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

rain, rain, go AWAY

All it seems to do in Dijon is rain. I've been here for 11 days now, and it has rained probably 7 of those days. It's miserable walking in the rain. I am cold and wet, and all I want to do is sleep. I guess on the bright side, it's better than snow.

O.K. so today I woke up. Took a shower. Made oatmeal with strawberry jam for breakfast. Then attempted to wash some clothes. I loaded it, put in soap, and could not for the life of me figure out to turn it on. I guess I'll just have to wait for the twins to get home to assist me in turning on the damn thing. Then I went of a hunt for my umbrella. I could not find it anywhere, and I sure as hell wasn't going to venture out in the rain without it. After a 20 minute search, I found it. It was in the pocket of the last jacket I wore. Should have looked there first. Blah. Then I walked to school. I wasn't suppose to go in today, but I'll be damned if I don't learn enough french to at least communicate on a kindergarden level in the next month. I stopped by a local bakery on the way and got a salmon tomato sandwich thing and a chocolate croissant. I stayed at school a while and did some worksheets. Then I went to a cafe for a coffee. I was so cold I just held it for a while. Then I went to Sephora to get some nail polish and coconut scented lotion and a loofa. Then I walked into H&M, yes they have one here! I got a sweater dress because I was cold, I felt like it was a good investment. Then I went to another cafe and got a vin chaud (hot wine). It tastes like christmas, I think I'm in love. Then I bought a present for my parents and went to the post office and mailed it to them. So, mum and dad, let me know when you get it. Then I went to the flower shop and bought my weeks flowers for my flat. I guess I needed some retail therapy to combat the loneliness, cold and exhaustion. I walked home and now I'm sitting here bored and tired, about to go get the kids.

List of things I hate:

• rain
• walking
• not speaking french
• the cold
• huge lunches and small dinners
• rain
• blisters
• hurt feet
• bathtubs with hoses
• being poor

List of things I love:

• my job
• being in france
• wine
• coffee
• living in france
• french food
• being alive

Love and miss you all!