A Day to Be

Nothing really to write home about today.  It was a day to be.  I tended to chores--vacuumed, did dishes, cleaned the bathroom.  I handled some e-mail but am trying to get a balance there. I want to spend time on the computer, but I also want to be out enjoying the nice weather while it's still here.

I ran into Inge, the woman whom I met last week who cleans the apartments after a tenant leaves when Jason, the landlord, is absent. It was a great feeling to be walking over the Pont Vieux and recognize someone and be recognized by someone.  I think the qualifies as a milestone.

Bought the paper--the lady at the tabac recognizes me now and helps me with my French as we converse.  It must be frustrating for her-like teaching a baby.  But her patience and grace never flag. 

This Carcassonne eating regimen and having to take the spiral straight up staircase several times a day is paying off.  In ten days, I can see a difference in both the way my clothes are fitting, and how out of breath I get taking those stairs.  They are getting easier. 

I actually got some real writing done today.  It's the first non-journal, non blog writing I have made time for since leaving Brookings.  I feel like I am coming to the end of a very rough first draft and am actually looking forward to the editing process. 

Now to dinner preparations.  Having chicken, grated carrots (rapee) with Sicilian lemon, and leftover couscous.  It's so great to be able to cook here and not have to eat out all the time.  Only unlike in Brookings, there are actually places here you want to go to.

A gift to myself--it will look great hanging over my desk.

 Those of you who know what I did all those years in the classroom at Azalea--all those paragraphs I edited with my politically incorrect red pen--will smile at what is a perfect souvenir for me.  It's small, maybe 6 x 9, but so charming, I couldn't resist.  I found it in the Cite yesterday, in a shop that sells the work of the local artists and craftspeople.  I thought these were inspired, and this one certainly spoke to me.  And happily, I could afford it without any guilt.