Heroes and Zeros

Hero:

Travel Sewing Kit

Starting on day one I have had a problem with articles of clothing ripping.  First it was the boots (that I got fixed for 5 euro by a nice man with a cobbling/key making shop near my house), then it was the 20 euro boots I bought to wear while the first pair were out of commission (the boot and the sole became separated), then it was my slipper socks, then it was my favorite pair of Smartwool socks, and finally my jeans.  Yes, I ripped my pants.  Right in the crotch.  Doing what? you might ask.  Oh, you know, just stretching in my room before going out for the day.  These jeans were by no means tight.  They were kind of a joke actually, because they were supposed to be skinny jeans (Always Skinny by GAP) but they were quite saggy on me and they were only about a year old.  Pathetic.

As disappointed as I was, I thought to myself, "No problem, because I know how to sew!" Thank you camp/Mom/TRDA130 costume shop lab hours.  Luckily enough, I also had the foresight to bring a travel sized sewing kit.  So, I stitched up my jeans (and my slipper sock and Smartwool socks while I was at it) and all was good...until I put them on again.  As soon as I sat down in class that morning, I felt that it had somehow re-ripped around my beautiful and meticulous sewing job.  Later that day, Anna and I went to the Champs to see about some new Always Skinnies to replace them.  GAP: 70 euro? No thank you.  Zara had some perfectly lovely skinny jeans for 30 euro, and that was good enough for me.  Especially since my GAP jeans proceeded to rip more as I took them off in the Zara dressing room! I am pleased to announce that they have been officially retired from service in my wardrobe.

While the story of the jeans is kind of a fail, I was still extremely thankful for my sewing kit.  The darning of my socks was extremely successful, and therefore I name the Travel Sewing Kit as the hero of the trip (so far...).

Zero:

Smoked. Salmon.  

This doesn't even merit a picture.

Before coming to France, I had always stayed away from smoked salmon.  I'm not a big experimenter when it comes to sea foods and, even though I like salmon, the idea of it sliced all thin and not super cooked-looking always made me a little nervous.  But, when my host father put a plate of smoked salmon down on the table for dinner about 2 weeks ago, I decided to give it the old college try.  I liked it fine and had a nice light meal of smoked salmon, salad, and toast.  Then, that Sunday we had it again.  And the following Wednesday.  And this past Sunday.  And then again tonight.  That is five, count 'em FIVE nights of smoked salmon.  Our host families are required to provide us with dinner three nights out of the week.  For us, it is Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  So, out of the past 2+ weeks, we've had 7 meals with the family, and 5 of them have been smoked salmon.  That leaves one night when we had smoked chicken, and one night when we had another kind of fish that came in a plastic packet with curry sauce in it.  On at least two of the nights when Anna and I have made our own dinner, I have seen my host parents make themselves plates of smoked salmon.  I am now waiting patiently for the day when they turn into salmon themselves.  It should be very soon.  I might not be able to tell you about it though because I'm convinced that they are attempting to take Anna and me with them.  We will be four beached salmon, flopping about on the floor of the house.  Surely, eating more smoked salmon.  Cannibal salmon...

Clearly this has gone too far.

Help.

On a happier note, I am planning my spring break to London and Ireland with my friend Chrissy! I am super excited to see, in person, all the sights I've seen on MI5, and to walk the rolling green hills of Ireland.  Rest assured, I will be bringing my sewing kit.  I will not be bringing, nor will I be seeking out any smoked salmon.