Being an American in France

Are you sure that you're really an American? You will be suspected to be an impostor if you are not intimately knowledgeable of everything to do with Dallas. Nope, not the city, I’m talking about the legendary television series that ran from 1978 to 1991. There are many French pop-culture references to this series. I had never watched the show until I moved to France. People kept talking about being a big drinker like Sue Ellen...Sue who? Or when they try to put something in context for me in conversation, you know it’s just like DALLAS but instead, I would just end up even more confused. So, I read up on the characters and am now fully conversant in DALLAS plotlines. And can nod my head and laugh along, when my coworker rolls their eyes about how so-and- so’s antics are just like JR’s crazy high jinks or Bobby’s run-in with the law. For me though, the real explanation of the popularity of this show lies in the French version’s amazing, opening credits. And so, without further ado, I give you pure magic:

Early Spring Cleaning

I'm dusting and sweeping out the cobwebs on this little old blog. I'll be getting going again in a little bit. See you soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

This year, instead of moping over missing out on the big meal with my family or griping that people can't pronounce the Th this holiday, I'm celebrating in my own thankful little way. There is too much to be happy about and so much for which I am grateful. This year my only goal is to brighten the day of those around me. I'm sharing a meal of love and kindness. Aren't I the joyful little pilgrim?!

my list o' thanks...

I am thankful for my wonderful family that loves me across oceans and that I love all the way back. I'm thankful for a wonderful husband that makes me smile and fall in love all over again every time we are together. I'm thankful for my job that sends me to new countries and motivates me to work even harder. I'm thankful for a lovely group of new friends in Annecy. I'm thankful for my friends at home that stay in touch and make me feel apart of all that's going on. I'm thankful for this life and this day. I'm excited for this winter for the challenges it will bring, for the rough patches, the smooth spots and everything in between. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Monumental

It really is true. We picked the best man for the job. FINALLY!

vote

Sharing just a little bit of hope on a rainy halloween day...

from a very nice blog.

Ca y est!

So the update: we found a totally adorable apartment in Annecy and thanks to Alex's negociation skills and politesse we are the proud owners, I mean renters, of a studio in the vielle ville in Annecy. The new place is adorable and I am so excited to be so close to everything! I'll post pictures in a little bit. We have keys now but I think we'll move in around the 11th.

Today is my last day of work for me. I have a small break and then I start my new position on the 13th. I'm really looking forward to it.

I was talking with a friend that is in nursing school and she was saying that she felt the same as when she had just gotten out of school, the imminent potential of everything. The world is so big and full of possibility. I feel like I got that feeling back, too. There is so much to look forward to!

tap, tap, tap...is this thing on??

Hello, it's me. I'm back from my brief hiatus. Things are going well. Life is rolling along. New big changes are on their way. I got a job. in Annecy. in export. doing what I do now. but bigger and better. and 100% not from a home office. It means a lot of changes but I feel ready and happy and excited! The timing is impeccable. I'm really excited. Did I mention that? So excited.

I feel like the part of me that got shut down by working from home and being pretty isolated from social contact is coming back. It's freeing. Other than having a pretty impossible time keeping concentrated on finishing up last projects for my work, everything is peachy. The world seems bigger and better with new possibilities.

Indoor volleyball is almost over. Outdoor starts shortly. Things are warming up, the sun is coming out and things are looking up. And it might snow again, it seems like every other morning I wake up to snow fall but at least for me, it feels like spring has finally sprung.