We only part to meet again.

I am working on saying au revoir to this city I have called home for the last 4 months. I have begun a love affair with Paris that is far from being over. I have had the opportunity to live in what I think is the most beautiful city in the worlds, and meet very interesting people I would have not otherwise had the opportunity to encounter. In short, I am very home sick and very much looking forward to be surrounded again by my friends and family. I do not think I will be leaving this city never to return, after all, I do not think anybody who has ever called Paris home would be able to leave never to return. I absolutely love this city as much as one could love a place. I was given a final tour by car last night, and seeing the Eiffel Tower, which I have more or less seen everyday since I have been here, all lit up on the Parisian skyline, brought tears to my eyes. I have grown in this city, and will not be going home the same person I was when I left. Paris will always be a part of me, a big part. I know I will be returning which makes the goodbye a little easier. I can not wait to one day bring my children here, and remanence on all the memories I made here with them. Despite the times when I wish I would have never taken part of this crazy French journey, looking back I wouldn't take a minute of it back. Paris, je t'aime toujours et pour toujours.


XOXO,
Mandy


PS - I will be posting my final thoughts upon returning to the states, of what I learned and ect. Stay tuned for my farewell blog.

Help I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

I woke up early and optimistic. I wanted to go to a museum full of Claude Monet's and spend the afternoon marveling in all that is impressionistic. I woke up, got dolled up (I mean when you have a date with Mr. Monet, you have to look your best) and set off. On the walk there I took a terrible fall. Skinned knees, hands, the whole sha-bang. It was a pretty terrible sight. To those in the park that witnessed it, hats off to not coming help me, as I sat in the dirt in agony. In their defense, I don't know that if I was picnicking in the park on a lovely afternoon I would have been the kind Samaritan running to help either. I pulled myself together, washed my hands off in a water fountain and limped to a bench. Bawling the entire time. I think I messed my left ankle up wonderfully. My first instinct in that moment, call my mom on the other side of the world for help. Not that she could do anything, and it  didn't help me at all to have her woken up in worry. I grimaced my entire journey home, and wore sunglasses, to hid my running make-up. I think I will be returning to the states earlier than Sunday now. There is no point in me staying here, when I can barely walk, meaning I won't leave this house. Now I have to race the clock and ready myself to leave. Whoever finds the remainder  of the stuff that I won't be able to fit in my luggage to bring home will be one lucky bum/dumpster diver. :) I realized on the way home, I will be that old lady who falls a ton and breaks every bone in my body- hips, elbows, ect. I really need to get a grip on this whole walking thing pronto.

XOXO,
Mandy

Easter in the French Countryside and ect.

Its been a while since I've blogged, so I'll just start from the country.

We left late Friday night and got to the countryside by 10:30 pm. I was given a quick tour of the house. I got to pick from 4 rooms for which I would be staying in the duration of the weekend. I was expecting a little country cottage, but got a country estate, complete with 2 living rooms, a huge garden and all the fixings.

When I woke up Saturday, we had breakfast, then went into town to go to the market. The town was like Venice. (Or what I think Venice would be like, seeing as I've never been there). It was old and had canals everywhere. It was also the city where pralines were invented. I was informed that they even call it the Venice of France due to all the waterways. I was disappointed to know that no on actually used the canals anymore, this city had streets and sidewalks. So no Gondolas, but amazing all the same. We got veggies and cheese at the market, then went on to a supermarket to get the rest.

Out in the countryside, you either have markets and little specialty stores for example- butchers, fish mongers, cheese shops, bakeries, ect. Or you have HUGE super markets. Imagine a huge Walmart. Selling everything from groceries to outdoor furniture, and clothes to electronics. Where is the inbetween? It was interesting to not only go to the small scale market then jump to the huge supermarket all in the same morning.

We got back to the estate, and I sat down to a good old English book. It must have been the country air, because as soon as I sat down to read, I fell asleep and was out for a good 3 hours. What a nap! After all, napping is my favorite.

The rest of the weekend was filled with much of the same, reading, relaxing, all the things a good weekend away from Paris consist of. I even got to feed baby lambs from a bottle. How un-parisian can I get in one weekend? :)

Easter was nice, we went to church. There is something depressing about how I have experienced how the French celebrate holidays, or their lack of celebrating for that matter. On the other hand they would probably find it overwhelming the extent we go for holidays in the states. Maybe its a part of growing up, where holidays seem less celebrated, but especially so in France.

On Monday I decided to be brave and go for a walk before we left. I was given the most simple directions to follow for a nice 30 minute walk in the French countryside and still somehow got my self lost. Nothing like being lost in the middle of no where, with a phone that just ran out of minutes. I ended up retracing my steps and made it back to their house. Funny to look back on, not so much during the actual event.

On the way back to Paris we stopped in on Elisabeth's parents house. Her mom was a retired artist, and the house was full of amazing paintings. What a talented and fun lady. She was exactly what I imagine when I picture a retired artist grandmother. Fun and lively and way to cute.

Back in Paris, I just relaxed last night. Today I woke up and did laundry, while talking to the cat who likes to jump through my window. I had put of laundry for far too long, and realized I was completely out of clothes. The de Rostolan's don't have a dryer so I was at the liberty of rummaging through the clothes I never wear and decided on bright purple tights and a gray knit dress. Sometimes I don't know what I was thinking when I went shopping, but clothes is clothes, and who in Paris do I have to impress?

I went to trusty old Tuileries, and sat there reading for a good portion of the afternoon. It was rather crowded for a Tuesday afternoon and I sat by a young man with crutches. Since I was there for 3 hours or so, I got to see 3 of his girlfriends. It was like clockwork, one would leave, only to be replaced by another girl 15 minutes later, where he would begin to kiss and ect. (in France despite being in public, there is alot to the ect.) until she would get up and leave and another would come in. I know people like him exist everywhere, I have just never witnessed the bang bang bang of seeing all three of your girlfriends in public in the same spot you had been sitting all day. People watching is alot more interesting in Paris, because people are as open if not more in public. You get to dive into the lives of them, if even for an afternoon. Poor girls.

Still don't know what I will do tomorrow. Suggestions are appreciated.

XOXO,
Mandy

PS- While in the countryside, I got a voicemail from Gabrielle, listening I thought it would be like I miss you, wish you hadn't gone, but NO. She was wondering when I would get her the cell phone I bought here, because she wanted it. I won't be answering because I still do not know how to say never you spoiled brat in French. The girl is asking for an iPad for her 10th birthday (and will probably get it) and she is calling me on Easter to demand a stupid phone I bought. #1, no 10 year old should have a phone, #2, I quit there, partially because she was so awful so hearing from her to ask me for something was not welcomed.

PPS- I just received an email from Sandrine, letting me know a neighbor informed her that while they were away a young lady came to the apartment with me. She was concerned that not only had I not asked but also that a stranger should not have been allowed into the apartment. Don't know what I'll reply, but not only was I never told not to allow anyone in, its over and done with. I don't work there anymore, and there is no way Lucy (the young lady) posses any threat to them. I don't understand how these people think.

Anyways, home Sunday. Can't wait to be back!

Hope Yall Are Still Interested

I am closing the au pair chapter of my life, and figuring out what the next one will be. I woke up this morning when I wanted, good thing France is still on vaca, so I don't feel too bad. I made some toast and sat outside with Tiphane *sp*. I so do not envy how stressful getting into college is here. I know we think its hard in America, but you have no idea.

I went to the Louvre to give back a book I borrowed from a friend. Just incase I decide to leave here, I need to tie up the little loose ends I have. Then I went on a crazy search for the American Church. They put up adds for babysitters (not au pair, don't worry, I am not doing that again) and tutors, from English speakers. Since Elisabeth offered me the room till Lucie returns, might as well explore my options before I make a decision. Don't worry yall in Texas, I am still leaning towards coming home. I have never been a very good mooch, I feel too bad.

You would think after 4 months living in this place, I would be able to find a church and then be able to get home, but no. I walked for what seemed like an hour in search of a metro. Then when I found it I discovered I had past 2 stops before I got to the one I got on. Not a proud moment.

I came back to my new home, on a new line, but it feels warmer than my last home. They actually want me here beyond the means of exploiting me. Novel idea. I applied to the tutoring jobs/after school babysitting, with SET HOURS and CONTRACTS! Amazing, I am slowly restoring my faith in the working society of France.

Then I got changed and met up Kara and a new au pair friend, Maya for Mexican food. The restaurant was 19 stops from my new home, and even further for Kara. It is amazing the lengths us Texas girls will go to to get some Mexican food. :) We talked, drank Corona and had a good time.

Now I am home, in a new "home" sitting at Lucies desk.

I really do hope yall are all still interested in my life sans au pairing, I'll try to get some drama in here somewhere, not with the deRostolan's but I'll search else where. Maybe I'll find a French boyfriend or something juicy like that.

XOXO,
Mandy

No longer an au pair

It was so hard to say bye to the kids. Elsa kept yelling au revoir ra-ra. I cried. When I sat down with the family, they acted as if they had never done anything bad to me, I wasn't overworked and they wanted to work with me to find a common ground. I started to feel bad, especially with the kids all around. I really love those children, as bad as they all were. That job is over, I am pretty sure on that.

The DeRostolan's don't want me to give up on France, and have offered me Lucie's room until she returns from the states in July. As nice as they have been without a job, there is no way I could impose on them that much. They convinced me to go to the American Church tomorrow and look for English tutoring ads,  but even with an income to pay them, I know the cost of living in Paris, and there is no way I could make that simply working a couple of hours a week as a tutor. I don't know what to do.

I have already let one family down, by quitting and leaving the way I did. I do not want to let another down. I know being an au pair is not the job for me. I am not sure about much of anything at this point. It's funny, I came to France trying to figure out what to do with my life, and I am now more confused than ever.

XOXO,
Mandy

Wow ok.

So I am being picked up tonight at 8:30, I was planning on talking to S and J-F before that, but somehow they are getting home after I leave. When talking to S on the phone she had mentioned that she would need help watching the kids and I was totally fine with coming during the day to watch them until my flight next Thursday. J-F said I would not be needed at all anymore. I was ready to face my fears, confront them, but instead they are cowering, and just letting me go. The mention of legality in failing to produce a contract I think scared them to that. Again, I have to leave without saying bye to the kids, and will forever be told stories about how awful I was, but this time I wasn't running or hiding. I sat here all day waiting for S to return to talk about things. J-F knew good and well I would be leaving at 8:30. This experience is coming to an end, alot easier than I thought it would. At the same time I feel cheated, the least they could do is have a conversation with me to my face. At least I am going out of this 4 month French craziness, with an amazing family.

XOXO,
Mandy

Round 1.

J-F just got home, the rest of the family gets home tonight, he had work. He came straight from the door to my room. He saw the bags that I was packing and acted confused. Then he said he didn't see why I was leaving. I told him, I thought I made a very reasonable offer to work 36.5 hours a week, and they turned it down, and on top of that told me I would never have privacy. He asked me where I was going and when I planned on leaving, I said tonight, that I would get picked up by the deRostolan's if they were fine with me leaving so suddenly. He said do whatever I want. Score. Then he said that S and he had calculated out my hours and as of now I wasn't working much over 30 hours a week. He asked me what I considered working, and I said anytime I had to be here for the kids. He apparently doesn't agree with that definition. Round 1 went ok, they will gang up on me tonight when Sandrine gets home. I didn't cry this round, until Josephine came to talk to me after. I wish I could just poof and be gone. I don't do well with confrontation.

XOXO,
Mandy

will be home sometime in the next 2 weeks..

Heres the emails sent that made me put in my 2 weeks notice.

I  would like to start off by saying, I am so grateful to you both for giving me this opportunity to live in the most beautiful area of Paris. When people ask me how I like living in Paris, I always answer, it's like a dream. I will take these memories I have made here and cherish them for the rest of my life.

But you and I both know that things have been tense here over the past few weeks.  I am finding things difficult  and I would like the opportunity to work through some of these challenges with you.  I know that my time here has been a help to you and has eased the hectic morning and evening duties for both of you.  I have grown to love Paris so much, and especially grown to love your children. I would very much like to work through a few modifications to make my remaining time here as smooth as possible if you are agreeable. 

It has been hard for me to voice how and why I am feeling overwhelmed. It is a learning process and something I will need to work on as I grow into an adult. I do love your children and see them as a part of my family.  I know this all may seem very out of the blue, but that is my fault for not speaking up sooner. I would like to see if we can have weekly meetings to discuss what either of us are unhappy with from the previous week, in order to keep everything running more smoothly.

The remainder of this letter focuses on two main boundary issues, time and space, and my date of departure.

First, I propose a regular work schedule and hours.  Although we never established an au pair contract, we both understood and researched the standard au pair relationship and agreed to abide by the French standards.  By French standards, an au pair works 30 hours a week, works up to 5 hours a day, 5 days per week, babysits 2-3 evenings a week, and receives 2 full days off & evenings off.  I am proposing the following regular work schedule:

Monday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Tuesday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Wednesday 7:30 am - 8:00 pm ~ 12.5 hours
Thursday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Friday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Saturdays and Sundays completely off unless needed for evening babysitting.
Total regular hours worked a week = 36.5 hours+ 2-3 nights a week of babysitting if needed, told at least 3 days in advance.

My au pair friends say, and I now totally understand, that an au pair has to have regular time off in order to regroup and meet the challenges of the next week. 

Secondly, at the start of my employment, Gabrielle made a great sacrifice to give up her room to me for these months.  It has turned out that she regrets this sacrifice and did not really understand what giving up a room meant.  Nonetheless, that was the agreement as I understood it to accept the job and not return to the States in January.  I am respectfully asking that privacy be established and that I have space in the home to call my own for the remainder of my stay here. It is my understanding (as shown below in my research) that the French standard is that an au pair has her own room.  To me, this means that family members and staff knock before entering and ask before inspecting the room or bath and do not go through my personal items.

Finally, I would like to complete my assignment here and depart by 20 June 2011.  Given that Lyn is again available to resume her duties, I am hoping that this does not leave you in a bind.  I feel that I need to return to the States by this time in order to have enough time to apply for classes at the university in the fall and find a place to live near the university. 

I would love to discuss this all with you both once the kids have gone to bed in the next few days. At this point, I know I am springing a lot on your already busy lives, but feel I could not go on even until May if things continue like they have been. Again I want to stress, I take most of the responsibility for this for failing to speak up sooner. I would love if from now on we could just simply communicate more, and feel like that would take a huge burden off my shoulders. I feel like all of the unhappiness we have experienced with each other these last 3 months stems from the lack of communication, therefore, leading to the lack of fulfilling expectations. I would love to hear both of your thoughts on this.  If we do not reach compromise, I certainly understand and can depart sooner than June.

With kindest regards,

Amanda Dunn

From greataupair.com:
An au pair is a domestic assistant from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. An au pair takes on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as in some cases light housework, and receives a monetary allowance for personal use. In Europe, au pairs are only allowed to work part time, and they often also study part time. The title comes from the French term au pair, meaning "on a par" or "equal to" indicating that the relationship is intended to be on of equals: the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, albeit a temporary one, rather than a domestic servant.

Rules in France:
-At least 60 Euros a week + a 20 euro contribution to language classes.
-In Paris most families provide a carte Navigo worth 60 euros a month.
-The au pair should have his/her own room.
-Works up to 5 hours a day, 5 days per week; babysits 2-3 evenings a week; receives 2 full days off & evenings off.

Her reply :

Dear Amanda,

We are now in Besançon at my sister in law, about to celebrate Passover so I do not have much time to reply in length to your e-mail. We can indeed discuss it upon our return.

I will just address two items discussed in your e-mail which are problematic for us.

1.    The schedule your propose. It is completely different from what we had agreed. I did not achieve to write the schedule because of lack of time and also because the schedule is necessarily slightly different depending on whether JF or myself need to travel or when the children are on holiday. But you may remember that it was very important for us that you help us on Saturdays. We had expressly stated it in front of your mother when you came over for the first time and you had said clearly that it was no problem for you. If it a problem for you to continue like this, then it is a problem for us also. Also, we need your help in the evening when we arrive until 9 p.m. Joséphine is there until 8:00 p.m. so we do not need two people finishing at 8 and no one after that to help us put the children in bed. Again, this is important for us, especially when one of us is busy in the evening or away and it is a significant asset you can bring to our organization. Again, if it is a problem for you, it will also be one for us.  

2.    Access to your room. We respect your privacy as much as possible but the way the apartment is designed, we need to have access to the bathroom occasionally e.g., to take the vacuum cleaner or other things stored there. We cannot completely shut ourselves out of this part of our home when you are away, and wait for your authorization to access it. I understand that you did not like our demands that your room and bathroom be tidy but again, as much as it is your space, it is also our home and needs to be maintained properly.  You had admitted that you had not cleaned your bathroom for two months.  Plus, there are no such things as au pair rules; you can also find on the internet that au pair sometimes share their rooms with the children that they are looking after;  We had agreed from the beginning to make everyone’s life easy and that Gabrielle could have access to her room when needed..

I wish we had discussed all of this face to face and avoided this sort of email.  We thought that our meeting was a chance for you to stay in France and restore your confidence after the unpleasant experience that you had.  We also feel that, with 4 children already, it was nice of us to welcome your sister, feed her and give her accommodation.  We will be returning in two days only.  We are always happy to discuss anything you have on your mind.

I trust that you have noticed that since you arrived in our home, we made everything to accommodate you and hoped you would be somehow flexible in return.

It is up to you when you want to leave. If you believe that things should dramatically change from the way they are now, then let us know and if you want to leave in May, just tell us in advance.

Best regards,

Sandrine

Me putting in my 2 weeks: 

Mrs. LeLouche,

I will continue to work here until you can find appropriate child care to replace me. I am working double the hours that my other au pair friends here work, and feel like this relationship is more of a give than a take. Having said that, I know you may also be doing more for me than I am for you. Regardless, I do not feel as if this is the job for me. I am working to book a flight now back to the states, and hope you can consider this my 2 weeks notice. I am sorry to bother you during Passover. 

I hope we can work together for these remaining 2 weeks in a civilized fashion, without tension. I am sorry I am not staying to fulfill my commitments, I just realize this isn't the job for me. Your family deserves someone who can meet your expectations, and that is not me. 

Best Regards and Safe Travels,

Amanda 

The End. Will be coming home (this time, for real!)

If anyone wants to read what I will be giving J-F and S upon their return and offer any corrections to make it go smoothly.

Rough draft of what I will be giving J-F and S, don't feel obligated to read, but if you do, and have any advice, I would appreciate it! :) 






I would like to start off by saying, I am so grateful to you both for giving me this opportunity to live in the most beautiful area of Paris. When people ask me how I like living in Paris, I always answer, it's like a dream. I will take these memories I have made here, and cherish them for the rest of my life. Having said that, there are things about working here that I am finding it hard to cope with. When talking to friends and they ask me why don't I just leave, it is hard to explain the how I have grown to love Paris so much, and especially grown to love your children. That is why I have looked into the rules of being an au pair in France, and am proposing a schedule of when I work. In addition, to get back in time to focus on my schooling and apply to universities, I have decided to leave when Lynn returns, 20 June 2011, instead of at the end of July 2011. As this is my first job where a relationship with my employers is crucial, I have found it hard to voice how and why I am feeling overwhelmed. It is a learning process and something I will need to work on drastically as I grow into an adult. I do love your children, and see them as a part of my family, like 4 way younger siblings I never had. At the same time, it is hard to have a complete lack of authority with them, but as an au pair, that is something I will need to work on in the next 2 months. I know this all may seem very out of the blue, but that is my fault for not speaking up sooner. I would like to see if we can have weekly meetings to discuss what either of us are unhappy with from the previous week, in order to keep everything running more smoothly. In addition, by proposing this schedule I have come up with, and realizing my working hours will be cut drastically (but are now more close to the allowed 30 hours a week set forth by the French government for au pairs) I am willing to take a pay cut. This could change my pay from 85 euros a week down to as low as 60 euros a week if that would help to make to changes easier to accept. I would love to discuss this all with you both once the kids have gone to bed in the next few days. If you have grown unhappy with me here (after all, your decision to hire me as an au pair was very rushed) I would be more than understanding and work until you found a replacement then leave earlier than 20 June 2011. At this point, I know I am springing a lot on your already busy lives, but feel I could not go on even until May if things continue like they have been. Again I want to stress, I take most of the responsibility for this for failing to speak up sooner. I would love if from now on we could just simply communicate more, and feel like that would take a huge burden off my shoulders. I feel like all of the unhappiness we have experienced with each other these last 3 months stems from the lack of communication, therefore, leading to the lack of fulfilling expectations. I would love to hear both of your thoughts on this, and know that the schedule is just a proposal, I am open to negotiations.

Findings:
An au pair is a domestic assistant from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. An au pair takes on a share of the family's responsibility for childcare as well as in some cases light housework, and receives a monetary allowance for personal use. In Europe, au pairs are only allowed to work part time, and they often also study part time. The title comes from the French term au pair, meaning "on a par" or "equal to" indicating that the relationship is intended to be on of equals: the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, albeit a temporary one, rather than a domestic servant.

Rules in France:
-At least 60 Euros a week + a 20 euro contribution to language classes.
-In Paris most families provide a carte Navigo worth 60 euros a month.
-The au pair should have his/her own room.
-Works up to 5 hours a day, 5 days per week; babysits 2-3 evenings a week; receives 2 full days off & evenings off.

*all of this found on greataupair.com*

Proposed Schedule:
Monday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Tuesday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Wednesday 7:30 am - 8:00 pm ~ 12.5 hours
Thursday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Friday 7:30-9:15 am, and 3:45-8:00 pm ~6 hours
Total hours worked a week = 36.5 hours

+ 2-3 night a week of babysitting if needed, told at least 3 days in advanced.

*Saturdays and Sundays completely off unless needed for evening babysitting.

--- When off, I am allowed to leave the house or retire to my room. ---

Valid until 20 June 2011. Where upon that date I will be retuning to Texas, USA to finish my studies.

Amanda Dunn

Sorry for not blogging

I ended my English vacation, just hanging out, relaxing, like a good vacation. It was hard to ask Josh to drive me back to the airport, because I honestly didn't want to leave. Knowing that I have a schedule to plan and rights to try to win when they get back scares the heck out of me. The flight was easy. I wasn't nervous going through customs, I even opened my passport to the page with my incomplete visa on it, hoping the man would see it and tell me I couldn't come back in. Instead, he flirted, asked for my number and asked how long I was staying. I even said a year because that would be longer than my allowed time on my incomplete visa. He didn't pick up on anything dangit. Why couldn't I just have the easy way out?

I made kraft mac-n-cheese when I got home finally at 10 pm last night. Even though I would only have 2 months left once I tell the family I am leaving June 20th, I don't know if I can make it till then. I forgot how it felt to be truly happy until they were gone. This job has to be bad on my well being. Hopefully when I put my foot down and say I will not work a second over 35 hours a week, and I want Saturdays off, and that I will be taking a long weekend in May for my birthday, it will be agreed. And then this job won't be so completely overwhelming.

I just woke up, it is 1pm, I am going to take a shower, and enjoy a day of nice weather walking around Paris. Sorry for neglecting my blog a bit. I was  on vacation!

XOXO,
Mandy

City Snob

So I was told many times, after you live in Paris, you will be a city snob, and it will be hard to live anywhere else. I went to London expecting it to be beautiful like Paris and it wasn't. With the exception of Big Ben and the Palace, everything else just looked like business offices. Thanks Paris for making me a city snob.

Despite being less than visually pleased, Josh and I had a blast in London. We pretty much saw everything in 6 hours. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! We even got fish and chips and mushy peas. So Brit of us.

We headed home to meet Josh's friend at the bar. We had fun hanging out with locals.

Yesterday we were up and ready by 1 pm. Then we had some cereal, soup and cheese for brunch. Great meal :). We headed to a grill out, had so much fun. In true grill out fashion we began to drink when it starts, at 2, then at 10 pm (after everyone got babysitters) we decided to go to the club. Everyone was gone already, so there was lots of fighting and indecision. But other than that, fun to be with everyone. Josh has some really fun friends.

Today I think I get to go see the village Josh actually lives in. Yay Yay!

XOXO,
Mandy

Never Leaving England

Ok, I have decided, there is no way I can go back to France after being in this amazing European country. Feel free to tell my employer that. :)  I love England. It feels half like America and half like Europe. It is hard to explain it, but I love it.

I landed and went through customs in England. Since I never finished my visa process in France, therefore do not have a completely valid visa, I was pretty nervous they wouldn't let me in England, but they did so NBD. Maybe I won't be allowed back into France at the end of this vacation, I can't say I would mind ;).

So in the car, I forgot that in England they drive on the other side of the road and the steering wheel is also opposite. That was a terrifying ride, only because it was so different. Before we came to Josh's house, we went onto base to get towels. Josh and his roommate only have 2 towels total in the house, such boys. The towel shop was closed, but we went to the supermarket on base. It was as if I stepped right back into America. All the products were American. I could have spent hours mesmorized by the products I hadn't seen in 3 and a half months. It's crazy what you don't realize you'd miss until it's not there anymore. Love it!

When we got back to the house, it was yet another example of how much I miss America. The fridge and pantry were full of American products. For dinner we made boxed mac'n'cheese and frozen pizza. Then we got ready to go out. I got to meet 3 of Josh's friends. We went to an English club. It was a great night! I had a blast. The pictures are on facebook. His friends are beautiful, I encourage you all to go look at them :)

This morning we woke up at 11, because we went to sleep at 5 am --you're only young once! I cooked breakfast - an American breakfast! Cheese eggs, bacon and eggo's! Yum yum. Then we went to base and successfully got a towel. Now I can shower! SCORE! Then we went to a village/city and visited Europe's smallest pub.  It was indeed small small. Tonight we went to a restaurant called the Hungry Horse (very much like Chili's). Very, very fun. Tonight we're taking it easy because we are possibly going to London tomorrow! If anyone has any advice on what we should see in London, feel free to comment.  Neither of us has ever been there before.

XOXO,
Mandy

Freedom is so sweet

I was told hardly anything before the family left. I need to turn on the sprinklers daily, and next monday put more money in the parking meter so the dad's car doesn't get a ticket. But other than that, no rules, no anything. Therefore, without rules, I believe no rules can be broken. I am sure they will come home from vacation with tons of complaints on what I did and didn't do while they were away, but at the same time it will be nothing like the guidelines I plan on laying down when the return.

For these 2 weeks, I am not being paid, nor was the fridge stocked before they left me on my own. In fact, they literally cleaned out the fridge with all food I could potentially eat while here. On top of that, the father told me that he hoped I would take the liberty in my free-time here to clean up a bit. Considering my room and bathroom are clean, spick and span, prior to their departure, I could only assume they meant the house and especially the kids rooms. Forgive me if I am wrong, but as an au pair, it is suppose to be a give and take, rather than an entire take. Therefore, I plan on cleaning up after myself during this vacation, but I will not be touching the kids rooms. I doubt all the same that they would even have the guts to complain.

To try and help them leaving the house on time, I woke up early yesterday to go help with breakfast. Upon entering the kitchen, I realized J-F was in no more than what in America we call tighty whities. Beyond awkward. I then decided I would not be assisting. Call me prude, but that is just too much. They eventually left, with little time to spare for their train, but what do I care, it was freedom to me all the same.

I wasted no time enjoying the freedom I haven't had in 3 months, and did some laundry wearing only a towel. If walking around in "your home" in only a towel does not scream freedom, I don't know what does! :) After my laundry was well on its way, I met a friend for coffee, and did a little grocery shopping, because the fridge was completely cleaned out. Insanity. I didn't have the slightest idea what to buy to sustain me for the next four days, make meal and what not, but the whole thing was quite liberating. After unloading the groceries and hanging out a bit, it was time to get my good friend, Lucy, from the train station.

I am so happy I met Lucy, our personalities click so well, and when talking to her I feel like I am talking to an old friend. She is also an au pair, so the relations with that are amazing. She came to the house and dropped off her stuff and then we went to the Latin Quarter for dinner. We found a place that served a 3 course meal for 10 euros. Nothing beats that. From there we went to Bastille where there are many bars brimming with young people. It was a nice change from the stuffy James Joyce Pub I usually go to. We went to one bar till happy hour ended and then popped into another Irish Pub to spend the rest of our night out. We had a ball and she was quite a catch with all the young men out and about. We had a ball, gave out our numbers and facebook addresses to a few too many people, but had a blast all the same. We stumbled back home at about 1, but without kids here, and freedom, I can do that.

This morning we woke up and went to Hillsong, after a lovely breakfast in the garden. It was quite a fun day at Hillsong. It was "Community Day," a day devoted to getting people to participate outside of just church service on sunday. It wasn't a message that really applied to Lucy, but Hillsong is a blast all the same. After waiting around for lunch to get organized after service for close to an hour, we made our way to Subway/Thai Wok Bar, to grab lunch and eat in the Luxembourg Gardens. It was a beautiful day for a picnic, but apparently the rest of paris also thought so, because it was super packed.

From there Lucy and I departed from the church crew and headed to Trocedaro *sp*, to suck up some sun and enjoy an ice cream next to the river. After so long with coats, after all it was only last week that we were indeed wearing them, Parisians are taking full advantage of the weather, and everywhere seems to be 10 times more crowded. I don't mind, it means there's more people to do a little people watching. We had a lovely time talking, and enjoying the view, but her train left tonight at 8 so we had to head back to get her stuff to make the train.

We hung out a bit at the house before we made our way to her train station. We ended up being early so we grabbed a bite at a cafe in the station, hanging out and talking more. Then she left :(. Its hard to see someone go after you have had such a grand time together. If nothing else, I will leave this experience with hopefully lifetime friendships. It makes it all worth it.

Tonight, I am just hanging out at the house, I may pop in a film and enjoy some alone time. Tomorrow I think I will be going to a museum and packing for MY TRIP TO ENGLAND! After all, I have to plan out what I am going to be meeting the queen in ;).

Stay Tuned.

XOXO,
Mandy

keep me from going crazy

I had a light bulb moment. Yes, my living situation is not ideal, but why not attempt to make the best of it. After all, if I survive this I can do anything. Anything after this will be a walk in the park. After sulking for a little bit and reading, I decided to clean my room top to bottom. Change the sheets, vacuum, scrub the whole shabang, and I didn't even have to take Adderall to do so :). I have also decided to shorten this excursion and leave at the end of May instead of in July. That means I'll be back home for summer, surrounded by friend and family that love me. I will be preparing to continue my education and move on from this experience with a new outlook on life, after all that is what I set out to do in the first place. So until then, I will take each day as it comes, and work on those aspects in my life that need working on. For example, taking criticism and setting my pride on the back burner. The life of an au pair is a great place to work on both of those and oh-so-many-more vices of mine.

Not to worry, I will still keep you up-to-date on how the little devils are misbehaving in unimaginable ways, but no longer will that and the parents' criticisms define my life. A rude comment at dinner will not put me in a no-good-very-bad mood, neither will a comment on my intelligence. I will do my job well, but after all it is indeed just a job.

I know this change will take work, but I have 11 days starting at 10 am tomorrow to push myself to be ready for when they return.

I hope you all can't wait to hear about my adventures sans the family and au pair working, because I can't wait to experience it and write all about it.

XOXO,
Mandy

So you had a bad day.

I woke up and did the usual yesterday. Then went to class. Then had a mini picnic next to the Louvre before it was time to get the boys.

I was purposely late to school, because Samuel gets out 15 minutes before Benjamin, and if I am there on time, he runs wild outside. As soon as I got there Samuel's teacher started yelling at me, not for being late, but because Samuel hit a girl at school. A, I am not there at school to tell him not to, you are suppose to control him, B, I am not his parent, and C, I do not speak French so yelling at me in that language won't change anything. I finally just walked away, who was this woman to yell at me. I have taken alot of that abuse from angry French already in my short 3 months here, I do not need it when I am trying to get my kids and take them home.

The bus ride was fine, there have been worse rides. I think they were behaved because I forgot their sugar filled snacks, so for once they weren't on a insane sugar high with me. It also may have been because it was so hot, and their mom had dressed them like eskimos, they were to burnt up to misbehave. Whatever the reason, it wasn't bad.

Then at home it was the usual. Except Josephine was acting like she was sick or tired. She usually watches Elsa while I have the other 3 but yesterday, every time I brought her Elsa, she would wait 5 minutes and bring her back to me. It's hard, and illegal for me to watch all 4 kids at the same time. Apparently in the au pair rules, any kid under 2 is suppose to have their own nanny. I guess when you work for a family who had already broken so many of the au pair laws with me, in their mind, I am sure it's like, 'what's one more?' So I bathed them, dressed them and brought them up for dinner.

At dinner: Josephine and me always talk and complain as best we can about how insane this job is. Yesterday she was giving the kids ice and she said how much the grandmaw hates for the kids to have ice. Apparently she thinks ice is also a devil as is peanut butter.. whatever. And I laughed replying the day before when the grandmaw and grandpaw were over, the grandpaw had alot of ice. Just a fact. All of a sudden Gabrielle starts screaming at me; "don't make fun of my grandmother." I asked her what she was talking about, in my comment I didn't even say the grandmothers name. Josephine was slow to defend me, despite her start of this conversation. Gabrielle shook her head and informed me she was tell her dad I was talking about her grand mother. Fine, whatever. This was all during the 1st course. Now it was time for the main course. Josephine made everyones plates, and I made my own. I don't really know what the meal was, it was like baked cheese, with a side of mashed potatoes? I didn't get the mashed potatoes, but took 2 of the cheese things. On the kids plates, they had a heap of mashed potatoes, and 1 cheese thing. As soon as I sit down Gabrielle is right there at it again. You can't have 2 if I can't. I told her I could do whatever I wanted and she has no right to say anything to me. She didn't stop. I eventually threw my plate with 2 whatever's on it at her and stormed out.

On top of that situation at dinner, I was informed by Josephine that during the vacation, the family was hiring Lynn and her family to come stay here to watch me. They couldn't even tell me this themselves. AFTER 3 MONTHS THEY DON'T TRUST ME? I mean they trust me with their kids, but apparently their house involves more trust in someone than does kids. In all honesty I think it would be fun to spend some time with Lynn, and I am happy she is coming since I haven't seen here in a month, but there should be some protocol to it. Like sitting me down and saying we decided to ask Lynn to stay here, since you will be here too, what do you think about it? I don't know, anything but asking you cook to inform me.

After all that I was shut down, I didn't say another word to the kids or parents, and as soon as they were home and downstairs, I retreated to my room. When they get back from vacation I am going to sit them down and I am 75% sure that I will be quitting then, and going home. I am not lucky enough for this whole au pair thing. Everyone I know has great families, and I got 2 crappy ones in a row.

I woke up today and got the kids dressed. Fed them and all. Then J-F walks in and tells me they decided to let Lynn stay here while they are gone, because her apartment is half the size of their small kitchen. I replied flatly, "I know you seem to love to tell me that every chance you get," and simply walked out. I feel like rather than feeling like a saint to allow your slave to stay in you house for 1 week while you are vacationing in the alps, maybe you should pay her more so she can afford a bigger flat. Its like he thinks he's a god, when really, he is responsible as her employer for the conditions she lives in with her family. I don't know how he doesn't see that.

Today I am going out, finding something to fill my mind with. The family leaves in 24 hours, and I think that will be the best gift I have received in a long time.

XOXO,
Mandy

There's a new Mandy in town.

I am sick of these kids getting away with murder, then practically being praised for it. I am not going to be the same person that keeps putting up with their crap. I am going to be an all out tyrant until I am showed respect or fired.

Of course, this change of heart comes out of another room argument. Gabrielle has been told so many times, in english AND FRENCH that she must ask before entering my room. You would think when it slips her mind and she forgets to ask she would at least turn off the lights and close the door, (you know leave no evidence). But no, she flat out doesn't listen and then doesn't even try to hide it, as if to say I don't care what you say, I do what I want. Well just 5 minutes ago, she wanted to go search the room for a 1 inch figure she said may or may not be in there. I told her because she didn't ask me earlier before entering my room, her privileges to step foot in it were completely taken away. She then said I couldn't do that, and yelled to Josephine to get her way. Thank the Lord, that this time Josephine didn't undermine me and upheld my punishment.

These new Bad-A way about teaching these kids a little isn't going to end with this either. I have put up with too much for far to long. I know I only have them for 2 more days before I get 11 days off, but for the next 2 days, they won't know what hit them. The line has been crossed.

XOXO,
Mandy

HA HA HA

As you all know, I came to the conclusion that this family thought peanutbutter was the devil. For an afternoon snack and because the bananas were going bad, I made myself peanutbutter and banana. Since I bought the peanutbutter, I had eaten it once, and only once, about a tablespoon of the whole container. That time I was informed that it was horrible and not to show it to the kids. I had been respecting them, and hadn't eaten it since. Today I was starving, and opened it up. More than half the container was gone. I know the kids didn't eat it because they are terrified of it, so it had to be either J-F or Sandrine or both. A little hypocritical I'd say for completely jumping on my case for buying such an awful product in the first place.

Other than that it was a normal not hilarious day. Benjamin got mad at Samuel a little bit ago and punched him in the nose, causing a nose bleed. I got the privilege of cleaning the blood spatter from the long walk to the chandelier room to the downstairs bathroom. And then this morning I got vomited on by Elsa again. I could so be a janitor after this, and the messes I'd clean there would look like a walk in the park.

Tomorrow no school for Gabrielle, joy, not, and she has no school on Thursday either because her teachers are going on strike. Only in France.

Countdown till 11 days of freedom : > 4 day!!!!

XOXO,
Mandy

No, everything is not edible, not even with ketchup.

Today I woke up did the normal, i.e. kids, feeding and what not. Then I went to class. The class never seemed to end. The excitement of the first week has worn off, and it is yet again school, but one I feel obligated to go to because I am paying. After class, I went with a classmate to FNAC to help her buy her books that we need for the class. She is a super nice Scottish girl.

After all that, I decided to try a restaurant a friend recommended. It was called Le petit viller, or something like that. There was a base menu, entre, plat and desert for 17 euro. When ordering, the woman taking my order spoke no English and the menu was very French. I can usually get around and recognize foods, but in this case I couldn't. I ordered, and the woman asked me if I was sure. I said yes. I didn't order tartar, I could recognize that, and I thought what could be worst than tartar? As soon as she walked away, asking me if I was sure I wanted to order what I ordered, I began to get worried. I wondered if I had just ordered liver or something gross like that. I got the caesar  salad as an appetizer, and it was amazing. That is how all caesar salads should be. But then it was time for the plat. As she walked it out all of the people in the restaurant looked at me, or at least I thought they did. On my plate, was a cube of what I assumed was some meat covered in a sauce and fries. I had promised myself I would at least take 1 bite of the mystery meat. As soon as I cut into it, the whole thing seemed to fall apart, and the aroma was nauseating. What did I get myself into? It almost looked like a cube of bacon, so I bravely took a bite. If the whole restaurant hadn't been staring, I would have spit it out. What ever it was, I did not like it. I swallowed and forced myself into the mindset that when in France I should try everything. When am I ever going to be living her again? I decided to hold my breath and poke around this blog with my fork. Suddenly I recognized what I had just put into my body. I had ordered some animals intestines. OMG. I was so done at that point. I ate the fries, leaving a wall of the ones closest to the poo tubes. Then forked around a little more at the intestines in order to not embarrass myself completely with the waitress. Then stealthily covered my plate in napkins. What an experience.

When in France do not order intestines. I do not recall the name of the plate I ordered but A. A. A. A. A. followed the name.

I went from the restaurant to a park bench to read a book, then I got the boys. They were retched as usual. On the way home I maned up and got Elsa with the boys. Yikes, never again. When all 4 of us got home, Josephine was not here. Very strange. I called Sandrine to ask if she knew where Josephine had gone, and so she called Josephine to ask. For the first time, Josephine went to get Elsa because I was getting the boys. She has done that only once before, so how was I to know? About 20 minutes later, she stormed in telling me that next time I should tell her if I am going to get Elsa. I would not ever get a kid I was not suppose to, it is not my style. So I got yelled at, talked down and eyes rolled to for 5 minutes by the cook. How nice.

Thats about all. Steer clear of intestines.

XOXO,
Mandy

The hardest job in the world.

Growing up I heard raising a child (more specifically being a mother) is the hardest job in the world. Looking at it I always thought you get to play with kids all day, how hard can it be. I am starting to grasp how difficult it is indeed to raise a kid, on the rare occasions where they are listening and not mouthing off, they are making a mess or vomiting. I say vomiting because I just spent the last 30 minutes cleaning up vomit from Elsa who first vomited all over me (and I was wearing white), then I put her down and she did it all over her bedroom floor, then I ran her to the bathroom and she got sick there as well. So I think after being a mother, an au pair may have the hardest job in the world, but in my case I am playing mommy. Yet another reason why I won't be having children for a long long time. Its way harder than it looks from the outside.

XOXO,
Mandy

ITS MY ROOM!

Part of the reason I get paid so little is because I have room and board included. In my mind I thought that would mean, I got a place on my own, a place where the kids couldn't go. A room, my room. This would have all been the way it was except I work for parents that are unable to upset their daughter by telling her, the room is mine while I am living here, and she needs to respect that. When I am the only person telling her she should ask  before she goes in my room, and J-F and S are in a way saying the opposite by not making the clear distinction to her that it is indeed my room. Though it was hers before I began working here, and it will be hers after, in the time in-between, IT IS MY ROOM. Gabrielle has a friend over at the moment, and while I was upstairs, she got the bright idea that a necklace was in my room and she wanted it. I can down stairs the exact moment that they were rummaging about my stuff looking for a necklace. I could feel my blood begin to boil. Even when I was a kid, I had a room, a room that was mine, and a place others respected, and now here I am, an adult, without that right. Anyways, I grabbed Gabrielle and I said I  TOLD YOU TO ASK BEFORE YOU CAME INTO MY ROOM. She rolled her eyes, and said it is my room and I am looking for my necklace. I could of smacked her, but at the same time, she's not worth the effort when she's in her megabiotch mood. I then took a breath, ready to have this same fight for what seems like the millionth time since my arrival (and only because the parents won't step in and help me enforce some boundaries). I said, it was your room, but right now and until August it is mine, and because it is mine you must ask me before you go in. Turning back to continue to go through my things, she said it is my room. AHHHHHHHH! I grabbed her, dragged her out of the room, and yelled you will not step foot in there until I leave in August! She just looked at me and laughed and walked up stairs. This house in 10-x's more happy with her away. She alone brings down the entire mood in the house with her bad attitude.

Ok, enough venting for me. Tomorrow I have the entire day off! I am going to church, and then to Versailles with Jasmine I think. AND IN 7 DAYS THE FAMILY WILL BE GONE! I just have to keep looking to the future, thats what gets me through.

XOXO,
Mandy

April Fool's

Yesterday as I was getting a sick Elsa ready for day care, she walked by my computer and pushed it off the table. Somehow that broke the hard drive. I promptly took it to the Apple Store, and still being under warranty, they pretty much replaced everything. So now I have practically a new computer. This is real. Not a joke. They neglected to tell me however that everything including my iTunes would be wiped clean. I am at a loss without my music, so if anybody is a computer genius out there and cam assist me in getting my music back, I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Before my computer repairing adventure, i went to class. For the first 2 days, I thought it wouldn't be so bad, we actually learned useful things, like the names of people in families and such. Then the teacher hits us with the blah stuff. Verb conjugations. Yuck. I hope the next 10 weeks of this class isn't learning the craziness that is French verbs. They make me absolutely insane. After having 6 years of French prior to my move here, I must have learned it 100 times, and still I don't know it at all. Maybe this time it will sink in, I just don't understand why French can't be easy like English.

This blog may not be very coherent, I have the sleepy ha-ha's due to my inability to fall asleep at all last night.

So, I had to get the boys from school at 4. Travel home for the next 45 minutes, leave them at home, and go get Gabrielle from school, another 30 minute venture. I came to Paris, very American, where we drive to get our kids from school though it may only be a 10 minute walk away, and all of that. I am trying to open my mind and see the world through more French eyes, but still I think 2 hours of getting kids from school is a little ridiculous. There are much more efficient ways to do things.

Anyways, back home, Gabrielle went to dance and Benjamin went to tennis. With only 2 kids at home, life is so much easier. I bathed the 2, fed them and then J-F got home. 5 minutes later, and rapidly approaching the time I needed to leave at (I had dinner with a friend last night), Elsa needed a diaper change. She was for sure not going to have it. Screaming, thrashing, the whole sha-bang. I finally managed to pin her down long enough to get her diaper off, but couldn't hold her long enough to wipe her bum, so that fun got everywhere. She continued to scream, so I took her off the changing table, wiped her, and let her walk away to calm down before I put another diaper on her. She went over to the stair case, and sat down. After about 5 minutes, I went to her to try again to finish the change, and as I approached stepped in a puddle. She had sat on the stairs and peed. So now not only had she just gotten poo everywhere, now there was a puddle to be cleaned as well. Yet another verification that I won't be having kids for a long long time. After I finished the change and disinfected practically the whole basement (the kids and my room are in the basement), I was allowed to leave.

I had a lovely dinner with a new friend, a very smart one, who lent me an english book to read! Perfect timing, because I just ran out of material. On my way home, the metro closed right before I got to my change in the line, so I had to take a taxi from the Louvre back home. It ended up costing 13 euros, but the taxi man didn't have change, and I am oh so charming, so I only had to pay 10 euros. Despite their crazy driving, taxi drivers in Paris are some of the nicest people I have met.

It is yet another holiday I am celebrating in France, and yet again I doubt they ever recognize it. In their defense this one may be American, but when they didn't do anything for Mardi Gras... COME ON! I still haven't decided how I will trick the kids tonight.

XOXO,
Mandy

Great News!

The family is going to be on vacation without me from the 9th to the 20th! That means I have 11 days without the devils! I could not be happier!

In other news, I feel like the past few days haven't been awful, so those of you praying for me, keep it coming because I feel it!

XOXO,
Mandy


PS yesterday, I was gone all day, so after I got Gabrielle from school I got on the computer to check my facebook and email and what not. She would not leave me alone, and insisted that I let her play on my computer. Of corse I said no, and asked her to leave me be for 5 minutes, because I had been going, going, going, and this was my time to rest and unwind. She starts screaming that compared to her I am not busy. Because after all she has school, piano, hebrew, yoga, dance, ect.. I hope she looks back on this time when shes older and realizes how crazy un-busy with non-responsibility she was. In the mean time she'll moan about it, but at least it gives me a laugh.

I can't learn to like you if you keep acting like this.

Last night the kids went to bed super late. They were even still awake after I went to bed. I know, because I could hear them screaming and whining until I put my headphones in. Therefore, this morning, they were awful. I feel like a broken record in the morning, "get up, open your eyes, get out of bed, good morning, i mean it get up..." This morning Benjamin reluctantly got up after 10 minutes or so of my begging, and Gabrielle refused to get up. I asked her what shoes she was wearing to school and she said her Nike's, so I went all they way to her closet, found them among the 100 pairs of shoes, and set them down by her laid out body on the bed. Then she screamed. Literally it was a scream of bloody murder, and she yelled "mom-mo." All I could think is great whats wrong now? She then started saying I put dirty shoes on her bed and should be punished. Wait, wait, I should be punished for serving her lazy ass that won't get out of bed in the morning to get her own shoes? Hmm. She is making it almost impossible to even like her.

Then at breakfast, she usually refuses to eat, so I have even stopped asking her, because her response was always a whiny scream nothing. So I made Samuel and Elsa oatmeal. Then J-F comes in and takes the oatmeal I made for Elsa and starts spoon feeding it to Gabrielle. Honestly, I wish I would have taken a picture of what I watched this morning. Gabrielle was sitting in a parents chair at the end of the table, reading a magazine, as her mom brushed her hair and her dad spoon fed her the oatmeal I made for Elsa. I am so glad my job will be over long before she is a teenager. She is absolutely awful now as it is, just wait until she hits puberty. I can't say I feel sorry for J-F and S though, they are creating these monsters. If I do last and don't quit this job, 7 months of observing how not to parent your kids will make for a great book.

I am off to class in a little bit. It is my second day, and I am not all too excited after the first day. I was hoping to make friends, but I can't see any of these girls wanting to be friends with me. Who knows, maybe thats just how they are acting? After class I am going to have a picnic by the Louvre.

XOXO,
Mandy


PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH! 14 days till I get to see you!

YUCK!

I just went to the kitchen to get a glass of water and Josephine had Elsa naked on the kitchen table, and then she says to me Elsa just poo poo. Yay. It makes me think, if having a cook is part of my benefits here, how hygienic is she with the food. YUCK. I would rather cook myself and have a little authority around here.

That is all.

reinforcing how much my job sucks.

Last night, I put the kids in bed. Benjamin awoke about an hour and a half after from a night terror, and Gabrielle assumed that gave her leeway to get out of bed as well. I sat Benjamin down and called Sandrine, and told Gabrielle to go back to bed. After Benjamin talked to his mom, he went back to bed and everything was ok. Gabrielle fought me, she too wanted to call her mom, and I told her no, go back to bed. So she goes behind my back, and sneaks a phone call to Sandrine, who told her she was allowed to read in bed for 20 minutes. This was at 10:45. All would have been fine with me, except I WAKE THE KIDS UP FOR SCHOOL AND IT IS ALREADY A FIGHT EVERY MORNING. And who lets a 9 year old stay up that late on a school night?! UGH! When I say no, the parents say yes, and when I say yes, the parents say no, NO-DUH I have no authority here.

I woke the kids up this morning, and with the time change it felt like they were getting up an hour early. It was a fight with Benjamin and Gabrielle, but Samuel was half asleep and let me dress him. At least that made it 33.3% easier for me. Gabrielle didn't want to wake up, and Benjamin was super whiny. They ate breakfast and went off to school. Then I woke Elsa up. It is easier to give her her bottle in her room and then get her dressed rather than bringing her to the kitchen to have her bottle, then bringing her back down stairs to get dressed. She is semi-sick and coughing up gunk, I know, the fun stuff. When she finished her bottle she began coughing ALOT, and in the process projectile vomited her entire bottle everywhere. Fun stuff to clean up in the morning.

After I got dressed myself and did the dishes, I too was off to school. I felt like a little kid on the way, excited to make friends, and learn some French. I got to my class, and met another au pair from Pittsburgh, she seemed cool, but turned out not to be in my class. In my class, I think I am the youngest or close to the youngest. There are 3 middle ages South Americans/Spaniards, a very stand offish Russian woman, a girl from Denmark, I believe another American (but I'm not sure), a woman from Iceland, and 2 other people from who knows where. They didn't seem to speak English, and everyone seemed to know  more French than me. They all are au pairs, but I have the most kids. Well, there is 1 other girl with 4 kids, but 2 of them are over 14. They all have studio's apart from the families dwellings, got their classes paid for, and work 15 hours, at least, less than me a week. I am so sick of being the sob story, but why do I have to have it so crappy?! Before I was telling myself, at least I live in Paris, but they live here too and don't have it as bad. Maybe I can use their stories, to get paid more, work less, or gain more privacy. As soon as I figure out how to communicate that with J-F and S, I will. It's hard when they already look at me like I am doing nothing, and I get scolded for sitting and reading instead of doing heavy housework like Josephine. Home has never looked better.

On another note, the people who creep on my when I go anywhere, follow me and try to talk to me when I am noticeably not interested are starting to ruin Paris for me as well. I need to invest in a fake engagement ring to keep from getting bothered so much. At first, I'll admit, it was flattering, and now it makes me want to scream, and pepper spray all the men in Paris. Seriously just let me be. I even quit smiling everywhere I went for goodness sake. I need my daddy to come to Paris and teach them all a lesson on how not to act towards a teenage girl.

I am pretty sure I have to get the boys from school today (help me God). I don't see why Josephine can't do it, they are in far better hand with her, they at least listen to her. I hope it doesn't take Samuel running into the street and being hit by a car for Sandrine to realize I can't control him, not all the spanking, or yelling or anything has been able to break the boy and change that.

XOXO,
Mandy

I'm giving it all away.

Church was great today, it was exactly what I needed. I was blessed and got to attend it with Jasmine. She's a doll. After church I wanted to go to Notre Dame for a Catholic service, but the next one wasn't until 4:30 and I had to babysit at 6. So I went to grab a cheap lunch instead. At Paul Bakery, you can get a sandwich, desert and drink for 8 something Euros, which would have been great on my budget. I have had only 10 Euros to last me the last 3 days. As I walked the streets of Paris, I failed to find that bakery, but I found a sandwich shop where I could get a panini, crepe and drink for 5,50 Euros! Even better! I was alone in the shop for a while, and talking with the sandwich man, and ended up getting a free meal! How cool! There is no telling the lengths I will flirt for something free while I am so broke. He even upgraded me to a crepe with nutella, and threw in a bottle of water. Amazing! I gave him my phone number in exchange, but looking back, I think I got a pretty sweet deal for telling someone 10 numbers. :) For now I am above begging, but I am not above batting my eyelashes and laughing at silly jokes. You're only young once I suppose.

Then I came home and took a nap. I know this is suppose to be "my home" but on my time off when I am here, they expect me to be working. I can not just hang out at home on my day off. Sad really. The kids walked into my room to tattle and etc. about 5 times during my short 1 hour nap. Blah. I cannot wait to get some real time off when they are on vacation.

The parents went out tonight, so I am babysitting. I popped in a movie and told them since I was giving them a treat, the minute the movie ended their butts better be in bed. They agreed, but I still haven't gotten that far to see if they actually obey.

In better news, Elsa has officially named me. I am no longer Papa or Mama, but now I am Ra-ra! Yay! I think it is because I like to sing her the rah-rah-ree kick 'um in the knee, rah-rah-rass kick them in the other knee cheer my dad used to sing for us. Regardless, I'll take Ra-ra over mama and papa any day!

I start classes tomorrow. I am nervous and still deciding what I am going to wear and everything! I can't wait to have yet another outlet (of fellow au pairs) outside of this house.

15 days till England to see Josh!!! The anticipation for that trip is literally what keeps me going.

XOXO,
Mandy

PS- At church today they said "let it be" was amen, which makes my tattoo on my foot even cooler I think. AMEN!

French kids are so whiny.

I thought I had just gotten a couple whiny kids in my first family. The boy there was an expert whiner. He whined every time you said anything at all to him. Then when I got fired I thought my experience with whining was over. Oh boy was I wrong...

Then I came to this family where no longer did I have 1 whiner, I had 4. Its awful. It must be a French child thing, but the whining in another language makes me crazy. They whine about everything. I know I was the master whiner as a kid, but this takes the cake. And it is not only my family where the kids whine I've observed. They whine in the school yard, and in the park. It drives me absolutely bonkers. I will have to record it and put a video up, because you will see exactly how insane it is.

Anyways, today I babysat all morning. Then I went to the Gardens at Luxembourg with Jasmine (the student from NYU). It is a beautiful place. I may even like it better than Tuileries, but it is harder to get to. 3 different metro lines to get there, makes for no fun. But I had a great day having some great girl talk for a couple hours this afternoon.

Tomorrow we are going to Hillsong together, which is always great. And remember those of you living in France, the time changes tomorrow so everything will seem an hour earlier for a while.

Tonight I am babysitting, which is never fun. I'd like it alot better if I got paid overtime, which will never happen. J-F and S are again having a dinner party here (the like zillionth since I've started working here). They take me for granted.

Oh yeah, Samuel was being especially awful today and I said, told him that because of him I was thinking about returning to the states, I asked him if he'd like to be the reason of my quitting (which is wrong) but he said yes, au revoir. The little devil. I don't know what to do to make the kids better here, since nothing I do holds any ground. But I am trying and praying. I know after this job anything I do will be a walk in the park.

XOXO,
Mandy

SHE BIT ME!

This morning, miraculously the kids woke up before me. I had to check my watch 3 times to make sure I didn't wake up late. Then I made them all breakfast. Suddenly Gabrielle and Benjamin broke out in a really violent fight. I tried to break it up. Since Gabrielle was the one landing all the blows, I went to her to remove her. In the process she bit me. Not a little Elsa type bite, the girl broke skin and made me bleed. The parents were real nice to me after that, and the mom tried to defend her saying I am so proud of Gabrielle, she befriended a boy at school with no friends. I snidely replied, I hope she doesn't bite him too. But honestly what kind of 9 year old girl thinks its ok to bite the au pair?

XOXO,
Mandy

FRENCH PEOPLE ARE SO RUDE!!

Yesterday I got the boys from school. benjamin was on a field trip and got back 45 minutes late, so for an hour I had Samuel running wild, getting restless waiting outside. Then after the wretched walk home with 2 awful children, I had to turn and go get Elsa from daycare. At least its been nice outside.

I read while they played in the garden. I got an amazing book called The Shack. I know I have recommended a couple of books throughout my stay here, but this is for sure a must read. All was going fine, and then Josephine suddenly decided it was time to go bathe the boys. I took them downstairs, leaving my purse and my book. Nothing out of the ordinary, since this is suppose to be my house and all I think I am entitled to leave my stuff out for 30 minutes then get it. The latter part of that statement it more than the other people that live here do.

So I bathed the boys, while they splashed me till I was dripping wet, thinking it was hilarious. I on the other hand did not. When I first started working here, they boys at least half listened to me, but something has changed and they literally don't listen to a word I say. I think Benjamin is behind this change of heart. When the boys were out of the bath and I was getting pajamas on them, J-F came home. 10 minutes later, he calls down to me saying my purse is open and the contents are everywhere. He then went on to say, Elsa found cigarettes in my bag and they too were scattered about. I know, before you all judge, which in my opinion you have the right to, smoking is a nasty habit. In my defense everyone in Paris does it, and somehow I picked it up going to the pub. But that makes me look worse I think.. the whole if everyone was jumping of a bridge would you do it. I have and never will smoke in front of a child though, and I never have and never will smoke at their house. I guess you could say, as there are social drinkers, I am a social smoker, doing it with company at the pub. Whatever. As I was trying to gather the contents of my purse, Gabrielle stood there yelling.. "you fumer?!" (Fumer is smoke in French). All four of the kids, J-F and Josephine just watched me. There was no point in saying no, but I was not about to say yes. I just took the stuff and went to my room. Unluckily for me, dinner was 10 minutes later. I had to sit at a table with all of them for 40 minutes, while Gabrielle continued to ask me questions. J-F at one point said it was none of her business but she still pressed the subject. I guess that proves that I have never smoked in front of a kid while I have been here. The whole while, dreading when J-F decided to talk to me about it. He still hasn't said more on the subject and neither has Sandrine, so it may be over. And I still need to thank Josephine for watching Elsa for the 15 minutes I was downstairs bathing the boys. Whatever.

Today I did the normal morning routine, then decided to get out of the house and spend all day reading at the Tuileries Garden. It was a magnificent afternoon. I met a man who worked at the Louvre and thought I was French (I believe because I didn't have makeup on today). And he circled all of the places on my map of where I should go before I left. Very cool.

Today, again, I got the boys. I think that if I died and went to hell, that would be exactly what awaited me. Samuel doesn't listen to a word I say, I get stares by people on the street, glaring into me, "control these kids." I really have no idea what to do. They are uncontrollable. Then on the bus, it was full, but eventually 2 seat opened up. The boys get in less trouble when confined to a seat. I stood at the end of the bench keeping them from leaving their seats. When the bus turned, I got jolted into a man sitting down. He gave me a look of death, and I apologized, but for the remainder of the ride, if looks could kill, his would have. Then about 7 or 8 stops from ours, 2 blond middle aged bimbos got on. One said to me that the boys had to give up their seats for older passengers. I looked at her with disbelief. Then she reached around me to help Samuel from his seat. I looked at her, and said are you kidding me? She just said thank you and sat down. THE FRENCH ARE SO RUDE! I have 2 of the worlds most misbehaved kids and you want them to stand, and run around the bus. Its days like these that especially make me miss the kindness of the people back home.

Anyways, I have to go watch the kids play outside, before Josephine does something else to spite me.

XOXO,
Mandy

Everyday

Yesterday I got off work early. By some miracle J-F had all the kids in bed at 8. It was the first and last time that's going to ever happen. They all even woke up before me this morning.

I got off work early and went to the pub to meet a fellow American here on business. Everyone is so friendly at James Joyce (the name of the pub) and we got to talking to a Danish man. Then we met some Fed Ex pilots and just had a great time. My head was overflowing with facts by the end of the night. There was an awkward second at the pub last night, my "French boyfriend" stopped in, and I was with a fellow American, that I wasn't going to leave just to attempt to talk to him. I think he understood. My "French boyfriend" asked me to go on a picnic with him today at 2, and I agreed, then Sandrine this morning says I have to go get the boys today. Lucky me, a picnic would have been a lot of fun.

Tonight I believe I have to babysit, or maybe that's tomorrow night. I need to get a dayplanner to keep up with my life.

Everyone please pray I don't kill one of the boys on the walk home from their school today, and that Samuel doesn't kill himself by running into traffic. Out of all the awful things I have to do for this job, I think picking the boys up from school is what I hate the MOST!

XOXO,
Mandy


PS- Yesterday when I got Elsa from daycare, she had a cut on her face from getting in a fight with a little boy who bit her. Then I get home and Samuel has a black eye from who knows what. These kids look like street fighters. Insanity.

ELSA FAIT CA CA!!!

I officially got Elsa to poop in a mini toilet. I feel so accomplished, its like a huge stepping stone and I was there for the first time. After she finished I showed her, and said good job Elsa! So good! and clapped. As soon as she saw it she started to cry. She ran to her room (naked) and grabbed a diaper, then ran back to the bathroom and bent down to put it in the diaper. I stopped her. Then she cried despite my applause and praise for 10 minutes wailing ca-ca, ca-ca! Crazy kid, but this may mean no diapers soon :) yay! Of course I took a picture (not of the poop) of her on the potty! Hope it can embarrass a future date! :) Way to go Elsa!

XOXO,
Mandy