Well, that was probably my last miracle.

The uncle, who's one of the owners of the apartment I'm renting, HAPPENED to come through town last night ... so around 11pm he knocked on my door to introduce himself (we'd spoken on the phone extensively during my electricity debacle). Not only was it nice to put a face to the name, GUESS WHO RESET THE MODEM FOR ME! So miraculously, my internet was saved! Now I just have to make it another week without further problems until the new renter moves in! Phew.

Anyway, just a few things to touch on. Yesterday, during my Louvre adventure, I saw this ad. I just re-found it while uploading a few pictures from today. I'm primarily directing all of the snide commentary in my head at Dave, but it can go for everyone who <3s their Apple products. In case you had been anxiously awaiting, there will soon be an Apple store in the Carrousel du Louvre (the part of the Louvre that has some ritzy boutiques and stuff, near the inverted pyramid entrance). Gross.



This absolutely required documentation. This is Disney's Princess Dreams ON ICE! The ads in the metros have really been stellar in the last few days ... I found out about the Salon du Chocolat (read: Chocolate Festival, uh, yes), and Disney on Ice, and a Jazz Manouche concert series (this is Django music). Scooooooooooooore! Also that kid's movie G-Force with the rodent-hamster-gerbils is coming out in France now ... they call it Mission-G. There were others, but I've forgotten them.



Went to school this morning -- I really liked the CM1 (third grade) teacher that I observed today. She was really nice and asked me about a bunch of things. She and the other teachers seem relieved that I'm there, and very hopeful that I'll be helping them . I think they're all forced to teach English, and I get the impression they're not too comfortable with it ... hence their gratitude for my presence!

During the kids' second recess (yeah, they get TWO), I became a true celebrity. A huge circle of kids formed in front of me while some girls taught me handclapping games. Can't do the words, but I've got the motions down. Then they all wanted to talk to me and gather round. The cutest part was when I was leaving: Several of the insisted that I "faire la bise" with them (the French cheek-kissing) on my way out. Adorable. I really, REALLY hope I get to spend a lot of time in this school -- they seem both genuinely happy to have me and very helpful!

Which brings me to the next part of my day ... orientation round two. Not too exciting, but my instructor will hopefully get to the bottom of me not having my specific school schedule yet. The meeting my teacher-advisor had this morning was coopted by discussions of the spreading flu, so they're to meet Monday morning and then tell me what I'm doing with my life.

Orchestra again tomorrow morning ... too many early mornings! What's more, this one is a sectional. Oh nooooooooo, I knew I meant to practice more this week! FAIL.