Red Red Wine

Thank God for a couple girlfriends, Friday nights and red wine. This week was another up and down journey....including stepping in dop crap (I swear there is dog crap everywhere and expensive gorgeous dogs everywhere....apparently no law about cleaning up after your dog). I of course managed to step in the dog doodoo in my Nikes moments before my aerobics class, so I got to do it barefoot. I had another lecture with Matthieu about wearing his seat belt and think finally by Monday there will be a true baby carseat in my car for him to be strapped into. He is not understanding the concept of sitting still with your seatbelt buckled. I had some hours free during a couple days, but due to the Transportation Strike, I didn't go into Paris this week except for one morning to grab a coffee and send a letter. The strike did not effect me too much, other than just leaving for school earlier with the kids to avoid any traffic (and it wasn't too bad for us). The weather was clear and sunny but getting pretty cold, like Fall. We walked to the St. Germain en Laye chateau one afternoon for lunch (instead of driving back home). It was a perfect day for the picnic, but the kids are not the best at walking longer distances.....they take their precious time, meander off, stop to stare at walls, etc. And I had the joy of getting into an argument with a French woman on the way to the chateau....Matthieu told me had to go pee, and that means NOW, so I grabbed as we passed the busy square and cafes, and walked him to the nearest alley just to avoid him going potty in total public. Well this crazy witch came roaring up to me shouting that this was her house and how dare I let him pee in front of her house. Now, granted, I agreed with her and wouldn't want someone peeing in front of my house, BUT she was totally inappropriate about it. I had the 3 little kids with me who looked terrified and confused. It was broad daylight and she was screaming, and I was trying to HELP Matt not go potty in front of a huge crowd. And also in France, many times what looks like alleys and big brick buildings don't really look at all like someone's HOUSE, so I didn't even know it was a house....MY BAD! I told her I was sorry that I didn't know and she said "ISN' IT OBVIOUS?" And I wanted to say, "NO because I'm AMERICAN and we don't have houses that look like this, SORRY!" I said to her, should I let him pee his pants? blah blah and on it went.......finally I picked him up and carried him to a different corner, basically in public, and let him go......I really wanted to avoid him having an accident because the aftermath of THAT would have been worse then the argument with the lady. Wow, she was a real piece of work.........talk about slightly incompassionate and not caring...she could have been way more pleasant about it than she was. Whatever

Last night after putting the kids to bed (Virginie had a dinner party with all the parents of Matt's class, so I was in charge of the kids), Ashley and Kirsty came over and met for the first time. The 3 of us drank wine, watched the Rugby match (France lost to Argentina and got 4th), laughed and talked mostly about our jobs, and then watched "The Best of Cheri Oteri" DVD. It was a good way to end the week.......although I drank and ate too many snacks that do not go along with my weight loss plan...
Today and tomorrow I don't have any big plans, as I also don't have much money to spend in the city....I believe the strike is mostly over (because I can hear the train again running next to the house). So I'll go see some stuff in Paris maybe with one or both of the girls....but no big 'going out' plans...I have sleep and running to catch up on, as well as preparing for my DG visit and trip to ITALY. This holiday starts on Friday the 26th and it could not come at a better time...as I really need a break from everything. Ok, I'm off to start my Saturday..........

p.s. Aunt Judy, I got your message the next morning....hope we can talk soon though!!