(the misadventures of an expatriate corporate dropout)

Saturday, August 9, 2008

one step closer.

back at the bar, here, missing all of you AND writing IMMENSELY.

but yesterday my modem, etc. arrived so I am that much closer to full access and return to my blogomania.

hopefully I'll have at least one or two readers left.

*sniff*

what have I been up to in the meantime?

broiling and baking. and I don't mean in the kitchen. since I don't have one. pushed to desperation? I have visited the Grottes de Villars a couple of times in search of respite from the heat. I guess a pool isn't such a harebrained idea. sorry Johnelle.

hmmm. also, I have enrolled in a one week intensive language school (18/08/08) to be followed by a fall course 1x a week.

I had visitors from Paris by way of Bordeaux, with hearty approval of my purchase and a delicious lunch.

My town had its festival, an Ancien Marché, with folks bedecked in costumes from different periods, a parade with music and dancing (pics to follow with i/n access).

I attended a Marché Nuit in Thiviérs.

Jean-Yves has been temporarily felled by an issue with the tendons in his elbow and has had cortisone and a brace. This coincides with his expected August break so hopefully work will resume 25/08.

On the auspicious date of 8/08/08? I successfully concluded the carte de sejour process and I am told my residency card will arrive at my mairie next week. I also was informed that working as an individual is not a huge problem....

I am searching for a dogsitter so I can take a few short jaunts myself, to the south (Barcelona? Rome?)

I unearthed a dog groomer (toilettages, for you doggy lovers) right in the heart of my village and an appointment looms next week.

I purchased kitchen appliances and they arrive in one week!

so many stories behind the list but without my own 'puter, the best I can do is offer up this accounting and look forward to sharing more in my own inimitably disjointed fashion the very second the opportunity presents itself.

and how have all of you been?

5 comments:

Bruce Anderson said...

hi - great to hear things are moving along, except for Jean-yves.

Congratulation on the carte de sejour..you need to fill me in on the "working as an individual is not a huge problem" as we want to do our children's art studio over in france
. When we arrive, we'd be happy to be your dogsitter!!!! 3 acres, fenced in, with a pool...maybe you can come over and visit us in the Aveyron and take a dip in our pool.

YAY on kitchen applicances, that would be my favorite purchase, since I love to cook, anything for the kitchen gives me goose bumps.

We are geting so excited for the move. 3 more weeks of camp - well only 2 for me, because I'm taking next week off. then 10 days off and then easy easy 2 weeks of classes, just to say goodbye to everyone. it's so close.

looking forward to hearing more and seeing pictures.

Utah Savage said...

I have been down and out, sadly just not in London and Paris. You sound happy. So relieved to hear that in your voice. And busy beyond my ability to comprehend. I have been in a bad patch that is resolving a bit for now.

When I avoid editing I don't allow myself to have much fun. As if sloth were not punishment enough.

Non Je Ne Regrette Rien said...

OJL-wow what a great offer, I just might take you up on it if I don't discover an alternative. can't wait to meet in person!

U.S.-well, you are a better woman than I - don't self-edit and have fun as well. fuck'em all if they can't take a joke...or can't figure out when you ARE joking. be well, K

Randal Graves said...

Fine, post AFTER I turn off the computer. Sheesh. Glad to hear you're getting settled!

La Framéricaine said...

Keeeemmm!

We overlapped and I'm way behind on your life!

LF and I flew to Montréal on Tues Aug 5th and I kept looking for you before the trip. Then we were incommunicado with no internet access for 6 nights and 7 days. In the meantime, you've been writing up a storm!

My rule of thumb is "everything is 2 to 5 times more expense in France, period."

So, no surprise on the cost of paint. And haven't you ever gone out with French people in the USA and had them order whatever with "no ice"?

I love the "protected" spiders/bugs story! The scarab beetle... I can just see your book on the shelves going off them like heat seeking missles--"Keeeeemmm Takes France By Beetle Bomb".

Hasta pronto, querida!