Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Back Home . . .

Today was a hard, hard day for me. After getting home late yesterday afternoon, Jube and I lazed around, eating the food Belle-maman had packed for us, and then went to bed early. Why early? Because I had to work at 9:00 the next day!

I woke up early, trying to relax (I was stressed about the class because I hadn't had much time to prepare), but I only succeeded in drinking a lot of coffee, which didn't help very much. I drove to Sophia Antipolis and arrived early enough to make photocopies--but wait! No one was at work except Laure, my French boss! There were no other English classes like normal. I was immediately worried that Monsieur Hernandez wouldn't show up. But that was good--because if the students don't cancel 24 hours in advance, then I still get paid! Suddenly I was less worried than hopeful.

By the time the clock read 9:30,
Karen, my English boss, called M. Hernandez's cell-phone. "No, I called and left a message on Monday. I have to work in Marseille today."

WHAT??

Since no one had been in the office since the Friday before (they were all on vacation for Toussaint--All Saints' Day--which was Tuesday), no one had listened to the messages.

I drove home again with the knowledge that I had wasted an hour's worth of gas and 2.60 in tolls. Not even the prospect of another day off could cheer me up.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Plus missing sleeping in this morning!

Anonymous said...

Hey, I came across your blog while googling a recepie for making pumpkin pie in europe. Why it sent me to your blog, i am not sure. In any case, I am also an American living abroad in France (Lyon) and I empathize with your trials and triumphs- really funny. Anyway, lots of luck and if you want to peak into the life of another American abroad in France check out my blog at www.bighookmedia.com/katie . Ciao!