Day 10: or The Day I Used My Window Like A Fridge

Today was my first repeat day. I knew how Monday's were supposed to go, and in most ways, I was able to fix last Monday's mistakes. So as far as my ability to adapt, it seems to be going ok.


Jeremy always wants to be the first one to school. I tell him that is fine, but that we need to leave early. But no matter what time I tell him we need to leave, we always end up leaving later than planned. he has a knack for the last minute hold ups. Then, when I do get him out the door, he walks like molasses. He likes to look at things and pick up sticks, and all the things little boys do outside. We haven't been late yet, but I'm hoping I am able to figure out some way to get him moving faster. Even if he is on time, I have to be out in the cold for 20 minutes, and I would prefer to shorten that time. 


The other thing hindering my speed, is of course my worthless left foot. I'd like to say that I injured my foot in some awesome story, or while doing something equally awesome, but no. I believe I was a walking injury. I am a fairly active person, I walked around the neighborhood, I walked blocks from my car to work. I even go on the occasional run. But for some reason, and it could be the shoes but I'm not always in walking shoes at home either, my left foot feels like I have broken my three middle toes. Which is just oh so convenient in this place where I am without a car, bike, or wheels of any sort. I am still hopeful that the pain will subside, I have even given in to wearing my running shoes, which is beyond embarrassing. I never wanted to be that American, but here I am. 


I did attend my real French class today for the first time. It was challenging, but I still understood what we were learning, so I believe I will be just fine. The people are a little different however. There is an American man, I would guess in his late 50's, and he has a decent knowledge of the language, but speaks it with a terrible American accent. I'm not sure you will be able to understand it, but I would rather speak my broken French, with a French accent any day. It's the weirdest thing. He is from New York, and I told him the my father was born there, and attended school there. I was very clear to say "mon pere". I even said that I was from Texas. But at the end of the class, he started asking me when I graduated from Cornell. I said, no no, my dad, not me. Then when I said I went to Texas, he said, why did you decide to go to Texas. Umm, because I'm from there. He looked confused. Very weird man. I feel like I'm coming off critical, but really, it's just too hard to explain. 

After class, the girl's from the other class decided to go for coffee. A British woman who moved here with here husband for work offered to give me a ride. Little did I know I'd be riding in this.

The Lotus

For those of you who can't tell, that is a Lotus, and a very low riding Lotus. Steering wheel on the right and everything. Very cool. Also a bit scary.


I then went home, did some laundry, and went to get the kid. The rest of the night was fairly routine. Except for the new rule that I take the computer away from the 12 year old when he's done with his homework. I have no problem talking to the girls or Jeremy, and I have no problem being the bad guy every once and awhile. But the kid already doesn't talk to me. Usually I'm given a grace period with the kids before I have to be the rule monitor. He had it put away before his time limit was up, but I did give him a very generous time limit. I think we'll take the week to get used to this new system.

Window Fridge

Oh the title, right. So I bought myself some Coca-Cola Light. Which tastes like Coke and not Diet Coke, but I'm not picky. I like carbonated drinks, and we only drink water in the house, so for the occasional sandwich or treat, I have pack in my room. Since we of course don't use ice, I need the cans to be cold, and there is a very convenient shelf between the shutters and the window where the cokes fit. Genius. Well until it goes below freezing and I have busted cans on my window sill. But we will worry about that later.