This will be the third year that I've taken Chloe to school here in France. She's a real trouper because once again she's changing schools. There was nothing wrong with the last one, except, I just wanted her to attend a Catholic school like I did. It's another opportunity to pick up some religious instruction. Chloe's excited. She's a shy little girl so it takes some time for her to make new friends. She's feeling great knowing that even if her old friends can't go to the new school with her, most of her friends (all boys) live in the apartment building across the street. I have got to get this girl some little girlfriends!
This morning when I dropped off Chloe, she gave me a little smile and said, "Don't worry about me, mom, I'll be fine!" So off to her new classroom she went. Another point of adjustment, parents don't meet the new teacher on the first day of school. Further, parents don't even accompany their kids to the new classroom either. Although I experienced this back in Chicago when Chloe attend the Lycee Française, an all-French school, I still find it strange.
Jillian, on the other hand was another story entirely. She started maternelle or pre-school this morning. While I was allowed to accompany Jilly to her classroom, the morning was a disaster. I learned when Chloe was that age, you have to prepare your kids for school. I did this all summer by taking her to school and letting her get excited by the prospect of doing new things like a "big girl." I would have thought that there would have been a least one day of adjustment so that the kids could get used to the classroom (something we did back in Chicago), but uh huh - the French will have no such behavior. As a result, we had a room full of crying three year olds. Heck, even when Jilly started at the garderie (daycare) they made me go through a two-week adjustment period. Each day, I would leave for 15 minute intervals and by day three I told them, "Enough already - are you going to take her or not?"
It actually made me really mad because as I was leaving, I could hear Jilly crying, "Mommy, daddy, don't leave meeeeeeee! I usually have the strength of iron during times like these, but I have to admit, it really got to me. Then I got mad all over again at Philippe for moving here. In the States you can offer up suggestions without making the teachers feel like you're ursuping their power. Here, whenever I offer my advice concerning my children, it makes me look like the wicked witch of the west and frankly, I hate being put in that position. Trust me, I'm there often.
I called my mother about the day's events and her response was, "Well, it looks like you're getting your payback!" Then I remembered. When I started kindergarten, I cried every day for about three months. Every morning my mother walked me to the classroom and while she shoved me through the door, the teacher would be pulling me through at the same time. Eventually, I settled down. I have discovered that if I get Jilly to school before the crying kids come, she doesn't cry. So all I can say about the crying is, "Like mother like daughter." And, the promise of a great birthday present never hurts either.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Thursday, August 25, 2005
End of the Summer
Well, the end of the summer is definitely upon us. I can feel it in the cooler temperatures and see it the weakened sunshine. The kids are back from their vacation in Lyon. I'm glad to see them after five weeks. I was starting to think my in-laws were taking over guardianship. However, it also means that I won't be getting very much work done this week while they are at home. They don't start school until next week.
My friend Liz Ryan of WorldWIT said in a recent article that she loves when her kids are out of school for the summer. For her it makes things easier because her schedule is less regimented. I admire her so much because I simply don't know how she does it. She runs a busy organization and has five kids!
However for me, the opposite is true. Having a regimented schedule is the only way I'm able to keep everything together. My two kids have the energy of five kids. Add working on the business, housework and running behind a dog and cat, and my hands are full.
Personally, I can't wait for them to go back to school because then things get back to normal. And I feel guilty for admitting it too. It's okay though because we enjoy our weekends together. But during the week, I desperately need to have order so I can feel like something's getting accomplished.
My friend Liz Ryan of WorldWIT said in a recent article that she loves when her kids are out of school for the summer. For her it makes things easier because her schedule is less regimented. I admire her so much because I simply don't know how she does it. She runs a busy organization and has five kids!
However for me, the opposite is true. Having a regimented schedule is the only way I'm able to keep everything together. My two kids have the energy of five kids. Add working on the business, housework and running behind a dog and cat, and my hands are full.
Personally, I can't wait for them to go back to school because then things get back to normal. And I feel guilty for admitting it too. It's okay though because we enjoy our weekends together. But during the week, I desperately need to have order so I can feel like something's getting accomplished.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Shopping for School Supplies
When you were a kid, didn't just love shopping for school supplies? I know I did. I guess it was just fun to get new things. I loved picking out pens, paper and crayons. I think my favorite items were really cool notebook organizers. One year I had a really cool Charlie's Angels lunchbox.
This year the tradition continues. It's now time to buy school supplies for Chloe and Jillian. So this morning I'm off to Auchan at La Défense. The kids are still on vacation. I would love to have them join me for this rite of passage, but if I were to wait until they return at the end of the summer, there would be people everywhere. As I've mentioned in earlier posts, sometimes the French just take all the joy out of shopping.
This year is a real milestone because it's the first year that I will be doing the shopping alone. The first year we arrived, the school year had already begun so we found what we could for Chloe, and everything turned out okay. Last year, Philippe did the shopping, but I never like what he picks out because he can be so cheap. One day last week he wanted to go shopping with me. I was in the school supplies section picking out crayons for Jillian when I heard him say. "Fify cents for 10 Bic pens? Heck, I can just get Chloe some pens from work!" I turned around and looked at him and said, "My God man, you are really C-H-E-A-P thrifty!" So when Philippe offered to go shopping with me this morning, his day off, I told him no way! When asked how I would decipher the 40-odd items on the list, I told him I'd manage.
So I was off. It was helpful having the list. Chloe's switching to a new school this year, thankfully, and at last, administrators behave in ways in which I'm accustomed. They actually know what it means to give parents a list of supplies BEFORE school starts. However, I must admit, I've never seen so much stuff in my life. The specificity is unnerving. When I was a kid, it was simply buy pencils, notebook paper, pens (preferably black or blue) and a backpack. Here, they tell you the size of the notebooks, how many pages it should have and what color.
I found all of the items - except for the blotting paper for the fountain pen. Honestly, how many eight-year-olds have you seen writing with fountain pens? Not that many I suspect. I'll take that back. When I was 11, I had a nun who had a particular fondness for the writing instruments. Maybe they share the same thinking, that fountain pens force you to improve your penmanship. If that's the case, I guess I'm for it because I used to have beaufitul handwriting. Now, I type everything because my handwriting looks like a doctor's prescription.
Ninety minutes later I'm on my way home out of the store with four really large Auchan bags. Next stop is H&M Kids. There I picked up some really cute cargo pants, jeans and tops for both girls. One last stop to Orchestra for skirts. You see, neither of my girls likes wearing dresses or skirts but I buy them any way. Eight bags later and some really empty pockets, I'm walking home. I'm kinda despressed too because for the amount of money I spent, I could have made a killing at Target!
Philippe couldn't believe how much shopping I did in record time. The secret of course is going very early in the morning before the shoppers start arriving. No word yet on what Jillian really needs for preschool. No surprise there. So I just guessed based on the things purchased for Chloe at that age. I guess I'll find out in the next couple of weeks. Something tells me that this is going to be a very interesting year!
This year the tradition continues. It's now time to buy school supplies for Chloe and Jillian. So this morning I'm off to Auchan at La Défense. The kids are still on vacation. I would love to have them join me for this rite of passage, but if I were to wait until they return at the end of the summer, there would be people everywhere. As I've mentioned in earlier posts, sometimes the French just take all the joy out of shopping.
This year is a real milestone because it's the first year that I will be doing the shopping alone. The first year we arrived, the school year had already begun so we found what we could for Chloe, and everything turned out okay. Last year, Philippe did the shopping, but I never like what he picks out because he can be so cheap. One day last week he wanted to go shopping with me. I was in the school supplies section picking out crayons for Jillian when I heard him say. "Fify cents for 10 Bic pens? Heck, I can just get Chloe some pens from work!" I turned around and looked at him and said, "My God man, you are really C-H-E-A-P thrifty!" So when Philippe offered to go shopping with me this morning, his day off, I told him no way! When asked how I would decipher the 40-odd items on the list, I told him I'd manage.
So I was off. It was helpful having the list. Chloe's switching to a new school this year, thankfully, and at last, administrators behave in ways in which I'm accustomed. They actually know what it means to give parents a list of supplies BEFORE school starts. However, I must admit, I've never seen so much stuff in my life. The specificity is unnerving. When I was a kid, it was simply buy pencils, notebook paper, pens (preferably black or blue) and a backpack. Here, they tell you the size of the notebooks, how many pages it should have and what color.
I found all of the items - except for the blotting paper for the fountain pen. Honestly, how many eight-year-olds have you seen writing with fountain pens? Not that many I suspect. I'll take that back. When I was 11, I had a nun who had a particular fondness for the writing instruments. Maybe they share the same thinking, that fountain pens force you to improve your penmanship. If that's the case, I guess I'm for it because I used to have beaufitul handwriting. Now, I type everything because my handwriting looks like a doctor's prescription.
Ninety minutes later I'm on my way home out of the store with four really large Auchan bags. Next stop is H&M Kids. There I picked up some really cute cargo pants, jeans and tops for both girls. One last stop to Orchestra for skirts. You see, neither of my girls likes wearing dresses or skirts but I buy them any way. Eight bags later and some really empty pockets, I'm walking home. I'm kinda despressed too because for the amount of money I spent, I could have made a killing at Target!
Philippe couldn't believe how much shopping I did in record time. The secret of course is going very early in the morning before the shoppers start arriving. No word yet on what Jillian really needs for preschool. No surprise there. So I just guessed based on the things purchased for Chloe at that age. I guess I'll find out in the next couple of weeks. Something tells me that this is going to be a very interesting year!
Monday, July 18, 2005
MotionTemps Introduces New Business Venture
It's been a very busy summer. As if my schedule wasn't busy enough, I had nothing else better to do than start a new business venture. It's called MotionTechs.
MotionTechs is a service that is only available in Paris for obvious reasons. I'll be introducing it formally this October but this site provides affordable and flexible PC maintenance services in English for home-based business owners, independent consultants and families. It's fun because it's a job I really enjoy doing, and to be honest, it's how I've met so many of my MotionTemps clients in Paris.
I'm usually called to help with a computer problem. That visit usually leads to questions concerning programs like PowerPoint. Before I know it, I'm assisting a new client in some virtual capacity. It's also nice because doing house calls makes my week less predictable, and I actually get to leave the office for a few hours.
I don't know what will happen with this venture, but getting it started is always a blast!
MotionTechs is a service that is only available in Paris for obvious reasons. I'll be introducing it formally this October but this site provides affordable and flexible PC maintenance services in English for home-based business owners, independent consultants and families. It's fun because it's a job I really enjoy doing, and to be honest, it's how I've met so many of my MotionTemps clients in Paris.
I'm usually called to help with a computer problem. That visit usually leads to questions concerning programs like PowerPoint. Before I know it, I'm assisting a new client in some virtual capacity. It's also nice because doing house calls makes my week less predictable, and I actually get to leave the office for a few hours.
I don't know what will happen with this venture, but getting it started is always a blast!
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Because Gucci Is Its Own Reward
Today, I did something totally out of character for me: I made an impulsive purchase. I know that doesn't sound really earth shattering, but for people who know me really well, it's a big deal. In fact, there are only three things that are powerful enough to make me throw caution to the wind and buy something without thinking: shoes, CDs and purses. Today, the latter won out. I saw this Gucci handbag that I just had to add to my collection, but hey, it was on sale. I'm not talking about the French's idea of a sale, I mean a REAL sale and once I completed my purchase from the store in the U.S., I ended up paying about a third of what I would have paid for the same bag here in France. It didn't hurt that the euro is still riding high against the dollar - sorry Uncle Sam.
Okay, now I've explained what I've done but let me explain why. This month I will not only celebrate MotionTemps' fourth anniversary, but just this week, I also picked up a new Canadian client for a long-term PR project, and I'm really excited about the details. I thought it was time to give myself a nice pat on the back, and the Gucci was my reward.
Three years ago my friend and business coach, Carole Nicolaides, gave me some excellent advice that I try to incorporate into my business daily. Each year when I am listing my goals for the company, I put those goals into an excel spreadsheet. I assign points to those goals and every time I achieve one of those goals, I award myself with points. I give the points value. For example, 500 points equals a new outfit, or 1,000 points equals a day at a spa, etc. At the end of each month, I an supposed to tally up the points and reward myself, the idea being if I don't do this, who else will? It has been such a great exercise. I don't always have time to tally up my points each month, but I do perform this exercise twice a year when revisiting my business plan. I've been a busy girl this year, hence the new handbag.
Now, this doesn't mean that my long-term priorities are all off kilter. Every day, I'm still working toward saving money for retirement, college education funds, and ultimately that new house. However, every now and again, you have to be willing to put the delayed gratification on hold and enjoy the moment. I think I can enjoy this bag at least until December.
Sunday, July 3, 2005
It's Still a Holiday for Me, Too!
It's the 4th of July and MotionTemps is closed today. My clients in the States get this immediately, as they are also at home enjoying great barbecue, something I can only dream about until I return.
Contrastly, why do some of my French clients have such a hard time understanding this concept - even after I tell them that the office will be closed well in advance? Saying that I'll be closed for July 14th is a no brainer, however. You see, that's their independence day, Bastille Day. However, my need to celebrate my country's holidays and customs seem to put them at a loss. I'm always struck by their defiance.
Last year I remember telling a client that I was taking the day off due to holiday celebrations in the U.S., and she said, "But you're not in the U.S. anymore, you're in France!" I looked at her really annoyed and said, "Every day can be a holiday if I want it to be since that's the beauty of owning your own business. I choose when my office opens and closes." Truthfully, I celebrate both countries' national holidays when they make sense. I will be closed on July 14th, for example. As Bobby Brown says, "That's my perrogative," as long as I have my work prorities under control.
That comment really unnerved me because it made me feel like I'm a 24/7 robot, which I'm not. Also, it was almost like I'm supposed to leave my holidays, and culture for that matter, behind. This year, I'm just sending all calls to voice mail. I can guarantee that no business calls will be returned until July 5. That'll teach them a lesson.
Contrastly, why do some of my French clients have such a hard time understanding this concept - even after I tell them that the office will be closed well in advance? Saying that I'll be closed for July 14th is a no brainer, however. You see, that's their independence day, Bastille Day. However, my need to celebrate my country's holidays and customs seem to put them at a loss. I'm always struck by their defiance.
Last year I remember telling a client that I was taking the day off due to holiday celebrations in the U.S., and she said, "But you're not in the U.S. anymore, you're in France!" I looked at her really annoyed and said, "Every day can be a holiday if I want it to be since that's the beauty of owning your own business. I choose when my office opens and closes." Truthfully, I celebrate both countries' national holidays when they make sense. I will be closed on July 14th, for example. As Bobby Brown says, "That's my perrogative," as long as I have my work prorities under control.
That comment really unnerved me because it made me feel like I'm a 24/7 robot, which I'm not. Also, it was almost like I'm supposed to leave my holidays, and culture for that matter, behind. This year, I'm just sending all calls to voice mail. I can guarantee that no business calls will be returned until July 5. That'll teach them a lesson.
Saturday, July 2, 2005
Music Can Change the World
... or at least my world again. A couple of months back both Philippe and I signed the One petition, lending our support to "making poverty history." And now Live 8 is taking place today. It's so great to see Sir Bob Geldolf and others out there reminding us that the world is much larger than our little neighborhoods.
Geldolf, Sting, Peter Gabriel and U2 first changed my life 20 years ago. Back then I was just a 16-year-old kid on the South side of Chicago who just loved all kinds of music - all kinds, from rock, metal and punk to soul, funk, house, jazz and classical. I remember getting up at 5:30 am to watch Live Aid on television, and there I sat on the floor of my mother's bedroom mesmerized for hours by the vast array of musicians hitting the stages in London and Philly. Live Aid changed not only the way I looked at other people living around the world, but it also made me more aware of those less fortunate than me living right in my own city. It fueled a need in me to act and I did. One of my first jobs was cleaning the parish church on Saturday mornings. I had been saving up my money for over a year for something, but I can't even remember why anymore. All I know is that I handed most of the saved money over to our priest and ask him to put it in the contribution box for Ethiopian relief. It was clear to me at that time that whatever I wanted paled in comparison to what those people needed.
Live Aid also made me want to see how people lived in other parts of the world. Now, I haven't made it to any part of Africa yet, but hey, back then I never thought I'd be living in France either.
I became more interested in politics and the current events. I started watching the news and reading the newspapers, making myself aware of the issues around me. I started volunteering at various organizations. By 1992, I was deeply involved in political campaigns (from the presidential elections all the way down to local elections) and haven't stopped nor do I ever plan to stop.
I'm getting the same feeling today as I watch the Live 8 streaming over AOL. Wow, who would have thought 20 years ago that this is where we would be! Sure times change and the lineup of musicians is different, but the sincerity, sense of urgency and motivation for action are all still there, and those are the things that matter most. My commitment to change hasn't change either. I have to keep going now so that my kids will understand that they also have a responsibility. It's working because they were rocking right along with Philippe and me. In between the music, I got a chance to throw in a simple history lesson for 8-year-old Chloe.
Kids are influenced by so many things. They are just as moved by seeing their heros committed to worthy causes as they are to watching we do as parents. So I want to thank these guys for putting on another great show. Just like I became more aware of the world around me, you can bet a bunch of kids are going to follow suit. Our future leaders are watching.
Geldolf, Sting, Peter Gabriel and U2 first changed my life 20 years ago. Back then I was just a 16-year-old kid on the South side of Chicago who just loved all kinds of music - all kinds, from rock, metal and punk to soul, funk, house, jazz and classical. I remember getting up at 5:30 am to watch Live Aid on television, and there I sat on the floor of my mother's bedroom mesmerized for hours by the vast array of musicians hitting the stages in London and Philly. Live Aid changed not only the way I looked at other people living around the world, but it also made me more aware of those less fortunate than me living right in my own city. It fueled a need in me to act and I did. One of my first jobs was cleaning the parish church on Saturday mornings. I had been saving up my money for over a year for something, but I can't even remember why anymore. All I know is that I handed most of the saved money over to our priest and ask him to put it in the contribution box for Ethiopian relief. It was clear to me at that time that whatever I wanted paled in comparison to what those people needed.
Live Aid also made me want to see how people lived in other parts of the world. Now, I haven't made it to any part of Africa yet, but hey, back then I never thought I'd be living in France either.
I became more interested in politics and the current events. I started watching the news and reading the newspapers, making myself aware of the issues around me. I started volunteering at various organizations. By 1992, I was deeply involved in political campaigns (from the presidential elections all the way down to local elections) and haven't stopped nor do I ever plan to stop.
I'm getting the same feeling today as I watch the Live 8 streaming over AOL. Wow, who would have thought 20 years ago that this is where we would be! Sure times change and the lineup of musicians is different, but the sincerity, sense of urgency and motivation for action are all still there, and those are the things that matter most. My commitment to change hasn't change either. I have to keep going now so that my kids will understand that they also have a responsibility. It's working because they were rocking right along with Philippe and me. In between the music, I got a chance to throw in a simple history lesson for 8-year-old Chloe.
Kids are influenced by so many things. They are just as moved by seeing their heros committed to worthy causes as they are to watching we do as parents. So I want to thank these guys for putting on another great show. Just like I became more aware of the world around me, you can bet a bunch of kids are going to follow suit. Our future leaders are watching.
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