MAAAAAH FACE tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1626324 2009-11-13T06:41:12+02:00 The expression usually made to describe ambivalence or some kind of frustration. While living aboard, this tends to come up a lot. This is a blog about me, living abroad, and being foreign and awkward. TypePad Is it November? tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5504c766c88340120a692e145970b 2009-11-13T06:41:12+02:00 2009-11-13T06:42:53+02:00 How did this happen? I haven't been blogging lately and that is kind of a bummer. First off, I love blogging, it is one of the ways I can put down my thoughts and keep a living journal of what... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

How did this happen? I haven't been blogging lately and that is kind of a bummer. First off, I love blogging, it is one of the ways I can put down my thoughts and keep a living journal of what I've been doing. Secondly, I love the internets and it is such a rich place to be a part of and I need to keep up my end of the bargin. Last January, I promised that I would blog once a week and to hell if I'm going to give up because of a few months of silence. I may have botched my resolution, but I want to keep working on this.  

Today at work we did a team offsite.  To prepare for this offsite, I was invited to buy a book entitled Strengths Finder.  It is a book written by researchers at Gallup that looks to define your strengths so that you work on getting better at what you are good at. This idea is to leverage what you are already good at so that you can become even better at that, and not waste (as much) energy on trying to be something you are not. I could study all my life and I would never have a knack for obscure maths and chemistry. It just isn't my thing, so there is no reason to try to make myself do that. Instead, I can focus on what I am good at, and that is what is important and can make me a stronger candidate in the workplace.  The assessment took 30 minutes and when I clicked the final continue button, it came up with results that were so dead-on it was scary.

Mine were as follows (in order of strength):

Woo

Instinctively, you are genuinely fond of your teammates. You can see the good in them more readily than most people can. This explains why individuals like having you in their groups. Driven by your talents, you engage life with gusto. Bursting with creativity, you approach assignments, tasks, projects, opportunities, or problems. You like to take the innovative path rather than follow the traditional and tried-and-true ways of doing things. By nature, you typically infuse energy into members of your team. You are apt to enjoy life more than many people do. Why? You choose to concentrate on what is good rather than on what is bad. It’s very likely that you may be known for your ease with language.

Communication

By nature, you very much enjoy the animated give-and-take of a lively discussion. You might choose to be forthright and plainspoken. This partially explains why various people seek your company and want to work with you. Perhaps your words and examples move them to action. Driven by your talents, you really like to be part of a team. Groups are apt to provide you with ample opportunities to voice your ideas or express your feelings. Because of your strengths, you derive much personal pleasure from reading. Because you continually fill your mind with fresh ideas, you probably can enliven formal discussions or season casual conversations with many interesting facts or stories.

Positivity

Because of your strengths, you can help others easily fit into groups. You quickly establish good relationships with just about everyone you encounter. How? You spontaneously notice people’s good qualities. When others hear your favorable comments about an individual, they are much more likely to make the person feel welcome. Driven by your talents, you may be emotionally attuned to what is going on in your own or others’ lives. Perhaps you concentrate on what is good. Sometimes you search for the best in people, experiences, assignments, or situations. Maybe you strive to fill certain individuals with joy. Occasionally you find ways to unburden them of their anxieties, frustrations, sadness, disappointments, fears, or anger. It’s very likely that you easily stir people’s enthusiasm with your cheerful exuberance for life. You have a gift for sharing your complete joy with others. Instinctively, you may feel better about life when you can train, instruct, or tutor an individual or a group. In the past, you might have said to yourself, “I’m a fine educator.” Chances are good that you might feel satisfied with life when your innovative thinking style is appreciated. You might pinpoint trends, notice problems, or identify opportunities some people overlook. Armed with this knowledge, you may devise alternative courses of action.

Includer

Driven by your talents, you likely are described by people as someone who makes a meaningful contribution to the group. You produce your finest results when you can work shoulder to shoulder with teammates. Having to labor all alone for hours, days, weeks, or even months can actually cause you to be less productive. By nature, you may exhibit tender feelings for all sorts of people. The affection you feel for certain individuals may prompt you to draw them into conversations or group activities. Perhaps your kind words or good deeds help you appreciate life a bit more than some do. Because of your strengths, you might strive to find something of value in each person you meet. Sometimes you feel affection for certain individuals whom others label unlikeable, annoying, or disagreeable. Chances are good that you regularly surround yourself with people. You are energized by what you learn about each
one. 

Developer

By nature, you might introduce selected people to technical or specialized fields by instructing them in the language used by experts. Perhaps you help people add intricate, elaborate, or hard-to-understand words to their vocabularies. Once trainees have mastered key terms and phrases, they may be prepared to study the subject in depth. As you share your knowledge with others, sometimes you gain insights and make discoveries. This is one aspect of training you might enjoy. Instinctively, you have quick and ready insights into who is and is not fond of you. Being held in high regard by devoted coworkers, teammates, classmates, friends, or family members makes you feel very good about yourself. It’s very likely that you affirm others for who they are. You celebrate their unique gifts. Your encouraging words inspire and embolden people to be their real and true selves. Chances are good that you have a knack for talking to others. You know how to engage people in discussions. You encourage them to share their stories, ideas, and feelings. You have much to contribute to the dialogue. You look for opportunities to express yourself as often as possible. You routinely acknowledge and affirm each person’s comments.

So that is me in a nutshell. I highly suggest the book to anyone who is looking to become better at what they already are. I'm excited by the idea of it, and I think it is going to make me a better communicator, teammate, and person. Exciting!

Note: All of these descriptions are credited to Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.
 Bored and not bored tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5504c766c88340120a5a5e66b970c 2009-09-06T17:30:57+03:00 2009-09-06T17:30:57+03:00 I'm at home. It is nice. I spend most of my days looking for jobs or schlepping through the Internets in search of fun things to read, potential projects to create, and amusing stories of my friends while they are... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

I'm at home. It is nice. I spend most of my days looking for jobs or schlepping through the Internets in search of fun things to read, potential projects to create, and amusing stories of my friends while they are doing fun things all over (this really just means obsessing over facebook). I should probably go swim in the pool more often, or go running with my dog : you know, healthy things. I haven't been reading as much as usual, but that is not a huge deal - though I have some good books on the shelf. So things are not so boring some days and more boring on others. I should probably have a better tan than I do. Anyone else would be.

I've been spending quite a bit of time in Austin as well. Hanging out with two of my sisters that live there.  We go on adventures, eat at fun restaurants, but this is not very helpful on the money saving side of life. I'm getting to know Austin more and more and loving it a lot. I wish it wasn't so hot there and that they had good public transit - these would be things that make it perfect. I can't live in a city without a public transportation system. I hate driving.    

But I'm happy to be taking things a little slowly. Taking a little time to take a deep breath before I do start working and need to move to another city. There is something to be said about having a little space from everything.

Funny update : Got a ticket from the San Francisco toll system in the mail the other day. Evidentially, we didn't pay a toll on the Golden Gate bridge. It happened at 2 AM when we had decided to drive from Tanya's party to the city at the spur of the moment. I was sleeping in the back of the car, as I had had too much to drink at the Indian food extravaganza.

The Road Trip : Southwest and California Tour! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5504c766c88340120a54fce33970c 2009-08-15T20:51:09+03:00 2009-08-16T15:59:17+03:00 Sorry for the silence on this end. I'll admit it has been pure laziness. I've been catching up on sitcoms, obsessing over facebook, and flitting around between Austin and Pleasanton - oh, and did I mention I have a pool?... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

Sorry for the silence on this end. I'll admit it has been pure laziness. I've been catching up on sitcoms, obsessing over facebook, and flitting around between Austin and Pleasanton - oh, and did I mention I have a pool?

So now it is time for the epic recap of the road trip adventure! I've decided to split into a sort of list to make this clearer and give a  better recap of our itinerary. I'll take a destination and write out a few of the highlights or funny stories - whichever may have happened at that point.

But first off, I'll give a few details on the actual organization of trip. We were seven humans in a Chrysler Towne and Country - dubbed Napoleon, after that we switched (oil problems) and took a Dodge Caravan who never had a name. Of the seven, the three boys were of French nationality and the girls were German. I was the only American. We used an iPhone for all navigation purposes, and did not use a map. The iPhone kept dying after constant abuse by all road trippers. The Town and Country was actually quite excellent as it had storage in the floor. We put the tents that we packed (two, one for the girls and one for the boys) and the air mattresses that we had bought in that nice little section. In the back of the car - we had it packed full, making it impossible for anyone to see out the back of the car. It was a bit cramped at times, but we made it work. A bit of discomfort never hurt anyone, and that's the point of a road trip, right?

Ok, so let's begin!

Austin

  • The crew arrived on July 1st, I went over to pick them up at the Austin airport. We then picked up our car - had problems with National (this became a theme), and finally secured the van.
  • My sister took us to Gueros and we had amazing tex-mex foodz.
  • SEGWAYS. My other sister took us on an awesome tour of Austin, where we learned about how EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas (including our Capitol building). We also saw many other awesome Austin things, and learned tons all whilst riding segways. 
  • That night we went to Midnight Rodeo, learned to two-step and saw trucks the size of houses.

New Braunfels, Tx

  • Went tubing down the Comal river. We accidentally left one of our doors open during the entire (2 hr) ride down the river. Not one single thing was stolen. That is how awesome Texans are. 
  • On the Comal river, we lost two sets of flip-flops going down the first chute. We searched the entire way, but never found them. 
  • Want to know why there are so many Germans in Neu Braunfels?

San Antonio, TX

  • Saw the Alamo, searched for banks, and could not find one open in the Downtown San Antonio.

Pleasanton, TX

  • Pool party! Two huge cakes were involved. Tons of food. Excellent.
  • We let off a ton of HUMONGOUS fireworks (admist a burn ban - oops) and had one explode.  
  • We played beer pong in my garage, boys vs. girls. The boys showed up in uniform - matching superman undies!
  • We all ended up a little drunk. Julien slept in the gazebo. The next morning, we were ready to hit the road!

During the 8 hr drive toward New Mexico

  • We set the GPS from Texas toward El Paseo. Didn't realize that we had the iPhone GPS on "walking" mode. This made us take dirt roads in Pleasanton and probably added 1-2 hours to our journey. Best part, we ate lunch in Utopia, Texas.

White Sands, NM

  • Went sledding on white sand dunes.
  • Got controlled by US Border Control - had to explain the Europeans were all illegals. ;-)
  • Got very lost in White Sand dunes. All the dunes looked the same, and there were no markers (once we went off the path) to tell the difference. The result? Crazy burns on calves, arms, chest and face. 

Santa Fe, NM

  • Our first camping adventure. Sadly, a theme began in with BBQs ... they always ended up being almost as expensive as restaurants.
  • A woman in the bathroom, wearing leather chaps and a Harley t-shirt gave me aloe gel. My burns from White Sands sold me out. People at campsites are genuinely nice.
  • Bought cool earrings from a Navajo woman.

Petrified National Forest and Holbrook, AZ

  • Picked up a piece of wood - it was heavy like a rock. Wild. 
  • We even slept in petrified wigwams that night (ok, they were concrete!). Very cool fun going down route 66. Holbrook, AZ was definitely a highlight.

Grand Canyon 

  • Got there and decided the view from up top wasn't enough. We asked for our backcountry permit that afternoon. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about the hike 7 miles down ( We did it in 4 hours : A descent of 5,000 ft) and then 10 miles (We made it in about 6 hours : to go up 4,380 ft). I'm not going to lie, it was really difficult, and it was hot. We lucked out on the first day as it was cloudy . Day 2 was not. The hike was more difficult than anything I have ever done. At the end of the trail we were tired - no, exhausted, but proud. I'm glad to say that I did it.
  • Slept in a tent at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and played 500 rounds of UNO. We learned about California Condors during a Ranger talk and worried about scorpions through the night.
  • Woke up both mornings at 3:30 AM to start the hikes.

Las Vegas, NV

  • Ah yes, finally some luxury! We stayed at the Luxor and slept in the pyramid. It was a great deal for the price. After the death march at the Grand Canyon, we decided to stay an extra day in Vegas. This was a good idea.
  • Saw the show Le Rêve at the Wynn and it was amazing. Best thing is that all the seats are good and it is a stunning show. Flips are rampant and people jump from the ceiling (into a giant pool). The stage moves in and out and become a living character in the show.
  • We lost Julien in the MGM, and discovered that it is very difficult to leave casinos!
  • Played beer pong at O'Sheas, and laughed a lot. Went to a strip club - we were the only patrons! We yelled at them and they drove us home at 5 in the morning.
  • Watched the sun come up behind a Sphinx in a desert. It was almost like we were in Egypt. ;-)

Yosemite National Park

  • The day was a long drive. Arrived at the southernmost point of Yosemite at 10 pm. I then realized that the campsite I thought we were staying at was not the one we had driven to. After some investigation, we discovered that we still had 2 hours of driving, down windy roads - with two very carsick passengers.  We retreated 30 miles to get some food (only place open) and then decided to do it. It took us ages and we ended up pitching our tents at 1 AM. For reference, we were at the Diamond O campsite.
  • Yosemite was beautiful and we walked up and saw waterfalls. Most of the park was done in the car as it is so enormous. We saw giant sequoias and walked all over the Mariposa trail. I did this in flip flops, my feet were disgusting at the end.

Mountain View, CA

  • Went to an Indian extravaganza to eat Indian food and attend my roommate's graduation party. There was singing and dancing. We convinced everyone to do the Cupid Shuffle with us on the dance floor. It was hilarious.
  • That night, we decided to head to San Francisco. We didn't really have a plan and we were all kind of tipsy (read : drunk), but we had wisely already nominated a designated driver. Got to San Francisco, drove around, and then went back to our hotel - in Mountain View.

San Francisco, CA

  • The sea lions were a highlight. We watched them over at Fisherman's wharf for a pretty long time. They battled, pushed each other off the docks, and made funny noises.
  • Saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - I liked it.
  • Went to Ritual Coffee, and had a delicious time. They had vegan pastries. 
  • Visited 826 Valencia and looked at all the Pirate stuff. Very cool.
  • I taught the Europeans about hipsters.
  • Decided I must live here one day. 
  • Saw the Pacific ocean for the first time.

Santa Barbara, CA

  • Coastal drive almost killed me. I was so carsick that I had to take Dramamine. Was out for almost the entire drive.
  • We tried to surf here, but there were no waves. 
  • Swam in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

San Diego, CA

  • Comic Con was going on, and so we saw Superheros running all over the city. 
  • The San Diego zoo was really awesome. It was big, pretty and very central. All things that I think a Zoo should be. We saw elephants getting a pedicure.
  • Did a few beach days (got burnt again). We did some crazy boogie boarding, and almost drown at Pacific beach.
  • Went to Yogurtland and had awesome personalized fro-yo goodness. 
  • Marlene and I almost needed to be rescued as the ocean decided we should stay a bit longer... We declined the invitation.
  • We went on a wooden roller coaster at Mission Beach.

Los Angeles, CA

  • Final city! Stayed at the Westin - woot!
  • Went to Universal Studios and saw the houses where they film Desperate Housewives! 
  • Ate at the Griddle Cafe, and had the most enormous pancakes ever. I ate one of the three and felt very sick.
  • We tried to find famous people's homes, but due to the winding roads, I had to sleep through it. I felt like death riding around on all of those curvy roads. 

Santa Monica, CA

  • Last day spent at the beach and on the Promenade. We did some shopping and then some sunning and came back for dinner.
  • Instead of getting a hotel for that night we decided to go see two movies and then head on to the airport. Everyone, but me, had a 6 AM flight. I was cool with it. We saw the Hangover and Public Enemies (I fell asleep).

LAX - Flight home! 

  • Cleaned out the car and headed to the Airport. National rental tried to overcharge us (I fixed it later) and that was pretty annoying. I'll never rent with National again.
  • When we got into the shuttle, the driver asked us what airline we were using. I was just following the everyone (since I was leaving later), but realized quickly they didn't know what airline they were taking. This was a cause for panic. We told them it was American, but then it ended up not being American. There was more panic. After making a few phone calls and charging my iphone, we found out that they were flying United - this was perfect, because so was I. I took a standby flight to leave earlier and there was a teary-eyed farewell.
  • At the last minute, Julien went to buy a muffin. They had to call his name 4x's. Sigh. ;-)
  • I found my terminal and slept there (in my sleeping bag) for 3 hours. Finally got home and slept the entire way. At the San Antonio airport, I was a bit sad, a bit happy to be home, and exhausted.

All in all, the roadtrip was amazing. It was great to see parts of my country that I have never been to, and after being in Europe and doing quite a bit of traveling there - it felt right. I love the Southwest for its big wide open spaces, the friendly people and breakfast tacos. California was great too, but in a totally different way, and it was great to get beach time in at the end.  I also had an amazing time getting to know my group of friends even more than before.  We became a team, an awesome one, and now have shared such a great adventure. It was great because we were there to have fun and relax, which I felt was a rare commodity during the last year.

It was great to do it in a month as well, which gave us ample time to get to sites and enjoy them. There were some cities we wanted to see more in depth, but the road trip gave us a taste for places we would like to go back to. It was definitely an amazing experience, and I think I was in the perfect time in my life to enjoy it with the perfect people. ;-)

**my iPhone died the day I got back from the trip! Perfect timing ;-) 

This picture is almost 21 years in the making! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5504c766c8834011570d7c409970c 2009-07-07T01:06:54+03:00 2009-08-15T17:14:48+03:00 Home for the 4th. Inspiration struck, and here we are much as we were long ago. Less blond, still pretty adorable. Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

Home for the 4th. Inspiration struck, and here we are much as we were long ago.
Less blond, still pretty adorable.

This picture is almost 21 years in the making!

 whirlwind tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00e5504c766c883401157093736f970c 2009-06-29T21:46:15+03:00 2009-06-29T21:46:15+03:00 home, home, home. I haven't blogged in ages. Honestly, I've been pretty busy moving from France, hanging out in New York and visiting with my sisters to even be on my computer. I'm really happy that I'm home and it... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

home, home, home.

I haven't blogged in ages. Honestly, I've been pretty busy moving from France, hanging out in New York and visiting with my sisters to even be on my computer.

I'm really happy that I'm home and it has been really nice being around my sisters. I feel grounded when I'm at home with them, and it is hilarious to be part of our family (even if we sometimes behave like a bad family sitcom or drama!). I have been away for so long, but I love coming home and being part of my big, wonderful, disorganized family. I like being there to go on walks around the lake, go out to dinner at fabulous Austin restaurants, and just be here. 

Some things that have happened since I left France with 3 sixty pound suitcases, one large bike and a 22 pound carry-on:

  • stayed with Lana in New York with her family. We had delicious hand cut french fries (as made by her momma), we out to yummy restaurants, and saw two great movies (UP and Away we go). It was nice seeing her and Edwin (who had to get shaved while we were there - he looks like a loser). We talked about new adventures, me moving to New York, and other life things.
  • went to see Austin's Girls Rock Camp showcase. It was amazing seeing 9-14 year old girls rock out with such confidence, talent, and ambition. My little sister was a camp counselor and it was mighty good to see her excited about her band.
  • received an email confirmation that my iphone is in the mail! Woot! This means that blogging will be going mobile.
  • arranged things for upcoming road trip. Booked a wigwam in Arizona, campsites in national parks, and have been anxiously waiting for the Germans (and French) to arrive!
  • started the job search, and updated my resume. Things are ready to go! 
  • Planned 4th of July pool party with my family! Our new pool is ready for its inaugural pool party! Veggie burgers, hamburgers, corn on the cob and other exciting delicious items are on the menu!
I'll be posting details about the road trip asap! :-D
Need to pack all of this into 3 suitcases tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67849745 2009-06-08T20:56:45+03:00 2009-06-08T20:57:58+03:00 Packing, Packing, Packing! This is pretty much the saddest thing ever as I am letting go of a lot of things that I like. I do not like to let things go. EVER. I'm pretty much a classic packrat, I... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

Bedrm2-2

Packing, Packing, Packing!

This is pretty much the saddest thing ever as I am letting go of a lot of things that I like. I do not like to let things go. EVER. 


I'm pretty much a classic packrat, I enjoy having my things around me and even more, I like little whimisical and hilarious items to be near me at all times. This does not a clean, organized bedroom make.

I really want to bring my bike home to the US, but I have limited arms and legs.
What is a girl to do?

Les admissibles CESEM tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67457131 2009-05-30T20:26:31+03:00 2009-08-15T17:13:47+03:00 Over the last week, I've been putting in long hours at my school for the two week period known as "les admissibles". This is a huge event at my school and is the moment when potential students that have passed... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

Over the last week, I've been putting in long hours at my school for the two week period known as "les admissibles".  This is a huge event at my school and is the moment when potential students that have passed the written examination come to take part in their oral interviews. The day consists of them arriving in the morning, watching two presentations (one BDE and one from the Administration), doing a language interview (in the language of the program they want to go to : English, Spanish, German, Italian, etc) and then a personal motivation interview in French.

The students known as "les admissibles" are nervous and uncomfortable in their new suits, and are full of questions for us as they want to give perfect responses.  As "admisseurs" we are there to share our experience, keep them occupied and show them how awesome CESEM is. This is not difficult.

We start the day with our presentation. A presentation where I tell two personal stories of my experience in Reims, as do other members of my student council. Then we show them a few videos (both of which seem sentimental as we are nearing the end of our year), and we finish with a quick cheerleading routine done by our IBWE cheerleaders (utterly hilarious and awesome).  It is so crazy to see how small they are as they walk by full of ideas and excitement/nervousness.  I see myself in them five years back, so excited to begin Northeastern, and even more excited at the prospect of two years in France!

I'm also running the restaurant reservations, and so I have to make sure how many admissibles are going out to dinner each night, and which admisseurs are going with them.  The school pays for the admisseurs to go out to dinner meaning it has been tight competition to get in for a free meal. This is totally normal with college students ;-). But is is also pretty tiring as it is non-stop conversation, and usually lasts till 11pm (dinner begins at 8:30pm).

At the end of the day, I'm so excited for the little admissibles that I meet. They are beginning their college experience, and (the lucky ones) might even be doing the CESEM program, a program that I am delighted to have taken part in. On a more selfish note, I'm really glad that the whole event is going on, because  it kind of forces us all to hang out every day and soak in the last weeks together.

The reality that the end is coming is starting to hit us all. Yesterday, a friend of mine brought a flag to be signed by everyone. I sometimes feel like my whole self just starts to feel like "error, error, error when I think of CESEM ending.  I'm really going to miss Reims, all my wonderful friends who are going to be scattered all over the world, and speaking and living in French.

19 days until I head off to NYC.

Done. tag:typepad.com,2003:post-67081851 2009-05-21T02:55:02+03:00 2009-05-23T23:30:28+03:00 I finished my undergraduate degree on Tuesday at 18h22. I defended my thesis and was told that I will get a good grade, and that it was interesting. This is delightful and exciting news. I really did it. 5 years... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

I finished my undergraduate degree on Tuesday at 18h22. I defended my thesis and was told that I will get a good grade, and that it was interesting.

This is delightful and exciting news. I really did it. 5 years and now done. DONE. DONE. DONE.

Things I've done....

  • Finished five years of school. Two of which were spent in France.
  • Interviewed more in French than in English as a result of doing a six month internship in Paris, France.
  • Received a French and American undergraduate business degree : Magna Cum Laude
  • Wrote a 89 page thesis on e-commerce and web 2.0 (in French) 
  • Found my interest in the Internets during my first internship (love at first site!) (pun! O_o)
  • Planned a trip for 100 international business students in Italy for IBWE
  • Wrote a weekly newsletter for my school during this entire year, in French and HTML.
  • Biked 750 km to Venice during a week of vacation to IBWE.
  • Traveled to cities all over Europe and Africa! (ok just Morocco)
  • Made lasting friendships with people who are going to be all over the world doing wonderful things
  • Developed the self-confidence and resilience necessary take me to my next adventure 

So there you have it. A small overview of me. College. What has happened. The magnitude of it all is still hitting me. But I can feel the small drums of excitement beating through me. The reverberations signaling the promise of new things to come. I'm scared, excited, and nervous all at the same time, but I'm ready for something fresh. Working world, look out, I'm coming...

 Comings and goings tag:typepad.com,2003:post-66811575 2009-05-15T13:56:22+03:00 2009-05-23T23:32:41+03:00 Things have been pretty good over here. Quick list of great (and remarkable) events: Finished my mémoire! Woot! So much work went into the 89 pages of Volume I and the 36 pages of Volume II, I can barely believe... Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon

Things have been pretty good over here. Quick list of great (and remarkable) events:

  1. Finished my mémoire! Woot! So much work went into the 89 pages of Volume I and the 36 pages of Volume II, I can barely believe it is finished. I have to defend it on Tuesday in front of my advisor and another professor, currently working on that presentation right now.



  2. Had my last classes of CESEM and Undergrad. Can't deny it, feelz good.
  3. Went to London. Visited my good friend Misha. Saw dinos in the Natural History museum, and even went to see Star Trek. Ate so much good food - Indian, Portuguese, Greek, etc. I was in vegetarian heaven. Am going to start looking for jobs in London ASAP.
  4. Going to Disneyland Paris on Monday - this should be magical and fun, but Sunday we will be sleeping in Paris, drinking shreks galore at Le Kitch and picnicing at Flamingo Pizza OOOooo so excited!
  5. Epic Road Trip is in planning mode! Ze Germans arrive chez moi le 1 juillet! Woot!
  6. Currently planning orientation events for my school. I'm pretty excited to have a last hurrah with everyone. 
  7. Starting to look for a job - feelz weird.
Magna Cum Laude : Northeastern '09 tag:typepad.com,2003:post-66258913 2009-05-02T00:16:02+03:00 2009-05-02T00:16:02+03:00 Bsaurus, but also known as Brittany Blackmon