Days are getting shorter

As usual, yesterday was mine and Sarah's ritual Wednesday Carrefour run. And it always takes a good two-three hours out of my normally un-busy Wednesdays, so I can't complain there.

I can complain, however, about the lack of argent in my French account! So I think that means all the food I have in my house right now is going to have to last me until my next paycheck (read: seven to 10 days). I'll make it work, if nothing else I'll just be eating cereal for a couple of dinners instead of a big meal... who knows, maybe I'll shrink my stomach back to what it was in the U.S. and not want to eat huge, heaping meals anymore.

Carrefour was also fun because I was able to purchase some necessities beyond just food there. Although this is not a good example of a "necessity" I did get two Christmas stockings for Aimee and me! Hopefully we'll get to decorate those when she comes next month.

And speaking of that, in exactly two weeks my mom and sister will be in France! So this weekend is my last "free," i.e. unplanned weekend until mid-January. Next weekend my dad and I are going to the Galère in Forcalqueiret again -- it's always the second Sunday of the month -- to visit our family friends and see my great-aunt.

So what will I do this weekend? I'm thinking about taking the train to San Remo, Italy for the weekend open-air and flower market. Could be fun. Especially since I now live in the French Riviera and that's considered the Italian Riviera, I'll get to do some more exploring.

Hmm, you may be curious about me entering Italy without my alleged "carte de séjour." Well don't fret! Last week I received the receipt for the long-stay card so that means I can now go in and out of France to any other country as I please!!!!

I am officially a legal resident and employee of France. It's about damn time.

Another interesting thing I discovered today: At least four of my students live in my building! Do you know how I found out??

As I was walking towards my gate today, a car rolls up and the driver motions towards the back seat asking, "Is it true you're her English teacher?"

"Yes," I smile waving to the little girl in the back.

And just like that he tells me not to worry about walking in the cold because he has an empty seat and can take me along if I want! Quelle chance! And as we're leaving the car, he tells me I can come with them every day and they'll wait for me. Oh man that's really exciting news!

Hooray for living in a small, residential community in the outskirts of the city!

...33 More Days Until France BANS Indoor Smoking! :)