5 posts tagged “april fool's”

So apparently my April Fool's day joke post was a big piece of shit this year. People not only believed it (which I suppose actually makes it successful), but they don't think it's funny at all. I just thought that it would be funny if after the hellish search I went through, and how excited I was about this place, if it just sucked and I was stuck here for 3 years.

I guess I have a sick sense of humor.

So, to clarify, my apartment is not a disaster. I've slept incredibly well, without ear plugs, the past two nights. The only grain of truth to the post is that I'm not a huge fan of the sanibroyeur toilet, but I'm guessing I'll get used to it. I've only met one neighbor, an incredibly nice man who insisted on helping with the move when he came across us lugging boxes up the stairs.

So far, so good! If you're curious about my past April Fool's day posts, find them here and here. And next year, people, check the tags. ;)

So last night was my first night in my new apartment, and it was an absolute disaster. Sandra, the girl who lived here before me, had said that the neighbors are really great, that there were no real problems, and she was just leaving to move in with her boyfriend.

Well, no way in hell was that true. I was kept up ALL night by shouting in some obscure language from the couple next door, and then the guys across the hall came home at like 3 am, smoking so much that my apartment still smells today.

On top of all that, when I flushed the weird "sanibroyeur" toilet, it dumped water all over the floor. And the refrigerator's motor is unbearably loud.

Basically, I'm going to need to wear earplugs constantly. I'm so bummed.

Last year, I played an April Fool's Day prank that many people believed. I said that I had met the love of my life, Jean-François, and that we were moving in together. Alas, the fact that it was so believable led to a bit of confusion when I was back in New York. A guy I had been seeing before I moved to Paris read the prank post, but not the follow-up confession. So he thought I was in a serious relationship, and we only cleared it up when it was a bit too late. He's planning on coming down to the city when I'm back soon, and I've just realized that I might have messed things up again.

So, to make things very clear, Nick: I am still single, and I will definitely be in New York in two weeks. Whoop! It'll be great to see you. :)

In other news, I'm in a good mood. I'm feeling really hopeful about finding a job for next year. Nothing concrete has happened, and I have a feeling that nothing will for several months, but the ball is finally rolling. I had an informational interview at a major publishing house yesterday, had a private session with the Hot Pilot to perfect my French CV and cover letter, and compiled a list of 38 companies to apply to. Surely out of 38 there'll be one who wants me . . . right?

I've come to the decision that I just don't want to apply to grad school. I know I could do it just to get the student visa, but it's not like applying is that simple here. I'd need to track down old transcripts and diplomas and recommendations, and get them all officially translated, and write a whole spiel about why I want to study X, Y, or Z degree at such-and-such particular school, etc. And honestly, I'd rather put all that time and energy into finding a job.

I wouldn't mind if I have to teach again to stay, but my first choice is really to find a steady office job. I'm shocked to hear myself say that, but after two years of my schedule changing vastly from day to day, I'm ready for a bit of routine and stability. Even if that means missing out on the blessed school vacations. Sigh.

Jenn sent the pictures she and Nick took while they were here, and they're really cute. Here's me and Jenn on the Seine:

And the two of us at l'Entredgeu: And my new favorite photo of myself, taken while we were standing in the rain, waiting on a ridiculous line at Musée d'Orsay: Tonight I went to La Défense for the first time. It's amazing to me that I've lived here a year and a half and never been there. It honestly feels like a completely different city. Like Tokyo or New York or even Berlin. There's a huge mall, a  16-screen multiplex, and lots of pretty, shiny buildings. I'll have to go back in the daytime to check out the mall, which has some discount stores you can't find in Paris Centre.

The weather is finally becoming spring-like, thank God. March was just ridiculously rainy. It's still overcast at times, but most of the afternoon today was blue skies and fluffy pink blossoms and pale green leaves popping out all over the place. Spring has sprung!

I've given this a lot of thought, and I've decided to cancel my upcoming trip home. I've really been looking forward to it, but I just don't think it's emotionally healthy. Sixteen days of doing nothing except seeing friends will just set me back, and my focus right now has to be on finding a way to stay in Paris.

So . . . I hope you all (those in New York, at least) understand and will consider coming to visit sometime soon. I really do miss all of you.

Bisous.

So I know I haven't posted in a while, but there's a very good reason. This past week I met a really amazing guy (Jean-Francois, if you can believe it), and we've had a whirlwind romance. We're talking about getting PACS'ed, which is like the equivalent of a civil union. He wants me to move to Paris permanently, and the easiest way to do that is to start the residency process.

I know it seems quick, but he really is perfect for me. I can't wait to start apartment hunting together, and he even bought me a pink helmet so I can ride on the back of his Vespa! Pictures TK.