Until I can post when it's not already time for sleep (hey, I'm not getting old, I just love sleeping), I leave you with this photo essay of the weekend (ok, so it's really of Saturday night at Eliana's and this evening's baking). Needless to say, it was great. Friday was great, Saturday was great, today was great. A few thoughts-

*If your friend lends you dvds of Sex and the City (Jen, I'm looking in your general direction), you should HIDE THEM, not leave them right by your tv where you could watch mass quantities of episodes, leaving poor Christine de Pizan to wait until later.

*I learned how to get punk'd by a Spanish gtf. Don't ask.

*If nothing else, you should wear matching socks to a party.

*Truffles taste better when you hide the box that lists the ingredients.

*Sometimes when you make chili, some of it ends up on the wall.

*And finally, sometimes nights you don't think will be that great turn out to be, for lack of better terminology, great.

That, people, is the end. E, I'm working on the link color, but every time I change it it changes a bunch of stuff.

Saturday night- This picture was on my camera. It proves that a) I was there (as previously proven in other pictures and by the fact that the pictures are on MY camera) and b) Eliana was there and c) I did not have full camera control all night. 

Saturday night- I was there. Michelle was there. I drank gin and tonics and wore my purple shirt. And Eliana's lamp did not grow out of our heads. 

Saturday night- People liked my shoes, but none of the boys could walk in them (and yes, they did try). Brownie points if you can identify why I have these shoes. 

Saturday night- Cameron's socks matched. 

Sunday- Jen and I made this cake- Gateau au yaourt a la framboise- yogurt cake with raspberries. It doesn't look the best in this picture, but it's really good- it also marks the first cake I've baked (besides gingerbread). 

It's Saturday night, which means that I'm sitting here, eating a salad, almost at the point where I should start getting ready for Eliana's party, and writing away. God, I hope I have something interesting to say...

It's hard to be in your last few weeks of what is really the end of school. When I finished up at Ripon, I knew that I'd probably be back in school soon. But now, well, I don't think I will. I've spent practically my whole life (cliche, I know) wrapped up in books (as Belle and Sebastian would say). So what's life after school like? Maybe I'll figure that out once I, you know, find a job. Oooh dear. But hey, I'm smart, I have many talents (some more usual than others) and if worst comes to worst, I have many ridiculous back-up plans. So I think I'll be just fine, thank you.

Yesterday started with me waking up to my alarm and wondering what the heck I was doing up so early in the morning. Oh yeah, having coffee with Eliana on campus at 8 in the morning. I'm always up at 8, just not dressed and somewhere else. I made sure to whine to Eliana about this (as well as the fact that it was pouring), but I did, after all, say that I would show up at that time, since scheduling any activity with someone else in grad school often involves sort of undesireable times. I then went to her class, having, as she put it "absolument pas de raison serieuse" (absolutely no serious reason) for being there. But it was fun, and nice to watch someone else teach. Oh my god, is it really all over in 3 weeks?

Do you know what the new colors on Quel est ton probleme? mean? That I acquired some knowledge of how to move le template around! Then Heather and I, over instant messanger, debated slight variations of colors for quite some time. It's still not done. Love it? Hate it? Want to throw it out the window?

Ok, la salade is finie, and I should really consider getting ready for this soiree. Should I even try straightening my hair if it looks like it's going ot keep raining? What?

Random photo of the evening- Florence, on the Oregon Coast- September 6, 2004 (my birthday!) 

Focus! Then we can make underwear!

Hello everyone. It's been almost a week, hasn't it? Well that's what happens when you are almost done with school!!! It's not like I've been buried in work again, it's really just that I haven't been that productive. Not that I don't love you, it's just that I have been enjoying the company of my television and my bed and my friends (but not necessarily together, people!)

First, because I know you were all waiting for this- I passed. I was told unofficially on Monday, and got the official email and comments the next day. It was something I was pretty sure would happen, but there's still that glimmer of doubt that something went terribly wrong without you knowing it. Luckily (not really luck, since I studied my butt off) that didn't happen here, and I passed across the board (funniest comment? One of my committee members suggesting that I should have used Alexandre le Grand in the essay, a play that wasn't even on my reading list. Oh well). So I have to finish this MA essay, and then the short paper for class this term. And then? MA degree! I'm walking in our ceremony- I have the funny gown and hood and everything (and no, you can't wear your undergrad gown, this one is different and seems to have wing-like things attatched to the sleeves). My mom and brother come in three weeks, and if any of you have any frequent flier miles you'd like to use up, I'd love to have you here, too! June 11th!

Ok, so there's that. And there's the wonderful weekend I had- movies, Sweet Life desserts, more movies, Sex and the City, apple martinis, baking, and the most wonderful lunch ever with Emily, her mom, Steve and Charlie. 2 hours at Cafe Xenon that started with mimosas (including adorable individual champagne bottles), continued with eggs Jean-Pierre (oh-so-good) and finished with coffee and caramel chocolate cheesecake (and no, it wasn't overkill). The lunch also was completely free of talk about school and full of relaxation and some of the best company around. I really do have wonderful friends.

I'm listening to this wonderful mix cd that Emily made me today (I made her one before exams that was a completely random mix of bizarre things that made me laugh). Looking at the track listing couldn't have prepared me for how great it is and how thoughtful. The mix is great, varied, and every song has some meaning. It also includes "Gatto matto," my favorite Italian rap song (don't start on me, people) that Steve must have mentioned that I'm slightly obsessed with (I made him play it for me all the time last year). Emily's the best- have I mentioned that before? And the title of this post comes from our desire to design our own underwear (or at least print on existing ones), but the reality that we had to work (me- reading about automatic writing and Emily-writing Italian paper). We did, eventually, stop and watch Alias (my favorite- 2 hour special) and she made popcorn that involved neither a microwave nor artificial flavors (Gina- "Wow- it smells like real corn!")

My uncle Phil is the best. Today he called to congratulate me on finishing les examens, and ended up giving me leads on jobs through a co-worker, his wife (who is French and very sweet, as is her husband) and their friends. You may remember Phil from last summer's trip to Chicago (I don't know how to link to that). When I was little I really wanted him to get married so that I could be the flower girl. Well, now he is, but I'm 23. Is that too old? And this means that I get a new aunt, and that I'll have two Aunt Pams (how does this happen?). Holy multiplying family, Batman!

Once again, I'll make this futile call for help- does anyone know things about web design? This template is tres old school pour moi maintenant, and I have no clue how to make one. I'm going to search the web for templates, but if any of you know what you're doing, it would be wonderful!

Love! Gina

(April and Emily B.- I'm going to try and make la version Gina of that playlist Em mentioned tomorrow and see how it sounds- I'll let vous deux know what happens)

Meara and I made this sushi! It was yummy! I love sushi! 

and then there was celebrating...

Yes, it's me. Back from the exams. Yeah yeah yeah, so I finished on Tuesday afternoon- I was tired! And there were drinks to be had, and nachos to be eaten, and sushi to be made, and dude, it was the season finale of the Amazing!Race!

Now, for the celebration- WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did it! Done! Done! Done!

It's really hard to believe that those things are done- over six weeks of studying seriously paid off. I know, I have an MA essay to finish and a paper for one class, but really people, these exams have been my main stress and worry and freak-out point for a LOOOOOONG time. And I did it! 4 hours felt like 10 minutes each day. You just write and write and write. I won't bore you and tell you what my questions were, but suffice to say that I could have answered either each day. I felt like I actually knew things while writing them (and I still do now, it's not like the information fell out my ear or something). It looks like these two years of grad school have had some effect. Take that, grad school people! Wait... I'm so happy and proud and thrilled that these things are over. I was screaming with Eliana outside of Friendly hall on Tuesday when I walked out (first one done! well, for a day at least) and think I actually managed to disturb a class that had their window open (ha). I ran on adrenaline the rest of Tuesday (and even graded some tests), then felt completely wiped out yesterday- the tiredness caught up with me. Today I tried to do some research, but only succeeded in figuring out what I needed to do and getting the books (it's ok though, I did make progress) and then doing some stuff for my class. I had two great friends sub for me while I was gone taking exams, and Eli told me on Tuesday that my 203 kids were concerned about my well-being and hoped it was going ok- how sweet! This is why I have the best.class.ever. Oh god, I'm babbling! But it's so happy! See the pictures below for the flowers my parents sent me (wow! nice parents!) which are in fact the prettiest flowers I've ever gotten.

Speaking of things I got- hilarious email from one of my old Ripon French profs after I wrote saying I was getting ready to take exams. She not only called Romanticism "gooey" (which Emily and I do all the time, and now I feel justified), but said that Frederic, from L'education sentimentale deserves a slap in the face. Ha! Made my day, I'll say that. Also that if you forget a character's name, just make it up. Are you listening, future MA exam people? I tried to be completely serious with the essays, but the second day I needed some funny things. So there's a footnote about Hippolyte being attacked by a sea monster (true!) and funny ones where I have to admit that I've approximated titles for a Montaigne essay (hey, he wrote three books of them!) and a chapter of Defense et Illustration de la langue francaise (I almost got it). Oh, and another where I mention that Louise Labe basically spends all of her poetry regretting her lover, who is somewhere else. Ooooh, I just realized that I spent all this time earlier in the quarter reading all 180 Regrets by du Bellay and didn't.use.them.at.all. AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I wonder if I could add an extra footnote, after the fact?

I really think that's it. I may take more pictures with the insane pile of books, because I think it's funny. This weekend will be nice for the sole reason that I don't have to go to campus and study. I am going to work at home! (for any work I do) WOOOOOO!!!!!! Ok, I'm going to sleep! sleep! sleep!

The prettiest flowers I've ever gotten- a congratulations from my parents for finishing the exams. (best.parents.ever- love!) 

These flowers showed up on my front porch- aren't they pretty?  

This is it, people. Less than 12 hours till exam one. I have nothing left to say. See pictures below for a lovely photo look at my reading list. I feel ready and I've worked so much that there's not really much I could do at this point. Thanks for all your support and well-wishes, and I'll see you on the other side of 8 hours of writing, Tuesday night.

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, mes amis, this is it- the stack of every book that has come into play for these exams (with my shoe by it for reference). I can tell you something about every book here, since I've READ them. 

Side-view of pyramid, which De La Litterature Francaise is sitting proudly upon (BIGGEST book in the library).  

Close up on some books- Romancing the Cathedral, by Elizabeth Emery, who taught my 19th century class last quarter, Les Lais again, Le Paysan de Paris, which doesn't belong, because it's for my thesis, something else blurry, and some troubadour poems (copies on top). 

Woo! Pyramid! 

Doesn't look so bad here, does it? I think on top you see Les Lais de Marie de France, Les Oeuvres Complets de Moliere vol 2, La Chanson de Roland, a du Bellay collection, Gargantua, the dictionary and a notebook from medieval french lit with Professor Clemente so many years ago! 

Well... 

Friday, Friday, Friday (I'm supposed to be grading papers right now, or creating lesson plans for the wonderful people that are subbing for me on Monday and Tuesday- but instead I'm writing this, because I love you. All 2 of you).

My wonderful friend Emilee (who is about to, eep, graduate from college, totally ruining my theory that she would stay little Emilee forever) sent me the album "Amorino" by Isobel Campbell, late of Belle and Sebastian. This one, mes amis, is wonderful. It flows wonderfully and is light and chill and fun. And there's a theremin (wooo)! Yes, you heard me correctly, a THEREMIN (wooo!). So that makes it even better. Emilee, thank you! And the rest of you people- listen to this album- it will make you happy and make you forget the ninjas that are menacing you.

Interesting quotes-
"It's the standard medieval way of saying 'By the way, I'm Christ'." (In my medieval book history class)
"Emily dit 'love is pain!'" (found in my notes on Ronsard's poetry)
"The question is, Gina, how will you be Tuesday night?" (one of my students)

Name that French 19th century literary movement!

The stress was getting to me, so I made cookies. Ha. And last night, I made soup. It took TWO HOURS (it was only after saying this that Justin said "oh, you mean you made it from scratch?" Why else would I have been so proud of soup? WHY?). But I now have, in the technical term of Emily, a "shitload" of soup, which means I don't have to cook for a bit. Go me. Go where, you ask? WHERE? Go crazy, I think.

April, you're great and I wish you were here so we could terrorize people together. Emily and Liz, I miss you. Lauren and Jenny, if there's ever another oboesontour reunion, I'll fly back from wherever I am to be in it. E, you tell me what bar to be at and when, and I'm there. Could we make it for after next Tuesday, please? Claire, ou es-tu? Est-ce que Chicago t'a mangee? And with that, Gina gets out of writing emails because she has become, in many respects, lazy. But in one respect not! (actually, in a few, but it would be less dramatic if I said that). In what respect? WHAT RESPECT? WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME THAT NOW?????? SHOULDN"T YOU KNOW PEOPLE??????????? AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIENDS????? Ok, that's what we call overreacting. But seriously, EXAMS.

Did you know... (I don't care if you don't care, I'm going to tell you anway)
*The difference between the medievalism of Romantic (mid-19th) France and fin-de-siecle (end of 19th) France is that in the Romantic era they idealized the Middle Ages and used the themes that they found in this idealized version (which never really existed) to their own ends (new versions of Tristan et Iseult, revitalized interest in the Troubadours, etc) and in the fin-de-siecle they turned to actual Medieval objects (mainly Gothic cathedrals) and started talking about the specifics as opposed to the generalities of style.

*Racine and Moliere were both heavily influence by Italy, albeit two very different Italies. Racine followed the classic tragic style established by Aristotle and Horace in the Rome of Antiquity and wrote on classic Antique themes, mostly from Roman mythology. While the Roman empire was vast, it was centered in what today is Italy and the modern-day Rome. Moliere didn't follow these guidelines, but in many instances shows influence from the Italian Commedia dell'arte, which began in late 16th century Italy. He also shared a theatre with the Theatre des Italiens, the Italian theatre group of Paris in the 17th. His musical partner, Lulli, was Italian by origin. However heavy the Italian influence, both Racine and Moliere separated themselves from the Italian tradition to become the French canon of theatre. Examples- Brittanicus, by Racine, follows a young Nero, and ends in a traditional tragic style (people die, people are unhappy, blah). L'ecole des femmes, by Moliere, prominently features Arnolphe, an old man so in fear of becoming cuckholded that he raises a ward (Agnes) so that he can later marry her while she is still completely innocent and ignorant. In doing so, he becomes the stereotypical "old man" character of the Commedia dell'arte. George Dandin, also by Moliere, employs themes (shepardesses, musical interludes) made popular in previous Italian works.

So there. Quiz Gina! Ask questions that you never thought you'd need answers to! She might now! (note- it is more probable that Gina will know said answer if you base it off her reading list. Otherwise she might just make up some random answer)

Le iPod just went into "I'm a Vampire." That song always makes me think of Foreign Language Day last year, and the un-beatable Guignols. Why did we let Marc talk us into that? Will we ever live it down?

I just remembered that sink full of dishes. Maybe I should do something about that. Yeah. Then I could go to bed! And grade papers tomorrow! I've returned everything this quarter (including the big test) the next day, so they can wait 2 days for these compositions. Take that French 203! I did almost stick chalk in my eye today, though. I was distracted. Or just crazy. Actually, I vote for option 2.

Last question of the day- define this verb - Flauber. Cookie to whoever can!