Back to School...and Vacation

It's so nice to be back in a school, working with students. My assistant position is definitely just part-time and very different from a normal teaching job, but I am enjoying being back in the classroom. I started about a week and a half ago and already feel like a part of the school. My students are excellent. Most of my classes are made up of the best students, making my job easy when it comes to classroom management. They are respectful, behaved, engaged, and fun. On Friday I had one of my classes do a group discussion and then they put on a skit for me. It was so cute and they were laughing the entire time. The staff is great. Everyone is very helpful and interested. Every time I sit down in the teachers' lounge I end up having a conversation with a different teacher. On Friday one of the teachers put on a lunch for the staff. I was invited and as soon as I arrived, I was pulled right into a conversation and served lots of good food, including Champagne. I must admit that it was a bit surprising having wine and Champagne served with lunch and then heading to class to teach a few more lessons. I guess this is just life in France. I'm not complaining.

I have a few tutoring sessions lined up so far, and receive continual e-mails from people interested in me as an English tutor or babysitter. Life is good. I like being busy. I like teaching. And I like vacation. Friday was the last day of school for a few weeks because of the All Saints holiday. One of my closest friends, Mackenzie, is coming for just under a week. I'm looking forward to showing her the Cote d'Azur and anything else around here. I hope the weather cooperates. So far it's been very nice, so I hope it stays that way.

I met Olivier two years ago exactly. Time flies. We saw a film today, The Artist, and took a nice walk along the coast and through the old town. I really enjoyed the film. It was definitely different, but that's why I enjoyed it so much. I recommend checking it out. That's about all that I have for this update. Until next time...

Sweet Jesse Dog

Today my sweet dog, Jesse, died. She was the kindest, most loving dog anyone could ask for (I know her name is spelled like a boy spells Jesse, but I insisted on it when we got her, 12.5 years ago). I'm really going to miss her, but it was her time to go. Whenever I left the states, I wondered if I'd see her again. I guess the last time I said goodbye to her really was the last time. I'm sad and I wish I could be home in Cadillac with my family, but I also realize that they're there together, I have Olivier here, and this is all a part of life. It's amazing how much love one can have for a dog. They truly do become our best friends.

(I meant to post this a week ago...)