Je suis arrivé!

I'm here! Rue Pernety, Paris. And I must say, our neighborhood is ADORABLE. I was a bit nervous, having moved from the 2nd arrondissement in the dead center of Paris to the 14th, a bit off the beaten path, Rive Gauche, in the south of Paris. But I love it. Our little 4 block radius is filled with bars, restaurants, supermarkets, boulangeries, bric-a-brac shops (knick knacks) and all sorts of other vendors / retailers / little slices of french life. We're close to an Ed too, which is just about the coolest French super discount supermarket ever, and they sell Soy patties and taboulé (a mediterranean rice dish) so I can continue on my path toward Veganism. And Monoprix sells tofu and quinoa as well! I haven't even tried to find tempeh or seitan in the normal shops, but Alix assures me that a few blocks away we have a Bio (organics) food store and it should be stocked full.

On that note, yes, I realize now it will be a challenge to be a vegan in France. Let's get past just the reactions I receive when I use the word "vegetalien" in French... which is very close to vegetarien, their word for vegetarian. But no, vegetalien means vegan, and when uttered it elicits a reaction of dismay, horror, and pity. The usual question is "Mais, qu'est-ce que tu peux manger?!" (but what can you eat?) To which I usually try and explain that there is much more out there than meat and eggs and dairy products, but essentially, if you added wine and bread to that list, that's ALL the French eat. Vegetables are an after thought.. kinda like "please move that green stuff further off the edge of my plate." I mean, they don't even know what alternative grains are.. and try to mention the nutritional values of food to the French and you'll also receive a sneer. The French eat food to enjoy the taste, to delight in the pleasure of the experience. Once you break a food down to its composite parts, you're obviously doing something wrong. But, I do like to know what I put in my body, so I'll continue to live my new path and try to speak openly to those who will listen.

That was a weird tangent from my "Arrival" but I guess it needed to be said. Oh, and I'm literally 1/2 block away from le Laurier, the favorite bar/hangout of Hannah and a whole bunch of other ILCF'ers from last year, who lived on rue Didot in my neighborhood in a student foyer. Needless to say Hannah is back in the US finishing her undergrad degree and insanely jealous, but I'm just happy to have a connection to my new abode. It's great!

The abode itself is tiny but perfect for me and Alix - we really don't need a lot of room. And our reunion has been lovely. We've already walked the neighborhood a few times, watched some Six Feet Under, and made plans with 2 nearby couples for an apero tonight. I'm feeling a bit useless until school starts.. I'm completely unpacked and just spending my last few days of vacation reading, playing video games, and chatting with friends.

But.. it won't last long since I start school tomorrow, HEC, Jouy-en-Josas. Yay! I've already made the mistake of calling a male employee "Madame" via email.. but I don't feel terrible considering that he and I have never met, his name is Fabrice, and I have only been speaking with women from the time I was admitted (I guess I assumed the whole administrative staff was composed of ladies). Oh well, he wants to place me in the French language electives because as he said "vous etes fluent" (you're fluent) even if I kinda disagree with that.. I've left myself the option of switching into the English language classes because I'll be taking strategy and marketing courses, and I'm a bit nervous the subject matter might be difficult for me, especially because I've never studied them before.

HEC it outside of Paris and I've been nervous about transportation, because the French trains are notorious for strikes, and my monthly rail card was going to cost me somewhere around $100. But some other students and I have been emailing back and forth and it seems like a good portion of us live in Paris, and about 3 or 4 have cars and are willing to put together a carpool! That's great news, plus I can make some friends that way.. when forced into a box for 1 hour each way back and forth from school, you're pretty much obligated to chat.. and maybe to go out for a drink afterward ;)

So that's the arrival! I haven't taken any photos yet but as soon as I do I'll toss a few up. Hope you enjoyed the read.

Blog, Resuscitated. (You try to spell that word!)

Good morning kiddies and kiddos.. well I kinda left this blog to die almost 1 year ago. I had just finished my first semester of studies at l'Institut Catholique de Paris, and let me tell you, much, MUCH has happened since then. I'll do my best to keep this relatively brief so we can catch up to the here and now.

Christmas was spent in the states with friends and family, and it was a lovely time. We had 3 Christmases this year, in fact, once we divvied up our time with the different sides of the family. And that's not even including the Xmas spent with Alix and her folks in Lille - bonus!

I came back to Paris in early January to begin my 2nd semester at la Catho, but sadly, it seemed a little lackluster when compared with the first. Chalk it up to lack of novelty, or the realization that yes, this time too shall pass and yes, eventually the year would come to an end, but for some reason my classmates and I were lacking motivation. I was talked into a 2nd semester of Synthesis and Argumentation with Christine which was definitely fruitful, but I left the course realizing that I was pretty much traumatized when speaking French with certain audiences. Christine isn't imposing, but she definitely knows what she's looking for in an answer. And when you speak a language only 1/2 as well as your own native language, and have trouble even answering in class in that native language, it can be quite tricky!

In any case, here's the 2nd semester class rundown. In addition to Synthese (See above) I also took a 2nd semester of Parcours Culturel, which focuses on France's influences on neighboring cultures as well as a regional study of the country, I took Intro to Philosophy, making this the only course I have now taken at 2 different universities and in 2 different languages, and finally I took Pierre's AMAZING grammar course designed for those who wish to become French teachers, and holy crap did I learn a lot. I even learned new grammar terms in English... periphrase?! regime?! I had never even heard of these things before. If you couldn't notice I reduced myself to 15 hours a week from 21 hours for sanity and financial reasons. It was a good move.

Oh, and yeah, I got into HEC! Okay, I have to be frank, I didn't realize it was the #1 management school in the world when I applied or I might have died during the interview process, but this fact was revealed to me shortly after and blew me away. The process was as follows: Sent in application packet + stressed for a few weeks + received admissibility while in Tokyo (more on that later) + short interview on campus = success! It's crazy, business school for me was originally an excuse to try and move to France, a means to that end, and now it's a means to such a larger end. I'll be studying Sustainable Development - yeah, I don't fully know what that is yet either - and realize that this is my 2nd career change in 10 years time. So what they say is true I guess.. my generation will be changing careers at least 5 times in our lives.

So school at la Catho ended, and it was really sad to say goodbye to the friends I was still in the process of making this past year. You don't make friends in 8 months, you just don't. For me, these friendships were only budding toward the end, and despite a few regrets of not 'being more sociable' I really feel that it would have taken at least a 2nd year to deepen and broaden the relationships we had already planted. I have a few friends who are sticking around like me, Dilia will be staying for a masters degree in finance at la Catho, Ji Hong for a masters in philosophy in Bordeaux, and Kennic at... where the hell did you get in Kennic? It's something to do with architecture. Claire is sticking around to become a full time English teacher in Paris, after spending the last 10+ years as a French teacher in Canada - fun reversal. And Xiomara doesn't live too far away in politically-torn Belgium. Anyway, I hope this gives us all the chance to get together often and remain good friends.

This past summer was a gift, unexpected, lovely, and completely welcome. As my bank account dwindled to $0 around June I was actively searching for part time work in the states that would allow me to spend at least a good 2 months with my family and friends, as well as put some decent money in my pocket with which to return to France. Amazingly enough, the gods were smiling upon me when I posted a status update on LinkedIn along the lines of "looking for a temp job in packaging in NYC from July 15 to Sept 15". Shortly after, Coty HR contacted me and asked if I would be interested to fill in for someone on maternity leave. I was stunned - it was perfect. All I had to do was go home a few weeks earlier than planned, but with the school year winding down and friends dropping like flies, it wasn't too hard a concept to swallow.

So I arrived back in NYC and saw the city for the first time. After having lived in and fallen in love with Paris and with city life in general, NYC become something new and completely different for me. I was a commuter these past 5 years with the city simply being my 'place of work,' but now, with no home, no car, no real hub I was mobile in NY and I stayed in NY, and that made all the difference. My sister kept an ear open for me (don't they always stay open? is that even an expression?) and found amazingly generous friends who were willing to either host me in their apartments or just hand over the keys when they went out of town. Aside from that, I spent the weekends in Jersey with the folks, a few nights a week with my friends Laura and Dan in Brooklyn, a few nights with Rebecca on the UES, and a few nights with my other friends Dan and Chloe. I had a giant hiking backpack with me at all times and during a sweaty summer it got to be a little much at times, but I loved the mobility! I went out more often than ever before, to restaurants and plays and concerts and people's houses. I spent time with French friends and American friends alike. I spent weekends at the Jersey shore and in Washington DC. And I even flew back to Paris for a brief stint to renew my residency card (the struggle.. ugh) and spent a weekend in Brittany with Alix and her family.

Oh, by the way, I'm engaged. More crazy news. I did say a lot happened this year, didn't I? Yeah Alix and I got engaged in May, and we're planning the wedding for August 26, 2011. We looked at Chateaux in Brittany while I visited in July and found a lovely little Manoir instead, le Manoir de Pontbriand. Aside from the fact that we still haven't found Alix's official engagement ring, we are well on our way to being an old married couple.

So this summer of great has just about winded down, and I received tons of compliments and well wishes from colleagues and friends.. thanks guys, I love you all. This week was rough since my father went in for hip replacement surgery but worry not, he is doing really well. My sister Rebecca also just decided that she's moving, which is FANTASTIC, from the UES to the UWS. I know it's just a change of letter but damn, it's a process. At least we got a bunch of stuff donated to goodwill. The complication of her move, my return to Paris, my dad's surgery, and just general life was all a bit overwhelming, but I'm taking in stride because...

I'm studying Buddhism. Yes, that's right, Buddhism. I've always considered myself spiritual but never found the correct outlet. Organized religion simply did not touch or inspire me, but buddhist meditation and precepts are really having a positive effect on my life. I'm being more mindful of my thoughts, trying to be skillful in my words and actions, living in the present, and being there for others. I love this concept and I feel a renewed energy and strength coming from my practice. I've already found a guided meditation group in Paris and I'm going to check them out on my return, but I'm hoping that Kennic and my new friend Sonam will also be willing to join me in the search for the perfect group.

I'm also on a minimalism kick, trying to reduce the stuff in my life. I know, what? Well check out some blogs like http://mnmlist.com/ and you'll soon learn for yourself.. it's not just about stuff, it's about appreciation of life and a redirection of goals. Do you want to be worried about consuming? Do you want to define yourself as a consumer? I don't... I'd rather rid myself of the things that own me and focus my time on relationships. It all falls into Buddhist mentality so well..

Oh, and I'm vegan now. Well, I'm trying to be vegan. It's very hard for a beginner but I bought a new cookbook called the Veganomicon after a recommendation and I'm going to try and hook up with the tiny vegan community in Paris for support and suggestions on how to be vegan in the land of wine and cheese. I like this idea of community... right there I've named 3 different communities to which I want to belong, and that's fantastic. It's one of the first times since I gave up my practice in music that I found myself so dedicated to learning from and living with a group of people in harmony. It's great.

And I also have the HEC community to look forward to. After receiving about 5,000 documents for the school year start (the french LOVE their paperwork), I can now safely tell you that I am invited to about 10 parties before the end of September. The french also love their drink. I've made some 'friends' through the power of the net thanks to a fellow classmate who showed some bravery and initiative via a school mailing list to contact the rest of us, so I'm feeling confident about the school year start. I know NOTHING about economics, but I plan to study up a bit at the library this week before school really kicks off a week from Monday. Our orientation starts this Thursday and I'll be happy to meet new people and make some connections before the intensive studies begin.

I'll have about an hour and 15 minute commute each way to school, which is a lot, but Alix found a lovely little appartment in the 14th arrondisement close to a few of our friends and I simply cannot give up the Parisien life to live on campus in Jouy-en-Josas, a little suburb of Paris where HEC is located. I'll just make some deals with friends out there to stay in the apts when necessary on those late nights of work.

Well... that's about it. I'm in Arlenda airport in Stockholm right now, waiting to board my connection to Paris. Just to quickly add.. the Swedish are a polite and CLEAN people. I know it was only 7:30am when I arrived but I never saw a more tranquil, organized airport. Although the customs agent did grill me about why I was in Europe and what I was doing in Paris, I still find this place very welcoming.

We'll see if I update this thing, but to the 2 of you watching, thanks and cya.

Edit: I mentioned Tokyo in there but forgot to talk about it, seeing as how this post could be published in book form. Alix and I went on Spring Break in Tokyo, which was amazing and insane all at once. I love the Japanese and would go back in a heartbeat. We weighed the pros and cons of taking advantage of this great opportunity (a friend hosted us there) or traveling through Europe and we both decided that it had to be Japan. I've posted some pictures to facebook and I have many others.. I'm just trying to decide if I like the idea of posting everything in my life to a social networking site.. then again, here I go blogging about it. Anyway, yes, Tokyo = awesome.

Je suis FINIT!

So I'M DONE. With courses for the year, that is. And it's been fun while it lasted, but like my last post indicates.. now the real work begins. I have to find a masters program. But the vacation could not come at a better time, because I am going to read 2 books on sustainable development for inspiration and I plan to have my first applications finished by the end of the vacation.

And I leave on Saturday!! Craziness. The only thing I have left to do is watch Margot tomorrow for a few hours, and maybe give one or two more English classes. But in the meantime, Alix and I are going out tonight with friends, and tomorrow night we have a movie premiere to see.

Woohoo!! I couldn't be more excited for the break. And to see my family. And to.. I was going to say rest, but that's not true. At least it's a change ;)

Sustainable Development: a Development I can sustain?

im faced with the immediacy of my future. i want to work in sustainable development because i want to positively contribute to this planet. but HOW? and WHERE? and WHAT THE HELL?

that third one is sentiment... but it works. so im searching schools, and searching my soul, and reading like a madman. it begs the question, is my goal to work in SD a realistic one? are there too many people studying in that field for the # of jobs available? is another 2 years of school feasible at my age / with my historical profile?

this is BIG. like bigger than the past 3 months of french studies. bigger than moving to france. bigger than quiting my job. bigger than syracuse. bigger than anything before.

As you (who?) can see, I'm a bit lost. help!

The power of the dollar

I seem to be having revelations on the daily, albeit small ones. I've realized today that I've lost a certain something in my move to Paris: my desire, need, and will to buy things. Before I left home (and truly for the past 8 months) I took an inventory of my life, of the things that own me (or that I own), and the things that I truly need - and I pared it down. I had a habit when I lived in the states to look at discount websites like bensbargains.net or passwird.com, or the better known woot.com just to see what geeky gadgets were on sale. And as is normal when one develops the habit of looking at merchandise, one also develops the habit to rationalize more purchases than necessary. So I would buy things if they were a good deal, because hell, after all, I couldn't afford NOT to buy it! (that one's for you, Joe). But now, in Paris, I have all my basics.. clothing, food, my computer, some books, and a few video games / movies. Past that, I don't really "want" for anything, so I don't really buy anything.

In fact, I've lost the urge to buy altogether. Now that I don't work, don't earn a twice monthly paycheck, I guard my bank account a little more closely. I earn a bit of money with my part time work, but that's to pay the rent and pay for my activities. The money I have in the bank is my only real savings, and I don't want to see it depleted. Maybe this is a sign of responsibility? I'm not entirely sure... but in any case when you don't earn, when you simply deplete, you begin to regard things in a different way. I still look at my websites, but not on a daily basis, and more for amusement and to keep "current" with the price of things.. but I rarely buy.

Well that's it, nothing too deep, but it's a change I've noticed in myself. And that's why you're reading this blog, isn't it? ;)

Presentation

I've realized something. After giving nearly 4 or 5 presentations in French, I've become a better public speaker... in English. What I mean to say is that I thought it was hard to give presentations in English before I came to France, but after having struggled with a non-native language and adding an additional layer of complexity to the process, I'm fine with presenting in English. I'll take a giant hall filled with uninterested people in front of whom I can speak nervously any day of the week, as long as it's in English. Because there's nothing worse than trying to improvise in a language where you have no words. When you arrive at a dead end, there's no bullshitting, it's just shitting, and that doesn't please anyone, including yourself.

Resident Evil

I almost forgot! I had another brush with French Administration this week, but I can happily report that it was far less painful than usual. And the result... (drum roll please), I have my Carte de Sejour! Probably anticlimactic to most, because the words Carte de Sejour don't evoke much to the English speaking community, but it means that I have my residency card and I can legally live and work in France until the end of my VISA.

Yay! I know. It's a minor technicality, but I'm cheering the fact that I had an appointment on Thursday with the immigration office at 2pm, I arrived, took my shirt off (it was a physical), coughed a few times, spoke french, and left by 3:30pm. 1 hour and 30 minutes is unheard of in France for accomplishing.. well anything really. But especially unheard of with a government agency. I was rather impressed.