mardi 6 novembre 2007
To Rhyme or not to rhyme ?
It's so easy to be on holiday
Free time,
Good time.
A fire a day,
Scrumptious meals every day,
A book at hand,
Music just for me,
Just like poetry,
In my dreamland.
If only it could never end
Allowing me to stay cosily
In front of my Teevee,
It'll have to stop tomorrow...
samedi 20 octobre 2007
It happens once a year
Last night there was a parents' meeting at my school. There were 22 out of 32. Not bad ! Could possibly do better. At least they were quieter than their offsprings. I told them about what is expected from a fifteen-year-old student. How much homework they are required to do, and what kind of behaviour is suitable in class, not only not to disturb the class, but to learn something.
It's funny to see how some kids actually look like their parents. The same smile, the same hair, the same eyes or ironical look...
I spoke for half an hour, answered a few questions, gave a lift home to my young colleague, and arrived home at quarter past eight, where my friend was waiting for me. Because her train arrives at quarter to eight, we made a taxi-driver's day thanks to the National Education !
mercredi 17 octobre 2007
I've got a headache
And when I've got a headache, one of my eyes aches. Today it's the left one. I'd feel terribly better if someone could just be kind enough to tear my eye out of its socket !
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ! Just joking !
Anyway, actually it hurts ! I taught two lessons this morning and then met the mother of one of my students. This afternoon, I had to go to my union's office. And by now I should be marking my papers... But I can't. Is the screen better for my eyes than marking ? I doubt it. So, I'm off to bed !
See you !
lundi 8 octobre 2007
Bye Bye China
For 19 years I've been faithful to a Chinese restaurant in my town. They used to be neighbours, then I moved, but have always come back to enjoy their specialities. My favourite is undoubtedly their Spring Roll. It sounds commonplace. But theirs is so subtle, and always fresh.
But Mr L. is retiring soon. So either I will have to find a new place to enjoy nice Chinese food, or I will have to learn how to cook chinese dishes myself !
I will miss the people too. And I wish them a happy retirement !
samedi 15 septembre 2007
An insolent French man is dead
When I was a child I didn't always understand his humour, but I liked the way he made my parents laugh.
Later as a teenager his humour made our Sunday family lunches pleasant, whatever the latest argument between my Dad and I had been.
And as an adult, even though the programmes he presented on TV were more consensual and boring, whenever I came across him, he reminded me of my mum, as they should have been the same age, had my Mum not died 21 years earlier than him...
dimanche 9 septembre 2007
First weekend
My first week at school is over. I've met all my new students, but can't say I know them yet. But I like these first moments at school because everyone tries to do their best, to listen to each other. There are lots of polite and shy smiles, lots of good resolutions made... We all know all this can't be perfect for ever, but everybody enjoys these instants.
I had planned to wear a skirt, look sun-tanned and a little younger and enthusiastic than usual, but the weather hasn't allowed me to do so. Therefore I've been wearing jeans, a tee-shirt and a pullover, changing the colours in order not to look too boring to my audience...
Today I should be working. I'll do my "homework" this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Indeed I'm lucky and will be free every Monday morning. No Sunday-night-stress this year !!!
Last night some teachers from my school came home for dinner. These are a few of those I get on well with at work. There are not so many I wish to invite home. We had a pleasant meal and evening. I cooked a Moroccan recipe, something I was trying for the first time, and I must say it was delicious ! (Olive and lemon chicken tajine). I'm about to share the left-overs with my friend. So, have a nice Sunday, and see you soon !
lundi 27 août 2007
Back to school soon... :-(
Today on TV : is it possible to do organic shopping in France, as far as school outfit is concerned ?
The answer is no. At least not 100% organic. You can buy an organic schoolbag, organic pencils and pens 
though. But of course it's more expensive. I still think it's worth the money when you can find organic products, in the long run you won't regret it. It isn't more expensive and it is definitely less harmful than designers' school items !
vendredi 24 août 2007
Will the sun dare come back at last ?
My holidays are coming to an end. Another week and that will be it ! Lots of things to do in these ten days or so. Lots of people to visit, or have at home for an "apéro". I will spend two days in Paris. And that's great. I love Paris. I feel at home there, as I lived there for five years as a student. There's art everywhere. In galleries and museums of course, but outside too. So many buildings are worth looking at. I will certainly make pictures and choose one for you. Surprise !
This one dates from December 2006. But is the sky really less misty today ???
vendredi 17 août 2007
A treat you shouldn't miss
What women have to go through is more or less everywhere, but according to the local rules, traditions, and culture, it can be very difficult to cope. I loved the film "Caramel". It reminded me of "Venus Beauté Institut", although this time the story takes place in Lebanon and not in France.
While looking for a picture of this film, whose poster I couldn't find as a matter of fact, I found out there was an older film, dating from 2004, also entitled "Caramel". It was made in Côte d'Ivoire. But I haven't seen that one yet. To be fair, I'll publish a photo too.
mercredi 15 août 2007
I'm back !
I want bright colours, I want light. I've just had 15 wonderful days in Britanny, and back at home the weather is just... yuk ! I can't find any words.
Don't you dream of being there too ?
But as I switched on my computer again after two weeks I also had a nice surprise. Someone had come and left a comment ! It's Chateau. She lives in the Philippines. Funny that I should have read a book recently by a an author originally from there but who emigrated to Australia. It's "The Last Time I Saw my Mother" by Arlene J. Chai. On reading this novel I fancied knowing more about the Philippines, and reading Chateau, I understand why she wishes her children could feel like living in their home country forever.
Besides looking at my statistics, I noticed that I had had a visitor from South Africa. That's another country I wish I could know more about. So, South African visitor, feel welcome here, and please leave a comment, I'd be immensely pleased !