Saint-Cernin-de-Labarde Trips

A light slap...in the face | Mar 09 08'

"In the mix of thoughts, I realize the depths of my own ignorance."

The next few nights are spent relishing my television. I have more than a slight crush on it. I have never been a couch potato but now? Well, the d... Continue reading »

Another deflating moment at the bank | Mar 13 08'

"Amid all the confusion of both of us talking at once, I am under the impression that I am being denied."

It started off innocently enough. All I wanted to do was pick up my brand new credit card at the bank. It’s always nice to be able to access your h... Continue reading »

At your service, Dr. Boobology | Mar 15 08'

"But I save my enthusiasm for later. Right now, I’ve got to push my boobs up against a machine."

I am on my way to Bordeaux for my medical visit, a seemingly useless procedure that is needed for my carte de sejour and my ability to stay in this... Continue reading »

Biting back at life's split seconds | Sep 04 08'

"My life has become defined by seconds. Thirty seconds, fifteen seconds, but most often, two seconds."

My life has become defined by seconds. Thirty seconds, fifteen seconds, but most often, two seconds. In these fleeting moments, I find life decisio... Continue reading »

Depositing my sanity at the local bank | Mar 02 08'

"Oh, the ups and downs of living abroad. It’s like being on your period every day for three months in a row."

What just happened here? Was that a bait and switch? I just opened a bank account, yet I have returned to my apartment empty-handed, even more b... Continue reading »

Dropping down with a soft landing | Feb 14 08'

"I feel it everywhere—in my bones, my skin, even my teeth—that I am supposed to be here."

France. My greatest love affair thus far. At the tender age of 23, I discovered that the only place worth being was the baguette carrying, dog-... Continue reading »

Exercising the family webcam | Jun 14 08'

"With that, my dad stands up in front of the camera, lifts his white polo shirt up to his chest and slaps his stomach with a thud, then turns to the side and slaps it again."

Finally, after weeks of ignoring the situation, I cave in and call home. I’ve been in France now for four months and haven’t heard the sound of my... Continue reading »

Japan: a culture for killing? | Jun 09 08'

"In a culture that is so repressed that no one would dare break a rule such as walking on the curb, I am not entirely surprised by the need to lash out."

    All my travelling has made watching the news significantly less fun. Today was no exception, when I turned on CNN here in Franc... Continue reading »

Just got here | Jul 21 09'

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Market day, hurrah! | Mar 07 08'

"Usually, I am turned off by this. But this is Perigueux, not the penitentiary."

“The universe always gives me what I ask for.” My friend Jen, from Minneapolis, always says this. She’s a patchouli-sporting, baggy pants, scarf... Continue reading »