For lack of a better title, blog #2

So here we go, my real first Blog attempt. I keep putting off writing on this thing because 1) I plan on changing it (not as user-friendly as I would like), 2) I feel like I have SO much to update on for pretext that I feel very far behind and overwhelmed by it (I have been gone almost two months), and  3) I’ve just been plain damn lazy about it (‘nuff said). It is 12:37 am; I was trying to go to bed at 11; clearly not going to happen. So to make myself feel a little more accomplished for the day (and make my mama happy), I’m going to put in my ten minutes (as mama suggested) or more, because nothing ever takes me ten minutes…..

Today the wind in Marseilles was incredible. I’ve heard of the Mistral, but over the past several weeks, I am experiencing it first- hand. I have always loved the way all the windows in France, especially Provence, are adorned with shutters. Different styles, shapes, and colors, old and new. At first I thought it was for aesthetic purposes;  later to shut out the light so one could properly faire un petit somme (take a nap).  The first night I tried to sleep with the Mistral banging at my bedroom window I was mildly afraid for my life. Or perhaps, more afraid that the Mistral would shatter my beautiful French doors in my sleep and then shatter my beautiful face for the rest of my life. Then it occurred to me- shutters! That must be the other meaningful purpose they serve! While getting them closed did make quite the difference, the cosmic force of the Mistral was ever apparent, and I moved myself to the other side of the bed with a pillow over my head for added protection. Ear plugs are a soon-to-be investment. 

Waking up in the morning to the Mistral rattling against my window, I get out of bed and head straight for my living room windows to see what the Mediterranean has to tell me about the wind factor. Small whitecaps mean I’m going to need a scarf tightly wrapped around my neck, tucked into jacket. Whitecaps smashing up several feet high against the jetty with boats that are rocking turbulently in the bay means hat, scarf, gloves, sunglasses (always, everyday anyway), and somewhat of a workout as I push my way through the windy streets of Marseilles  to and from my various jobs of the day. On days when I don’t work, and the wind is having a hay-day, I stay inside the comfort of my apartment, sipping tea while I watch the birds attempt to fly in a direction the Mistral will not let them easily do. It is quite humorous to watch. 

Today I did not get to stay home, but rather had some errands to run in preparation for the Leisure Club I teach on Wednesday afternoons at EPIM, and to then pick up Paul 6, and Julien 8, from school. EPIM stands for Ecole Privee International Marseille, where Paul and Julien attend, whose parents happen to own and operate, who happened to give me the job as Leisure Club teacher at EPIM. When I went for the interview as Au Pair for Paul and Julien, they saw on my resume that I have a Bachelor of Art and Science from the University of Washington. “You have a Bachelor’s in Art? We may have a second job for you.”  My interest peaked, “Why yes. YES I DO have a degree in Art. Give me another job!” So on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday I pick the boys up from EPIM, and always speaking English with them (which they perfectly understand and speak with cute little accents), I take them on a bus, the metro, then another bus to their home where I fix them dinner, play games, help with homework, and get them cleaned up for bed before Bruno and Sophie come home. Leisure Club is Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-4:30, where it is my job to speak English doing art projects with children ages 3-11, some of which actually go to the school, some of which actually speak English. I’ve only done it once by myself, the two previous times with the outgoing teacher. This will truly attest to my level of patience and courage. I can draw a stick man. It goes downhill from there. I’m relying on my other forms of creativity and confidence to carry me through.  Tomorrow we are making turkey masks in honor of the upcoming, non-existent Thanksgiving holiday. Here’s hoping it all goes well…

In honor of another American tradition, Taco Tuesday, I introduced Paul and Julien to the World of Salsa and the Mexican Pizza. They loved it! Yesterday I had to take Julien to the orthodontist for his first implantation of braces (which, mind you, in the crazy wind AND pouring rain was not an easy task), making dinner last night a bit difficult for him. The soft cheesy tortillas filled with meat and cheese was a hit. We are still growing comfortable with one another, and they are definitely testing the waters with me.  Here’s hoping to a bright future…..

It’s now 1:36. Four cups of tea, a few short chats on IM with Karolina, Mama (happy to hear I’m blogging), and Christopher, and it’s time for me to hit the hay. Tomorrow all the Assistants for Academie Aix-Marseille are meeting at lycee Saint Charles for a training session. I will only be able to attend the morning session as I have to go paint turkeys with small French children in the afternoon. Notes will be exchanged with the other Assistants at Happy Hour somewhere after my turkey hour.

And there you have it… one of the days of my life in Marseilles.