quick rambling

It's the weekend before my 21st birthday, and I'm going to Brussels.  It seems to be the land of beer, french fries, waffles, chocolate, and art.  My kind of town.  I'm really really excited. 

Also, because it's my birthday and the postal service is inconsistent, I have already received some packages from California.  They are amazing.  THANKS SO MUCH.  Though I am having the time of my life, it's moments like this when I wish I could be home and just give you all huge hugs.  Of course, it would be better if everyone just came and visited me in France!  Also, I would have to "faire des bises" when I saw you because I'm really French now. (but not really at all...)

And, I am really really really enjoying my classes at this point.  Though sometimes very frustrating, I really like sitting in class and actually comprehending the French, and listening to the sayings and the sentence construction.  The only thing is that my hand is cramping, because I want to write exactly what the professors say  (to make sure I know the correct sayings) but it means every class I use 5-8 pages of paper front and back (which causes my hand to cramp)!

One of my favorite distant relatives passed away this week, so here's thinking of you Sister Malachy!  She lived to be 103 years old, and truly touched the lives of many people.  Just a little story, she was a sharp wit with a kind soul.  I would come and visit near St. Patrick's Day and dance for her and the other nuns at the convent.  She was always so excited and would bring us around to everyone and we would dance and have the best time.  My favorite story she told was of her days before becoming a nun.

She would always pull me close, and whisper in my ear, "I used to have boyfriends, you know.  I would always tell them, 'I'm going to be a nun' and they always said, 'No way!'" And then she would pause and giggle, and continue, "75 years later, look who's right?! I told them so!"  She was an amazing woman and I am so grateful I had her in my life.

Also, this marks half way through my program!  Though I won't be home for quite some more time, I will be done with school in the next 2 months!  All for now! Brussels review upon my return!