I'd be surprised if you're reading this and DON'T already know what I'm embarking upon at the end of the summer since everyone I've talked to (who my mom hasn't already informed) has asked me, "what's next?" While I was in Taiwan, my mom notified me that a friend of ours, who had an exchange student from France 13 years ago, was now looking for someone who would be interested in au pairing for her French friend, Florence ("Flo"). Although studying abroad in Australia was the best time of my college years, I still wished I could have done it in Europe as well (at one point, I was considering Greece, and was one course away from France). I thought, "Here's my chance. How can I say no?!"
I still can't believe I've been so lucky to have another great opportunity. Flo's children will be 3.5yrs (boy) and 10 months (girl) when I arrive August 31. My role will be to get them ready in the morning, drive boy to school and girl to nanny (yes she also has a nanny...), then pick them up from their respective places around 4, feed, bathe, and play with them until their parents get home at 7:30. I'll have French lessons twice a week, gym membership, my own car, room/bathroom and no housework. As Flo put it, I'll be like their big sister. Both she and her husband are fluent in English, and other languages. They live in the village of Andilly in the Rhone-Alps near the French-Swiss border, 10 km from Geneva and Annecy. My weekends will be free for travel, I can choose to accompany them on their trips, and have 4 weeks of vacation (so everyone is welcome to visit me!) during the 10 months-1 yr that I'll be there.
A few weeks after I'd been home, Flo told me that she was coming over for the weekend for her "American Mom's" (our mutual friend) birthday party. She would be the surprise guest, and I would get to meet her. She was just as our friend described, "tons of fun!" Great sense of humor, easy going, and fun. We had her over for brunch the day after the party, and we went through the paperwork together. She's very organized, and making everything as easy as possible for me. I can't wait to get over there. I know the hardest part will be understanding and being confident to speak French. I've been reading "Provence A-Z" by Peter Mayle and am surprised and impressed by how much I understand. I also had to write a cover letter in French (which Flo helped me translate into "improper french" so it looked the part). I think writing, speaking and reading are a lot easier than listening though.
Flo and I at Candy's partyAside from that excitement, my life has been pretty normal and consumed by the typical summer waitressing job. Although I must say that this has been an enjoyable one so far. It's nearby, I'm getting good hours, making good money, pleasant co workers, and the food is AMAZING! I admittedly never even ate there before I walked in to apply, and there isn't anything on the menu I wouldn't eat. On the days when I work doubles, I go to Grammy and Bopsie's, two minutes away between shifts to chill out and nap! So come to Cafe Magnolia (my recommendations: (lunch) Jess's Favorite Salad with shrimp, Ensalata Romana, Greek Chicken Wrap, Tuscan Wrap, California Cheesesteak, Tequila Chicken soup, Red Pepper Gouda soup ....(dinner) Key West scallops, Blackberry Flat Iron, Chicken Chesapeake, Creamy Chicken Pesto....and all the desserts.
About half my weekends this summer are consumed by weddings, showers, and bachelorette things. The highlight, so far, being Lauren (Rebuck) Andrews' wedding. It was at Liberty Forge Golf Course, beautiful day, lots of fun - Lauren was over at our house this weekend, telling about her honeymoon in Utah. Steve had to leave for 13 weeks of training, so newlywed Lauren is alone with her new kitty in their Philly apartment. I can't wait to visit her at the end of the month.
When I'm not attending showers, graduation parties or weddings on the weekends, I am visiting family and friends near and far. The Karkuffs will be up in Canada for 3 weeks in July, but I'll just stay for 1 because of my job. I'll be anticipating Colleen Boate's return from South Korea to PA (this time to Hershey/Harrisburg area) mid-end of July, Janet Richards' birthday and a mini Etown reunion at Kristin Flowers' wedding in August.
For any of my Taiwan buddy's reading this - I really miss how nice people in Taiwan are. I have to be extra patient with the ignorance, materialism and grumpiness of people around here. So many times, I've had encounters where I want to say to them"step back, take a chill pill, and go to Taiwan!" Other than my friends of whom I'm partly jealous for still living in such a cool place (but who also have my sympathy for enduring the draining summer weather), I miss the orderly disorder of everything, Engrish, crowded spaciousness of the land, 7-11s, modern tradition of the people, driving my scooter, curry!, night markets!, shi bas!, my coworkers, and even stinky tofu.
