book finks love eminem

Yes, I saw "8 Mile", though I waited for it to go to the Super Saver Cinema for $2.00. And I sing-a-long when the occassional Eminem passes within listening range: Mosh is a pretty cool video.

Today was my first full day off work (either teaching or private tutoring) in over a week, so I spent the afternoon at the Jardin de Luxembourg. I also was getting frustrated with my apartment as the hot water heater has stopped working and the spring gnats have woken from hibernation. Instead of chashing them away from my kitchen all afternoon, I opted for trading books in the 5th at San Francisco Book Company and baking in the sun.

I traded three books for 12euro credit. I found Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" and James Baldwin's "Giovanni's Room". One of the chapters I translated for Nicolas described Kundera's philosophy as described by his characters. I'd also been meaning to read it since watching the film courtesy of Jeremy. Often, I feel inadequate as a Parisian (if only temporarily) for not knowing my spatial geography of the city so I was determined to doing some walking as well given the lovely weather to remedy this.

Jardin de Luxembourg was packed, as in I had to walk around for about ten minutes before finding a free metal lounge chair. I was feeling pretty scrubby having not showered in three days due to lack of hot water and the head-to-toe glances at my wardrobe by the Parisians affirmed so. I still don't quite understand the non-chalant yet meticulous brand-name obession most French people display. I don't know if I'll ever be able to jump onto that band wagon.

I munched on a baguette and finished reading a Thomas Kuhn article about paradigms in preparation for some more translation work this evening. It was tough to concentrate on with all the people watching, or people judging, happening. Also, went through a Pariscope and highlighted plays and concerts I'd like to see. Two concerts I am missing as they were already sold out before I realized they were here: P.J. Harvey and Antony and the Johnsons. Very, very disappointing.

After about three hours of sun, it was time to head back home to see if the gnats had completely taken over the apartment. I took my time, opting to walk from the 5th to Republique in the 10th. I certainly didn't mean to, but I stumbled on a sidewalk book sale at a store in the 6th called Epicea, just to the south of St. Michel Metro stop (6 Rue Danton). First, the 1,80euro bilingual poetry books caught my eye: "Primera Soledad/Premiere solitude" by Luis de Gongora and "El Cristo de Velazquez/Le Christ de Velaquez" by Miguel de Unamuno. I figured, "For 3,20euro, why not read some bilingual Spanish/French poetry books and add to the linguistic spaghetti known as my brain?" Then I saw they also had English classics for 2,50euro. Initially wanting to be an English major at UNL, I'm making up for lost time. Found: "Dubliners" James Joyce, "Lord Jim" Joseph Conrad, "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and "Women in Love" D.H. Lawrence. Also found the only short novel ever written by Proust for 3euro "La confessions d'une jeune fille".

Moseying my way across and along the Seine, I couldn't help but browse the bouquinist stands on the quay. Found for 3euro each Marcel Pagnol's duo novels "Jean de Florette" and "Manon des sources" which were later turned into quintessential French films as well as "Les enfants terribles" by Jean Cocteau. A few blocks later, I found myself in the 4th, trotting in the direction of Republique and then it hits me: I've got a serious problem. I should not be allowed to go book shopping unsupervised. I'm liable to spend my grocery money, though I'd be willing to eat soup and oatmeal everyday to support this addiction. At least half the books are in French.

Upon returning home, I find the hot water still out, nine gnats beating themselves senselessly on the inside of my window, and a significant, uneven drip from the shower faucet. At least I've got my books.