I hope this blog entry finds you all well and happy this chilly Thursday evening, and that you're not flooded under if you're reading this from England, desperately holding the laptop above the levels of water to see why I have named this week's piece so...!
So, right back when in the beginning, I decided to write this blog as a way of keeping you all up-to-date with my adventures in France, what I'm learning as I'm going along etc etc. And now, I have given it another purpose in my head as being the best way to document and reflect back on this incredible adventure when it's all over, and how I felt along the way. Well this week my friends, I have indeed felt too emotional.
Those of you that know me well will know that I am not a crier. The only film that's ever got anything remotely close to a bit of moisture in my eye is The Notebook. I very rarely need to use the preempted tissue I carry in my pocket for sad partings. I can't really think of any more examples here but you get the jist. And yet, I have found myself 'welling up'- as I believe it is called- on several awkward occasions these past few days.
Instance number 1:
I have 1 of my favourite groups of 3 pupils on a Thursday. For coming voluntarily week in week out, and for the sheer progress I feel they're making in both their English and their confidence around me, I decided to make the lesson a bit fun. Stealing an idea from an activity we did in Creative Writing for Second Year, I bought them a Kinder Surprise each. After they had assembled their frisbees, Barbies and whatnot, I then asked them to write a short monologue about a childhood memory the toy evoked for them, to then be read out and corrected. 1 of the girls received a toy arctic fox. She recounted a story of seeing a wolf of sorts in the mountains before and how she then went out and bought a toy as a souvenir of the event (story adapted from seeing a mountain goat to seeing a wolf otherwise I don't think she'd still be here to tell the tale!) And then, after I'd added my 2 pence, she said "But now when I look at it it'll remind me of you."
Cue embarrassed hiding of eyes and secret beaming smile. I can't explain how touched I was to feel like I've had any impact whatsoever on 1 of these students' lives.
And of course I let her keep the chocolate and toy after- would've been a bit awks not to then...
Instance number 2:
Sunday- Thanksgiving day.
So so so so SOOOO much food (and there was another table!)
Well, isn't Giving Thanks an emotional thing! As each person declared their happiness and love for having found such an amazing group of assistants here, and their love and gratitude for their family and friends back home, I secretly sobbed in the corner. I think Giving Thanks is something we should do more often in England- we don't tell people enough of how much we appreciate them and how lucky we are in life. So, because you were all not there to hear, in addition to thanking my lovely new bunch of friends who are always there to explore and drink wine with, I gave thanks to my wonderful family, who are there for me throughout this whole experience whenever I need them, and who are still there and don't up and move away when I go to another country for a year. Thank you for making me the person I am today, and for loving me unconditionally. I miss you all more and more every day. And another BIG thank you to all my friends at home and around the world, for all the same reasons, and because you make life fun. (Obviously I didn't say all these things there and then coz I got too nervous speaking in front of everyone- still not quite the confident person I thought I had become, I'll get there- but you know, I'm saying them now). You shall all be getting the biggest Maddie hug in the world when I see you at Christmas, and a kiss on each cheek, because I now think it's a sociable way of greeting people ;)
Instance number 3:
Another tearjerker classroom activity designed by yours truly. 'Talk about a person who inspires you/ who you look up to.' The class I did this with are 99% bilingual, so you can imagine they were really able to get their meaning across. A French-Irish girl spoke about her sister, of how she's her best friend and she wouldn't be anywhere in life without her. Cue rapid blinking to not blub embarrassingly in front of my pupils at the thought of my bezzie sisters. A second girl spoke about her older brother, how he's protective of her and he's always there to talk to and help her out with her problems. I wish my brother cared! I soberly thought. I can only hope that maybe 1 day he'll take the time to talk to me on Skype/ on the phone and never block me on Facebook again (love you really El).
1 boy said he couldn't think of anyone that inspired him or that he looked up to and so of course this made me sad but for a completely different reason.
I don't want you all to think I've been sitting in my room this whole week surrounded by scrunched up tissues and listening to James Blunt 24/7. Oh no. I went to Grenoble city to see some old and new friends from Southampton for a weekend of chillaxing, chatting, Bastilles...
WINDY Bastilles
Take 2!
...first Christmas markets of the year
...and many an English hug <3
Following many cuddles and French students making me laff asking how to say "I have never broken my bed whilst making love to a woman." or "I have never peed in my cap whilst drunk.", I no longer feel like I can be an extra in JT's video for 'Cry Me a River' (no special effects needed).
Really, I know I'm just tired, and after 2 months without seeing you my loved ones I begin to wish I could be in your company again. Because let's face it, I am first and foremost not an outwardly emotional person. Puh-leeeease.
The Advent countdown starts on Saturday, and that means it's only 21 days until THE GRAND REUNION. Party poppers, balloons and streamers. But until then, I shan't wish away the time that I am here, as I'm going to the Russian ballet's performance of the Nutcracker (Le Casse-Noisette) Saturday night: festive! And I really am living in a beautiful part of the world....
Snow in the mountains!
...with new places and people to discover day in and day out.
So one and all, all that's left to say is I love you all very much, and I will be seeing you very soon. Virtual hugs and a big bisous.
Grenoble Girl
x
Oh, and as promised, here's me and Kate on Mustache Mexican night. Just a little something to leave you with.
