So on Monday morning, much to my delight, I got my "convocation" letter saying my medical appointments had been scheduled. Yay! The last step (I think/hope) to my carte de sjour! Then I realize it's for the next day. Yikes!
So I tell my profs I won't be able to come to class. At 8:30 AM I head into appointment 1: chest X-rays. And Meredith was there, so I instantly felt relieved. Ramiro walked in 2 minutes lately, Michael about 10 minutes after that. Turns out all the Troyes (and quasi-Troyes) non-EU assistants had our appts at the same times and places. Meredith went first, and upon her return to the waiting room confirmed the rumors I had heard: yes, you have to strip from the waist up and no, they don't give you one of those paper vest things that we Americans are so accustomed to. Then my turn rolls around. Just half naked me, the nurse lady and the X-ray machine. Wasn't so bad though. We got our cool lung X-rays and went our separate ways (except me and Mere who hung out together for the day) until the afternoon appointments.
At 2 we had our next appointment at the centre hopitalier. Amazingly, the French have the Americans beat here: we get there, paperwork is already all filled out with our names, addresses, etc. Was a pretty basic exam: took our height, weight, blood pressure, asked our medical history- although man, did I blush when the doctor asked me about my last "reglès" and I said, "Qu'est-ce que c'est? Un rendez-vous avec un medecin," Turns out "reglès" is "menstrual period." J'ai rougi!!!
So I thought I was in the clear til they mention a blood sugar test. Ummm... although it's not an actual needle, my needle-phobic self was not happy. The nurses were so sweet, telling me to think of my family and the sunshine as she pricked my finger. A few tears and whimpers escaped. I must have been white as a ghost because they insisted I stay seated for a few minutes. When I finally met the others in the waiting room, Mere asked what took so long, and I had to admit that yes, I started crying over the damn blood sugar test.
On the upside, we got to keep our nifty X-rays! :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Why Doesn't This Surprise Me...
I've been here for about three weeks. I knew this was bound to happen eventually...
Transportation Strike Paralyzes France
Guess it's just as well that I am too broke to go anywhere anyway...
In other French news, President Sarkozy and his wife are getting divorced. This comes as a shock to France (which has never seen a president get divorced while in office), and the fact that it's a shock to them (and that so far, infidelity is not to blame) shocks me. The French are so weird.
Transportation Strike Paralyzes France
Guess it's just as well that I am too broke to go anywhere anyway...
In other French news, President Sarkozy and his wife are getting divorced. This comes as a shock to France (which has never seen a president get divorced while in office), and the fact that it's a shock to them (and that so far, infidelity is not to blame) shocks me. The French are so weird.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Gripes
I love France. I feel the need to preface this blog with that, because I am about to sound very, very grouchy and unhappy to be here, which (overall) I am not. That being said...
I have somehow acquired a French plague. It has lodged in my throat, chest and sinuses. I think it breeds on my American blood. It is a little bastard, and naturally, it hit as SOON as the sun was out for more than 5 consecutive minutes. I am sure being in a smoke filled bar last night did not help matters.
My carte de sejour: well, I got my recepisse, which is basically my "in the process of getting the carte de sejour" get out of jail free card. Now I have to wait for the ANAEM to get their act together and schedule the medical appointment that they say I must have. This was a glorious victory, after 3 unsuccessful visits to the Prefecture (1st: closed for lunch. 2nd: they tell me CDS can only be issued in the AM. 3rd: I didn't have my certificat de domicile, saying that I am living somewhere. Yeah, like I came ALL this way to live on the f--ing street with the dog people). Although I think that Prefecture is French for "Satan's nursery," seeing as how there were at least 5 different kids in there and EVERY SINGLE ONE was shrieking hysterically. Not fussy, not running around. Shrieking, tantrum-throwing lil hellians. Then again, if they hadn't issued me my recepisse, I may have been throwing a shrieking tantrum too.
Speaking of living on the street... I am in a paradox. I am staying for free at my school in a room with no kitchen facilities. So, I must eat out; which means I am spending money fast. Spending my money means I will have less for an apartment (which generally requires a 2 months' of rent deposit) should I actually find one. Plus, I am coming to the realization that I will have to suck it up and go through an agency immobilier, which requires a fee of 100+ euro. Joy. Either way, I will probably be asking people back home to Fed-Ex me some ramen, since I will likely be broke in a matter of days.
And speaking of streets... maybe this is my Americanism speaking, but what is with the total lack of sidewalk etiquette, France?!? When you and your two friends are walking side by side by side, and I am walking the other direction towards you, one of you MOVES to let me past. It takes 2 seconds, then you can resume your Wizard of Oz style jaunt down the sidewalk. Does it REALLY make more sense for me to walk in the middle of the street, at the mercy of the insane frog drivers, just so you can be thisclose to your friends? And don't even suggest not moving; they WILL walk right into you (the kids do this to me in the hallway at school all the time. I think I will push one a wall one some day).
And speaking of SPEAKING... I understand that I must look like a native. This is flattering; and evident by the number of people who come up to me asking for God knows what. I never brush them off initially, but sometimes I really don't understand. So I struggle a bit. Now, if the tables were turned and I was back home asking a random person for directions or money or whatever, and they struggled with English, I would say/think, "Oh, you're foreign, don't worry about it, I will ask someone who understands and let you off the hook." Not here, nu-uh. They sit and stare at me like they expect me to rattle off perfect French in a matter of seconds. If I say, "Je ne comprends pas, mon français n'est pas très bien," they will re-state the question. Comment dit-on "Leave me the FUCK alone?" en français?
The texts from the US. Naturally; Orange is happy to take my money and send texts there, but won't accept them back. This is especially obnoxious seeing as how they have reverted technology-wise from the last time I was here (I got texts from the US just fine, and they were cheaper to send). Although apprently-- and I doubt I can say this often-- I don't entirely blame them. Dad told me the other day that the US now considers texts to be a spy threat, and France (and myself) think that is absolutely stupid. Why on earth would the French give a flying fuck what we're doing?! So in "retaliation" the French no longer guarantee texts from the US, which is what the guy at Orange told me 30 seconds before I burst into tears. I still cross the street every time I walk past that Orange store due to my embarrassment.
The humidity. I have completely stopped flat-ironing my hair because no matter how hard I try, I get a white girl fro in a matter of 5 seconds if I step outside. Now I know hy so many lil white Frenchy girls sport the white girl dreds look.
OK. End rant. Overall my time here is great, I am just sick and broke and cranky. But lots of things are going well- I've been making friends with my students and other assistants, I splurged and bought two new pairs of shoe the other day (which I know goes against my whole money rant, but they were 5 euro a pair!!!), Jess will be in Europe in 28 days :D :D :D :D during which time I will hopefully get to see Ally and/or Kayt, other than the apt I have everything in order (I think). I just want a place to live and my health. Is that so much to ask???
I have somehow acquired a French plague. It has lodged in my throat, chest and sinuses. I think it breeds on my American blood. It is a little bastard, and naturally, it hit as SOON as the sun was out for more than 5 consecutive minutes. I am sure being in a smoke filled bar last night did not help matters.
My carte de sejour: well, I got my recepisse, which is basically my "in the process of getting the carte de sejour" get out of jail free card. Now I have to wait for the ANAEM to get their act together and schedule the medical appointment that they say I must have. This was a glorious victory, after 3 unsuccessful visits to the Prefecture (1st: closed for lunch. 2nd: they tell me CDS can only be issued in the AM. 3rd: I didn't have my certificat de domicile, saying that I am living somewhere. Yeah, like I came ALL this way to live on the f--ing street with the dog people). Although I think that Prefecture is French for "Satan's nursery," seeing as how there were at least 5 different kids in there and EVERY SINGLE ONE was shrieking hysterically. Not fussy, not running around. Shrieking, tantrum-throwing lil hellians. Then again, if they hadn't issued me my recepisse, I may have been throwing a shrieking tantrum too.
Speaking of living on the street... I am in a paradox. I am staying for free at my school in a room with no kitchen facilities. So, I must eat out; which means I am spending money fast. Spending my money means I will have less for an apartment (which generally requires a 2 months' of rent deposit) should I actually find one. Plus, I am coming to the realization that I will have to suck it up and go through an agency immobilier, which requires a fee of 100+ euro. Joy. Either way, I will probably be asking people back home to Fed-Ex me some ramen, since I will likely be broke in a matter of days.
And speaking of streets... maybe this is my Americanism speaking, but what is with the total lack of sidewalk etiquette, France?!? When you and your two friends are walking side by side by side, and I am walking the other direction towards you, one of you MOVES to let me past. It takes 2 seconds, then you can resume your Wizard of Oz style jaunt down the sidewalk. Does it REALLY make more sense for me to walk in the middle of the street, at the mercy of the insane frog drivers, just so you can be thisclose to your friends? And don't even suggest not moving; they WILL walk right into you (the kids do this to me in the hallway at school all the time. I think I will push one a wall one some day).
And speaking of SPEAKING... I understand that I must look like a native. This is flattering; and evident by the number of people who come up to me asking for God knows what. I never brush them off initially, but sometimes I really don't understand. So I struggle a bit. Now, if the tables were turned and I was back home asking a random person for directions or money or whatever, and they struggled with English, I would say/think, "Oh, you're foreign, don't worry about it, I will ask someone who understands and let you off the hook." Not here, nu-uh. They sit and stare at me like they expect me to rattle off perfect French in a matter of seconds. If I say, "Je ne comprends pas, mon français n'est pas très bien," they will re-state the question. Comment dit-on "Leave me the FUCK alone?" en français?
The texts from the US. Naturally; Orange is happy to take my money and send texts there, but won't accept them back. This is especially obnoxious seeing as how they have reverted technology-wise from the last time I was here (I got texts from the US just fine, and they were cheaper to send). Although apprently-- and I doubt I can say this often-- I don't entirely blame them. Dad told me the other day that the US now considers texts to be a spy threat, and France (and myself) think that is absolutely stupid. Why on earth would the French give a flying fuck what we're doing?! So in "retaliation" the French no longer guarantee texts from the US, which is what the guy at Orange told me 30 seconds before I burst into tears. I still cross the street every time I walk past that Orange store due to my embarrassment.
The humidity. I have completely stopped flat-ironing my hair because no matter how hard I try, I get a white girl fro in a matter of 5 seconds if I step outside. Now I know hy so many lil white Frenchy girls sport the white girl dreds look.
OK. End rant. Overall my time here is great, I am just sick and broke and cranky. But lots of things are going well- I've been making friends with my students and other assistants, I splurged and bought two new pairs of shoe the other day (which I know goes against my whole money rant, but they were 5 euro a pair!!!), Jess will be in Europe in 28 days :D :D :D :D during which time I will hopefully get to see Ally and/or Kayt, other than the apt I have everything in order (I think). I just want a place to live and my health. Is that so much to ask???
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Accomplishments, Etc...
I have gone to... hmm, lost track of how many classes so far, but quite a few. The French teaching style is not too different than ours back home, and the students, though shy (or insecure with their English skills) seem sweet enough. A few older ones have invited me out for drinks, to a dance class, and the soirée étudiante next week. Hopefully they will remain this well behaved when I am on my own next week.
Came up with my first lesson plan: all about me and my lovely city of San Francisco (although I realized just now that on my list of famous SF spots, I left out Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39-- d'oh!!). If possible, I am going to show a clip from "The Rock" that I found on Youtube (the scene with the car chase and exploding cable car).
I got my bank account yesterday (yay!) at BNP which is B of A's sister bank and therefore I can use their ATM without enduring fees from them. Attempted for my carte de sèjour today but in typical French fashion, you can only get them in the mornings, or Friday afternoons. So much for that lil note in my passport saying to start the process within 8 days-- I hope I don't get deported!
Still need an apartment, which will be tough b/c my bank account is rapidly dwindling (f--ing weak-ass dollar) and most places require two months' rent up front. Not to mention most apts are through an agency, which charge fees of 100Euro or more. I found a few listings in the paper but want one of my profs to call for me :) I can't imagine it will be more than a week or two (I hope-- knock on bois!).
And best of all... less than a month til I see my honey in London!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Came up with my first lesson plan: all about me and my lovely city of San Francisco (although I realized just now that on my list of famous SF spots, I left out Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39-- d'oh!!). If possible, I am going to show a clip from "The Rock" that I found on Youtube (the scene with the car chase and exploding cable car).
I got my bank account yesterday (yay!) at BNP which is B of A's sister bank and therefore I can use their ATM without enduring fees from them. Attempted for my carte de sèjour today but in typical French fashion, you can only get them in the mornings, or Friday afternoons. So much for that lil note in my passport saying to start the process within 8 days-- I hope I don't get deported!
Still need an apartment, which will be tough b/c my bank account is rapidly dwindling (f--ing weak-ass dollar) and most places require two months' rent up front. Not to mention most apts are through an agency, which charge fees of 100Euro or more. I found a few listings in the paper but want one of my profs to call for me :) I can't imagine it will be more than a week or two (I hope-- knock on bois!).
And best of all... less than a month til I see my honey in London!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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