ROCK BLESS YOU
Good morning and rock bless you!I say that because it was the name of a rock festival I went to last night.
I dont feel like typing anymore.
Love ya's
I dont feel like typing anymore.
Love ya's
Belgian mentality
Belgians are fun people.I think a really good word for them is nonnationalistic.They will be the first to tell you why their country doesnt work and why their weather sucks.But,they would never think to leave.Belgians stay in about the same neiborhoods for the most part and have friends that went to like birthing class with.
They say that their country is having huge issues with the lingusitic bariers seeing as there are 3 official laungages (which I think should be changed to four because people who speak one of the offical launguages first also know english but not one of the other laugages-get it?)But I dont see a large problem there because as trandution technology(the ability to throw on headphones and have whatevers being said to you trannslated in real time by a real person) strenthens the problem weakens.
They also say that the weather is horrible.Up until the last weak Ive been going to school in a shirt with a pull over in hand and rarely wearing it while the others are bundled up like the michelin man.I think if you think you are cold you are cold.They say that it only rains when the work day is over and it is good weather during the work day but I have found just the opposite.Perhaps I am a good weather fairy to this country because its been good for the past 3 months.Silly belgians-gotta love em.
Right now its SNOWING.love it .love it .love it.
They say that their country is having huge issues with the lingusitic bariers seeing as there are 3 official laungages (which I think should be changed to four because people who speak one of the offical launguages first also know english but not one of the other laugages-get it?)But I dont see a large problem there because as trandution technology(the ability to throw on headphones and have whatevers being said to you trannslated in real time by a real person) strenthens the problem weakens.
They also say that the weather is horrible.Up until the last weak Ive been going to school in a shirt with a pull over in hand and rarely wearing it while the others are bundled up like the michelin man.I think if you think you are cold you are cold.They say that it only rains when the work day is over and it is good weather during the work day but I have found just the opposite.Perhaps I am a good weather fairy to this country because its been good for the past 3 months.Silly belgians-gotta love em.
Right now its SNOWING.love it .love it .love it.
Tuesday is the day.I promise I will start a super cool photo project for the blog and my scrapbook.PROMISE.I want to spend the whole day taking pictures of things that inhabit my every day life here in Belgium.I wont be doing it Moday because I am out of school for a strike.I do really like school but breaks are pretty fantastic.
In my history class I have to write what americans would call a thesis or super long detalic paper on some subject in history and it is our choice.My history teacher is a really nice guy and I think he doesnt expect me to do work-when I turned in a test in which I had only answerd one question ( What is the definition of histoire?L'histore est la discipline de qui etude la passé des hommes et presents une tableau de leurs porteés sociale) he was impressed.Well, I was too but most of my teachers think I'm pretty stupid.Anywho the thesis, I am going to do " The history of Belgium and The history of the states-a comparason. Even though the teacher doesnt think Im doing it I am so going to rock it.
So, to do list:
In my history class I have to write what americans would call a thesis or super long detalic paper on some subject in history and it is our choice.My history teacher is a really nice guy and I think he doesnt expect me to do work-when I turned in a test in which I had only answerd one question ( What is the definition of histoire?L'histore est la discipline de qui etude la passé des hommes et presents une tableau de leurs porteés sociale) he was impressed.Well, I was too but most of my teachers think I'm pretty stupid.Anywho the thesis, I am going to do " The history of Belgium and The history of the states-a comparason. Even though the teacher doesnt think Im doing it I am so going to rock it.
So, to do list:
- Super cool picture project
- Rock out in History
When the dogs bite...
These are a few of my new favorite things :
- Frites with Riche sauce
- Manneken Pis
- Gauffres
- NUTELLA
- Dinant
- Namur
I have some new pretty pretty photos for you to look at including some new crafty goodness :)
Quoi du neuf ?
I feel like I'm missing out on everything in the states! So - Quoi du neuf? Whats new? I want to know everything! Email me with who is dating who , whats on TV , where you went today- It may seem like a boring email to you but to me it is really good to feel a wee bit connected.
Sorry, if I dont respond to your Emails yall, I pretty much just have time to E-mail mom and MAYBE blog and that is about it-but she like raised me so I owe her a line everyonce in a while.BUT I will get back to you I pinky promise!
P.S.
Having Mandee withdrals? I'm sure you are! Be sure to take a peek-a-boo at my photos because thos are quick and easy to update.
Sorry, if I dont respond to your Emails yall, I pretty much just have time to E-mail mom and MAYBE blog and that is about it-but she like raised me so I owe her a line everyonce in a while.BUT I will get back to you I pinky promise!
P.S.
Having Mandee withdrals? I'm sure you are! Be sure to take a peek-a-boo at my photos because thos are quick and easy to update.
24th day - You need to update too missy!
I havent updated in a while and my inbox is bombarded with family emails of concerns.So allow me to clear the air and answer some of the questions that I got from the few emails I was able to skim.
Where are you? are you dead in a ditch? have you been kidnaped by aliens? are you really just at brittany's house?- (quote from my mom)-Belgium.no.no.no.
Have you started school? How is it? - I have started and boy, is it different. So many little tiny things are different that I notice something new everyday.Chalkboards,advertisments,whiteout, it is ALL different.The people are so nice and really goofy ,which I dig alot.
Laungage-A lot of the kids take english and can say things like how are you what is your name what do you think of belgium, and thats really helpful for when I dont know a word in a sentence I can act it out charades style and they know enough english to get it.But, when they can't guess it it is pretty awkward since I spent all this time doing like an interpretive dance for nothing.
What do you do with your days? - I am in BELGIUM! It doesnt matter if I am exploring Brussels or on the couch reading "femmes aujourd'hui" ,a belgian magazine, I am discovering new exciting things daily.And it is all fun.tommorow though I am going to see MAMMA MIA with some kids from school which should be fun - Pierce Brosnan speaking french. YUM.Actually, EW he is like old.
I love you all and wish I could update more.
Where are you? are you dead in a ditch? have you been kidnaped by aliens? are you really just at brittany's house?- (quote from my mom)-Belgium.no.no.no.
Have you started school? How is it? - I have started and boy, is it different. So many little tiny things are different that I notice something new everyday.Chalkboards,advertisments,whiteout, it is ALL different.The people are so nice and really goofy ,which I dig alot.
Laungage-A lot of the kids take english and can say things like how are you what is your name what do you think of belgium, and thats really helpful for when I dont know a word in a sentence I can act it out charades style and they know enough english to get it.But, when they can't guess it it is pretty awkward since I spent all this time doing like an interpretive dance for nothing.
What do you do with your days? - I am in BELGIUM! It doesnt matter if I am exploring Brussels or on the couch reading "femmes aujourd'hui" ,a belgian magazine, I am discovering new exciting things daily.And it is all fun.tommorow though I am going to see MAMMA MIA with some kids from school which should be fun - Pierce Brosnan speaking french. YUM.Actually, EW he is like old.
I love you all and wish I could update more.
I made it?
Its hard to update with these tricky french keyboards but I will try .
I still dont belive I am here,I kinda always thought my exchange would fall through but it didnt it worked out.weird.
I decided that I want to make lots of money so that when I grow up i can buy my mom a house in england or a cabin some where or a big house in Alaska...or maybe all three to try to make up for what she has done for me.I love my mommy.
I also am loving belgium.I think everything in Belgium is sweet.the chocolate, the beer (not that I have had any mom ),the people,even the air.Everything is sweet.
Pictures: I will put up pictures after the first because I have used all my allowed space on flickr.
schools monday
I still dont belive I am here,I kinda always thought my exchange would fall through but it didnt it worked out.weird.
I decided that I want to make lots of money so that when I grow up i can buy my mom a house in england or a cabin some where or a big house in Alaska...or maybe all three to try to make up for what she has done for me.I love my mommy.
I also am loving belgium.I think everything in Belgium is sweet.the chocolate, the beer (not that I have had any mom ),the people,even the air.Everything is sweet.
Pictures: I will put up pictures after the first because I have used all my allowed space on flickr.
schools monday
Photos ,Photos ,Photos!
All the other exchange kids are doing it!
My Rotary Corner includes all things Rotary.Gifts ,flags,papers,nametags etc..
Pins - I dont want to giva ANY awys but I guess I will have to part with a few of them
All the clothes I am bringing.also three pairs of jeans and a business suit.
These Calendars serve as Planners and when I am done they will serve as scrapbook pages -best idea I have ever had.
My Rotary Corner includes all things Rotary.Gifts ,flags,papers,nametags etc..
Pins - I dont want to giva ANY awys but I guess I will have to part with a few of them
All the clothes I am bringing.also three pairs of jeans and a business suit.
These Calendars serve as Planners and when I am done they will serve as scrapbook pages -best idea I have ever had.
Pre-depart overview (August 5th)
I have the wierdest feeling right now.Through all of my exchange preparation process from January 5th and 6th of this year when I went to interviews and untill recently I have been drowned in FEELINGS like never before.Nervousness,intensity,excitement,sadness,anger,confusment,fatigue.My thoughts have been on Rotary for the past (excuse me whilst I check the calendar) seven months.But now,recently I am so peaceful about it all.Leaving family and friends and familiarity for a year to live and breath Belgian and speak FRENCH doesnt feel so dang scary.Sorry for the emo rant - its just a pretty big deal.
Friends & Family- I miss them already I am sad for every minute I am at home and Cameron (my nephew) and I arent playing. I feel guilty about leaving him.I like to think I make him happier than anyone else.
Host Families-Have I told you how much I love my host families?No?Let me just say I love them a bunch.I appreciate them so much and I cannot thank them enough.The E-mails I have recieved from them have been so nice and in a video call to my second host mother and host sister she said this
French-Man, my french is getting so dang good.It was decentish in school and I am sure another semester with Madame Robinson would have me at a higher level-but for sort of teaching myself for the summer I am doing well.I think I will be able to understand proficently and speak enough to say "Hey girl! Wassssupp" ("Salut coucou! Ca va?!" ).I have been lisening to so many french podcasts and they have been ultra helpful.
Rotary- I love answering questions about Rotary and their youth exchange program! It is cool to think about the fact that one person who reads my rotary youth exchange shirt and asks about it may tell their friend who has a daughter who would love it or something.At my Rotary club meeting a few weeks back a new member was asking me about it and told me that he would talk to his daughter (that I know ) and ask her about it and get back intouch! and then another woman at the district confrence picked up a hosting brochure after Hannah(Poland) and I had talked to her! It's incredible to think that I may have changed some exchange kids life by getting a mom to host him/her! People in Rotary do it like everyday in bigger ways!Rotary is reason #4of a bout a billion as to why I want to have an awesome position at a company!
This is a long blog -pardon moi!
Friends & Family- I miss them already I am sad for every minute I am at home and Cameron (my nephew) and I arent playing. I feel guilty about leaving him.I like to think I make him happier than anyone else.
Host Families-Have I told you how much I love my host families?No?Let me just say I love them a bunch.I appreciate them so much and I cannot thank them enough.The E-mails I have recieved from them have been so nice and in a video call to my second host mother and host sister she said this
" Mandee tell your mommy that for the next year I will be your belgian mommy and will take care of you for her!"HOLY CANOLE! how sweet is she?! I just welled up a bit there!Also, in her beautiful Belgian accent (which is beautiful by the way) she sounded so ..so...sweet!No other words.My first and third host families have said such nice things through E-mail.I cannot wait to be welcomed to their homes! Did you notice all those exclamation points? there were a lot. excuse them,I just am very "!!!!" about them!
French-Man, my french is getting so dang good.It was decentish in school and I am sure another semester with Madame Robinson would have me at a higher level-but for sort of teaching myself for the summer I am doing well.I think I will be able to understand proficently and speak enough to say "Hey girl! Wassssupp" ("Salut coucou! Ca va?!" ).I have been lisening to so many french podcasts and they have been ultra helpful.
Rotary- I love answering questions about Rotary and their youth exchange program! It is cool to think about the fact that one person who reads my rotary youth exchange shirt and asks about it may tell their friend who has a daughter who would love it or something.At my Rotary club meeting a few weeks back a new member was asking me about it and told me that he would talk to his daughter (that I know ) and ask her about it and get back intouch! and then another woman at the district confrence picked up a hosting brochure after Hannah(Poland) and I had talked to her! It's incredible to think that I may have changed some exchange kids life by getting a mom to host him/her! People in Rotary do it like everyday in bigger ways!Rotary is reason #4of a bout a billion as to why I want to have an awesome position at a company!
This is a long blog -pardon moi!
Departure
Wow so this is pretty much blowing my mind.I can't stand to sit and think about my exchange.August 20th 7:30am.What will you be doing?Where will you be? I will be meeting my new family and friends at the Brussels airport.
On August 18th I want to TRY to go to C.H.S for what will be their first day of school.I don't know if it will work out but I am hoping
I will get to say goodbye.
49 days in the states people. fouurty dang nine.
Blows my mind.
ALSO FABULOUS NEWS HERE: I am going from LR Airport to another american airport straight to Brussels woohoo! No stops in like foreign lands whew!
Passport and AVHS
WAHOOO
Ok so the picture isnt as good as remember with the whole billboard for a forehead fiasco and the huge zit thing. None the less it is my passport! Isnt it lovely?
In other news, I am looking in to Arkansas Virtual High School (AVHS) in which I would be able to take some classes that I am required to take in Arkansas yet will not be able to receive in Belgium. I think I will take Math and English through it and then take whatever classes I still need ( If I fail something in Belgium,which is inevitable) during my senior year also online.
There are two pitfalls to this If I do take these classes it may take away from social time in Belgium I wouldnt want it to and I think that it is possible for me to do I just wouldnt want to risk it
Building close relationships to host friends and family is goal #1
And also, my mother doesnt think I should take my lappy.I think I should.I think my lappy could work as a friend or a foe a tool or an obstacle.I dont know.
Wait, woah, Whats going on here!?
Allow me to catch you up so far.I'm Mandee , and I'm headed to Belgium. Don't know where it is? Actually thats not uncommon at all.Whichis kinda sad since it's an AMAZING place.Or so I have heard.
So there it is in all its tiny glory. Thats it, the dark green speck.
Why Belgium?If you were an exchange student
coming to america (
) where do you think you would
So there it is in all its tiny glory. Thats it, the dark green speck.
Why Belgium?If you were an exchange student
coming to america (
) where do you think you would learn the most of american culture? NY, Dallas ,Chicago,LA all come to mind.They are melting pots of America.Belgium is in most peoples opinions the melting pot of ALL of Europe. I've also never heard one bad thing about Belgium.
But me getting this expierence would not be possible with out Rotary.
The world's first service club organization. It's this amazing group of people who just love helping. Which is all good with moi.
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