Warning: I'm getting political.

I am so proud and happy and I feel like I've had a weight lifted off of my chest. I'm all the way in France and I was unfortunately unable to vote. You have to get your absentee ballot WAY in advance and I couldn't afford to take a trip to the embassy in Paris at the moment. I'll admit I didn't plan ahead as well as I could have. But, I was so worried that Romney would win and that I wouldn't be able to say anything because I didn't vote. Thankfully, that didn't happen.
As a woman, I am glad that my right to control my own body wasn't taken away. In my opinion, if you don't have a uterus you can't tell a woman what to do with hers. Even if you have a uterus, you can't tell another woman what to do with hers. There is absolutely nothing okay about claiming different levels of rape. Nothing. Claiming a woman should accept this "gift from God" is a ridiculous statement and immeasurably offensive.
As a bisexual woman, I'm happy that 4 more states voted to end marriage discrimination. Openly gay politicians were elected. With these changes, we're moving in the right direction. If I fall in love with a woman, I want to be able to have the same exact rights as any other citizen. Not a civil partnership. A marriage, including the right to raise children without being discriminated against.
As a young person who still has plenty of schooling ahead of her, it's important that I have a president willing to work with America's youth and help them with education. Everyone should be able to go to school. No one should have to miss out on the opportunities education provides because they can't afford it.
As a non-religious American, I strongly believe that we need to keep any kind of faith outside of politics. Christian beliefs should not have any connection to the laws that are created in our country. Church and state are supposed to be separate and that's how it should stay. We are a country made up of so many different beliefs and heritages. Believe it or not, not everyone in America is christian. Assuming everyone should follow laws set to one sector of faith is so absurd that I can't even fathom it. I will never disrespect anyone's religious views, but no God should have a place in the laws we abide by.

This is all my opinion and the great thing is, you're welcome to your own! There will never be a time when 100% of Americans agree on any topic. But, instead of sitting there fighting over these differences, we need to work together to make a change. If you want change- go do it. Go volunteer at a local shelter. Make telephone calls in support of what you believe. Pick up the garbage someone dropped in front of you. Our actions make a difference. You cannot sit there and be angry about nothing changing without trying to make a change yourself. It's time to work together.

 It was so interesting being in another country while the election was going on. The French are VERY pro-Obama. But, then again, so is a very large majority of the world. I've spoken to so many people who live in various countries throughout Europe and they were all just as terrified as I was at the possibility of Romney being elected. It's funny to me that the entire world is sitting there going, "really, America? What's the difficult choice here?" It just shows how our priorities are different I suppose. I even got an e-mail from one of the teachers I work with that just said "Obama! We did it!" And I laughed because he's French, but I feel so relieved at the outcome, along with the rest of the world.

Okay, back to France.

On the first Sunday of each month, all of the museums in Toulouse are free. We went to 2 of them this past Sunday. We saw the artwork that decorates the inside of the capitol building, which was really cool.
You can get married in this room:


































We also went to the Natural History Museum, which was interesting. I'm used to going to huge, really scientific and historically accurate museums in New York. Well this was not like that.
Unless they somehow dug this fossil up:

Although maybe not entirely historically accurate, it was still interesting to see a different side of Toulouse. You know, one outside of a bar. After the museums we went to a creperie called Le Sherpa and had tea, salads, crepes, and a couple pitchers of cider to share. I had a caramel banana crepe with whipped cream and it was too delicious for words. This place makes their own chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream and it is so yummy. The tea and salad were really good tea. And obviously the cider.

Currently there's not a cloud in the sky here in Toulouse. So I'm going to shower and venture to some of the beautiful gardens that this city has to offer. It also helps that gardens are free because, unfortunately, Tori needs to learn the art of budgeting. Oops. 

They see me trollin'...

I'm not feeling really well still, so I'm not going to complain for an entire post again, but here's a pic from Halloween before we went out!

Let me tell you... it took a longggg time to de-troll the hair the next morning. Ouchhh. 

First break thus far.

So, I am on my first school holiday and I haven't done too terribly much. I've hung out with friends as usual. We went and saw the new James Bond movie, which I though was pretty good. Wouldn't call it a work of art, but it was entertaining and action packed for sure. I will admit that we saw it in English.

Besides that, I have been staying in bed and resting a lot because unfortunately, I am sick. It's just a cold, but I'm trying to take it easy so that it just goes away and doesn't linger. But, that means during my break I'm not doing a whole lot so far. However, tomorrow is Halloween and I will absolutely be going out no matter how terrible I look/feel. Luckily, my costume does not require me to look cute at all. (Don't even ask, it's a surprise.) Unless I've already told you... then shhh!

So, last week Lori asked me if there was day light savings in France and I had no idea at the time. But, it turns out there is. The interesting thing is that day light savings in France happens a week earlier than it does in the US. Weird, huh? So right now, I'm actually only 5 hours ahead time wise instead of 6. But, when you guys turn your clocks back in a few days, it'll be 6 again.

The good news is that I have officially been paid! But, the bad news is, it's still really expensive to buy train and plane tickets last minute, so unless I find a good deal somewhere, I might just be exploring Toulouse for the next week and a half. Which is okay, there's still plenty here that I haven't discovered I'm sure.

Goals for the first holiday break:

-get some lesson planning done!

• Thanksgiving
• Presidential election outcome... eek!
• American vs British English

-stop being sick!

-visit some local museums/places more cultural than just bars

-clean the apartment

-take more pictures (too bad my camera hasn't been working very well.)

-read, watch tv, and movies in FRENCH instead of English

-go see Kirikou in theaters 

On an entirely different note- I've been trying to keep track of the storm going on at home. I know a lot of you don't have power right now and probably won't see this, but I hope everyone is safe and dry! I've seen some scary stuff on the coast. I'm hoping everything isn't quite as bad in New Milford since it's inland. But, still, stay safe everybody! If you're able to lend a helping hand, do so. The true strength of communities really shows when these things happen, but you've got to make an effort to make a difference.

I just thought this was humorous since I love Grease so much.

The weather here has been fine. It's dropped down in temperature a bit, but it's still not too bad. Some parts of France have gotten some snow, but here in Toulouse it's still been pretty sunny for the most part. I'm glad I've got my scarves and hats though!

I'm going to do some Harry Potter reading (in French of course) and try to take a bit of a nap. I hate being a complainer when there's such worse stuff going on at home. But, all I want right now is to have my mommy and a bowl of noodle soup and to feel better.

I guess Slappy and Harry Potter will have to make due though.

Help from abroad?

Hello my darlings!
I've got a few questions for you all that could help me in the next upcoming weeks:

• What is an easy Halloween costume I can make with mostly just clothes I already have? I don't mind going out an buying a couple of things to finish it off, but keep mind, there aren't any costume/party/halloween stores here, and I'm running pretty short on cash until I get paid. And who knows when that will be? Halloween isn't celebrated here (which is super lame), but us anglophones aren't gonna let that stop us! Suggestions?

• Where should I visit while I'm in France? I kind of blew it for this upcoming break travel-wise because I did not plan ahead at all. I really wanted to go to Paris and/or Barcelona for this first 2 week break, but by the time I got around to looking up trains and flights, they were pretty costly. In my defense, I had a lot of other things to keep my mind busy this first month besides making travel plans, but I definitely could have put a little more effort into it. That's where you come in! I don't want to mess up all of my travel opportunities while I'm here, so help me out. Where would you go? I will absolutely be going to Paris, Barcelona, and Italy at some point, but besides that, I'm open to suggestions. For this first break, I'm going to try to find cheap train rides to other areas of France that hopefully won't be as expensive. 

Amerricuhh

• What are some interesting/important "American"things I simply must tell my students about? It can be anything from holidays, traditions, songs, food, geography, etc. It doesn't matter. If it's something where I can get the kids interested and talking while simultaneously learning about culture, it'll be perfect. I am working on both the presidential elections and Halloween right now. I will absolutely be teaching about Thanksgiving when we come back from break. I'll be the popular teacher that brings in yummy food! But, what are some other things you think are important? I know I'm probably going to miss some things that could lend themselves wonderfully to my lessons. Is there a monument I should talk about? Some different customs? An era of music? I've already taught them that we're not all fatties that carry around guns constantly. What else can I teach them??

Besides using your opinions for my benefit, I haven't been up to too much. Teaching is getting into full swing, so I've been much busier lesson planning and making teaching materials, blah blah blah. I suppose that is why  I'm here, so I guess it's okay. But, I preferred going out with my friends every night. Which reminds me!

  This is Kyle! He is our Bahamamamian! It was brought to my attention that on my blog I only ever talk about my English friends! I've been leaving out our important friend from the Bahamas! I'm not going to tell him I did this. I'm going to wait and see if he sees it (because he secretly reads my blog) and see what he says. This is my apology to you, Kyle for leaving your presence out of my blog for FAR too long. It feels much more complete with you here.

I hope everyone at home is doing well. I miss you all terribly, but don't worry, I'm loving it here at the same time! I wish you could all be here with me though. Keep me updated on your lives please. I can only find out so much through facebook, after all. Thanks for keeping up with me here, it means a lot. And thank you in advance for all of the suggestions I know I'm going to get. (Did that intimidate you into responding?) Yes? Good. A bientot!

Lunch Break

Hello all!

I finally went to my 3rd school today. I was supposed to be there at 8, but I got lost on the way and didn't get there until about 8:45. I was going to just go to the class for the last 15 minutes, but I didn't know where the room was and the secretary told me there wasn't an English class until 9:00. When I went to the class at 9, she told me the students in her 8:00 class were really disappointed that I wasn't there. After explaining everything to her, she was fine, but I was a little worried at first. I was literally walking around Toulouse looking at every map I could find. I knew I was ridiculously close, but I just couldn't get myself turned around and going in the right direction. And it was raining. 

Besides that, the classes I was in this morning went well. We talked about the upcoming election and the students were pretty knowledgeable about what's going on. I feel really out of the loop in what's been happening with the debates, so I'm glad we opened the floor to questions outside of politics. The second class I had was a ground of 11 year old's. They are the cutest, sweetest kids in the whole world. They were so enthusiastic and almost all of them asked a million questions. Even after the class was over, they were following me in the hallway asking more. 

I get my own classroom in this school too! It's just big enough to hold about half a class, which is pretty much all I'm going to be working with at a time. I've got my computer sign in name all set up and even my own photocopy code. I was really surprised at how organised and ready to go they had everything for me today considering how long it took from me to hear from them at all. I don't get the same warm and welcoming feeling from the teachers at this school, but that class of youngsters melted my heart. 

I've got to go back to the school for an hour at 3:30 to teach one more class, but I had a 3 hour break before that, so I came home for lunch. I stopped at the store really quick on the way home to pick up some essentials. 

How French am I?

I made a not very French lunch (hot dogs w/ cheese and mustard along with some grated carrots) but I had a super French second half to my lunch!

Orangina, Camembert cheese, and olive oil and vinegar to go with some of my baguette! 

I've got to go do the dishes before heading back to the school. I was going to take a nap during this lunch break, but it had been a while since I posted, so blogging won. I am DEFINITELY taking a nap when I get back though.

Oh, do you want to know the most amazing part of this post?? 

I'm not at McDonald's. I'm in my living room. With my feet up on my coffee table. With the balcony open. 

BECAUSE I FINALLY HAVE INTERNET!!

Okay, gotta go clean. Talk to you soon, mes petits choux! 

It's a twister, it's a twisterrrr!

The past three days there has been such a ridiculous wind nonstop. It is called le vent d'autan. And it is also known as the wind that can make you crazy. (le vent qui rend fou). And let me tell you- I can understand why. I think the past three nights I have gotten a total of 4 hours of sleep. It is so loud and the shutters shake and it sounds like your apartment building is going to be lifted off of the ground and tossed on it's side. The noise is by far the worst part, in my opinion, but as I was walking home from the metro the other day, it was literally pushing  me backwards. I am not exactly what you would call a small person and this wind was seriously challenging me. Walking by itself challenges me, I don't appreciate the extra obstacles.
The wind has pretty much died down, although it is generally a pretty windy city in the first place.

I have finally started teaching and have a somewhat regular schedule. I have only been to two of the schools to teach so far, but I will be going to the third school on Tuesday morning/afternoon. It's weird to me how long the school day is in France. I was telling some of my students here that in CT our school day ends around 2:30. They were quite jealous. Then, I told them that we started around 7 and only got 30 minutes for lunch. These students get an hour and a half to two hours for lunch each day. It's REALLY different then what I'm used to. I sit there and absolutely scarf down the food and the other teachers are peeling their apple still. The food that they serve at these schools is so good. I had duck yesterday. Duck. It was so good. Then, we went back to the teacher's lounge and had coffee and chatted. It's sometimes difficult to understand everything they're saying, but it's nice to be able to see my communication improving each day. Even though all of my friends here speak English, teaching allows me to use my French a lot more often.
I have to speak French in France? Why did no one tell me this?! Just kidding. Kind of.

Since the last time I blogged I've done a few things, but not much has changed.


I went to iBar, which is an amazing deal for girls! It's a pretty good deal for guys too, but definitely better for us. It cost 2 euro to get in (and 2 euro to check a coat/bag) and you get unlimited food and drink from 7-10. They only do this on Wednesdays and the food changes every week I guess. When you first get there, you give your ticket to the bartender who gives you a cup (full of a liquid of your choice) and you keep the cup all night. The food this week was hot dogs and pasta salads, so nothing special, but definitely a good deal. At about 9:00 dancing started and it was a wonderful time. I'm not a big fan of dancing in general, but it was great to meet some new people and have a new experience. Anna, Ashley, and I went and met up with some people there, but our other friends will absolutely be joining us next week. Yesterday, we went to Place St. Pierre to start, followed by Jager Bar and ended the night at Arty bar. At this point it's necessary to walk the hour back to my apartment, but with company it can be one of the most funny parts of the night.  

The most interesting part of teaching this week is that I actually taught an entire class by myself without the teacher being there. I thought the teacher was coming back, but she never did haha. The students behaved themselves and participated in the lesson well. We talked about embarrassing situations that have happened to us (practicing the past tense) so it was pretty funny. I wasn't planning it for this class, but I had it planned for the class before it. It definitely helped that I had a solid plan set up, otherwise I don't think they would have been so respectful. I'm actually not supposed to have a class to myself, so the class after that I just stayed in the teacher's lounge and did some brainstorming, but it was nice to see that I was able to do it on my own (even if I'm not allowed to) without it going completely horribly.

For this week I've got to plan lessons on:
-the upcoming election- can someone please tell me how to explain the American electoral process to French middle schoolers using very basic English? 
-the President's featured on Mt. Rushmore- I literally had to look up who they were... oops.
-Halloween- I can't even begin to explain to you how excited I am to do this lesson. I'm going to be teaching multiple classes using this lesson and it is probably going to be more fun planning it than it will be teaching (or learning). 

 I finally heard from my 3rd middle school (after being MIA forever) and I guess I'll have my own classroom with a computer and I'm allowed to decorate it. I doubt I will, but it'll be nice to have my own space for planning. And they offered me some additional English classes that will pay, so I have a chance to make some extra money! I would love that, but I also want to travel and I don't want to give that up for a little extra cash. I'll talk to them Tuesday and see exactly how it would work.

I'm currently watching the Arsenal game with a few Brits. I don't know what's going on, but they're angry. And I am currently wearing my New England Patriots sweatshirt... I've gotta represent REAL football while I'm in France, right?

lazy blogger apologies

First of all, I am really really sorry that it's been so long in between my posts. We did finally sign up for an internet plan, but it takes about a week to activate. So, once I have internet in my apartment I'll be able to post a lot more often, I promise. So to those of you who have been checking this daily and finding nothing new (Grandpa and Mommy) I'm sorry!

Super French things I've seen since I last posted:

Old men with FANTASTIC moustaches and berets

poodles! (although not wearing berets)

I went to a rugby game!

Pistachio Macaroons are delicious!

I also saw a woman breast feeding in McDonald's, but I won't put a picture up of that. You're welcome.

Things that I've accomplished:

-bank account and bank card

-made friends

-furnished apartment

     -fridge

     -washing machine

     -bed

     -couches

     -living room table 

-went to a football game

-went to a rugby game

-bought internet (though it still needs some set up)

-started teaching

Things to do still:

-get a phone plan (I know which plan I'm going to get and I went in and talked to someone today, in French, and figured out everything. I just need to have more money before I can actually get it.)

-teach at the rest of my schools

Teaching:

I went in on Friday to "teach" at one school. I "taught" 4 classes. The reason I'm saying "taught" is because I did the same thing in all 4 classes, which was introduce myself and answer their questions, which I don't really consider teaching. But, it went well. The teachers are really nice and the students don't seem like they'll be too much trouble.  I've almost got my schedule all set up. 

School 1- I'll have an alternating schedule where one week I'll work all day Monday and the next week I'll work all day Tuesday. 

School 2- As far as I know now, it's Thursday mornings and I'll be working with a drama class, which I'm really looking forward too, but I don't know exactly when that'll be yet.

School 3- This is the school I already taught at. I'll be working 4 hours on Friday, but every other week (including tomorrow) I'll be working an hour on Wednesday morning instead of one of my afternoon Friday hours. 

So the schedule isn't something that is set every week and some days are going to be earlier than I'd like, since I need to leave my apartment about an hour and a half early to get there on time with bus, metro, bus transfers. It'll definitely be interesting to see the differences between the students and schools and be able to get my hands into actual teaching. The assistant from last year left a disc for me with all of her lessons and materials on it. I'm gonna take a look at that later and see if I can use anything or make some material my own. (I was told a lot of it was a little on the dry side, so hopefully I'll be able to spice it up a bit.) 

Well, that's it for now, but I promise promise promise that once the internet works in my apartment I'll post much more often. Which will hopefully be soon.

A bientot!