Barely a Night Out in Paris...and Climbing Gates

Well, Friday was another good day...I was very busy all day working (which is the best way to be when working). I taught English again to Tiphaine's class of 4 year olds...it's pretty funny...some kids understand the concept of another language and like to repeat the words I say or sing the songs with me...and ohters just stare in utter disbelief and confusion. We split the class into 2 groups, so it's 15 minutes with each group...so obviously this is not much time for the kids to 'learn' English, however at 4 years old it's a good idea for an introduction. The other day one mother came up to me and said (in English), are you Laura? Her son told her all about the young girl that came and sang songs in English and read books...she was really friendly and I think her name is Sylvia. We talked for a few minutes, so that was nice to meet someone. Tiphaine also likes to be my little helper during her 15 minutes of English...yesterday she was showing off a little bit, as she's one of the only kids who can really speak English...but she sang "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" REALLY fast, it was funny. Lunchtime with the kids went smoothly, and Matthieu was feeling much better and in a good happy mood. I "arranged" the kids' rooms, vacuumed quickly, did a load of laundry and put dishes away. I also went on my first liquor run! Haha...before getting the kids at the end of the day I stopped at Monoprix to pick up some Vodka, juice and soda....I haven't bought liquor or DRANK it since June...so that was a refreshing feeling to make a Friday night plan with Kirsty and prepare for it. After school we drove to Poney Club (I did it alone for hte first time, and it went well, no problems with directions). We were 5 minutes late to Tiphaine's lesson and the woman in charge was REALLY rude to me about being late...I just laughed and walked away with Matthieu. Haha. There is probably no way we will ever be early to Poney Club, so hopefully sometimes we'll be right on time...but likely late a lot. I told Virginie how rude she was and she said she was going to tell her that we'll be 5 minutes each time. Anyways....Virginie showed up to poney club and let me leave for the night.....and guess what?? She said she would like to buy me a ticket to see the musical "CABARET" in Paris! I am sooo excited...and it's so strange because I've been looking at the website the last couple weeks and talking about wanting to go, but never to her...I've just been waiting til when I want to go and to decide how much I want to spend on the ticket. So without her even realizing this she offered to get me 2 tickets, and just wants to do this for me! So I am taking Kirsty and I think we'll go on a Saturday night (hopefully), so we can dress up and make a night of it!

So the night didn't go quite as planned...haha. Kirsty didn't get done working til quite late and didn't get to my studio til about 9:00...I had NOTHING to wear, so was feeling kind of blah about my attire...but we made a few drinks, talked about our week, and then picked a destination. I wanted to check out this bar I read about called "Fu Bar" on Rue St. Sulpice. Basically we BARELY had any time to enjoy the bar...haha. The issue with going out for me is that I HAVE to be sure to make the train back home, and the last one leaves at about 1:00 a.m. But we have to plan how long it takes to get back to the train station St. Lazare, etc....so we ended up spending more time FINDING the bar, but thankfully it was in a cool neighborhood with lots of people. We didn't even get a drink at the bar because we'd had plenty of mixed drinks at my house and in our water bottles, lol. So we've decided we will spend a day scouting out places we want to go to on 'party' nights, and know exaclty how to get there ahead of time...and hopefully next time we'll be able to leave earlier in the night. Anyways, so when the night began we SPRINTED to the train station when we heard it pulling up but were not successful in catching it. So, we missed a train. Then we walked around looking for the bar and practically had to turn around to get back on the metro to head home...

THEN the most ridiculous "Laura is intoxicated" moment happened. We got back to my house after walking in heels and sooo incredibly tired. I had my keys out, put them in the small side gate door, and nothing....the door wouldn't open. I kept turning and turning and I just knew I was doing it right. There is a little trick to unlocking the door and I could have sworn I was doing it right, but it wouldn't open. I could not believe it. I don't have a main gate remote with me, because we just leave them in the cars. And my key didn't work, so at about 2 a.m. I was trying to figure out what to do. I didn't want to call the house and wake them up. I was determined to get in alone. Kirsty was with me, thank God. So we decided to climb the gate, which is probably 8-9 feet tall (I realy don't know how tall, this is a guess). So first Kirsty took her shoes off and I hoisted her up, and she pulled herself up and over....but when she got on the ohter side she couldn't open the gate either! Clearly in retrospect we were really drunk. So I was thinking...Okay, I can give her my keys and tell her how to get into my studio, walk up to the house and get the remote control for the big gate... but nooo she didn't want to go into the house, and I knew that'd be too difficult anyway. So somehow she climbed back up and over to my side....so now it was my turn to get inside. I took my heels off and when she tried to hoist me up, I just did NOT have the strength to pull myself up and over the rest of the way. I was exhausted and intoxicated. So we figured out a different way...there are a few boxes connected to the gates of the neighbors and ours that are connected (like the control box). So she helped me get up to the box then it was up to me to pull myself up the rest of the way...and I slid across the top of the gate to the pillar, where I nervously and slowly lowered myself down onto another box. I was scared out of my mind that I was going to fall...the gate is really big and tall and not at all easy to climb over. Anyways I made it over in a few minutes after sweating and a rapidly beating heart. I quickly ran up the driveway with my keys, let myself in and quietly went up to the house to grab the remote for the big gate....phew.......what a relief. I opened the gate and got Kirsty inside after our socks were soaking wet from the rainy driveway. So we made it safe inside.
THEN this morning when I woke up I heard the kids and Jerome in the garage and got up right away to tell him the story and to please check the gate so that I didn't get locked out again. Well, sure enough...the stupid door and key WORKED this morning. I felt like a total fool, laughing hysterically and Jerome said "did you have 10 drinks?" haha...he was laughing at me. I realized I must have been continuously turning the key the wrong way and not paying attention to the "trick" of how I usually open the door. Wow. I still don't know how I let it get that crazy...I thought I did it the right way, but clearly no...
Apparently this is what happens after you haven't consumed liquor in 3 months.

So today I went for my jog which felt really good. I was tired so had an uneventful day...tomorrow I am either going to a museum or Montmartre, depending on the weather. I'm sort of in the mood for a museum though...I'm thinking the museum of dolls, or the museum of fashion. Something fun and different....(those aren't the true names, but you get the drift)

Ok off to babysit for the night........

Bonne Journee!!

It was a good day! Despite having to wake up a little early today, I had a really great morning...after dropping the kids off at school, I walked to a building just near their school in St. Germain where I took my test to be placed into the French course. It felt soo great just to walk around the cute little town...I found the place easily too. The exam was 30 multiple choice questions and 4 short answers to write...I did quite well, not great...BUT the woman that graded my test (as I sat next to her) decided I was in between Levels 2 and 3...3 being the highest level. So we both decided I'd start at LEVEL 3!!! haha... incredible...I don't speak French as well as I write it...but I am going to be in the top level, and if it's too difficult I'll go down to 2. But she told me that she thinks Level 2 will be too easy for me....so 3 will either be just right, or a small challenge, but I want a challenge and I want to push myself to improve my speaking and grammar. So, I'm happy about that. I also signed up to take "stretching" and "aerobics"...so I have one class each day, 4 days a week (and au pairs get a GREAT discount so thats cool)....French will be Thursday and Fridays. After taking the test I walked around St. Germain...there is a chateau, and lots of great shops and cafes...The buildings where I take my classes are all within walking distance of the children's school, so I will be able to park in one central place in the morning and leave the car for the entire morning...while the kids and I have class...and with the hour to spare each morning I will just hang out in St. Germain...so I feel relieved knowing that I won't have to drive as much during the day, and anxious to start my classes.
Lunchtime today with the kids was not so smooth...in fact it was hectic and quite dreadful....BUT I didn't let myself get upset or stressed...except by the end of lunch Matthieu was crying a LOT and was very sick...he was crying about his ears hurting and a tummy ache...so it worried me a lot and after talking to Virginie I decided we'd drop the girls back off at school and Matt would come back home with me...thankfully he fell asleep on the ride back home. Virginie had the afternoon off work, so she kept him and I was off for the day.....she and I also had a really great conversation about my classes, and other issues pertaining to the job...it was all very positive and I felt some relief from my latest stress.
I spent my afternoon at La Defense just for about 2 hours...then came home and made a really great dinner, at 6:00 pm!! Which is exciting for me, because I don't have time to make a real balanced dinner at a decent hour...during the week. So I made steak, a salad and couscous. At 7:00 sharp I went for a drive with Jerome, and it was FLAWLESS, stress free...thank God! Tomorrow I have to drive a different car because mine is getting a new part...they have an old tiny little car that I will drive tomorrow, so he wanted to show me a few things about it, and I realized the clutch is much more sensitive...we drove to the Poney Club just to review how to get there (because tomorrow I take the girls there, and it's really my first time making this drive by myself). Anyways, the drive was quick and went well....which is always nice...I ended my night doing my Pilates DVD in the studio, and it's not quite 10pm and I'm off to bed now! Tomorrow I have a long day, driving the kids around and teaching English to Tiph's class...some cleaning in the house, poney club...
And tomorrow night Kirstie and I are going OUT in PARIS! I'm VERY READY for a night out on the town...which I haven't really truly had yet...we're going to start at my studio, make a couple drinks (to save money and not buy drinks out in Paris), then go out to a bar or club...I'm finding a couple cool places to go out in my guide books, so we'll make a plan ahead of time...get dressed up, wear some heels, MAYBE buy a drink at the bar but maybe meet some guys to do that for us? Haha. Anyways, I'm excited for a night out...so I'm hoping for a good night sleep tonight! A bientot!

"Don't Let it Bring you Down"...and Mint Tea

So it's Wednesday night, about 10:15...I should be sleeping already (since my days start so early), but I decided to blog while drinking my mint chai tea, and listening to some Annie Lennox. I began with her song "Don't Let it Bring You down" and now am listening to "Whiter Shade of Pale." It's good night time, tea-drinking music. I suppose with the change of weather, me coming out of 2 weeks of being sick, and just not having my OWN busy schedule lately, I have been a little 'down' the last few days....nothing bad, just kind of...blah. Today I worked from 8am to 1pm...so that was good, not a long day...however sometimes time goes by slowly when the children are home...they didn't have school today. So first I got them all dressed, and the girls wore matching dresses. Let me just say that these kids have AMAZING CLOSETS...full of clothes, shoes,and accessories. But wow, the amount of clothes....it's incredible. Anyways...we got dressed, then I gave Ines her first piano lesson...which lasted about 15 mintues. It's definitely too difficult to give a true piano lesson with the 2 younger kids running around. Plus Ines IS only 6....so we just did some basic stuff...she knows how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb"...I tried to introduce to her the concept of 'reading music'...so I just showed her what sheet music looks like, and how the 2 go together (playing the piano and reading music). Anyways...the kids played awhile, watched a little Mary Poppins, I ironed some clothes, and then we played 'restaurant' again. Virginie got home at 1, and right away there were people coming to see the house (since it's now for sale). So I made a quick lunch and got out of the house...it felt good to get fresh air and walk to the station. I met Kirstie at La Defense again...her 'boss' has had free movie passes for the month of September, so today we saw another movie (while we can for free). We watched "Death at a Funeral"...or something like that..it had a different name in French (but we watched the English version). It was a really funny comedy about a funeral, taking place in Great Britain somewhere...so that was a good laugh. We both were tired and I was back home before 7pm...made a small dinner, did my Pilates dvd, and read over some French (because I'm taking my exam tomorrow morning to get placed into the French class).
Anyways....I think once the weekend comes it will give me a chance to rejuvenate, get out of the house and see more of Paris. I plan to get back into my guide book, and check out some new things...I will also workout as much as I can. I babysit Saturday night....so hopefully Friday night I can get together with Kirsty for a fun night out. I just need to remind myself of WHERE I am and how much there is to see and do...especially now that I'm feeling better. Having fun in Paris and continuing to have new experiences will make going back to work easier...I realize I need a good balance, and also starting my classes next week and getting involved in something for myself, with other adults...will also be VERY good for me.
Okay, off to bed...bonne nuit.

Italy here I come....and some other things

Well, it's been a couple days...and I've officially purchased my flight to Italy! I am going on October 31st and returning Nov 5th. And yes, my flight, roundtrip, was 53 Euro! That's about $65 for a roundtrip flight to another fashion capital of the world! I am flying into Milan, then getting a train to Torino....maybe go to Venice for a day or two...then fly out of Milan back to Paris. I hope to see some of Milan at least for a few hours while I'm there! I am very excited, as this will be my first trip to ANOTHER country, another reason to use my passport. It's great to go somewhere and have free lodging, and my travel in total should be just around 100 Euro, give or take a few, in the end. It's also really cool that Virginie is giving me abotu 10 days off work to take this trip, and have Stacey come visit me here from Italy the same week! I am starting to put everyone's visits on my calendar, so that is nice...BECAUSE I am getting a little lonely...really just on the week day nights after work when it's too late to go into the city...things like that...
Anyways...today I worked in the morning, and was free after lunch...I walked down to the main street in Bougival where I had an appointment to set up my bank account (the 2nd attempt). It was a good walk, especially after being sick and needing some fresh air. I also went to La Defense quickly to pick up a small birthday gift and card for my brother...it was a good afternoon...I babysat the kids tonight for a couple hours and put them to bed...
There are always a few bumps in the day...behavior issues, some small stresses, things like that....but now that I am feeling better it's not so bad. The parents are very busy, taking on a lot of responsibilities...even putting their house up for sale (but I just found out we wouldn't be moving til next June), so it doesn't really effect me...except that the house and studio need to be clean every day for visitors! We've already had 2 interested buyers today and they just put the house on the market this morning!!!
I take my French exam on Thursday...so I need to do some reading/writing beforehand to prepare. I believe I start my classes on Monday...and I'm ready for a change in my daily schedule.

ok gotta make a quick exit....

A new experience to add to the list

Today is a bit better, by the mere fact that I saw a DOCTOR! And it was something to write about...I actually know what it is like to live in a village kind of. I can walk to the doctor, and then walk to the pharmacy, walk to the bakery to get a croissant, and walk back home to rest. Haha. I got a better night of sleep after the most boring Friday night of my life, haha. I walked to the doctor at 9:30 this morning. I had a 10am appointment, and there were others waiting, but it was like "first come first serve" or something...and the doctor himself came out to get the patient. I got in at about 10:25...he was young, friendly, and spoke English, which was quite nice. There was not a nurse or secretary that started me off with paperwork or questions...which was different. So we went into his office, where there was an examining room next door. He 'wrote me a prescription' to get the flu shot in October, which I'm relieved about. Seeing now how it is being sick, and working with kids every day, it will be really nice to get the shot. Then I explained how my cold has been, he examined me and after looking down my throat said, "Yes, it is green and yellow...I'm giving you antibiotics." Sorry to gross everyone out. Haha. I think I basically have a sinus infection, or bronchitis...lol, he didn't say which...but I got antibiotics I will take for 5 days, and then also some nasal spray to clean my nose. SOO...afterwards I asked for the correct paperwork I needed to obtain my medical insurance and reimbursement for everything (I'm still in the process of getting French S.S. and the med. insurance, bank account, so I needed some papers signed by him). I had to pay for the appointment and medicine today, and will be reimbursed eventually. So I asked the doctor, "Is there a secretary outside that I pay" and he said "No, you pay me, right here...22 euro." Bizarre, huh? So, I paid him for my visit, said thank you, and off I went to the pharmacy down the street! Luckily my medicine wasn't outrageous either...will be anxious to be reimbursed though. It is interesting to see how other countries work in society with medicine, etc. I have never paid a doctor directly but I guess it's nice to SEE who your money is going to!
Once I got my medicine at the Pharmacy, I was automatically feeling better....it's a good feeling just to know what I have isn't serious, that I need antibiotics, and that I have them now...knowing I should feel better even by tomorrow. So I went home, took my first dose, ate lunch and laid down to watch "The Queen". I found flights online for my Italy trip and will probably purchase them tonight. I really need to buy a few things that I'm out of in the studio, and NOTHING is opened on Sundays, so I think I need to make a quick trip into the city....I will go into La Defense where there is a Monoprix (grocery store, Target type), and likely head right back home. I babysit tonight for the family....so I think we'll be viewing "Finding Neverland" on the projector in the living room, while the kids fall asleep and me too probably. Haha. If I purchase a calling card this afternoon I will likely make a couple phone calls, otherwise I'll lay low...I kind of hope Virginie and Jerome aren't out til 2 a.m., but I wouldn't be surprised because they haven't gone out in quite awhile....so my plan will be to grab a blanket and fall asleep on the couch. Tomorrow I will sleep in, and if I feel better hang out with Kirsty or Michael, but definitely this weekend is low-key....not what I was hoping for, but I am anxious to get better and be healthy! I hope tomorrow to be able to do my walk in Bougival and some Pilates, just to feel a bit more active... and this next week coming up I have an appointment to open my Bank account at the post office (the 2nd time around...ugh) and then I will be taking my French exam on Wednesday or Thursday to place into one of the courses that starts in October.
Well, I'm off to shower and go to the supermarket before it's too late.
A toute a l'heure!

Je suis malade, encore!! I am still sick....

Oh la la...(that's how one would say "oh no!!") Well, this night officially stinks. I was supposed to go to Versailles tonight to hang out with my new friend, Michael, but through the words of advice from Virginie and my better judgement, had to cancel those plans and am staying home SICK tonight. I am really bummed, and I feel crappy. Headache, coughing, gross nose,and I almost feel a toothache coming on strangely enough, which would contribute to the headache I am sure. My body sort of feels flu-like, minus an obvious fever and the upset stomach. I suppose I just have a really bad cold that does not want to go away. Thankfully I have a doctor appointment tomorrow at 10am to fill a prescription, which means I can get some cold meds or antibiotics if this is a sinus infection. Wow, almost 2 weeks now...I didn't think I'd be spending my weekend sick in bed. I had the afternoon off as well today, but had to come straight to the studio, close the blinds and crawl into bed. I maybe slept an hour, but it's difficult to sleep....my head feels better when I'm in an upright position...laying down I can't breathe that well and my nose is more congested. Yeah....no sleep this week. Dammit. Due to all this I haven't been able to exercise this week, so I just feel like a chubby sick blob. Lol.
Work was work...had its good and bad moments this week. My patience gets tested often, but I know its just more difficult when I'm ill. Today actually I taught English to Tiphaine's class for 30 minutes! The teachers are looking for mothers to 'teach' English to the kids...so it looks as though I will go in each Friday morning to sing songs, play little games, read little books, etc. Her class are 4 and 5 year olds so it will be fairly simple concepts, vocab, etc..mainly an introduction to English...Tiphaine definitely knows the most English in her class. I might do the same for Ines' class as well. The girls are very proud of this. It was cute.
In other good news it looks as though I will be going to ITALY! My Delta Gamma sister, Stacey, is studying there this semester....and it is working out that Virginie will give me a week off from work while the kids have their Fall vacation. The family will go back to Pyla with some friends (where I spent the summer), and instead of me going along, Stacey is going to come to Paris for 3 days, and then I am going to Italy for 4 or 5 days! Yahoo!!! She's already booked her flight, and I will book mine this weekend I think. She lives in Torino (where they had the Olympics recently)...I'll stay at her apartment with she and her roommates, then we may be able to go to Venice for a day or two. I will fly into/out of Milan, and take the train to Torino. This is great, I didn't even ASK Virginie for time off work as I assumed I'd just go to Italy for a weekend....but she told me I didn't need to go to Pyla since she'll be on vacation as well. So I don't feel any pressure or anything...and so I may be having a 10 day vacation (and I DID tell her I'd still need free days when my family comes to visit, and that I didn't want to have this replace those days and she said no, not a problem). There are 2 very inexpensive airlines in Europe, so my flight should cost around 50 euro I think, roundtrip! I will also have to pay for a train ticket and shuttle as well, but all in all, it will be a reasonable price...and free lodging with Stacey!
My OTHER Delta Gamma sister from UCR, Courtney, is coming to see me in mid-December!! And we MAY be taking a weekend trip to Morocco, if we can stay at her mother's friends house! If not we may do a small Europe trip...so I am happy to be making a couple plans and to put on the calendar friend and family visits!
Okay, must lay down and rest my head.....pray I get better, I really don't feel well and this job is not condusive to 'sick days'........

Two more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4ij3aY2lMU

this is just funny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8j0RNLw-Ug

my fav song on her new album

My outfit to the concert...hah. Living alone makes for a difficult time of having pictures of me in Paris! And the only full length mirror close to me is in the house garage! But the black and white stripes went along well with Gwen's theme...