Unpacked. For Good.

Today got off to an interesting start, when I woke up, it was pouring rain! In Winnipeg i would have found this exciting and fun, but considering I have to walk to school, i did not find this weather so entertaining in Quebec. With the help of an umbrella, we made it to school dry, and i began my fourth day!

This morning started with english class, in which the class made their own crossword in english, and I made one in French. I found it discouraging when the teacher corrected mine, and almost every clue was full of mistakes. On the plus side, he said he could understand what i was saying, and why i would make those mistakes. Next class was economy, in which we took notes. Alot of notes. The class took about 6 pages, and I took about 4 because i take so much longer. I honestly had no idea what was going on in that class, or what my notes say.

At lunch, I played Volleyball again. My arms we so sore from yesterday, I couldn't believe it! Today there were more girls, but there wasn't really anytime to talk, we played for a full hour. Unfortunatley for me, and my arms, the next class was gym. I was really dreading this because I was so tired all ready, but it turned out to be really good. We started out the class by doing some basketball drills and I went with a super nice girl, who is an exchange student from germany, for a partner. We laughed alot at how bad we sucked, and had a conversation! I was super excited about this, and I hope i can make friends with her. Her french is amazing, and she has only been here for a month, so it is encouraging for me. There is hope! Also during that class, I was on a team with some girls that I talked to, and I had fun. I had a genuine laugh for the first time since i have been here.

Last class was math, and again, I am improving with talking to people and making conversation, so I am happy! I know how lame it sounds to have the highlight of my day being talking to someone in gym, but I when i first got here, I couldn't do that! Tonight I started reading the fifth Harry Potter book in french. I don't understand the whole thing, but i get the gist of what is happening, and I learned a lot of things about different verb tenses in french. Tonight I also did something I have been avoiding since I got here. I unpacked. When I got here, I literally threw my clothes in drawers but for the past week i have been more or less living out of a suitcase. I am so glad I did it, and I now feel like I am finally at home, and here to stay for good.

I am improving quickly, and I hope soon I wont have any more problems with the language. When I shaved my head last year, I thought it was the hardest, but most rewarding thing i've ever done in my life. Everyday here it is like I am shaving my head over and over. There are so many ups and downs, its like a constant roller coaster, but i know i will come off of it a different person.

I'm starting to get comfortable here, so quebec better prepare to have it's socks knocked off!
Carly