like at least 6-foot and can skate friggin' FAST. And then that one guy is like teh Doctor Deke. If you don't know what I'm talking 'bout, just look up "hockey deking" or whatever. 

But hey it was still fun. I ran into this guy on my team by accident. It was like I deflected the puck back into our offensive zone, and so I just drifted closer to the offensive zone when suddenly there's white in front of me, and I fall down. I heard a loud, "OOHH" from the benches, and I smiled. The guy said sorry and asked if I was ok in a French accent, to which I replied with, "yeah sorry no I'm ok". And I was ok. I just got up and skated back on the defensive. It takes a lot to make me give up in hockey. 

Sometimes, during the 5-on-5, people would be hesitant on my team to take the face-off. I never did, because me on face-offs = no. I've never actually tried taking a face-off in ice hockey, but I mean, seriously. My chances would be close to zero in girl's hockey, but here they're like a negative number.

Also during the 5-on-5, this one guy said my name to tell me to change. I was like, "How do you know my name?!??!" but I didn't mind. That was cool. I almost feel bad for this team though because some "small girl" with like no skills has to be on their team. But whatever. Girls hockey will be easier when I come back... maybe.

So then we got to stay a few minutes after taking penalty shots. I didn't score on mine, (that would be pretty much impossible) but I wasn't even really trying to. I was just trying to practice skating and going up to shoot. My aim = no. And my slap-slot also = no. I actually hadn't tried before that night, but I didn't want to kill myself. I tried a few slappies. I didn't die. They weren't that powerful or aim-ful, but I didn't fall over like this one guy did. There were only like 5 guys on the ice after the original practice ended. It was like 11:30. Was I going home? HEX no. Me + free ice rink + puck and stick = no limits. That's like my favorite thing ever; just doing whatever on the rink with a puck and stick. I practiced skating and shooting, which was mediocre at best. But I was surprised how non-sucky I was at skating with the puck. But my wrist shot needs work. So does my transition from backwards to forwards. But I had fun. My dad had borrowed a stick from someone and tried skating with the puck with it. My dad... is not the best skater. But he has potential. 

I got to bed at like 12:30. My stick needed a new taping. I'm using white tape this year, because it matches my blue and white stick. I used to use blue, then black. Then I used both. Melted ice was dripping off the end, along with my forehead. I was tired. But I still wanted to have my eyes open because it's just better to see those lights. That was a weird sentence. But I wanted to still see the red and yellow streaks on the lake, see the dots in the middle of a black windshield. I did go to sleep eventually when I got home, but was really tired when I woke up. I did NOT like that alarm clock one bit. 

Turns out I was even too tired to go to school according to my mom. She wanted me to sleep in a little, but my dad, for some reason, disagreed. I WAS quite tired. And my brain would not process like anything. And it's bad for you not to have sleep. Also I was 13. So I went back to bed, setting my alarm for 9:20 for my 10-o'clock French histoire-geographie class. 

It felt so great to sleep. To not have to move my tired body and just be enveloped into the soft void that conjures up odd images and thoughts. But also drags you incidentally to a dark, red cutting place that gives you disturbing/frightening ideas. To just fall into the sheets, re-fueling your used body. Interesting stuff, sleep is.

I slept in too late. I woke up at like 9:45, which was when I was supposed to be there. So uh-oh. My mom wrote a note saying I had a headache. This was technically a lie, but her excuse is that she didn't know how to say "I would have gotten a headache", which I would have gotten, she says, if I didn't get enough sleep. So ok. It was ok. The nice lady at Vie Scolaire told us what to do next time and I went to my next class. I sat next to someone at the back who luckily spoke English. We were talking about justice I think. I had to hastily write down some French sentences, some of which made some sense to me. Then I had English, which was cool. I had enough confidence to answer a few questions, something I didn't really do in any other class. Then I had math in English, which was ugh. There was a sub; she was ok. I got some homework. And did the classwork like all wrong. It was percents. I did most of the work by hand, so that's why my answers were like screwy probably. 

I hurried home for lunch, reaching out my right hand to skim it against the wet little green leaves of the hedge. They were everywhere. Then I had an apple and some other stuff for lunch and hurried back. I saw some of my classmates at the kabob place and wished I had friends to hang out with. 

The rest of the day was awesome. Technologie was literally fun, since I was really happy and laughed. This English guy (Quinn) sat next to me and was just as clueless as I was, which was refreshing. We got on the computers for some reason and had to make these like signs or whatever. I sat with Olivia (Claire's friend) who was cool. Claire was with ValentinClaire (or whatever her name was) who had sat next to me in tech and life sciences before. ValentinClaire told me and Olivia she actually had like 5 names, and for some reason I laughed. Not meanly, but I was just happy. It was like I actually belonged in a group. The people talked to me and listened to me. It was cool. The class was sort of boring, considering all I did was sit next to Olivia and watch her struggle. That sounds mean. But considering I didn't even know what the hell we were doing, I couldn't really help. We eventually did something, I dunno what, while Claire and ValentinClaire were having a good time on the computer. I glanced over occasionally, making me laugh. 

Then in Spanish, although we got lots of homework, I got to sit next to Jess and I wasn't called on. Jess is pretty cool. She doesn't know that much French either I don't think and she's pretty funny. Answers a lot of questions in English. English accent. So yeah. Then I walked home, did my math homework then took a break, which is where I am now. 

As of late, 

school = improving

my old friends = still miss them like hell

my new friends = I'm becoming more like myself and fitting in I think

trumpet = hard to practice

Zach = in Seconde, where he's supposed to be, which is good

my friends = most of them not reading my blog

my overall view on this whole thing = still stressful, stupid, sad, sucky, and leaving me dreading the next day, but I'm trying to not to care so much. Hey, 'cause I mean, I want to live.