“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent van Gogh

Last night I didn't end up going out to dinner because plans changed, reservations were lost, and I was already on the tram going a way that would have taken me forever to get to the newly proposed restaurant... so I got off at the Porte des Alpes mall and just walked around in a bad mood. What else was going to happen.... no fun dinner, nothing to look forward to when I went home, I ate a crappy lasgna at a mall restaurant all by myself, the guy serving me commented on my English accent making me feel insecure about my French speaking capabilities.... UGH! It just wasn't my night!

But.... I came home and talked on the phone with my family and realized, all is not lost, I still have my family, I'm still very fortunate to have the opportunity to be here... I need to suck it up and roll with it. What would life be if we had no courage to try new experiences, new places, new people? I may not be in an ideal situation at the moment, but it's not the end of the world.

This morning I was met by the painter, who was very concerned that I was still in bed. Turned out that the electrician never finished the intercom thingy after disconnecting it yesterday, so I didn't hear him buzzing in. He asked if I like the color they were painting the apartment (a bright, but pale yellow). I said yes, it's great, my favorite color actually... And he was like, was this not your choice? I was like.... hah, not at all, none of this was my choice, but thankfully I like it:)

I went to school, knowing that today would be a little weird. The classes that I teach were having an all chorus sing along after the mid morning break, so I went around to all 5 classes to review our Christmas songs. The kids are so cute.... they're getting extremely excited for Christmas. One little girl made me a Christmas card in Franglish (French-English). To top it all off, it started to snow, so the kids were fit-to-be-tied!

After the break, we all crowded into the gymnase to sing songs with a special choral lady that comes once a week. They were fairly crazy up until they started singing- kids spinning around, pushing each other, sliding on their stomachs, etc. Once she had gotten their attention, they sang 4-5 songs with her that I'd never heard of.... and then, I got up in front of all the kids and had them sing Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It was great! I was in shock that there wasn't mad chaos with 150 little bodies grouped together.

At lunch time, the teachers all commented on how well the kids did with the songs in English and how much they loved me (well... if that couldn't put me in a better mood, I don't know what else could!). The teachers I don't work with said they wished I could work with their kids too....

And then, the teacher who is hosting the dinner tonight told me that she did an internship right outside of Washington in a French immersion school. I was like, oh what was it called... she said Fairfax! What a small world! She lived with a family for one month, in Fairfax, Virginia. Hah.

For the moment, I'm feeling pretty good, considering I know that I eventually have to walk home from school in the cold snow and return to my paint fume-y apartment. My ipod is recharged and I have a ride to the party tonight:) Now, let's just hope that the snow stops soon so the party is still on for tonight!

Reste cool mes amis:)

More Lumières (and more apartment talk)

I’m sitting in the Saint-Priest Médiathèque (multimedia library) writing out this blog. I feel so displaced! But I’d rather be able to type in peace here than to type sitting on my bed with banging and weird paint smells.

As you can tell, last night I visited my favorite fountain in Place des Terreaux, the big egg thing and the green monsters are from Croix-Rousse, and we walked along the Saone river to get a few good shots of Fourvière and St. Jean together. We also saw 2 light shows; one was at St. Nizier where the lights made the cathedral look like it was crumbling and growing plants, the other was at the Place des Jacobins fountain where the top of the fountain was like a light house and the mermaids were fishing. It’s all very pretty, but I have to say, some of the displays are just plain strange. And they usually have an odd assortment of music playing. I would have thought they would have been playing holiday tunes… but I would qualify it more as creepy mood music for a museum.

Anyway, I got home and did a quick clean up of the apartment. I just can’t go to bed with certain things being disgusting. The spare bedroom and the living room are completely covered in plastic…. So hopefully I won’t have to do too much cleaning in those rooms (haha, maybe). I asked the painters yesterday if they’d be taking the plastic coverings off so that I can use my living room over the weekend and they said they would. If they forget, I’m just going to do it because I’m tired of living out of my bedroom. And hopefully the electrician will be finished with the kitchen so I can cook again. I ate out last night (crêpe stand and pineapple from McDonald’s…. I know weird dinner), I ate breakfast out this morning (pain au chocolat, coffee, and OJ from Flunch), and I just finished eating some sort of cheese covered baguette with a fruit tarte. I’m feeling low on fruits and veggies…. and although I know the pineapple from McDo last night and the tarte I just ate don’t really make up for it, they aren’t technically in the bread, cheese, or ham category, which is really all I’ve had to eat in 2 days.

Anywho, I had a hard time sleeping last night (I kept having horrible dreams about the walls crumbling and the air being really dusty….lol, can you tell I’m beginning to have major issues with the work on the apartment?) and I really, really just wanted to see what would happen if I didn’t let anyone in this morning. I am the bearer of the only building key, you know. But, alas, I didn’t want to keep them from getting their job, so in they came at 7:30. I was out the door by 8… with my bag packed with stuff to do all day. My plan is to try to stay out of the apartment until at least 2:30/3. I think I can do it. I’ve already crossed off the list: 1) paying my rent at the trésorerie (they changed locations…. So I walked around forever this morning, went to my bank to see if they could just pay it through my account, which they can’t, went to the town hall twice to ask for directions, got a ride from the information desk guy to the new location, we rode in a Saint-Priest van and he told me I could stop by the town hall information desk any time, whenever I needed anything or just wanted to hang out lol, and I was finally able to pay my rent), 2) hanging out at Porte des Alpes (I tried to see how much making a double of my key was and found out I can’t make one unless I have a little slip from the mairie saying I can get a copy made, so THERE, it can’t be done!), 3) bought a Christmas CD and warm socks for my trip to Switzerland, 4) tried to find a McDonald’s in Saint-Priest (I can’t find it), 5) bought food at a boulangerie, 6) stealthily ate my lunch at the library, where eating food is strictly forbidden, and 7) set myself up in the library for an afternoon of writing my blog, emails, and lessons.

This evening, I will be, you guessed it, cleaning to my little heart’s desire so that I can hopefully get to sleep without dreaming of the walls falling in on me. I’m also going to make a few things for the little get together I planned before I knew the painters would be taking over. It was Caroline’s birthday this past week and I invited the girls over for lunch before going into Lyon one last time for the fête des lumières tomorrow.

So…. Bon week end à tous et comme toujours- reste cool :)

last night fun, this morning not so much

After the electrician left yesterday, I went on a cleaning frenzy. I know my efforts are futile, but I just hate having crap everywhere. So needless to say, I was running a little short on time getting ready for the fête. I didn't make it over to the castle in Saint-Priest, but I did peer down the street and see that it was purple before I left. They also turned on all the lights that have been strung for about a month now. I guess they wait until the 8th, whereas, we Americans pretty much have all our lights on the weekend after Thanksgiving (or earlier).

I took the bus and the metro, both were free last night for everyone to easily get into Lyon. When I walked out of the metro station I kind of felt like that scene in the latest Harry Potter movie... when Harry, Hermione, and Ron land in the middle of London, with crowds of people going this way and that way, while they're in their wizarding wedding clothes and trying to escape the death eaters. Although I was not wearing wizarding wedding clothes or escaping from anything, there were masses of people and I didn't really know where to go. (I'm sure that reference made me sound like a huge nerd, but that's what it reminded me of.) I was meeting Lindsey at the metro stop, which wasn't really that easy to do with so many people. Thank goodness for phones and maps, we found each other and found where we wanted to go (Place Saint-Louis in the Saxe-Gambetta/Guillotière area).

According to the teachers I work with, the 8th is the day to go into one of the many neighborhoods in Lyon and see what kind of show they put on. That's exactly what we did, without really knowing it. For the fête des lumières, they put out a booklet of events. The event we went to was labeled as "musical magic," with over 60 musicians playing in a simultaneous light show. It was supposed to begin at 7:30, which gave us enough time to walk to the fireworks. It didn't really start until about 5 minutes till 8, with the fireworks starting at 8:15. Soooo we didn't stick around for the whole thing, so I can't say for sure if it was musical magic. But what was fun was seeing how the neighborhood got together and had their own little block party. They gave out free vin chaud (hot wine), free soup, and sold other food/drinks. They had an odd little magic show going on. They had the firehouse open to walk around and eat in. It was a unique experience. Then, before we left, a small band of musicians came around the corner and played for a minute. All of a sudden a bigger band came marching down a different street, where they collided in the middle. The first band acted confused and pissed off, but I assume it was all a part of the show. We left before it could get anymore magical, but it was pretty neat for what it was.

As we walked toward the Rhone river, we saw rows and rows of apartments with the Lyon bougies, or candles, lined up in the windows. This is one of the original traditions that happens on the 8th to give thanks to Marie, and I think it is so cool that they continue to do it. And it's quite pretty!

When we got closer to the river, we could see the Fourvière Basilique bright blue, changing to bright red, etc. Along the river, were life size teepees, that changed colors (from bright pink to green to orange to purple), that emitted puffs of smoke, and that played aboriginal music. I'm still not really sure why they had tepees. Surely it wouldn't be a reference to our Native Americans.... but I didn't know who else made them?

We were just in time for the fire works, or the feu d'artifice, that were going off over the river. Had we walked to where they were going off, I'm sure we would have seen a few firework cascades going into the river, but all in all they were really good. They lasted a good 30 minutes and they had cars driving around with big speakers playing the national anthem, the marseillaise. I tried taking pictures, but my camera's not very fast at night. Along with the tepees on this side of the river, they had colorful windmills.

We walked into the city center afterwards to take the metro, but caught a few more light displays (some flamingos hanging down Rue de la République and the Opèra all lit up) and a lot more people. To get onto the metro, you had to wait in line and the first time around, we didn't realize we were on the wrong side, so we went the wrong way. I got off to transfer lines at the Bellecour station, but they made me come out of the station and go back across the street to change directions. This was annoying, especially because I was getting really tired, but it did allow me to see the big ferris wheel all lit up.

I finally got home by 10 and went immediately to bed. This morning I got up and felt drugged because I was still super tired.... but I made myself get up to let the painters and the electrician in. The electrician kind of had an ear out for the what the painters were saying and made sure I knew what was going on. I did, but he explained in English anyway. Men, always trying to show one another up. Apparently the lady at the town hall told these guys that the electrician had the key to the building. HAHA. She is just giving everyone the run around. She gave him 2 identical keys, neither works for the building, just for my apartment. So no one has a building key, and the painters were freaking out because they like to go out for lunch.... and if I'm not here during the day, they can't get back in. Oh goodness, so they were like you have to make a double. I just nodded and was thinking, yeah yeah, I'll make a double if the lady at the town hall tells me to and pays for it. I emailed her this afternoon, so we'll see if she gets back to me before Monday, which is when I told them I'd have the key for them.

Anyway, so after the electrician asked if I wanted to borrow a working TV from his dad.... I was like umm maybe and left for work. (I think he's concerned I have no working TV, but a TV jack and I'm paying for cable... I don't really care, I've gone this long, but I won't say no to a free TV I guess). I can't be this overwhelmed at 7:30am.

I got to school and kids started running up to me.... pas d'école, pas d'école, which means, no school! Apparently Murielle is really sick now and is absent for another day and has canceled her class until a replacement can come. The other 2 teachers were still working, but the kids who could go home in Murielle's class left. The 3 kids in her class that couldn't stay at home had to sit in the back of Mr. Iken's class. It's so odd that they don't have regular substitutes.... but when I asked about it, they said they used to have a similar system to ours, but those sub jobs were cut a few years ago. They only have long-term substitute positions (a week or more).

I worked with the CP class first and then the CE class afterwards (they moved their schedules around for me so that I could go home early.... I thought, of all the days I get to go home early, great). I felt really bad after teaching the CP class. I was so out of it.... I was having a horrible time explaining my book in French, I felt like my jingle bells sounded horrible (I can usually at least carry the tune), and I ran out of things to do. Then, I went over to Mr.Iken's class, feeling fairly useless and had a great lesson on Rudolph (although I finished way early too). I was so frustrated when I left.... the CP teacher Anne-Laure probably thought... what a waste of time!

So I went to Laurence's office, to look for more stuff to bring next time... and for a reason to stay out of the apartment longer. I made copies of the Christmas Bingo and made an easy version for the little kids. Hopefully that will be a little more interactive, and a little more in English. They really like the books in English, but I feel bad that all I do is read in English, translate poorly in French, and they learn 2 or 3 words from the whole experience. I think the main problem is that I'm not coming in with an activity to do along with the book. I always have something extra, but it doesn't always relate directly with the book.... or at least this time around it didn't. Oh well, I'm being hard on myself, but I just feel like I can do better... usually I can think on my toes a little faster and come up with something, but I was just out of it today.

Laurence wasn't at her office, but I got to use her computer and talk to her colleagues. I also read a book (in English) about how to effectively use stories in English as a way to introduce English grammar structures, foreign language vocabulary, and how to extend the two with fun activities. I do a few of things they suggested already, but it gave me even more ideas:) How convenient that they had this particular book on the shelf!

I've decided I miss writing out lesson plans. Most teachers reading this are going to think I'm crazy, but I feel like I teach much better if I've got the objective and how it relates to the activity in mind. So... even though it's more work, I'm going to start doing that again. And with all of this work going on in my apartment, I think the extra work will give me something to do cooped up in my bedroom (the only room that isn't a complete disaster).

Anyway, the apartment, is gross. They took all the wallpaper off the walls, so it looks disgusting, but I know that will only last so long. They told me they'd be done by next week though, so that's good news. I was worried that it would be a disaster zone when I got back from Switzerland. I guess now it will just be a disaster zone when I leave. The electrician is working later today, which is annoying because I'd really like to move about freely.... and get the refrigerator out of my bedroom... although it was nice to be able to have something to drink when I got up from my nap;)

Reste cool and enjoy the light pictures. I'm going down town again tonight!

uh oh spaghetti ohz

Well, I'm going to try my best to get this typed out and sent. It seems that my windows vista has decided it's going to crash. I keep getting the "blue screen of death" as they say.... which is not a good sign. I have very few computer problem solving skills and no one to take my computer to. I don't even know if I took my computer to Best Buy type store if they would know what to do with my American computer! So merde merde merde if my computer crashes. I kind of need this thingy. Anyway, I will try my best not to panic so I can update you on my day.

I went to school and was shocked at how warm it felt outside (low 50's today). I had high hopes about giving my crazy class a word search as morning work... and guess what??? I'm a genius! (hehe) The kids came in, got started on the word search with minimal disruption and we got through the roll call in all of 3 minutes instead of the 15-20 it usually takes! I was able to get through all of the lesson I had planned for last week and preview a little of what we'll do for next week. So all is not lost on this class:)

In my next few classes, we started singing Christmas carols and working on "What would you like for Christmas?" I hadn't realized until today that silly bands have infiltrated France. For those of you unfamiliar with this elementary/middle school trend... they are little rubber band bracelets; when taken off of your wrist, they take the form of an animal or some sort of object. They're just called bracelets in France... I think I might have even heard a kid say "des crazzees." Anyway, on most wish lists, kids were asking for video games or board games... action figures and barbies.... so not much is different. Kids are kids:)

During lunch, I tried explaining the movie Elf to the teachers because in one of the classes we talked about elves and Santa.... and it turns out elf is also the word for eleven in German. So in any event, while we were re-discussing this, I brought up the movie out of curiosity. No one had heard of it... or Will Ferrel for that matter. I can't believe they don't know who he is because almost all American films are shown in French theaters, either dubbed over or with subtitles. So I did some research and found the French movie titles and sent them to my teachers. We shall see if they figure out who he is. One teacher did like the sound of the movie "Elf" and wanted to see if we could show clips during class to see how much the kids could understand. I like this idea.

After lunch, I went to visit Laurence who asked me over the weekend if I needed any snow attire.... which was a huge YES. I'm having shoe issues with the snow. And wouldn't you know it, she wears almost the same size and had an extra pair of boots. Now I don't have to worry about buying a pair before I go to Switzerland, where it is sure to be very snowy!

Anyway, after talking to her for a while, I stopped by the boulangerie, where the shop lady knows me and greets me like a regular:) I took my baguette and croissants home... to find Mr. Electrician working hard... with dust everywhere. He was very nice, though, in explaining again that he was sick, when he should be completely done (Thursday hopefully because the painters are starting then), and asking where I would like my phone jacks. He left at about 3, explaining he had gotten a call to repair someone's electricity that was out about 45 minutes away. He will be back tomorrow at 7:30.

I did a little sweep sweep of the apartment because even though I know he's coming back, I can't stand to walk around and hear the crunch of dust under my slippers. I warmed up some of the last macaroni and cheese I froze from Thanksgiving and tried watching Elf again (I had it on the brain)... and my computer crashed (4th time today). Every time, I reboot and it works for a while and I think it's ok.... but then it happens again. I just don't know what I'm going to do about that. AH.

Anyway, if you have any advice, I'd love to hear it!

Reste cool:)

Electrician Has Taken Over

This morning I got up a little extra early to meet the woman from the town hall who was coming to wait for the electrician... and to give him an extra set of keys (so as he can come and go freely, oh great). I stupidly thought my bus had already left, so I ran to catch the tram (literally ran)... and while on the tram, I saw my bus arrive. Bah.

School was ok.... my first class is still a nightmare... actually worse than ever. I feel like the kids respect me at least a tiny bit more than their own teacher, but not by much. Next time I think I'm going to bring in a crossword puzzle so that they can start their day with a mindless, easy activity, that gets them to shut up. They have no morning work and any sort of routine is messed up with me being there... so we'll see if this can at least get them to calm down some. It seems though, that they are spiraling out of control. Later I saw them in the hallway leaving for lunch, and they are like a bunch of wild animals. The other teachers were like, omg... they are nuts! I'm so interested to see how it changes when the director comes back from being on sick leave in January.

I did weather in most of my classes... the kids were cute trying to figure out my directions in English on how to make their weather wheels. When they figured out how the 2 circles went together to turn and show different pictures, I could see the light bulbs turn on in their heads hehe. Otherwise, it was a pretty uneventful teaching day... however, I will soon get to sing Christmas carols with them! Hurray!

I'm beginning to really enjoy talking with Sophie and Sabine at lunch. They like to gossip about which celebrity is dating who... and they talked extensively about Tony Parker and Eva Longoria's split. I had no idea... apparently he cheated on her with another basketball player's wife! I forgot that Tony Parker was French, but had no idea he used to play for the Lyon basketball team. In fact, I had no idea Lyon had a pro-team. Sabine said she'd tell me when she'd go to one and I could come along!

After lunch, I went home... a little afraid of what I would find. The electrician was very nice... he showed me what was where and why (wires hanging everywhere, boxes of materials everywhere, dust everywhere). He asked me if I was French, which was nice to not just assume I was English speaking. When I told him I was American, he said he'd spent a year in England and knows some English... so we'll see if he ever tries speaking to me in English. He will be here at 7h30 sharp tomorrow morning:) Oh joy! Just one week of this... I can handle it....

Reste cool:) Gotta go get ready for tomorrow!