Super-Duper Wacky n' Tacky Euro Adventure

in less than twelve hours. Luckily the fact that I haven't packed yet won't keep me from watching at least five Daily Show clips and two South Parks and still get up to run and go "grocery" shopping tomorrow. Yes, I did put quotes around "grocery." There, I did it again. Watcha gonna do??

Speaking of travel, guess who's Element Moscow's newest travel writer? Oh yeah. Cognac region. How could Russians not want to read about that ?

Today brought to a conclusion another work week here in Paris that seem to be passing way, way too quickly. I can remember a time during winter quarter where my biggest hope was for time to pass quickly and get to spring break already. But as with most things in life, things change and so does my mood. I'm honestly having a great time here, and I really want to cherish this time and the people as much as possible. I know that this weekend trip will be just what the doctor ordered to strengthen some already bad-ass friendships.

My internship seems to be working out pretty well. As I found out yesterday, my mentor already had forecasts (one of the many things I was doing) for H&M growth, but he just wanted to see if I could do it. So when he gave me the actual numbers, I was a little dissapointed that I'm pretty much useless to the firm at this point, but I was more interested in how my forecasts held up against pro's who really do this stuff for a living (I'm not getting paid, remember?). Well, of course they were off. I gave the UK a little too much of a boost and didn't give Slovakia enough credit for growth potential. Oh well. All in all, i was kinda impressed with myself that the numbers were more or less (more less than more) the same. Cool. I've now moved on to other cool accounting techniques and formulas. Most people would probably hate this internship, but I'm into it at the moment. Let's hope that lasts. Oh, and apparently there will be 18 H&Ms in Ireland by 2011, not 12 like I had predicted.

So people are still putting up pics from that one night at the Sangria bar, so I'll jut have to continue that tradition (up above). Many more (high quality) pics of the bing trip to come.

These photos are a snapshot of a great time a few of us had a Tim's apt last Friday as we cooked, drank, sang, and bonded like only American students abroad can do. I'm so pleased with the group we have here. So many great peeps who are always willing to go out and explore this great city with good company.

Yesterday I had a bit of a sad moment as my trusty papermate pen I have been using since September gave out on me. Yeah, your right, not that big of a deal. Except it was def one of those pens that only comes along once in awhile that is just great for everything. So many tests and notes written:( To top it off, I could only find that model at Dom Knigi on Novi Arbat (i.e. not in Paris). Luckily I had the frame of mind to pick up a couple of his brothers when I was in Moscow a few weeks ago (has it already been that long?). All is good in the realm of writing.

So Sunday night I actually had to put off going out because even though it was a national holiday on Monday, I wasn't exactly sure if Comgest would be closed. You know those crazy capitalists will work at all times! Anyway, woke my ass up after only 4 hrs sleep to be put on hold by the office phones for 20 min. I then took that to mean that the office was closed and proceeded to go back to sleep after watching a couple of episodes of South Park. Woke up six hours later and had completely wasted the day. Whoops. But then again, what else are holidays for? Turns out the office actually was closed, so I'm good in that realm.

Speaking of wierd sleeping habits, my body has just been completely thrown off lately. Thur, Fri, and Sat I didn't get to sleep before 4 (sometimes much later) so my body has no idea what going to bed at 11 means. So when I tried to do that yesterday, I woke up later at 5am. Luckily there was someone on Skype in the states (was still nighttime there) that could keep me company. But then when I got home from lunch today at one, I pooped out and had a nap. Oy. Lord help me for my ten hour day tomorrow.

Easter was great except for the sheer amount of non-catholic tourists who think it is a great novelty to go to mass on one of the holiest days of the year and talk, get up, and take communion, because hey, that's what you're supposed to do, right? Should have gone to a different church, but I've kinda gotten used to the ol' gothic hunchback-haven.

Cool, think that's all the happenings for me right now. This weekend brings another Bing trip (yay!). We are going to the region (Le-poi-something-or-other) that is famous for the city of Cognac (I wonder?). Yet a visit to the city seems to be distinctly missing from our itenirary. Interesting. We might have to fix that.

Johnny enjoys the rewards of his two-cup method.
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One last night cap of yummy Irish wiskey from Russia (?!).
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The night continues as we try our best to not piss off the neighbors at four in the morning. Turns out our efforts didn't work too well.
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We all took turns being absolutely amazed by this cork screw.
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After dinner we all get down to essentials: drinking games. Anyone who recognizes this sight doesn't need to be told the dangers to one's reputation after playing.
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Making rummy, minty, sugary concoctions.
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The cooks get major props and big mojitos for their work. Wait, David, what are you doing in this picture? You didn't cook a thing!
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Face translation: "Oh boy, can't wait for that food!"
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While those not cooking enjoyed appetizers and wine outside.
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Chaos in the kitchen
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a pleasant little phone call from Roberto at ISEP saying that our 5:30 Human Rights class is cancelled. And after taking a 3 hour mid-day nap, I should go do things like study or go for a run. But no. I have decided that I have not been shopping in the longest time and thus I need to do so. But don't get too excited Beto: you only need socks and undies. But if I happen to see anything while I'm there...

Oh yeah. And I'm gonna go visit my new favorite place in the world: H&M.