My first week - First episode

Cheeky?

I was looking forward to meeting my new Greek student. He had to be Greek, with a name like that. Well, it was quite entertaining to say the least. In our first lesson, he told me my writing sucked and that we don't say 'th' like 'v'. Yes, ok, I know, but I'm your French teacher, so you're not here to teach me in English, thank you;-) My boyfriend has desperately tried to teach me how to say 'th' properly, to no avail. But that's what makes me sexy.

I really liked the fact he was so honest [so rare these days, in France, people are direct, I generally don't miss it]. I'm glad someone expressed the fact I really need to make an effort with my writing. Because I will, if I can remember; because, before, during and after a French lesson, my mind is racing on all sides, thinking about:

Before the lesson:
-How long am I going to wait for at reception? (I don't mind, but it's cold there these days).
-I'm hungry.
-The tube is good these days, I' m impressed.
-Oh no, there's toothpaste on my boots, I always do that:-§
-I like these nice receptionists, their smiles cheered me up so many times after a long day

During:
-How nice my students' handcuffs/shirts/heels are
-What does his wife/her boyfriend look like?
-Why does he still not know 'aller' takes 'être'? It's not like we haven't been over it hundreds of time, because I'm a very good parrot.
-What homework will I give? Do I bother? Will he do it?
(I say 'he' because my 'she/elles' do their homework)
-S:He will have forgotten that next time, but I'll still say it. I know one day, s/he will remember.
-Wow, he remembered this hard word I said 2 months ago, nice surprise!
-How does he do it to look so good? (He's just told me he was out 3 nights in a row this week). I wouldn't.
-I'm now older than most of my students.
-I wish he didn't say f*** so often, it's a French lesson, not a swearing lesson.
-Nice office
-It's a shame I'll never see his/her office (if we're always in a meeting-room). You can rarely ask for a tour of the building.
-Oh yes, fruits on the meeting table, this is luxury (I know, I'm easily pleased). I like rich companies. I can tell you some are even these days.

After:
-(most lessons) That was a great lesson!
-S/he had a free therapy session (and me)
-Will he follow my advice?
-I wish I was a better 'live dictionary'
-There should be internet in all rooms, it would be nice to check out 'Le Monde' or 'Youtube' for French songs on a big screen.

-I'm really making the most of my oyster, not many people use theirs 4 to 7 times per day.
-Please remove all these sweets in receptions, they're not good for me.
-I need to run for my next lesson!!


And a lot more...

Next time, when a student stands you up (poser un lapin à quelqu'un)

January, I can't wait to see what happens

January 2009, I am going back to work tomorrow, but really, it started today. Because you can not feel on holiday on Monday 5th January, when you know you should be preparing all these lessons.

When does a teacher think? I suppose it depends, for me, the gym is a great place. Despite the very loud music (I wish I had the courage to ask them to turn it down), there are thousands of thoughts that come to mind, like: "I hope I won't have anyone else cancelling his/her lessons permanently this week, I hope everyone will pay me early-earlier, I hope the witch will be nice tomorrow, I hope I can get up, I'm going to have a great time reading in the tube' (about Imago therapy, if you want to know) etc.

My first ride of the year in the tube was today, to go to and back from the gym. A single stop ride, but a few things happened: I've learnt that I've already spent my transfered money (from my lost card to my new card) in December, therefore, I had to buy my first monthly oyster of the year, and was happily surprised to see that the rise was only of about £1.60.

What else did I think about today?

At last I finished these chocolates, I'm eating no more.

It's great that I have a lot of new students in January and to see the usual ones resuming this week and next. I've missed them, or 99% of them rather.

It's freezing in my flat, bless the electrical radiator.

Why do I still live in a place without isolation and heating functioning properly? (because the landlord is very flexible and I'm very near the tube station, this is priceless).

I still haven't rung my mum to say 'Bonne année', she must be sulking..

When am I going to pay some rent? Tomorrow I think.

Is this Turkish guy contacting me for French lessons really wants French lessons or a new girlfriend? After many years of practice, it's quite easy to spot the timewasters, and there are ways to dissuade these.

How nice it is to start a new year with the person I finished 2008 with.

Start the text of my website.

This week shall be very interesting, à plus!