After a rough weekend of no sleep, I'm back into the swing of things and on PST (Pacific Standard Time.) HOORAY!!!
I've got some final thoughts on My Life in France as an Au Pair (that's a good title for a book ;)), and life in general. I'm a much better person now after this incredible, enlightening and empowering adventure. I've grown up! Or as my bestie would say, "I feel like you just graduated!" I DID ;D
Lessons Learned:
1. Laugh at yourself every once in a while.
2. Shit happens. Accept it and move forward.
3. I enjoy people that get "The Big Picture." A new friend and mentor, Madame Leplomb was the first to teach me about this. Merci beaucoup, Madame ;)
4. I adore children. They are full of energy, inspiration, creativity and initiative.
5. Children do not like to wait, especially when eager to learn something new. Feed them with attention and knowledge. And if you challenge them, you will be pleasantly surprised by the positivity they exude.
6. When raising an only child, you have to find that delicate balance between giving attention and giving independence. If the scales aren't aligned, you'll be in for a rude awakening.
7. Red lipstick and a warm smile goes a long way.
8. I have discovered and embraced a new love for teaching. Thank you to all of you teachers who are reading this, you have improved the quality of life by the work you do.
9. I am not meant to be a housewife, maid, servant or anything along those lines. To my fellow suitors, if I was a housewife, I'd be damn good at it! But I'd make your life miserable with my discontentment, anxiety and non-existent passion for the work I do.
10. I love meeting new people and don't feel awkward breaking the ice anymore.
11. I'm phasing out of my people-pleasing attitude, because let's face it - that's unnecessary. We, as a human race, need to please ourselves! We need to make ourselves happy, LOVE ourselves because when we do we emit beauty out to our world ;D
(OK, I've got to babble about this one.
Picture this: You're going about your day interacting with people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, professions, etc. and each one you meet truly enjoys their work or exudes a passion about the work they do, is grateful to be alive and kickin', comfortable in their own skin, aware of their strengths and flaws and comprehensive of what they can contribute to the world.
Now, don't you think the world would be (at the least) a fraction more beautiful than it already is?)
12. How to pronounce the French "r." ;D (So ecstatic about this one! Merci Louise!)
13. I don't enjoy traveling alone, but I understand there are some days when you just gotta do it.
14. I could live in Italy! And eat gelato for my three meals.
15. Being surrounded by the French has taught me to be more comfortable with my sexuality.
16. It's not all that bad getting your hands dirty and your feet wet.
17. Change is only possible when you choose to change.
18. In the words of Nike, JUST DO IT.
19. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
20. Helping others brings me joy, and what I want to do with my life is going to be a direct product of that!
Accomplishments:
1. Visited five countries, 13 cities and one village in 80 days.
2. Ran a bagillion miles all over France with the longest single run totaling 15.74 miles.
3. Posted 44 blogs.
4. Spent time with family (my biological family) :D
5. Co-choreographed and performed a synchronized swimming routine with Louise.
6. Taught three English classes at a private French school.
7. Taught Louise to become more proficient in English, the importance of exercise, the meaning of the word "attitude" (and how to stop rolling her eyes at me) and to acknowledge that she is and will always be beautiful ;D
Favorite French Line:
Looking at my gold-tanned skin, "Ah, vous maroon comme moi, Mademoiselle!" (Which translates to: "Ah, you're brown like me, Miss!") said my waiter at Chartier in Paris. He was actually referring to my ethnicity, rather than my Italian tan, hah! ;D
What I'll Miss Most about France:
La vie!
The French (and I'd argue, Europeans) know how to enjoy life ;) The meals are long and filled with conversation with family and friends and an aperitif or two. The work week is typically 35 hours. If you work more, you get more time off. Everyone has 5-6 weeks off in the summer for "holiday." Free health care (or nearly free.) Less stress. Siestas. Cheap wine that actually tastes good. Fresh food. Even better, fresh baguettes - DAILY! And last, but certainly not least, DESSERT! It's a must, always included and always delicious ;p
Sa fait vrais, France.
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The fat lady still hasn't sang! That's right, because this is just the beginning. I'm going to keep this blog up and running and hope you will stay tuned. Working on my next adventure as we speak. I think you'll like this one ;) it's exotic, BIG and full of life!
To be continued...
