So, it has been over a month, really seven weeks and I am still feeling my way about. There are times when I say to my self "pinch me, I am in PARIS!!!" and then there are times when I say "what the hell was I thinking" - but I haven't truly wanted to give up. I have met a couple of women here at the school who are pretty much in the same boat as I am but maybe aren't as, how shall we say politely - as vocal as I am? They are miserable and paralyzed and focusing on all of the negatives - "I can't speak the language, I can't make the decisions because my spouse wants a say but he is never around, the kids are struggling" - I too have felt this, cried this and argued this. However, we have this chance to live in this magical place, a place that most people will never even get the chance to visit and we are complaining because it's difficult?! We need to do what we can, tell our spouses to step up to the plate and take charge of our destiny. The reward is too lovely - as Hemingway said it, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man (or woman), then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” And I truly feel that way - this is a gift to myself and my girls - no matter how difficult - we are doing what most people only dream about. And I am going to enjoy every minute of every day - good or bad. I am living a dream and I am blessed to do so - plus, there is that pain au chocolat!
Don't let them pull you down, drag them up and tell them to smell the coffee (and the bakeries), your in PAREEE. Keep your head high (mind the doggy gifts, though) and keep bloging. You are living the dream (well mine at the moment). Keep it up. How are the girl's coping with the changes?
Reply
Teresa
9/24/2013 02:36:07 pm
they alternate between loving it and hating it - they don't like the fact that they have a lot of homework and they too get frustrated by not speaking French. But since they are in a Bilingual school they will by Christmas (or so I have been told by other parent who have gone through the Adaptation program) - they are becoming more confident and self assured. I think we did the right thing by coming here - only time will tell!
Reply
Teresa
9/24/2013 02:37:01 pm
And thanks for the encouragement! It is too easy to get bogged down in the difficulties and forget the wonderful.
Sounds like you're taking Paris by storm. How wonderful!
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Svenja
9/24/2013 08:36:31 pm
Don't let other moms at school wear you down. I noticed the same thing here at our International School: some moms just like to complain about everything they don't have here but they don't see all the things they DO have here. I guess it is easier to complain and be negative than to 'fight' and improve things and make the most of it. I actually stopped going to parent coffees because I couldn't take the bitching and complaining anymore. I'm sure Paris will be a great experience for you and your family and even though the beginning is tough, it will be well worth it! :)