A New Computer!

I got a new computer! It's a 13.3in (to be precise) MacBook Pro with retina display. I'm actually typing this blog post with my new laptop now. This is the first time I have ever owned a Mac (like ever ever). This is mostly because I spent my teenage years working extensively with Windows operated computer systems, and I learned how to navigate through the software and modify the necessary hardware to make the most of the machine. I have zero knowledge of how a Mac works (save for the mini-iOS that's found in the iPhone/iPad) and that lack of knowledge makes me feel like I won't make the most of this laptop. I know many people who are avid Mac users, so I'm bound to learn a thing or two, right?

So here's where I'm at: right now I'm learning how to use the mouse-/touchpad since its not the same for a Windows laptop. I'm also trying to find the most common shortcuts (such as cutting/pasting text, closing/opening tabs, navigating between windows, and closing active windows, just to name a few) but no major progress just yet. I have much learning to do with this tiny machine.

Come Learn French with Me? (Part Deux - Days, Months, and Numbers)

Moving on from where the previous post finished, today I'll be reviewing days of the week, the months, and more numbers.

Les Jours de Semain (The Days of the Week): 

Lundi = Monday

Mardi = Tuesday

Mercredi = Wednesday

Jeudi = Thursday

Vendredi = Friday

Samedi = Saturday

Dimanche = Sunday

Les Mois (The Months): 

Janvier = January

Février = February

Mars = March

Avril = April

Mai (pronounced "meh" = May 

Juin (pronounced "jweh") = June

 Juillet (pronounced "jwi-yeh") = July

Août (pronounced "oot") = August

Septembre = September

Octobre = October

 Novembre = November

Decémbre = December

Les Chiffres: 

11 = Onze ("ohnz")

 12 = Deuze ("dooze)

13 = Trieze (think of the Spanish "trés")

14 = Quatorze ("cah-torse")

15 = Quinze ("cans")

16 = Seize ("says")

17 = Dix-Sept

18 = Dix-Huit

19 = Dix-Neuf

20 = Vingt ("van")

Come Learn French with Me? (Part Un - Letters and Numbers)

Ah, man, it's been too long! I actually wanted to work on this two weeks ago, but life got in the way, as always (the sickness, work, and a barrage of reading assignments - told ya the demands of life, work, and school would get to me!). Anyhow, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I hope to use this cyberspace to review and share the progress that I'm making as I'm learning French! As I said, I;m a bit late for this (Rachel once told me that I'm constantly late to everything...she might have a point there.), but that won't discourage me at all *insert a heroically egotistical laughter here* MOVING ON! Here is a brief summary of what I have learned thus far =)

L'alphabet - the French alphabet is the same as its English/American counterparts, but with some distinctions:

"A" is pronounced "ah", not "ay"

"B" is pronounced "bé', not "bee";

 

"E" is pronounced like "euh", not "ee";

"G" sounds like "jay" (without the "y");

"H" is pronounced like "ashe";

"I" is pronounced "ee", not "eye";

"J" sounds like "gee";

"P" is pronounced like "pé", not "pee";

"Q" sounds like "kew";

"R" is pronounced like "air";

"T" is pronounced "té";

"V" is pronounced "vé"

"W" is actually called "double 'v'"

"X" is actually called "ix"

"Y" is actually called "i grec";

"Z" is actually called "zed".

Les Chiffres (Numbers) 1-10:

0 = Zéro

1 = Un ("ooh")

2 = Deux ("doo")

3 = Trois ("twa")

4 = Quarte ["cat(r) - the r is somewhat silent]

5 = Cinq ("sank")

6 =Six ("cease")

7 = Sept ("set")

8 = Huit ("wheat")

9 = Neuf ("nuff")

10 = Dix ("deese")

College Textbooks...

WHY U SO EXPENSIVE???

Ugh. Today I visited my university to find my classrooms and assess the costs for my textbooks. The total cost of my books this semester just made my heart sink. Approximately $800 (with taxes included) will go to purchase my required tomes for this Fall Semester. $800! And here's the kicker: all of these books (except for one) are used! Used! What the frack, man?! 

This is, by far, the most I've paid for books. For the most part, I've only paid 300 on average for books. This, as you can see, is an anomaly.