I was sipping on a cup of licorice Yogi tea the other day when I looked at the saying on the tea bag which read, "To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach." I had to pause for several minutes after I read it to absorb why I was so struck by its meaning. It didn't take long to do a quick life comparison and realize that I've been doing a lot of learning and mastering over the past 6 months, but little knowing. I may have the freedom to read the news every morning in both French and English, or the down time at night to pour into an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel; I may also have the incredible opportunity of teaching my own language in a foreign country in which I'm also daily trying to master its language. However, I have the impression that I may look back on this ex-patriot experience and not really know as much as I might have hoped. I haven't gone this long without a writing assignment since I was a child, and with all the incredible things I experience every day, it seems almost a sin not to share these experiences with others, practice a skill that I consider one of the most important in life, and record events to reference later in life.
While I feel like a fat lady at the gym trying to get back into shape (both physically and in my writing) I want to encourage everyone to really learn how to write. Go get yourselves a copy of Strunk and White's "Elements of Style" and apply it to a routine of self-given writing assignments. As I've tutored several more advanced international students in English, I've realized how important it is to know form, style and structure, and for years I've taken these things for granted. While French may be my current language focus, I am determined to get back to and enhance the gift that I've been given...English as my mother tongue.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
J'avais besoin de rigoler...
J'avais besoin de rigoler ce soir...et j'arriva. Dans le metro...avec les folles.
I'd been in a rather foul mood all evening. It was made even worse when upon getting to the movie theatre, I waited for my Chai Latte at Starbucks for 10 minutes, only to have it confiscated when I tried to go in the theatre. (Then don't put the friggin' store next to the entrance!) J'ai le droit d'ammener un boisson dans le cinema................
I saw a pretty good film, "Largo Winch", however I had to pee 15 minutes into the film. Then, as I was exiting, I followed the signs to the bathroom like a good movie-goer and got trapped in some back area where more signs told me to go to the "café", however the "café" was a bunch of work equipment. I banged on the door to no avail and finally heard voices, followed them, and found my way out. The French don't quite have the point-your-way-to-the-bathroom thing down yet apparently.
Got on the metro. Folle #1 - Woman who had obviously been riding the train all evening fell off a chair she'd been sleeping on when it stopped and I got on as she crawled around searching for a new location.
Sat down. Folles #2 - 3 crazy British boys with skinny jeans and boxer briefs hanging out the back forced the doors open to all get on in time. Beer bottles in hand, they proceeded to do acrobatic moves on the handlebars and light up inside the train.
Rolled eyes and counted number of stops until mine. Folle #3 - Man with VERY obedient dog who put his cigarette out with his foot upon entering and pointed for the dog to sit on the chair. Then proceeded to almost sit ON the dog and pulled the poor thing by the neck to sit behind his rear end.
2 more stops. It was at this point that I snapped. I turned to the 20-something "normal" looking man next to me and kind of grinned. Then, I burst out into laughter. I couldn't stop myself. It was as if everything I'd been mad about today was brought to this insane climactic moment on the metro where I realized that nothing was really all that important. These insane people helped break me out of my funk, and I owe them all thanks. The man beside me got off one stop ahead of mine, and as he grinned at my continual laughter before the doors opened, I said, "J'avais besoin de rigoler ce soir." (I needed a laugh tonight.) He said something I didn't make out due to my laughter and his accent...but we wished each other a "bonne soirée" and I walked home one of the two people in Paris with a grin on their face.
I'd been in a rather foul mood all evening. It was made even worse when upon getting to the movie theatre, I waited for my Chai Latte at Starbucks for 10 minutes, only to have it confiscated when I tried to go in the theatre. (Then don't put the friggin' store next to the entrance!) J'ai le droit d'ammener un boisson dans le cinema................
I saw a pretty good film, "Largo Winch", however I had to pee 15 minutes into the film. Then, as I was exiting, I followed the signs to the bathroom like a good movie-goer and got trapped in some back area where more signs told me to go to the "café", however the "café" was a bunch of work equipment. I banged on the door to no avail and finally heard voices, followed them, and found my way out. The French don't quite have the point-your-way-to-the-bathroom thing down yet apparently.
Got on the metro. Folle #1 - Woman who had obviously been riding the train all evening fell off a chair she'd been sleeping on when it stopped and I got on as she crawled around searching for a new location.
Sat down. Folles #2 - 3 crazy British boys with skinny jeans and boxer briefs hanging out the back forced the doors open to all get on in time. Beer bottles in hand, they proceeded to do acrobatic moves on the handlebars and light up inside the train.
Rolled eyes and counted number of stops until mine. Folle #3 - Man with VERY obedient dog who put his cigarette out with his foot upon entering and pointed for the dog to sit on the chair. Then proceeded to almost sit ON the dog and pulled the poor thing by the neck to sit behind his rear end.
2 more stops. It was at this point that I snapped. I turned to the 20-something "normal" looking man next to me and kind of grinned. Then, I burst out into laughter. I couldn't stop myself. It was as if everything I'd been mad about today was brought to this insane climactic moment on the metro where I realized that nothing was really all that important. These insane people helped break me out of my funk, and I owe them all thanks. The man beside me got off one stop ahead of mine, and as he grinned at my continual laughter before the doors opened, I said, "J'avais besoin de rigoler ce soir." (I needed a laugh tonight.) He said something I didn't make out due to my laughter and his accent...but we wished each other a "bonne soirée" and I walked home one of the two people in Paris with a grin on their face.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Parisian Engagement
It's Christmas Day, my fiancé is sleeping due to being unfortunately ill, so I assumed that since many of you are wanting to hear the story I would make an attempt to tell it. :)
By Saturday, December 20th, Ben and I had already seen Montmartre, climbed the Sacré Coeur, took pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many other classic tourist monuments in my favorite city, but he had yet to walk down the Champs-Elysée at night with the lights and Christmas markets along the streets.
....did I forget to mention I HATE tourists? Why on earth would you bring your infant in a stroller to a city like this at Christmas? They are never going to remember it, and are only going to make anxious people like myself angry because you're pushing me off of the sidewalk. Needless to say, even after a Belgian Gaufre covered in cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream, I was a little frustrated at the crowds. So Ben, as his usual calm self, pulled us off the main drag and towards the Elysée Palace - where Président Sarkozy lives. We admired his large, gold gate and wondered what him and Carla were eating for dinner. After some calming down and a walk through the other lovebirds on benches and under streetlights, we got in line for the ferris wheel ("La grande roue"). Only up for holidays, I had never ridden it before in all my time spent in France. So we paid our 9€ each like good tourists, hopped in with a French family and an Asian couple and got a panoramic view of the city. 2 spins and you're out!
We then walked towards the decked-out-in-snazzy-Christmas lights Place Vendome and I admired the insane amounts of jewelry in stores such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier etc. as we walked arm and arm in the chilly, but pleasant evening weather. Unsure as to what to do next, Ben suggested that we eat at the restaurant I had discovered on a walk several weeks ago and wanted to try. I had mentioned it looked cozy, romantic and had a decent menu....and so we went. It was indeed cozy, romantic, and off the beaten trail of Saint-André-Des-Arts, and most of the people eating there were French...which is always a good sign. :) I ordered for us and we enjoyed our meal (and one of our few rare dates!) at La Jacobine. During the meal Ben asked me what my favorite spot in the city was, and I really couldn't give a definitive answer, but I said that during my very first trip to Paris with Megan Waters (now Megan Lynch), we walked along the Seine at night and it was one of my favorite Paris memories.
Upon leaving, we held out for dessert at a crêpe stand for Ben and Italian gelato for me, and in between bites of my insanely delicious chocolate sensation I asked, "Now what should we do? Want to ride one of the boats along the Seine?" He hesitated but suggested we walk that direction anyway. We approached the river and came upon Pont Des Arts...a bridge where no cars can cross and people bring food and wine and often have a picnic. We walked about halfway and stood there holding each other for warmth while admiring the river and city of lights. Once a group of tourists had passed and there weren't many people around us he began to tell me a million wonderful things about me and how much he loves me. It was then I realized....it was time. Before I knew it he was on his knee, I was crying, and the Eiffel Tower had begun to sparkle on the hour. A couple of girls who were getting a little tipsy on a bench nearby began to shout and applaud, and I was placing a GORGEOUS ring on my finger. Yes, it was perfect.
I am now a fiancée in Paris, leaving for a trip to Istanbul, Turkey tomorrow, and on August 29, 2009....will be a bride.
By Saturday, December 20th, Ben and I had already seen Montmartre, climbed the Sacré Coeur, took pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many other classic tourist monuments in my favorite city, but he had yet to walk down the Champs-Elysée at night with the lights and Christmas markets along the streets.
....did I forget to mention I HATE tourists? Why on earth would you bring your infant in a stroller to a city like this at Christmas? They are never going to remember it, and are only going to make anxious people like myself angry because you're pushing me off of the sidewalk. Needless to say, even after a Belgian Gaufre covered in cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream, I was a little frustrated at the crowds. So Ben, as his usual calm self, pulled us off the main drag and towards the Elysée Palace - where Président Sarkozy lives. We admired his large, gold gate and wondered what him and Carla were eating for dinner. After some calming down and a walk through the other lovebirds on benches and under streetlights, we got in line for the ferris wheel ("La grande roue"). Only up for holidays, I had never ridden it before in all my time spent in France. So we paid our 9€ each like good tourists, hopped in with a French family and an Asian couple and got a panoramic view of the city. 2 spins and you're out!
We then walked towards the decked-out-in-snazzy-Christmas lights Place Vendome and I admired the insane amounts of jewelry in stores such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier etc. as we walked arm and arm in the chilly, but pleasant evening weather. Unsure as to what to do next, Ben suggested that we eat at the restaurant I had discovered on a walk several weeks ago and wanted to try. I had mentioned it looked cozy, romantic and had a decent menu....and so we went. It was indeed cozy, romantic, and off the beaten trail of Saint-André-Des-Arts, and most of the people eating there were French...which is always a good sign. :) I ordered for us and we enjoyed our meal (and one of our few rare dates!) at La Jacobine. During the meal Ben asked me what my favorite spot in the city was, and I really couldn't give a definitive answer, but I said that during my very first trip to Paris with Megan Waters (now Megan Lynch), we walked along the Seine at night and it was one of my favorite Paris memories.
Upon leaving, we held out for dessert at a crêpe stand for Ben and Italian gelato for me, and in between bites of my insanely delicious chocolate sensation I asked, "Now what should we do? Want to ride one of the boats along the Seine?" He hesitated but suggested we walk that direction anyway. We approached the river and came upon Pont Des Arts...a bridge where no cars can cross and people bring food and wine and often have a picnic. We walked about halfway and stood there holding each other for warmth while admiring the river and city of lights. Once a group of tourists had passed and there weren't many people around us he began to tell me a million wonderful things about me and how much he loves me. It was then I realized....it was time. Before I knew it he was on his knee, I was crying, and the Eiffel Tower had begun to sparkle on the hour. A couple of girls who were getting a little tipsy on a bench nearby began to shout and applaud, and I was placing a GORGEOUS ring on my finger. Yes, it was perfect.
I am now a fiancée in Paris, leaving for a trip to Istanbul, Turkey tomorrow, and on August 29, 2009....will be a bride.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hey, look who got engaged! :)
Me! :) Paris, France. Pont Des Arts. 10PM. As the Eiffel Tower sparkled on the hour. <3
Save the date! - August 29, 2009!
Save the date! - August 29, 2009!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Students are my passion
That's it. I've decided. I'm going to be a teacher. I love it too much. :) I just spent an hour helping some of my favorite students in the library as we changed back and forth between French and English, joked about cultural differences, and found muliple synonyms to help explain words. I was simply "heureuse" as I watched their eyes brighten with curiosity while I explained what certain phrases meant. I'm falling in love with this place and these people, and while my departure is still a long ways off (April) , am going to miss it terribly when I leave.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Learning
Learning how to teach, speak, understand, love, cope, encourage, listen...everything we must be willing to do in our lives if we are to bring joy to others and ultimately find any type of meaning and purpose for our lives.
"No one shall be forgotten who was great in this world; but everyone was great in his own way, and everyone in proportion to the greatness of what he loved." -Kirkegaard, Fear and Trembling
I love my students. I love living in France. I love my boyfriend. I love my family. I love teaching. I love to travel. I love to learn new things. I love listening to my tea kettle boil water as I sit here and type a blog that I know will not come out in complete thoughts; but I hope to be an encouragement and inspiration to all who read this emphasizing that I have certainly not been devoid of challenges, frustrations, tears, misunderstandings, cultural & language problems, distance issues, etc. However, I have found myself in a place that as I come home to my little studio every night gives me the opportunity to absorb everything I've learned and share it with all of you. And while I may fall, disappoint or confuse, am willing to be vulnerable about the realities we are all facing (even more specifically recent university graduates) and the hope we have in a faith and community that are waiting for us to embrace them.
With that said, I suppose you'd like to know what my life looks like at the moment. Well, let me begin with - I'm going to Istanbul, Turkey! That's right, I bought Ben the most fabulous Christmas present ever, a trip for two to Istanbul! We leave the day after Christmas, and will be picked up at the airport by the driver of the Turkish family who runs a hostel with a view of the ocean and the Hagia Sophia. I kid you not! Needless to say, not only am I excited to see him in 23 days, but I am excited to see a part of the world I never thought I'd get to experience!
My day to day life in the city is busy, somewhat routine, but always different. I teach 12 hours a week with a one-hour commute on the metro, babysit 15 hours a week, and in my spare time go to the movies, talk to Ben on Skype, read, and waste time watching Gilmore Girls episodes. My classes are finally somewhat routine, and most of them I get on my own in my very own classroom. I have some of the friendliest, frustrating, hilarious, and all around decent students at lycée Gustave Eiffel. With a high school of mostly boys I've found myself quite popular. There isn't a day that goes by where someone in the hallway doesn't shout "Madame! Good afternoon! 'ello! 'ow are you?" It's quite touching and makes up for the annoying ones that chatter the whole time when I'm trying to speak (even when I reprimand them in French.)
Babysitting is great and this evening Juliette told me that I am the best "nounou" (nanny) in the world, and the nicest American as well. I'm pretty sure she hasn't met that many Americans, but what the heck, who can complain about love and kisses from an adorable little 4-year-old French girl? I'm so glad to have the opportunity to make extra money, speak French and befriend a little girl who I hope will not forget me when she gets older.
Christmas is coming! I can see it everywhere in this commercial & historical place I currently call home. The lights are on, the markets are starting, and the kids choir is singing in church! Just when I think I don't know very many people here I am blessed with an introduction by a British woman with whom I've been sitting in the same pew for several weeks now. She and her husband (who sings in the choir) are expecting their first baby and were very kind to stay after and chat with me. Little blessings this this do not go unappreciated here.
Well, I'll close for now; I wish I could transport you all here to experience my life in Paris instead of just read about it, mais, je vous souhaite une bonne semaine et une joyeux Thanksgiving! Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine. *gros bisous*
"No one shall be forgotten who was great in this world; but everyone was great in his own way, and everyone in proportion to the greatness of what he loved." -Kirkegaard, Fear and Trembling
I love my students. I love living in France. I love my boyfriend. I love my family. I love teaching. I love to travel. I love to learn new things. I love listening to my tea kettle boil water as I sit here and type a blog that I know will not come out in complete thoughts; but I hope to be an encouragement and inspiration to all who read this emphasizing that I have certainly not been devoid of challenges, frustrations, tears, misunderstandings, cultural & language problems, distance issues, etc. However, I have found myself in a place that as I come home to my little studio every night gives me the opportunity to absorb everything I've learned and share it with all of you. And while I may fall, disappoint or confuse, am willing to be vulnerable about the realities we are all facing (even more specifically recent university graduates) and the hope we have in a faith and community that are waiting for us to embrace them.
With that said, I suppose you'd like to know what my life looks like at the moment. Well, let me begin with - I'm going to Istanbul, Turkey! That's right, I bought Ben the most fabulous Christmas present ever, a trip for two to Istanbul! We leave the day after Christmas, and will be picked up at the airport by the driver of the Turkish family who runs a hostel with a view of the ocean and the Hagia Sophia. I kid you not! Needless to say, not only am I excited to see him in 23 days, but I am excited to see a part of the world I never thought I'd get to experience!
My day to day life in the city is busy, somewhat routine, but always different. I teach 12 hours a week with a one-hour commute on the metro, babysit 15 hours a week, and in my spare time go to the movies, talk to Ben on Skype, read, and waste time watching Gilmore Girls episodes. My classes are finally somewhat routine, and most of them I get on my own in my very own classroom. I have some of the friendliest, frustrating, hilarious, and all around decent students at lycée Gustave Eiffel. With a high school of mostly boys I've found myself quite popular. There isn't a day that goes by where someone in the hallway doesn't shout "Madame! Good afternoon! 'ello! 'ow are you?" It's quite touching and makes up for the annoying ones that chatter the whole time when I'm trying to speak (even when I reprimand them in French.)
Babysitting is great and this evening Juliette told me that I am the best "nounou" (nanny) in the world, and the nicest American as well. I'm pretty sure she hasn't met that many Americans, but what the heck, who can complain about love and kisses from an adorable little 4-year-old French girl? I'm so glad to have the opportunity to make extra money, speak French and befriend a little girl who I hope will not forget me when she gets older.
Christmas is coming! I can see it everywhere in this commercial & historical place I currently call home. The lights are on, the markets are starting, and the kids choir is singing in church! Just when I think I don't know very many people here I am blessed with an introduction by a British woman with whom I've been sitting in the same pew for several weeks now. She and her husband (who sings in the choir) are expecting their first baby and were very kind to stay after and chat with me. Little blessings this this do not go unappreciated here.
Well, I'll close for now; I wish I could transport you all here to experience my life in Paris instead of just read about it, mais, je vous souhaite une bonne semaine et une joyeux Thanksgiving! Keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine. *gros bisous*
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Je suis tellement contente
It's true. I am blessed beyond measure and couldn't be more excited about life. I have been blessed with new friends, gotten together with old ones, was taken out to lunch on Sunday by a family in the beautiful and welcoming church I now attend (www.americancathedral.org), and while distance is hard, makes the planning for a special Christmas visit (aka BEN IS COMING) all the more fun! My life here in the city is truly unique, and I only hope that as I trust God to take care of the little stresses, will benefit in great measure by this experience. I love the students (even though I find myself speaking very clearly for the rest of the day since they don't understand much), the teachers are super excited to have me at the school, I begin babysitting on Monday, am going to a fashion exposition on Friday, and had a day off today to meet a friend I haven't seen since I was here in December! Truly....truly blessed. If one feels lonely, one only needs to take the steps needed to jump back into society, give of yourself and your time, and the rewards of friendship and blessings will indeed come. It's exactly what I need right now, and while I'm going to get busier starting next week, am ready to run around the city like the resident I have become! A bientôt!
A walk in the bois de bologne
Nutella and chocolate ice cream! :)
A walk in the bois de bologne
Nutella and chocolate ice cream! :)
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