Parlez-Vous Français?

Grandma Lena gave me a gentle reminder that I haven't written something in a while and I'd agree. I'm not very good at this everyday life bloggin' and should probably start writing detailed letters to people.

By the way! Thank you for all the letters and packages. I feel very loved and it really helps to get that support from my family.

This weekend I took advantage of the free museum pass given to all the international students. Checked out the historical and archeology museum of Montreal, Botanical Garden and Insectarium, and the Biodôme. Quite a lot to tackle but I felt that I should take advantage while it was free. Also this weekend, the island had a culture buffet weekend where a ton of stuff was going on from book binding, to African dance. Joanna and I checked out a painting race (the mc would give two groups a theme and while a band played they tried to finish their paintings in time) and film by the train tracks (artsy images and sounds) showing with my roommates. Good times.

Today I had my first French test. We've been moving really fast and I'm bad about studying regularly for a class to the degree that is necessary for the pace of a language course, but looks like I'll have to change that if I'm going to get anything out of it. Cardy offered to study with me so that I could have the practice of saying the words aloud to someone. I've got a really cool friend in French class. His name is Max and he's a sound engineer - a pretty rad study. He even started a site if any of you are interested in the sounds around Montréal: http://cessa.music.concordia.ca/soundmap/ . Anyway, I think next test we'll have to study together. I retain the language better when I have to repeat it allowed.

When it rains it pours. Today was the first heavy rain I've experience in the city. Wish I brought my rain boots. Typically the rain I've experienced here is a temperamental sprinkle that teases with brief spurts. I can't explain to you how awesome I feel walking around in my inspector gadget coat, with an umbrella and a spring in my step. Mom said it was 100 in Stockton last time we talked and while I'm sad the sunshine is diminishing, I'm pretty thrilled to experience this four season thing. Plus, blazing red maple leaves? Pretty awesome.

I love People's Potato! I had no cash today so I went to grab some free delicious lunch and ran into some international friends - we know whats up. I'm going to find out about volunteering next week, if only to wash dishes. Another organization I've been looking at runs the recycling program on campus and I've been thinking about joining them. I don't have a job and I can't get one my first semester but it is important to me that I get more involved. My school is really great about student involvement and there is something for everyone. Gotta take advantage.

Have I mentioned how crazy I am about my Canadian theater course? I have this super political professor who works as an editor for a theatre magazine and is a key part of a politically driven theater organization. He loads us up with information on what's going on in the theatre world RIGHT NOW and in turn we learn about the market and practical knowledge for the biz. My group project is the first to go and we're supposed to discuss the canon. I feel as if I know more about the modern Canadian theater world than I do about the states scene. Of course, Canadian theater is still a bit of a baby in comparison, and their is a lot less of it so the community is more tight knit. The Canadian Council for the arts funds a lot of the projects and the Quebec province especially funds their arts: probably in an effort to preserve both the francophone and anglophone cultures. The arts in Canada make up the 6th largest industry in the nation, generating a fair penny for what the government puts in. Anyway, it is a large course with lots of heated debates, information, and a really academic feel and expectation. I'm learning a lot.

That's all for now, à bien tôt!