Payback

I really love writing about my day. Its like a venting process, so I am sitting here, cheap glass of wine in hand, writing about my not so splendid day.

Needless to say, I did not get fired yesterday, though after the events that went down today, part of me (a very large part of me) wishes I had. I woke up at 6 am and to no surprise it was raining out side. I had breakfast and walked to school. Class starts at 8 am on Thursday and the sun doesn't come out until at least 9:15. So I walk to school in the dark, with a hurt ankle, in the rain. Yay. Class went well, I think I am beginning to learn at least enough to get a sense of what people mean. After class I went to a restaurant and had a salad, wine, baked chicken and fries. For desert I had creme brulee, yum yum! Then I walked home to take a nap. I woke up to get the children from school.

Raphaelle was in a cranky mood and pouted the whole way home. When we got home I turned on the TV for Raphaelle so I could do homework with Marc-Etienne. He had a fit and refused to do homework with me, but finally calmed down and did it. Then Gabrielle got home with a pie plate she had left in her locker since November, with caked on pie and everything. I needed the pan to make dinner for the kids, we were having a spinach tarte with goat cheese, so I asked her to please wash the pan for me. She said no. Then I said please, so I can cook for you. Again she said no. I don't have to listen to you she said and you wash dishes not me. I then informed her, she is to do what I say, and I am the au pair, not maid. She still refused so I said she would not be allowed to eat dinner with us then. I heated her up the soup from last night, which I knew she didn't like for her dinner. Then we all ate, except for Gabrielle, she said she didn't want soup, and took a shower. When the dad got home I informed him of the situation and why there was a bowl instead of a plate in front of Gabrielle's place at the table. He replied, oh they're not used to washing dishes. And he served her the tarte. Yay, so now I'm the bad person. Then I put Raphaelle to bed. When I started to walk downstairs, the dad met me and I informed him, it wasn't the fact that she wouldn't wash the plate, it was the lack of respect and the words I don't have to listen to you. I have been quite emotional this last couple of days and when I explained that I began to cry.

I swear I am totally freaking out these people with all my tears, but its that damn weather and exhaustion thats causing it (I hope). He finally realized the situation, and he made Gabrielle apologize. Then he let me get off work. They think I'm insane I'm sure but whatever. As my dad would say, "such is life."

On a happy note, I got a package from my family today, chalked full of scarfs :) Thank you millions! I love them all! And I love yall tons!

Anyways, I'm going to finish my glass of wine, and go to bed. Tomorrow I do it all again, so wish me luck.

XOXO,
Mandy

Vin et Cafe

Yesterday I woke up and went to church with the family. The service was good, I understood a little bit, and what I didnt understand Caroline translated for me. After church we came home and had pork and veggies for lunch. With cheese and wine and fruit. Then I studied french all day. For dinner I had my left over cabbage soup.

Today I woke up and went to school. I am trying super hard to learn french. In class today I learned how to ask questions. For lunch I went to a little restaurant down the street from my school. I never ordered a thing, but somehow I got food. She brought me out a glass of white wine, bread and a salad with a fried egg on top. These people eat so much for lunch, and practically nothing at dinner. Then when I finished the salad, she took my plate, and brought me a plate of beef and carrots with a side of pasta, with another glass of wine. I honestly dont know know these people eat like this and stay so flippin' thin. I was full after just a few bites, since I'm not used to eating so much for lunch, but the waitress (who was an older lady) insisted I finish it. When she took the plate I practically yelled non desert si vous plat. So she brought me a coffee. The french, or at least the ones here, run on vin (wine) and cafe (coffee), but not coffee like in america, it is super strong shots of espresso they have. Crazyness.

After that, I explored the city and took some pictures. Then I went to the bar where I made friends and spent the afternoon sipping coffee and trying to converse.

Then I got Raphaelle from school. Gave her a snack. Bathed her. The I heated the soup Brigitte left for me (pea soup) and fed the girls. Gabrielle got me in trouble today, she said she had finished her homework, but when her mom came home, turns out she hadn't. Oh how I remember those days. Not so fun when you're on the other side.

Tomorrow I dont have class but I'm going in anyway. It gives me something to do.

PS the blog is acting up and wont let me upload pictures so I put them on my facebook album titled Janvier en France