Day 6

I don't like Mondays. They come too soon after the weekend.

That said, today's been a pretty good day, all in all. I meant to make it to the Shakespeare & Company bookstore yesterday, and then today, but inertia got the better of me. I've heard that jet lag recovery should be approximately one day for every hour's difference. If that's the case, then I should be ok by now, but I don't really feel any more well adjusted. Part of this may be due to the fact that I'm finally coming to the realization that I'll be here for a long time. Those of you who know me know that I'm very close with my family, probably closer than most. Being alone in a foreign country where I don't speak the language very well isn't a good feeling; add to this the fact that the kids speak so quickly (Eldest especially), and it makes for a very unnerving situation.

One of the requirements for the au pair visa was that I enroll in French courses for some number of hours a week. The problem is, no one source says how many hours are required for this au pair visa. French lessons are very expensive here, but some of the universities (in Paris, at least) offer courses in French language for foreign students at a decent rate, given the circumstances. Today, the father & I sat down to talk about the various options for my French lessons, and I think we came to a decision that I will take one semester (15 hours!) of French courses to fill that requirement. Sadly, this means my free time will be shortened. On the bright side, however, it means that I'll have springtime free to really enjoy the city. Still, 15 hours a week is a lot of time. But maybe being on a schedule will help. I like schedules, but that might be because I also like structure. The one thing that bothers me a bit is that I worry that I won't have much time to spend with each of my parents when they come to visit (1 in October & 1 in November).

After lunch, I spent some time reflecting in my room, inertia still hanging around. Although I felt sad & homesick, I think that by working through the sadness will help me heal, in the long run. Before I knew it, it was time to pick up the kids from school. I put on a happy face for the kids, and kept it on until my time with the kids was finished today. I picked up both kids from school, and we went to the park, where they played for about an hour & 15 minutes. After arriving back at the apartment, it took several attempts to make Eldest do his homework (what kid wants to do homework on one of the days they're allowed to read comic books?), but he finally took the 5 minutes it took, & did his homework easily. While Eldest was entertaining himself, Youngest helped me prepare dinner (tortellini, blanched zucchini, applesauce, & cheese). I can't say that I've ever blanched zucchini before, but I think it turned out ok...the kids seemed to like it.

Shower time for the kids is another point that I'll have to work on. Youngest likes to have someone in the bathroom with her, in case she needs help, while Eldest wants you to leave him very much alone. Soon I'll get a handle on these kids. I hope.

On a final bright note, tomorrow I get to see one of my good friends from my study abroad two years back. I can't wait to have someone else here in the country (yes, the entire country) that I know in some shape or form. I can't wait to see her & catch up.


*edit- Here's a completely gratuitous & unrelated picture of Luxembourg Gardens, because I felt like adding some color to the page :)

Click to see the big picture!