Saint-Valentin Continues... un peu

Bonjour mes amis!

I had a nice day at school... more animals in Corinne's class, more colors and emotions in the CE1 classes, and we made Valentine's in the CP classes after I explained our traditions and we practiced saying "Happy Valentine's Day!" I told them that they could give their cards to their parents or grandparents.... or even their amoureux if they wanted. This got a laugh, but surprisingly enough, a few little girls did make cards for boys in their class. I tried so hard not to laugh in Nathalie's class because a little girl gave a card to a boy named Jules. Jules didn't even look at the card, he immediately turned and gave it to the kid behind him:( Nathalie explained that it's impolite to turn away a card or gift and that he should say thank you. He took the card and shook his head.... like ah man.... not this again! Apparently, the little girl had given him a card yesterday on Valentine's Day.

During lunch, we recounted this little lover's quarrel and the other teachers asked how we avoided situations like this in American schools where everyone gave out cards. They also wanted to know what you did with the kid who didn't get any cards at all. Apparently one of the CM1 classes I worked with last week voted on whether or not they would try out our custom of card giving, and they actually voted not to do it in fear that they wouldn't get any cards:( I explained that everyone gave out cards to everyone in the class... and most cards given out are pre-made, so there's little room for overly lovey messages... although there are always a few that are slightly suggestive to romantic feelings.... very slightly of course as they usually involve a cute rhyme- Be Mine Valentine.... with a Scooby-doo background. The teachers were probably confused, but they said ohhh ok it's a little more organized then. Sure.

After lunch, I spoke with Eve and Nathalie about our upcoming soirée (also going out with Elise and Mireille). We're going to go bowling, go out to dinner, and see a movie this Friday. They asked if I wanted to see anything in particular, but I didn't know what was out. They all mentioned "Black Swan." I had heard that it was an odd Natalie Portman movie.... but I said sure, sounds good. I got home and saw the movie trailer.... and immediately thought- oh crap. I am not a good horror/suspense film watcher... and this one seems to be fairly freaky. I'm going to try hard to persuade them to see something else.... but we shall see I guess. :-o

On Saturday, I'm going to Perouges with the girls. It's a cute medieval town just outside of Lyon, 30 minutes by train... so it will be a nice little day trip. It was voted as one of France's most quaint villages, so I have high expectations! Take a look for yourself:http://www.perouges.org/

So- Thursday night I'm babysitting for Corinne and Luc.... Friday out with teachers.... Saturday going to Perouges... and then I have one more week until Victor comes! I'm sure I'll be busy busy busy being excited and getting ready for our trip to Italy. I've already borrowed a few books from Luc (who lived in Siena for a few years). Today I read through some phrases in the handy Italian phrase book. It's actually French-Italian, so that makes for an interesting puzzle... I think about the French phrase first... then attempt to pronounce the Italian without sounding French. When I explained this to Victor he said- I'm going to speak English. I'm sure that'll work too:) But personally, I like to do as the locals do. Unless of course I'm in Switzerland and have no idea what anyone is saying because I'm nul at German.

Hope you're having a good week!

Reste cool:)