Because it has religious connotations, the school gives a theme each year. Part of the tradition of Carnival is to disguise yourself in a costume. In many French elementary schools, they have the kids parade around in their costumes for parents to take pictures. At the end of the parade, everyone feasts on crêpes, cakes, and other goodies. This school's theme was "nature," so everyone was wearing green and brown as a base for their costumes. I was wearing a white sweater and black pants.... so I couldn't even pretend that I knew what was going on!
I was able to do an English lesson with the CM class, although the replacement teacher for Murielle told me straight out that she was sick and wouldn't be doing much for me.... so that was helpful. Then, I was supposed to stay and help her class make some sort of nature man for Carnival in the afternoon, but she changed her mind and had them do math instead.... So I left to go find the CE class, who was making crêpes. This was kind of entertaining... albeit a little crazy. I helped a group mix up some batter, but there was only one hot plate, so my group got antsy waiting to actually make their French pancakes... we played a few games, but the bell sounded and I never got my chance to make the crêpes with them.... tant pis.
I went upstairs to do my lesson with the CP class. In explaining directions, I used the "tu" form of "you" to tell the kids what they were going to do. When speaking to a group of people, you must use the "vous" form of "you." I know this rule.... but at the beginning of when I got to France, everyone always said, oh just get in a habit of using the more informal "tu" form because I was using the more formal "you" tense when in doubt. Now, I am pretty good about saying "vous" in formal situations and "tu" in informal situations... and although I have gotten much better at knowing when to use what tense, I still slip up when trying to explain directions to a class of 6 year olds. I figure at the worst, they're just going to shake their heads and think, silly Lindsay. But this teacher decided to correct me in front of her entire class. I just got so discouraged.... I never correct her odd sounding English accent, or anyone's English accent/grammar, for that matter, in front of a class. If they ask, I correct them, and if it's really bad, I find some way to work it into a conversation or email after class to make them aware that what they said was incorrect. Never, do I ever make them look stupid in front of their class. I know she was trying to prevent her kids from learning poorly spoken French from me, but I just thought.... wow thanks, as if I'm not already trying my hardest here.
I stayed for lunch, which I haven't done in a while. I was glad to see Murielle when I got to the teacher's lounge. She was there both for Carnival and for another teacher's birthday. She did the... oh it's so nice to see you... kind of thing, but once the other teachers got there, I sort of disappeared. I ate my lunch listening to them... only one preschool teacher asked me how I was doing.... and I wasn't about to speak up and comment because I was having internal French speaking confidence issues. I'm certainly not blaming Murielle, I know she's very sick and was pushing it to be at school, but everything has changed about the environment at this school since she's been ill. Or maybe nothing has changed... and it was Murielle that I really cared for... who knows. But the point here is, instead of staying for Carnival, I left and ended up in tears on my way home.
Reflecting back on yesterday morning, I sound fairly pathetic getting upset over some miscommunication and a teacher who always intimidates me (it was just a matter of time before she did so publicly)... I got home, though, and immediately just felt so much happier. I was out of the rain... I realized I won't have school for 2 weeks.... I talked to my mom about a few upcoming job possibilities for when I return home in May... and I only have until Tuesday to wait for Victor to be here! I did some trip planning, watched a movie, and went to bed very early (I haven't been sleeping well at all this week... which was probably another reason why I was having myself a little pity-party).
So- onward I say to bigger and better days. Today, I am doing my laundry, working out, and going to Corinne's to babysit this evening. Tomorrow, I'm going to see a movie with some friends and do a little pre-trip shopping. Sunday, I'm going to pack and clean like a mad person. Monday, I'm going out to lunch at one of my favorite restaurants... yep, you guessed it, Brasserie Georges, with Helen, Caroline, Hannah and her friend named George (she thought it would be an appropriate place to dine). And Tuesday, I will be picking Victor up from the airport! We leave for Venice on the 3rd, taking an overnight couchette (sleeper train). We spend the day in Venice on the 4th, train to Florence on the 5th, train/bus to Siena on the 6th, take our Tuscany Wine tour on the 7th, train/bus back to Florence on the 8th, and take the midnight train home to Lyon, arriving the next morning on the 9th. Phew! He'll stay in Lyon until the 13th, and I go back to school on the 14th. (Then- I only have 6 more weeks to teach, 2 weeks of vacation, and then I'm home for good!!!)
Hope you all have a wonderful end to your week! I'll write tomorrow to tell you how babysitting goes:)
Reste cool!
Onward and upward!
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