As I sit here grading papers on a surprisingly sunny Rouen day, I'm faced with a dilemma. I really, really need a job. My funds are dwindling rapidly what with buying art supplies, paying for yet another (expensive) French language exam, and all the other expenses...
Since coming here my boyfriend has had three interviews (most recent on today). He got a job within a few weeks of us living here, and now is being offered another way that pays slightly less than his current but offers more (lucnh vouchers, transport costs, paid vacation). Why is this? Because he 1) has a Ph.D, 2) did a TEFL course a billion years ago 3) has about four years of teaching experience at university level.
I, on the other hand, have sent a few applications with no replies. The thing is, I live so close to Paris that there are an abundance of teaching jobs. My only issue is that I have 1) not much experience except for a bit of tutoring and 2) a masters that's not at all in education.
So, should I TEFL? Most programs are really expensive, but if that's the main thing that companies ask for...why not? I have found one program that's not too bad, an online course that's $150 for 60hours.
I've applied to work as an English Assistant in France through the Embassy, won't find out until April. I was considering waiting until I found out to decide if the TEFL cert. was a good route. But, with that said, even if I get that job I'll need some work for the summer. I can't honestly keep grading my bf's students' papers for money (3 euros a pop isn't bad, but still). The other thing is, if I wait, don't get the ESF job, then have to do a month long course, will all the jobs that are popping up now still be around?
I don't know. I'm rather restless at the moment, which is why I want to feel like I'm doing something to help my bank account.
Plus, I've got deferred loans that need paying!!
Decisions, decisions.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christmas time regime!
It's so close to Christmas it's crazy!
What's more crazy is I've decided to take on a healthier diet for the holidays. I've gained some weight since moving to Europe (about 5 or 7 lbs). I blame it on my boyfriend, who has actually super skinny in spite of eating everything, and the pill which has upped my appetite. So, since I'm a vegetarian, I've decided I need to add some more filling foods that include higher amounts of protein. I care more about being leaner and losing inches than how much I weigh, so I'm not focusing on counting calories only. I realized recently that I probably get about 10g of protein a day....not good at all for my muscles and, of course, my metabolism. I already exercise pretty consistently so I'm going to focus on eating more protein, more veggies, less process carbs. All of this won't be a huge change for me considering I've been slowly eliminated bad foods from my diet (hardly eat fast food, eat very few baguettes and pastas, etc.). I figure I should start adding protein now (and make it apart of my holiday meals) instead of waiting for the new year...I'm not doing anything so why not?
In other news, I'm going to Disneyland Paris this weekend (yay!). Should be fun and Christmas-y, I can't believe time has passed so quickly. I can't decide if I want to spend New Years in Rouen or finally get to see the glittery Eiffel Tower.
What's more crazy is I've decided to take on a healthier diet for the holidays. I've gained some weight since moving to Europe (about 5 or 7 lbs). I blame it on my boyfriend, who has actually super skinny in spite of eating everything, and the pill which has upped my appetite. So, since I'm a vegetarian, I've decided I need to add some more filling foods that include higher amounts of protein. I care more about being leaner and losing inches than how much I weigh, so I'm not focusing on counting calories only. I realized recently that I probably get about 10g of protein a day....not good at all for my muscles and, of course, my metabolism. I already exercise pretty consistently so I'm going to focus on eating more protein, more veggies, less process carbs. All of this won't be a huge change for me considering I've been slowly eliminated bad foods from my diet (hardly eat fast food, eat very few baguettes and pastas, etc.). I figure I should start adding protein now (and make it apart of my holiday meals) instead of waiting for the new year...I'm not doing anything so why not?
In other news, I'm going to Disneyland Paris this weekend (yay!). Should be fun and Christmas-y, I can't believe time has passed so quickly. I can't decide if I want to spend New Years in Rouen or finally get to see the glittery Eiffel Tower.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tout va bien
Tout va bien!
Alors, cela fait un mois je suis à Rouen et je suis super contente. J’ai déjà commencé mes cours et ils sont très bien (plutôt les camarades de classe qui sont agréables). Tout se mets en place sans beaucoup de problème et j’ai l’impression que mon français va définitivement améliorer avant le fin d’année. Je veux vraiment que cette année sera la dernière dans lequel je me bat pour avoir de l’aisance à s’exprimer en français.
So, it’s been a month since I moved to Rouen and I am extremely happy. I’ve already started classes, which are great (although it’s more so the people in my class who are cool than the class themselves). Everything has come together well without many problems, and I have the feeling my french will improve greatly before the end of the year. I really want this to be my last year battling with French fluency — I want to be fluent (even fluent-ish is enough)!
Quelque chose une peu particulière est que je pense beaucoup à continuer mes études… mais à l’école des beaux-arts. Bref, c’est vraiment particulière quand même, mais je sais que peut-être l’on peut le trouver un peu bizarre car je viens de finir mon master. Mais, je pense que, à ce moment-là, j’ai vraiment la sensibilité pour faire un diplôme (même un certificat) dans les beaux-arts, une sensibilité que j’avais manqué (par conséquence, c’était cette chose manquée qui m’a fait quitter ces cours pendant mon licence). Je pense, parce que je suis plus indépendante artistiquement (et il semble que beaucoup de programmes d’art ici sont comme cela aussi), je vais bénéficier beaucoup d’une formation dans les arts plastiques. En plus, ce n’est pas cher du tout. Donc, pourquoi pas? Du tout façon, on verra si je vais vraiment le faire, mais je pense qu’oui.
Something a little particular is that I’ve been thinking a lot of continuing my studies.. but at a Fine Arts school. Ok, so it’s not really that particular (being that I was thinking of this BEFORE my masters), but I know most would find it a bit bizarre considering I just finished my masters. But… I think that, at the moment, I finally have the sensibility for doing a Fine arts diploma (and by the end of the year I’ll have the language skills to do it). It’s a sensibility I was missing (which resulted in me not continuing with fine arts courses during my undergrad degree— not to say that was was a bad thing!). I think, because I’ve become more independent artistically (and from what I’ve seen most art programs here emphasize working independently with a tutor), I will benefit a lot to do a fine arts program here. Besides, it’s dirt cheap… so why not? Anyway, we’ll see if I decide to really do it, but I’m thinking ‘yes.’
Alors, cela fait un mois je suis à Rouen et je suis super contente. J’ai déjà commencé mes cours et ils sont très bien (plutôt les camarades de classe qui sont agréables). Tout se mets en place sans beaucoup de problème et j’ai l’impression que mon français va définitivement améliorer avant le fin d’année. Je veux vraiment que cette année sera la dernière dans lequel je me bat pour avoir de l’aisance à s’exprimer en français.
So, it’s been a month since I moved to Rouen and I am extremely happy. I’ve already started classes, which are great (although it’s more so the people in my class who are cool than the class themselves). Everything has come together well without many problems, and I have the feeling my french will improve greatly before the end of the year. I really want this to be my last year battling with French fluency — I want to be fluent (even fluent-ish is enough)!
Quelque chose une peu particulière est que je pense beaucoup à continuer mes études… mais à l’école des beaux-arts. Bref, c’est vraiment particulière quand même, mais je sais que peut-être l’on peut le trouver un peu bizarre car je viens de finir mon master. Mais, je pense que, à ce moment-là, j’ai vraiment la sensibilité pour faire un diplôme (même un certificat) dans les beaux-arts, une sensibilité que j’avais manqué (par conséquence, c’était cette chose manquée qui m’a fait quitter ces cours pendant mon licence). Je pense, parce que je suis plus indépendante artistiquement (et il semble que beaucoup de programmes d’art ici sont comme cela aussi), je vais bénéficier beaucoup d’une formation dans les arts plastiques. En plus, ce n’est pas cher du tout. Donc, pourquoi pas? Du tout façon, on verra si je vais vraiment le faire, mais je pense qu’oui.
Something a little particular is that I’ve been thinking a lot of continuing my studies.. but at a Fine Arts school. Ok, so it’s not really that particular (being that I was thinking of this BEFORE my masters), but I know most would find it a bit bizarre considering I just finished my masters. But… I think that, at the moment, I finally have the sensibility for doing a Fine arts diploma (and by the end of the year I’ll have the language skills to do it). It’s a sensibility I was missing (which resulted in me not continuing with fine arts courses during my undergrad degree— not to say that was was a bad thing!). I think, because I’ve become more independent artistically (and from what I’ve seen most art programs here emphasize working independently with a tutor), I will benefit a lot to do a fine arts program here. Besides, it’s dirt cheap… so why not? Anyway, we’ll see if I decide to really do it, but I’m thinking ‘yes.’
Thursday, September 1, 2011
A moveable feast...
This is my last night in Edinburgh, a city I honestly did not enjoy very much. I’ve had far too many bad club nights, far too many arguments, and far too many mixed feelings about my relationship— all of which I believe was exacerbated by the malaise that was my malcontent living in this city.
Don’t get me wrong, Edinburgh, like all cities, is not all bad. But it is just not for me. I won’t explain for fear of sounding overtly critical— suffice to say, it’s not the place I hoped for.
Paris. To be honest, I was bound to never like Edinburgh simply because my desire to return to Europe was fueled by a desire to return to the City of Lights. I wanted the mysticism of Paris back, the naiveté of two years ago back, my liberation back. I thought it wasn’t simply the sensation of being in France that made that time so great, I thought it was just being in Europe in general. Gross, and very stupid, misunderstanding. Plus, it was easier to do graduate school in the UK. I took the easy way out, avoided language tests, although my French is fairly good, I just wanted to be out of Texas again. In that sense, Edinburgh served it’s purpose. But I quickly realized it wasn’t for me and instantly had a longing again for France. The result? I return tomorrow, not to Paris as it’s a tad too expensive for me, but to it’s northern city-mate Rouen. Less than an hour away by train? Yes, I can deal with that.
I went to France a month ago to apartment hunt. Found a place in Rouen rather easy and returned to spend a nice day in Paris before flying home for the last time. Just walking in the city gave my goosebumps, it gave me butterflies— it was like I was there for the first time feeling the summer heat and the moving people. I felt as if something was breathing into me, breathing exhilaration and inspiration into my lungs and beckoning for my hasty return. If I was unsure if I should come back, I was certain at that moment that I had made the right decision.
I can’t wait to begin again, I just hope that I don’t end up disappointed
Don’t get me wrong, Edinburgh, like all cities, is not all bad. But it is just not for me. I won’t explain for fear of sounding overtly critical— suffice to say, it’s not the place I hoped for.
Paris. To be honest, I was bound to never like Edinburgh simply because my desire to return to Europe was fueled by a desire to return to the City of Lights. I wanted the mysticism of Paris back, the naiveté of two years ago back, my liberation back. I thought it wasn’t simply the sensation of being in France that made that time so great, I thought it was just being in Europe in general. Gross, and very stupid, misunderstanding. Plus, it was easier to do graduate school in the UK. I took the easy way out, avoided language tests, although my French is fairly good, I just wanted to be out of Texas again. In that sense, Edinburgh served it’s purpose. But I quickly realized it wasn’t for me and instantly had a longing again for France. The result? I return tomorrow, not to Paris as it’s a tad too expensive for me, but to it’s northern city-mate Rouen. Less than an hour away by train? Yes, I can deal with that.
I went to France a month ago to apartment hunt. Found a place in Rouen rather easy and returned to spend a nice day in Paris before flying home for the last time. Just walking in the city gave my goosebumps, it gave me butterflies— it was like I was there for the first time feeling the summer heat and the moving people. I felt as if something was breathing into me, breathing exhilaration and inspiration into my lungs and beckoning for my hasty return. If I was unsure if I should come back, I was certain at that moment that I had made the right decision.
I can’t wait to begin again, I just hope that I don’t end up disappointed
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Veil ban in France
This is a response I wrote to someone's comment and support of the veil ban in France.... I didn't bother posting it because I thought it would go to waste... so I'll recreate it hear (add references later so you'll know what the hell I'm referring to):
'I really don't agree with what you're saying at all and it's a bit weird to use the word 'modern' to describe muslim women who don't wear veils. According to my Palestinian friend who was born in the US and wears a scarf (not hijab, not a full face veil), it was her choice when and if she would wear it... she wasn't 'imprisoned' or 'forced,' just like another friend of Egyptian descent chose not to wear one. I think it's wrong to criticize people for their religious choice and make a blanket assumption that all women who wear veils are oppressed and brainwashed, that's not true (and yes, I am aware that in some cases this most certainly is the case).
Now, if you were making the argument that it makes sense for France to require people not wear the veil in public places for safety reasons(which I don't agree with entirely, in banks/government buildings, ok, but its pushing it for a person not to be able to wear it walking down the street), then I might be able to understand your point. Moreover, reading two books (1) about Somalian women suffering due to extreme beliefs (which, as far as I know date back to the BC era and are not related to Islam) isn't really grounds for deciding a whole group of people in a country should not be able to dress the way they want (plus I don't this has anything to do with Islam in France). I don't see why women wearing veils are 'brainwashed' while non-muslim women who dress/act/think a certain way because society, using whatever medium, tells them to are not considered as such.
Also I have no idea what the correlation is you're making between the legislation in France and the abolition of slavery in the US. I don't think all muslim women are forced to wear a veil in France (which is probably why they are protesting now) and even if they were wouldn't come close to being forced to be someone's slave... it doesn't come close to it (2).'
1) She mentioned the books Infidel (Ayaan) and Desert flower (Waris) as reasons why she supports the ban
2) Reference to a comment she made about the legislation being as obscure as the legislation which banned slavery in the United States.
So what do you guys think? I welcome your opinion!
'I really don't agree with what you're saying at all and it's a bit weird to use the word 'modern' to describe muslim women who don't wear veils. According to my Palestinian friend who was born in the US and wears a scarf (not hijab, not a full face veil), it was her choice when and if she would wear it... she wasn't 'imprisoned' or 'forced,' just like another friend of Egyptian descent chose not to wear one. I think it's wrong to criticize people for their religious choice and make a blanket assumption that all women who wear veils are oppressed and brainwashed, that's not true (and yes, I am aware that in some cases this most certainly is the case).
Now, if you were making the argument that it makes sense for France to require people not wear the veil in public places for safety reasons(which I don't agree with entirely, in banks/government buildings, ok, but its pushing it for a person not to be able to wear it walking down the street), then I might be able to understand your point. Moreover, reading two books (1) about Somalian women suffering due to extreme beliefs (which, as far as I know date back to the BC era and are not related to Islam) isn't really grounds for deciding a whole group of people in a country should not be able to dress the way they want (plus I don't this has anything to do with Islam in France). I don't see why women wearing veils are 'brainwashed' while non-muslim women who dress/act/think a certain way because society, using whatever medium, tells them to are not considered as such.
Also I have no idea what the correlation is you're making between the legislation in France and the abolition of slavery in the US. I don't think all muslim women are forced to wear a veil in France (which is probably why they are protesting now) and even if they were wouldn't come close to being forced to be someone's slave... it doesn't come close to it (2).'
1) She mentioned the books Infidel (Ayaan) and Desert flower (Waris) as reasons why she supports the ban
2) Reference to a comment she made about the legislation being as obscure as the legislation which banned slavery in the United States.
So what do you guys think? I welcome your opinion!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Lazy blogging...
So I am, at the moment, very bad at consistently blogging. Mainly because I'm writing an endless supply of papers, suppose to be dissertation writing, blah, blah, blah.
Anyway, as I type away bored out of my mind on my last paper for the term before I start working vigorously on my thesis, I'm thinking about escaping away back to the wonders of Franceland *queue joyous choir music* At the moment I'm job hunting through a temp. agency, I went for an interview today to work as a work placement liaison and left completely uncertain if I'd really feel comfortable doing it. I mean, it's a part-time, temp. job, but it sounds like so much work I'm not sure I'd really be able to do it all in only three days (and am not interested at all in having to work on things outside of work time). So... I don't know. Plus I doubt I interviewed well enough to get it anyway, back to the freaking job search again!
Soo... I had the great fortune of finding a marvelously cheap DU program in Rouen (only an hour from Paris, YES!) that starts in Sept. and ends in May. I think Rouen will be a great choice primarily because it's cheap, it's close to a city a love, and it apparently has a awesome rock music scene. I'm super excited simply for the fact that it's in France though... and I will be able to have those things I love dearly (namely the marvelously smooth language and the delicious baguettes that no one in the UK seems to be capable of replicating). Oh yes... can't wait until August!
Anyway, as I type away bored out of my mind on my last paper for the term before I start working vigorously on my thesis, I'm thinking about escaping away back to the wonders of Franceland *queue joyous choir music* At the moment I'm job hunting through a temp. agency, I went for an interview today to work as a work placement liaison and left completely uncertain if I'd really feel comfortable doing it. I mean, it's a part-time, temp. job, but it sounds like so much work I'm not sure I'd really be able to do it all in only three days (and am not interested at all in having to work on things outside of work time). So... I don't know. Plus I doubt I interviewed well enough to get it anyway, back to the freaking job search again!
Soo... I had the great fortune of finding a marvelously cheap DU program in Rouen (only an hour from Paris, YES!) that starts in Sept. and ends in May. I think Rouen will be a great choice primarily because it's cheap, it's close to a city a love, and it apparently has a awesome rock music scene. I'm super excited simply for the fact that it's in France though... and I will be able to have those things I love dearly (namely the marvelously smooth language and the delicious baguettes that no one in the UK seems to be capable of replicating). Oh yes... can't wait until August!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Is this the worst?
Ok, so the taught portion of my course is coming to a close and I have to say... I'm really disappointed. Not that it's ending-- I'm ecstatic about that-- I'm disappointed in my classes. Well, really, most of them have been decent enough and predictable... and bearable really in their mediocracy. But one... oh dear god... has been horrible. I do mean horrible. Life coaches coming in to talk to Masters students, forty minutes of class wasted on CUTTING PAPER (literally, we had to cut paper...) and so on and so forth. It's been so bad that I've completely stopped going because even when there were lectures they were sooo boring. Either in the sense that I'd heard it before or I just didn't care... I mean, sometimes we'd be kept three hours because a lecturer wanted us to talk about papers we were writing in other classes... yes, it was so boring that she resorted to asking what our other papers were going to be about... for an hour. How ridiculous is that? I had high hopes for this class but it's literally deteriorated into a pool of pointlessness that the lecturers attempt to make important (last class they decided to apparently 'attack' the 90 percent of the class that didn't attend by sending everyone an email demanding an explanation). I wonder if they ever ask themselves if maybe they're the culprits for a low attendance rate? What do you expect when you never take attendance anyway?
I do believe, out of all of the HORRIBLE classes I've taken (including in high school), this is by far the worst of them all.
I do believe, out of all of the HORRIBLE classes I've taken (including in high school), this is by far the worst of them all.
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