"STUPID!"

Whenever my coworker Sofie cannot think of a word in English she says "STUPID! STUPID!STUPID!" It's official, exclamations like "Crap!" or "Darn it!" have been replaced with "STUPID" and if you don't believe me, just ask Sofie. Anyways, Sofie and I listened to heavy metal Dutch rock yesterday at work. Heavy metal in English is obnoxious but it is just downright painful in Dutch.

Last night, I planned to go to an 10 year anniversary party for David's office. The party was held at a Chateau 30 minutes from town. I even bought a dress for the occasion. BUT, there was not a single cab driver in town last night who wanted to make money. We wandered the streets for over an hour trying to flag down a cab. There must have been at least 20 drivers who refused to stop for us! Poor David, I know it stressed him out that we could not find a cab and that he had to email his office and tell them that we would not make it. After an hour, we gave up and went to my favorite restaurant in town for dinner. Even though we did not make it to the party, I enjoyed dressing up for the first time in weeks, going to dinner, and taking time to just chill and soak up the atmopshere.

I am learning that there is nothing more humbling and frustrating than being sick in a foreign country. Being sick at home stinks, but at least Mom will take care of you and the medicine boxes are in English. I went to the pharmacy early this morning in search of medicine for congestion and sinus pain, but everything is in French and the brands are not the same. Thankfully the lady understood enough of my English to assist me. Not being able to articulate what I needed to the pharmacist truly made me feel helpless. But do not worry about me... I have slept a lot today and feel a lot better already.

There is not much else to report from across the pond. Thanks again for all the emails and messages; hearing from friends regularly makes me feel much closer to home. Much love to all!