Day 193: Le Jour J'ai Dit Au Revoir

I got up a little earlier than I needed to, to say goodbye to the Mom. I managed to keep my wits about me, but could feel that the other goodbyes wouldn't fare so well. The Dad and I were supposed to leave with the girls at 9am. I was all packed to go and vacuumed just one last time because the carpet in my room shows everything and I didn't want to look like an inadequate vacuumer. We took a couple of pictures with the kids and then it was time to say goodbye to the boys. The Kid was distracted with his toys, which I was kind of thankful for. I gave him a hug and told him goodbye and the inevitable Kuykendall genes kicked in as I hugged the 13 year old. I really did manage to keep a pretty good lid on it though. Didn't embarrass myself too bad.

I promptly put my sunglasses on and got  in the car for the short ride into Paris. They were dropping me off at the airport bus and I had time to compose myself before the next round of adios’. By the time we got there, I was doing OK and hugged the girls and the Dad goodbye. I didn't prolong it for fear I would lose it, so I told them to have a great summer and that I would see them soon. I really hope that’s true.

I made it to the airport and got my giant bags checked. It’s a great feeling to have packed precisely to the pound and not have to deal with lugging them around for the next 16 hours. I had plenty of time, but wasn't all that early. I got past the passport check, which was a great feeling. I get stressed every time I have to show someone my passport, as if they’ll take my nervousness for guilt, which makes me more nervous. It’s a viscous cycle. The flight to Montreal was easy, except for the annoying guy next to me. Even with the crying baby two rows up, the teenager next to me took the cake. Maybe it’s just me, but when you are in between a person you know and a complete stranger, wouldn't you choose the armrest you share with your mom? And it wasn't like he was just resting it on the arm rest. He was well into my seat. Then he kept bumping me with his elbow the whole flight. At one point he was trying to open one of those ridiculously hard to open plastic packages. I think I’m going to have a bruise. Just odd behavior.

The whole flight I spoke French and got away with it. Usually, at airports and on airplanes, they will switch to English if they think you are a native. They assume, and are correct in my case, that their English beats my French. They don’t have time to help me practice I guess. I got to Montreal and dealt with customs there. It took much longer than expected and was happy to have a slightly longer lay over so I didn't have to worry. The people behind me were stressing though. And they were talking about the new True Grit movie. It was on the plane and they were comparing it to the John Wayne version. I got the giggles because they said this one was much better because John Wayne wasn't that good of an actor and some other interesting comparisons. I can imagine a couple of my family members having a differing opinion.

On the plane to Houston, I was just minding my own business, in a fairly empty plane. One of the emptiest planes I've been on in years. I look up and I see a face I recognize. Now, most of you wouldn't know who it was, but he’s an actor on a show I used to watch in high school named James Lafferty. He was travelling with his girlfriend and sat 2 rows behind me reading a script the whole time. This is a very small plane going from one unlikely city to another. I’m still curious as to what he’d be doing in either of them. I can see some googling in my near future.

  

248 blog posts later and I’m done. It was a good 6 months, we had a good run. But all good things must come to an end. 

Day 192: The Day of Many Last Times

I didn't get in until quite late last night, so this morning was a little rough. The Kid slept in a bit but got up earlier than he has been. I was a walking zombie and knew it was going to be a rough day. The middle kids came home around noon and the loads of laundry began. They have been in the state now for 2 months and are leaving in 2 days for the rest of the summer. That means everything has to be washed and repacked today. Since there is no dryer, this complicates matters for me. Also, we only do laundry at specific times of day when the electricity costs are at their lowest. That leaves a 3 hour window to do as much laundry as possible. Not to mention it’s my last day so I was hoping to wash sheets and towels and what not. I also had to finish packing and clean my room and bathroom. Since it was a gorgeous day, I also had to take the Kid to the pool one last time.  Hectic, to say the least.

The Kid started drawing and painting class today, which gave me a short break to take care of some of my chores. Since the older kids were all home though, I wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped to be. The 15 year old helped me with the laundry, which was great, but I was still falling behind. I had to pack so my room would be empty enough to clean and vacuum, but there were just so many little things, or things I might need in the next 24 hours. I got the Kid and let him be entertained with his brother for awhile before dragging him to the pool. For some reason, he just did not want to go. The Mom told me that all day yesterday however, he kept asking to go with me. He makes no sense. I compromised by going after dinner, so we could overlap with his Mom. I did my last set of dishes and read to him one last time. We all made sure we knew the plan for the morning, and off to bed I went.

Day 191: The Day We Did Paris Right

We decided to spend my last day doing very Parisian things. We got a bit of a late start but headed into Paris for the afternoon and evening.  We first made our way to Place Madeline for macarons at Laduree. I was told many times by many people that it was a must and that they were the best macarons in Paris. The line was surprisingly manageable since they have 2 gifts hops next to their tea room. The one connected to the tea room sells all sorts of tea sets and serving items. The other shop is a clean, efficient, macarons selling machine. Well, it’s not that efficient, but the line moves fast at least. I got a variety of 8 to try later. I was thinking of taking some home, with a nice box, but the reality set in that the expensive box is just one more unneeded thing. Without the box, the macarons won’t survive the journey. My apologies.

Sara had wanted to ride the “Velib” bikes at least once before she left. They are the city bikes and are free for 30 minutes and 1 euro an hour after that. There are stations all over Paris and they are really handy, but like all things French, a little intimidating. We braved the crazy streets and rode our “new” bikes down by the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. Sara’s bike somehow got a flat, so the trip was a little less enjoyable for her, but I had a great time. Wish I’d figured this out sooner.

We had a picnic under the Eiffel Tower of pasta salad, quiche, banana bread and a bit of wine. The sun came out and it turned into a great day. We sat there for a couple of hours, just enjoying the people watching, which there was plenty of, and fighting the birds that wouldn’t leave us alone. You can really tell its tourist season because everything is more crowded and it seems everywhere I go, I hear English all around me. We packed up our stuff and headed back to the bike stand to pick up 2 new bikes, preferably without flat tires, to ride to our next location.

We met Linn at Chatelet and walked to the Thistle for the Sunday night Pub Trivia. I’d love to tell you that we placed high again, but alas, you can’t win them all. The first 2 questions were NASA related however, and I believe I was the only one to name Columbia and Atlantis as the 1^st and last shuttles. At the same time, I blanked on a couple of ones I should have known. But we had a really good night and ended up beating the table of obnoxious Englishmen, so at least there’s that. We headed back to Saint Germain and I said my last goodbyes. I will be spending tomorrow packing and with the family, so this was my last day with the other au pairs. It was a really good day and the perfect way to say goodbye to the city.

Day 190: or The Last Saturday

My last Saturday in France. I knew I was going to be busy this weekend because there was no time for laziness. I woke up at Sara’s and we headed into Paris after a light lunch of leftover pasta salad, which was delicious. We were going in to do another walking tour, our 3^rd and last. Since we had over an hour to burn, we headed to the Champs Elysees for some light shopping. I am really trying to avoid adding anything to my already stuffed bag, but with the sales being on, it seems everyone I’m with is searching for something in particular; therefore, I end up in the stores.

I bought some new sunglasses, which I needed but are still small enough that they shouldn’t do too much damage. I find the key to fighting the shopping bug, is to give into little wants, like sunglasses or some cheap jewelry. They’re small and inexpensive and you still leave the store with a bag. After the shopping, we headed to Le Parc Monceau. When we got there, I realized that this was the park I just happened upon my first weekend in Paris when I decided just to walk in an unknown direction. It’s much nicer than it was in January, when it looked cold and dead. The walk we were taking was Paris and the Impressionists. We walked through places they painted and lived and saw the neighborhoods of their patrons and friends. The guide was very knowledgeable, but after three tours, we may have been pushing our interest. It was also one of those situations that I’m very interested in the subject, but the speaker tries to take an original approach and loses me somewhere along the way. After the walk we headed home for a little break.

There was a possibility of babysitting, which I was not pleased with. I’ve babysat a total of maybe 3 times. I really lucked out with my weekend schedule. But it just so happens that the Mom was going into Paris to have dinner and the 17 year old might be going with her. That left me. I didn’t find out until 5pm that I wasn’t working and my future brightened noticeably. I headed home anyway to help with the Kid and have dinner, but after I read to him, I headed back out for one last night at the pub. Many people were there and it was a nice time. Since I’m not leaving for 3 days, I didn’t have to say goodbye, even though I probably won’t see most of them. I prefer saying “see you soon”, less chance of water works.

Day 189: or The Day The 17 Year Old Helped Me Out

Because I've had to work 12 hour days this week, the Mom said it was ok if the 17 year old helped me so I could go into town. I woke up and got the Kid his breakfast and set out all his stuff he would need for the day. When it was time to go, I set him up with a movie and told him to make sure his sister woke up so he wouldn't miss pottery. I headed out the door and met Sara at the train station and we made our way to Paris.


We had signed up for another walking tour, this one being "Taste of Paris". It focused on the old market and streets around it. We went to the oldest patisserie in Paris, a cheese shop, and a chocolate shop. We tried duck saucisse, not a fan, and chile pepper chocolate, big fan. We just walked around and the guide told us all about how it used to be when the market was open and everyone from all over the city would come to get there produce. We both decided we would like to open up our own Fromagerie. I know super markets are convenient., but going to little, specialty shops for the perfect cheese or bread is a pretty great thing.


After the tour we stopped for lunch and walked around a bit more before heading back home. I only had a couple hours off and needed to make sure I was there for the Kid when he was done this afternoon. When I got home, I expected the cleaning man to be there, finishing up. Instead, the hosue was exactly the same as when I left it. Odd. When I left this morning, I swear I saw him at the entrance to the neighborhood, on his motorcycle. I called the Mom and she said he called in sick and was surprised to here he was so close to the house. Oops, I guess I kind of told on him. I was hoping to be off tonight, early, but with a dirty house, it always takes a bit longer to take care of the kitchen.


I made some pasta and veggies but didn't worry too much about dinner because no one was hungry. I cooked the same amount for the 4 of us as I usually do for only 2 people. I wish I'd had more of these simple nights. After dinner I read to the Kid and then tried to make it out the door at a reasonable time. I was one of the last ones to show up at the potluck dinner we were having, but I still made it in time for the food. I brought a Greek pasta salad, which was a pretty big success. I think I'll be making this as my go to dish for awhile. We had a great dinner and then headed out to the pub. It was pretty relaxed and even though I was reluctant to go, the bartender gave us a free round, so it made it all very worth it. We headed back to Sara's at a decent hour and called it a night.

Day 188: or The Day of Scooby Doo

I got a little extra sleep this morning, since the Kid has been going to sleep a bit later. It's amazing what 30 extra minutes will do for you. He's on a really big Scooby Doo kick right now, so I let him watch an episode before his pottery class. In class today, he made another pirate ship. Slightly less useful than the vase from yesterday.

The afternoon was spent at home and I gave in to a little more Scooby Doo. It was a little chilly for the pool and he didn't have a play date set up so when I ran out of entertainment and the cat got tired of being harassed, I gave in. I did manage to go to the tennis courts for a bit, but the wind made any good shots go bad and he got frustrated pretty quickly. He always wants me to be very precise with my hits. I have to explain to him that I'm not that good and that even I make mistakes. He told me today I should take lessons.

The Mom came home early, so I was able to catch some of the Harry Potter London premiere on the computer. I also packed up half my room tonight. I obviously can't pack everything because I'll still be here for 5 more days, but it was a good start. It also made me a bit nervous that some of my stuff isn't going to make it home. It will be a good weeding out process, but painful none the less.

Day 187: The Day I Told a Princess Jeremina Story

The chill returned today, and brought with it a bit of rain. Without the outdoors to entertain him, I was at a loss with how to spend my afternoon. Luckily, after his morning pottery class, I ran into one of the other moms and she invited him over for a play date. It was one of those odd days with lots of sun and then out of nowhere, rain. I had to grab all the laundry from outside, not 10 minutes after I'd put it out.


The Kid's pottery class is possibly his favorite activity I've seen him do in these last 6 months. He is usually very reserved with his teachers, but he gets along very well with her and is always very proud of his work. Today he made a vase for his mom and he wants to make something for me next. I keep telling him that would be lovely, but it probably won't be ready by the time I leave. He knows I'm leaving, but I don't think he truly grasps how soon, and how permanently.


He had a great time at Rebecca's and I got a lovely afternoon off. I made dinner and started the evening ritual. I've read him all of his stories countless times, so I started making some up for him. I'm not very good off with the whole off the top of my head thing, but I make it work. It's about a Princess named Jeremina (a play on his name, hint hint). Pretty soon after I got here, when he was still very much in his knight and prince phase, I would "accidentally" call him princess. He would explain that he is a boy so therefore can't be a princess. But for months now, I've called him Princess. He laughs and acts exasperated with me. Now he loves Princess Jeremina stories, so he can't hate the nickname too much.