how to belong

Adaptability. You may have heard that's it's the #1 life skill you learn and practice while studying abroad and/or working in an international environment. It definitely is one of them. I'd argue the ability to create a sense of belonging is even greater though.

It's freaking hard to build relationships with strangers who grew up in a world separate from your own, to observe norms you're not familiar with and then take them on yourself... to thrive as the only American woman in an office of tech-minded French guys. And yet, whether or not I actually have an INFJ personality, doing so has been one of the most rewarding foreign experiences thus far.

I worked from home today, and tomorrow, I'll meet the PageYourself team at our new office in the 18th. Au revoir, Le Réfectoire ! We will no longer have medicore burgers and bomb-a** fries at our disposal. But, for the next two weeks at least, I'll continue enjoying a "male-skewed" lunchtime diet. The sentimentality is already kicking in full throttle. I'm going to miss my coworkers.

How did I get to this point? I "kept on swimming", even if I really wanted to give up sometimes. And honestly, that's the most valuable advice I could give. Adapting is a process of excitement, resentment, and acceptance. Sometimes mojitos help, but maintaining perspective on the impermanence is an even safer bet. Now I just have to remind myself that diving into solitary thesis research doesn't at all mean losing these personal and professional connections. Le sigh. Second transition of the year: go!

"There’s an old adage that says you leave pieces of yourself wherever you go, wherever you’ve called home. And I suppose that’s true. But, it’s kind of bullshit, too, like most old adages and their supposed relative truth. It’s not the pieces themselves that matter. It’s the size of those pieces you leave behind and the size of the hole they’re trying to fill that matter. Because you can have the biggest pieces of yourself that are connected to these places and the sense of belonging that you derive from them and still not manage to fill the hole. Your sense of belonging starts when you stop asking other people and places permission to belong. It’s not about where you “feel like” you should be. It’s about where you are, and you belong wherever you are." -Jon Hamlin

soon-to-be on holiday

It's been... a week. PageYourself entered the big leagues and I spearheaded the prep and celebratory efforts en anglais. Exciting, huh? Stressful, too. I've been more than hoping for a holiday (in the UK-sense, thus, a vacation). And since I haven't gotten away since August, even a 48-hour change of scenery will suffice. Luckily, I have friends like Lara with family in Brussels who invited us to visit this weekend. Jackpot. One day, when I'm no longer living in Europe, I'm going to miss the ease with which I can now hop across borders. I mean, just look at the infographic below. Even overworked, overtired, and uninspired Brits seem to have it made:

Talk about Superbreak City Breaks! Luckily, there are options for US-based friends, too :) fellow students can win a stay in Europe and everyone can afford to get outside more. May I also suggest playing tourist in your own city? It's what I've been trying to do in Paris as my time here decreases--although I won't graduate until May, thesis research will keep me in New York and London for a while... not that I'm complaining, of course. There'll always be "stuff," but life can be an awfully great adventure when we let it be.

meet pageyourself

After gladly accepting the 6-month internship at PageYourself, I freaked out about the commitment. Now, with only two months left at this special Parisian start-up, I'm sad to have few more than 40 days. A lot of the appeal has to do with my awesome coworkers. Though they're French guys--which took some getting used to because I'm not yet bilingual and have generally worked with women--it's been a rewarding challenge to my comfort zone. I'm learning so much. And so, I'd like to introduce you to the company:

{our "morning coffee with a view" / 15-minute break upon arrival each day}

PageYourself created a platform (the f-Site) to democratize social media and digital marketing with a design creator, app catalogue, and data collector (Fan Base). Basically, it empowers business owners without any skills in design, code, or social networking to thoughtfully communicate their brand online (e.g. get more Facebook likes); an invaluable gift for #smallbiz especially. If you or somehow you know could benefit, please, spread the word. The platform is launching from beta mode at the end of the month! Or, if you'd prefer to brush up on recent articles, be my guest: "How to Use Instagram for Business", "How to Use Pinterest for Business", and "8 Facebook Features You Should Take Advantage of Now" :) thanks for being so friendly! I've gotta get back to work...

five-euro mojitos

It's been an adjustment getting used to an office environment again. And working 9:30am to 6:30-7pm. And trying to understand French for nine hours. (I'm working on the speaking part, but for now I mostly just listen really carefully... and join the conversation in my head. I'm really as cool as I seem). So, it took no time for me to embrace after-work happy hours! They're the perfect opportunity to wind down from a long day and catch up with an English-speaking friend. As of late, I've been frequenting  Le Kitch.

Their entire cocktail menu is 5-euros during happy hour (5.30-9pm, sometimes 11pm). I prefer the Shrek, a frozen mojito that tastes like a refreshing smoothie and packs an alcoholic punch--not that the second part is necessary, but I'm also not complaining. It's delish. The Princess Fiona is pretty good, too, if you have a thing for strawberry. I absolutely love the laid back vibe and quirky decor though. It's just what I need before a leisurely walk to the metro, a quick commute home, and a real, homemade dinner.

la vie en rose

Good morning, tout le monde! Please excuse my enthusiasm this AM, but I've been up since 6am and am more than well-caffeinated at this point (must work on reducing that). I trust you had a good weekend? The highlight of mine was watching the Tour de France fly through Versailles. Other than that, it was uneventful. I have one last academic responsibility looming over me (class-wise, not thesis-related) so that was my focus and concern. It has been for the past two weeks actually; in addition to transitioning into a full-time schedule at my internship and moving out of my chambre de bonne into a real studio apartment.

I really came back from New York and hit the ground running, huh? And since I'm still getting a hold on my new day-to-day life here, I thought I'd offer perspective on how it's been... alongside visual examples (1/3: old view, 2: office neighborhood, 3: new home).

7:30am: wake up to obnoxious bird crowing outside window. 7:30-8:50am: shower, make tea, eat breakfast, do everything else that constitutes "getting ready." 8:50-9:25am: read and commute to work. 9:35-10am: take morning coffee break with the team. 10am-12pm: be productive. 12-12:30pm: discuss being hungry and ready for lunch with co-workers on Skype group chat. 12:30-1:20pm: take lunch break--venture out for food/warm up left-overs, enjoy meal on the building's terrace while pathetically attempting to join the team's conversation (in French). 1:20-1:30pm: have a coffee/tea. 1:30-6:30pm: be productive, have strategy meeting(s) with boss, respond to funny links (in English/French/Spanish) posted to Skype group chat. 6:30-6:50pm: formally say goodbye to offce, pick up groceries for dinner. 6:50-7:30pm: read and commute home. 7:30-7:40pm: buy bread (still testing boulangeries for my neighborhood favorite). 7:45-9pm: make dinner, transfer notes and citations, eat dinner. 9pm-11pm: read, write, try to sleep.

Sounds exciting, huh? Ha, I like it so far. In the past two weeks, like I said, I've also had to pack up my chambre de bonne (see above, 20 square-meters of mess), move into a real studio apartment, and clean, unpack, and transfer as much homey-ness as possible here.

Needless to say, I've had a lot on my plate, and only one real opportunity to spend time with friends. Thank god for the boy's patience with me as I attempt to deal :). Once I have this final paper out of the way, I'll be able to relax. Until then, I'll savor brief fun plans like today's: meeting an old friend (passing through Paris on a Euro trip) at my preferred happy hour-with-a-view spot.

joli deli avec la voisine

Bonsoir from Paris! Despite not being thrilled to leave New York, I'm so happy to be back. For one thing, my first full day at my internship went well--and not just because I spent some of it on our Pinterest account ;). I feel so, so lucky to have landed such a fabulous opportunity. Furthermore, by this weekend, I'll be officially settled into a new apartment; one that is complete with a real kitchen, a full bathroom, and another sweet landlord. Have I mentioned it's around the corner from the lovely Lauren, too? Because it is. Soon, I'll be neighbors with the kind of gal that sees you tweet Jenn's post about Joli Deli, and suggests a lunch date:

This cuter than cute café is hidden on a quiet street behind Metro Arts-et-Metiers. The service is friendly, the menu is delicious, and the decor is minimalist-whimsy. On that warm, summer afternoon, I enjoyed a green salad with smoked fish and avocado, a slice of Rachel's cheesecake, and a pretty noisette for 15€. 'Twas all but perfect paired with Lauren's delightful company and conversation! I can't tell you how excited I am to have her as my new neighbor :). All I need now is a couple of good nights sleep to replace the jet lag with energy to pack up my chambre de bonne...

transitions new-yorkaises

Happy Friday, friends! I must admit I'm happier than usual about it. My days have been long (class in the morning, internship in the afternoon) and full (dinners out or movie nights in) this week. Phew! I need easy from tonight's happy hour to dimanche. I doubt this weekend will actually be relaxing though--I have to solidify my directed study research with a concrete outline and bibliography. I have to find a gift and a dress for the wedding. I have to do laundry, clean my apartment, and pack.

I was supposed to move this weekend, too, but thankfully I don't have to. I met with my landlord last night and she kindly let me arrange to move into my new apartment (!) in July. It has a real kitchen, and a full bathroom. The luxury, I tell ya! Plus, it's closer to my favorite market. More good news from yesterday: the start-up I intern at just got 10,000-euros more awesome. Very exciting. When I congratulated my boss on my way out of the office, he responded, "Thanks a lot, you're part of it!" I am so thrilled to be.

Of course, as is my nature, I'm a bit scared, too. By July, I'll be a full-time intern. My day to day life is going to be so different from the student schedule I've finally gotten used to. I'm also not going to be around my American friends as conveniently or often. It'll be good for language acquisition, but will likely offer less expat comfort. And, gosh, how will I so "effortlessly" learn new things about the world every day? I really liked that part. (It's for this very reason, by the way, that I'll still committed to a thesis.)

Last week, I met Julika at another adorable, Australian-owned café, Tuck Shop. It was such a comfort to chat with a like-minded gal (in a similar transitional place) over cappuccinos. Julika went off to a picnic afterwards and it seemed like she had a great time: "I repeat: we had been there, having a picnic, for six hours. It was a Friday. Nobody had the shred of an obligation that day. Work? Not with this group. And that wasn’t the end. There were invitations — a stop for gelato next, a possible party on Saturday night, a definite book signing on Sunday. It’s Paris. Everything here is about pleasure." Kate's reflection seems accurate but idealistic. Although us twenty-somethings in Paris may have alternative careers and lifestyles, it's not all bread, wine, and cheese. I promise.

However, the fact that it can be, is probably what drives my desire to stay here longer. I want to become fluent in French; I want to find my place in this global community; I want to settle into a more satisfying life, in every sense of the word. And I don't want to lose touch with my family and friends in the States in the process. Talk about demanding, huh? I can't help it. I miss them. Every single day. As such, I can't even begin to express how lucky I feel to have such good reasons to see them again so soon.

My little sister is graduating from high school next Thursday and my favorite friend couple is getting married next Saturday. Such happy occasions, even without considering the added bonus of introducing the boy to my home. My only delay on excitement is that I don't yet know when my flights are; the beauty of employee discount tickets, I suppose! But, to echo the boy's optimism, it'll be fine. After all, "fear, uncertainty, and discomfort are your compasses towards growth," right? Allons-y.

la maison du chou

Chou is French for cabbage, or sweetheart, or perfect, little cream puff. This afternoon, the lovely Lauren and I met at La Maison du Chou to each enjoy three: chou nature, chou au café, chou au chocolat. 

The occasion: my spring semester is finally complet. Woohoo! With three final papers and an exam, this has been an awfully stressful week. (Case in point). The academic marathon is not over yet though, oh no...

• May 22-25: Cultural Entrepreneurship, Gender and Leadership
• May 24-27: The Hive, European Blog Conference (in Berlin!)
• May 28-31: International Public Relations & Contemporary Media
• June 3-22: Cultural Diversity and Globalization - Goods & Actors

I'm actually missing the last two days of the "Cultural Diversity and Globalization" summer course to fly home to New York, watch my little sister graduate high school (!), and then see a best friend get married (!). And so, I may just sleep the entire month of July. Kidding, of course. That's when my internship fully begins :). Thank you, "Lou" for such a sweet break in the midst of this crazy schedule!

me, global intern 2013?

Spring break is here! And my video application to become the Global Intern at EF Education First and Erasmus Student Network is above. I so strongly believe in their shared missions to "remove the barriers of language, culture, and geography." You know that, don't you? Well, the more views, the better my chances at being chosen for this amazing opportunity (read: work in 3 different countries at 2 int'l organizations). Please watch it. And if you're feeling extra generous, please "like" the video on YouTube and/or share it with friends.

Afterwards, if I could, I would take every single one of you out for gelato on one of these sunnier days in Paris. Because I probably can't though, thank you. I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart.

never have I ever

With my countdown to Paris at a mere 6 days, I've been thinking more and more about my future there. My graduate program requires a thesis or for-credit internship in the final semester and I have yet to figure out which one I'd prefer. My only comfort is that at least I know what direction I want to go in, kind of.

Before I studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, I'd never had Lebanese food. And before I moved to Paris for graduate school, I'd never pursued a possible future with an international philanthropic organization.

{vegetarian mezze}

I don't think it's a coincidence that the majority of my friends have careers in which they're directly helping people--whether it be through medicine, research, journalism, therapy, non-profits, etc. I seem to be attracted to those who do good in the world. It's surprising I never believed myself to be one of them until now.

A few months ago, my advisor noted how my educational path thus far has been unique since I started out so speciality-focused and am only now broadening my study horizons. He's right, but I can't imagine it having gone any other way. Although my professional degree is in magazine journalism, travel seminars exposed me to human rights in a whole new light. Even before then, in high school, I hosted exchange students and participated in leadership programs. And thanks to Girl Scouts, I've volunteered for most of my life.

{mint tea}

Not to mention the need for good work: Polio is still an epidemic in three countries. There is only one book per 300 children in some low-income neighborhoods in the U.S. One in seven girls in developing countries marry before the age of 15. Worldwide, 1.7 billion people live in poverty and 800 million people live without clean water. The American Red Cross responds to 70,000 disasters each year. (Statistics from this month's Marie Claire.)

Last semester, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at UNESCO. It was such an experience to work with people from so many different countries with such impressive professional backgrounds. And to be honest, most of the time, I feel that way in the company of my fellow grad students. Though notably younger, each one of us came to Paris with unique portfolios and inspirational motivations; like the birthday girl from the special occasion dinner above. I look forward to seeing where 2013 takes us.

quirky through and through

Good morning afternoon all! It's been a while, hasn't it? I was tying up loose ends at Quirky HQ, the amazing place I've been interning for the past three months. On average, it has taken me at least 10-15 minutes to explain, in-person, what exactly I did there... and now I'm going to try with the virtual world. Whether you know it or not, you should get excited :).

My primary one-liner has become the following: Quirky is a social product development company that works directly with inventors and a creative online community to turn their dreams into a reality through production, promotion, and distribution of whatever the product may be. Or, they're a bunch of the coolest fairy godmothers out there with a ton of innovative expertise, talent, and passion.

During my personal experience there, I was one of the people that helped to foster that process as I also learned a great deal about brand management, social media, public relations, and customer service. But the absolute best part about it? It was fun. Like really, really fun. I am going to miss every part of working with them, including the impromptu 3-hour lunches, business brainstorming sessions, coffee breaks, and inside jokes, rants, and sarcasm via IM.

I wuv 'em, if it isn't already obvious, and so I'd additionally like to promote some of their fantastic products. Please note that I'm not just saying these great things because I worked for them, or because I think they're doing a spectacular thing, I just think these are some awesome products and I don't doubt that you will too.

1. MugStir: This portable tea spoon is just adorable hanging on the side of a mug, and prevents wasting regular spoons or disposable stirrers. For $12.99, you can get a pack of three (in super cool colors) to keep at school, work, and home. 

2. FitKit: I'm no gym rat but I am familiar with how difficult it can be to juggle my phone, keys, towel, ID, head phones, and all other gym essentials, especially when I have to bring it all with me to class or work first. This $25 compact carrying case fits around water bottles, yoga mats (the one above belongs to my former boss!), or your arm if you happen to be doing an outdoor workout. Pretty darn convenient if you ask me.

3. Waffler. Sunday brunch, please! You can always make Belgian waffles, but, the mold plates also allow you to create what Quirky has deemed as "waffle shots," cup-shaped waffles with room for fruit, extra syrup, yogurt, or even whipped cream. For $68 I will be the weekend hostess with the mostest ;).

And that's just three of the dozens of phenomenal product ideas brought to life. I went into my last day yesterday bogged down with melancholy. I know, I'm dramatic and sentimental, but I can't help it. Then the lovely Shirley Chan walked in with sunflowers and mini-cupcakes for yours truly. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

Adios, Quirks. See ya on the flip side. 

capitlization:

Taking advantage of... something. Life's funny sometimes most of the time. You don't want something until you can't have it anymore. You think you know who you're supposed to be until you discover that you're already becoming who you are. You make peace with the fact that weekends are the only fun-loving spontaneous part of your week until an extraordinary Monday comes along.

Lately I've been taking the earlier train to the city so that I can get walk more (and subway less) on my way to work. From Astor Place, I pass at least three gyms. I have every desire to join but no confidence in my ability to squeeze in a morning workout nor to have the energy to attend a fitness class after work.

Last Monday began like that, like all the others. I arrived in the office, settled into my routine, and then, well... our roof, our roof, our roof was on fire. From the third floor we took the stairs to the streets below where other people from our building and many a passerby had congregated to watch in awe as four fire trucks of men and women tried to put out the flames that stretched along the sixth story edge.

We waited for about an hour before we broke for lunch. And by broke, I mean we all walked together from our burning building and empty office, around the block towards Soho, and down the street to Dos Caminos for our midday meal. At that point, we really didn't have any other option.

We talked seriously and chatted casually amongst fresh tortilla chips, a trio of salsas, and a huge clay bowl of authentic guacamole. I nothing short of lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing, passionate, and quirky group.

For my entrée, I ordered Mexican Chopped Salad: grilled corn, poblano chiles, apples, pinto beans, green olives, tomato, onion, añejo cheese, crispy tortillas and toasted cumin vinaigrette, in addition to a side of Vegetarian Refried Black Beans.

I also admired, and may have tasted a few bites off of, the lovely plates of my fellow diners. To name a few, there were Shrimp & Lobster Ceviche, Chicken Tinga, Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna Lettuce Tacos (pictured above), La Cubana Quesadilla, and Sautéed Sweet Plantains. Everything was delectable.

Two hours later we stood up from our chairs, left the restaurant, and called our building to check on the status. The fire was out but we wouldn't be allowed in any time soon. In that case, we might as well have gotten ice cream. So we did. 

FYI- Nobody was hurt, the building is fine, and we did eventually go back to work later that day.

You've got everything in your world figured straight out until you blink, it spins 'round, and nothing's familiar anymore. It's in times like these that I've come to realize how vital it is to make the most of every situation. You can always find a way to benefit in the opportunity, I promise, and figuring out how exactly to go about doing that is just the beginning of the fun part ;). Sweet dreams...