Robert came home from work the other day with a pamphlet of ski vacations that are offered through his Employee Club at a significantly reduced (company-subsidized) price. We both read it through, looked at each other, and said "Let's Go!". It is a one-week stay in an all-inclusive, absolutely beautiful ski resort in the Alps. It includes day care (and tons of activities for children ages 3 months and up - there are various different programs for kids in each age group), one week ski pass, equipment rental, all meals (and of course wine with every meal), skating rink, toboganning, tropican swimming pool, jacuzzi, nightly entertainment and accommodation. Andrew - this will be your first (of many) ski trips!
Yippee!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
What I have learned in France...part 1
-that if you are standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus and you want to get on it, you must flag the bus driver like you are hailing a cab
-that an Americano cafe is NOTHING like an American coffee
-that the bread, wine and cheese is REALLY yummy
-that you find milk in the unrefrigerated section of the grocery store
-that if you order take-out pizza, you must ask for it to be sliced
-that common pizza toppings include tuna, eggs, anchovies, potatoes and NO pizza sauce
-that men (4 month old babies included) are required to wear a Speedo in the swimming pool (and you will be asked to exit the pool without one)
-that a woman with a bikini top on at the beach is a minority
-that French women are very skinny
-that nobody will give you a grocery bag at the store, let alone bag your groceries and push your cart to the car
-that it is an AMAZING place to raise children
-that there are a million and one vacation destinations within a short train ride or drive a way
-that healthcare costs are 100% reimbursed
-that a 3 or 4 week "holiday"/vacation is the norm and you take several throughout the year
-that you can be admitted, treated and discharged from a hospital without presenting any form of identification, let alone a checkbook
-that when you visit a pediatrician, he greets you at the front door, does the entire examination himself (i.e. weight/measurements/invoice, follow-up appointment booking included)
-that a "carte de sante" (health care booklet) is given to every child and is updated by the physician with every single medical visit until the age of 18
-that if your child is in need of a vaccination, then you must get the vaccine from a drugstore and bring it with you to the doctor
-that an Americano cafe is NOTHING like an American coffee
-that the bread, wine and cheese is REALLY yummy
-that you find milk in the unrefrigerated section of the grocery store
-that if you order take-out pizza, you must ask for it to be sliced
-that common pizza toppings include tuna, eggs, anchovies, potatoes and NO pizza sauce
-that men (4 month old babies included) are required to wear a Speedo in the swimming pool (and you will be asked to exit the pool without one)
-that a woman with a bikini top on at the beach is a minority
-that French women are very skinny
-that nobody will give you a grocery bag at the store, let alone bag your groceries and push your cart to the car
-that it is an AMAZING place to raise children
-that there are a million and one vacation destinations within a short train ride or drive a way
-that healthcare costs are 100% reimbursed
-that a 3 or 4 week "holiday"/vacation is the norm and you take several throughout the year
-that you can be admitted, treated and discharged from a hospital without presenting any form of identification, let alone a checkbook
-that when you visit a pediatrician, he greets you at the front door, does the entire examination himself (i.e. weight/measurements/invoice, follow-up appointment booking included)
-that a "carte de sante" (health care booklet) is given to every child and is updated by the physician with every single medical visit until the age of 18
-that if your child is in need of a vaccination, then you must get the vaccine from a drugstore and bring it with you to the doctor
-that 9 kilos (Andrew's current weight) is approximately 18 pounds
-that nobody in tech support for your internet services speak English
-that customer service calls are not free (including tech support for your internet services)
-that it is not uncommon to be on hold with customer service until your phone batteries die
-that customer service representatives, doctor's office receptionists, etc. answer phone calls by saying nothing but "J'ecoute" - translation = I'm listening!
-that you can go out to eat at 6:00 pm but you cannot order until 7:00, when the "kitchen" opens
-that the Early Bird menu ends at 8:00 pm
-that if the price of an item is 18 euros, then it will cost you exactly 18 euros, and there is no tax, gratuity, etc. added on later
-that 15 kilometres is still considered "walking distance" away
-that an "unfurnished" apartment includes NOTHING but the floors, the walls, and the kitchen sink. NO counters, cabinets, light fixtures, etc.
-that there are a ton of expats living here, always anxious to make new friends
-that there are a million other things I have yet to learn in France...
Do I miss working? Answer: Yes and No
In a rather philosophical, late night conversation I had with my sister Lo at the cottage this summer, we talked about how we would be remembered when we die and, among other things, including my sense of humour and crazy antics, she stated that I would be remembered as an excellent sister, daughter, aunt, mom and accountant. I've always been an ambitious type and achieving success in my career has always been high on my priority list. Despite all the partying I did in university, I worked my butt off to graduate at the top of the class. After having completed two full months of not working at all (in the workplace, that is), there have been days where I do miss working and the realization that I am far less exhausted from a day at the office, than from a day with my little Burbujitas. On the flip side, being there to hear each and every new syllable that comes from his mouth, to see and hear each and every smile and giggle, to comfort and snuggle him from each and every scary noise or sight, to kiss and cuddle the hurt away from a fall, or a bang on the head, and to watch him grow from an 8 pound little newborn to the toddler that he is becoming...well...that is worth all the paychecks, bonuses and pats on the back in the world. I am SO loving the playgroups, the songs, the little toys and games that make him burst into hysterics, and also meeting so many other wonderful moms who are sharing these same experiences. His personality is coming out more and more everyday...he is a sociable, flirtatious, curious, busy, strong, happy little soul... his face lights up when I enter the room and his lungs fire up when I exit! I realize that I have the rest of my life to work and only a few precious years at home with him. I still have my sights on completing some accounting certifications and courses...when time permits...and I hope that will help fulfill my "stimulation" needs. I can't say that I am missing the "adult" social interaction, thanks to the very sociable and friendly people I have already met, all ages, all nationalities.
Reasons for this blog
September 24, 2007
Although I thoroughly enjoyed making frequent entries into my online pregnancy journal, I have never before been very good at keeping up with a diary. I do love to write however, hence the frequent update emails to everybody I know (and their brothers!). It dawned on me that not only will Andrew not remember this most amazing time in his life, but lately, I can't even remember to bring home the groceries I just purchased at the grocery store. As a new mom, in a new country, there are way too many precious memories being formed everyday and I don't want them to escape me. Each 24 hour period is new to me, to Robert and to Andrew and I want to document this wonderful chapter in our lives and to share it with those who care to read it. This blog is meant to be a personal diary - a collection of thoughts - and will not be spell-checked, edited, or proof-read. It will reflect on recent experiences, Andrew's childhood, and my life in a foreign country as a new mom.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed making frequent entries into my online pregnancy journal, I have never before been very good at keeping up with a diary. I do love to write however, hence the frequent update emails to everybody I know (and their brothers!). It dawned on me that not only will Andrew not remember this most amazing time in his life, but lately, I can't even remember to bring home the groceries I just purchased at the grocery store. As a new mom, in a new country, there are way too many precious memories being formed everyday and I don't want them to escape me. Each 24 hour period is new to me, to Robert and to Andrew and I want to document this wonderful chapter in our lives and to share it with those who care to read it. This blog is meant to be a personal diary - a collection of thoughts - and will not be spell-checked, edited, or proof-read. It will reflect on recent experiences, Andrew's childhood, and my life in a foreign country as a new mom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)