December 17, 2020

Thursday

Time to take the trip to MLK collège in Charvieu! I really love going to this school. All the kids are really eager to learn and they all participate. After the kids in my Tuesday classes, it’s relaxing to work there.

I had a possible appointment with the bank later in the afternoon, so at 7:45 I dropped off the relevant papers with Mme Bodet so she could make copies and make a file to bring with us. At 8:00, Catherine pulled up in her little blue car and we zipped away. She drives like a traditional European- so fast that you almost want to grip your seat so you can stay upright.

Thursday was the “day of elegance” at MLK. All the teachers were wearing their best clothes. Men were wearing three-piece suits and women were wearing dresses, jewelry, and makeup. Géraud and a younger man, Tanguy, were both wearing bowties so they had their picture taken together. I wore my floral button-up, my black dress shoes, black pants, and my black blazer.

I only had two classes for the day because some of the teachers were missing. I shared my Christmas slideshow with the students I did have. We had a great conversation about advent calendars. In France, it’s common for even adults to get them! Kids said they had bought ones with perfume and even jewelry for their parents. They were surprised that Americans open their presents on Christmas morning. Apparently, it is common for kids to open all their gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve!

I was invited to stay for lunch because it was the “Christmas Feast.” We went into the cook’s office to say hello and I met Manu, who will be my host on Christmas Eve! Her husband loves Christmas and loves to host people because he creates elaborate decorations for their yard and home every year. She showed me the Christmas hat he made her for the feast (pictured below) and it reminded me of one my mom would wear for New Years!

When lunch finally rolled around, Catherine and I walked around the cantine to say hello to all the students before getting our own meals. I felt like a celebrity! All the students, even ones I don’t teach, were waving and shouting to get my attention and to show me their fancy outfits. I made sure to stop and say hello wherever I could, but I always give a little extra attention to the shy kids because I know they probably don’t get as much attention from their teachers.

Catherine and I sat in the private teacher’s room to eat our lunches. The meal included the option of muscles or baked chicken in a mushroom sauce. There were multiple desserts that I can’t even name (I chose one that tasted citrus-y). They also offered foie-gras with bread and a salmon salad. Everyone got a little box of candies at the end of the line, as well.

I felt like I might pop after the meal and was ready for a nap, but Mme Bodet called to tell me she would be picking me up to run to the bank. When we arrived, we had to sit and wait in the outer room for about 20 minutes past our appointment time. Mme Bodet was NOT pleased. She didn’t seem to think that the woman helping us was the most competent. We spent 30 minutes explaining my unique job situation, where I was working, and where I would be taxed before we were given a series of papers to fill out and sign. I paid 1.50 euro to the woman as some sort of paperwork fee before we left. Mme Bodet explained that I still did not qualify for a bank account, however they had offered me a service that would allow me to deposit and withdraw cash. There was still some necessary paperwork that we needed to send in, but we could take care of that before classes started on Friday.

This whirlwind of an exchange left me with a huge headache. I went home and napped until nearly 19:00. When I woke up, the sun had set and everything was pitch black. Instead of getting up to walk next door for dinner, I decided to open my emails and stall for time. I was absolutely shocked to discover that I had been accepted to my first law school! It felt absolutely surreal. I’ve been dreaming about going to law school since I watched Legally Blonde with my best friend in elementary school. It feels crazy to think I’ve finally accomplished the first step on my road there!

I rushed over and showed Mme Bodet the email and she called her husband over to tell him the news. He hurried into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of champagne, saying it was time to celebrate! It was a great night. We had some delicious cookies for dessert after dinner and relaxed with some tea before I went back to my apartment.

I ended the day with a phone call with one of my friends. I felt absolutely relieved that no matter what, I’ll be attending law school in the fall.