A speedy September

As always the concept of time eludes me… While it has only been 3 weeks since the start of the New Year in France, it feels as if time is passing me by. With the summer in the not far off distance, the fall in France is an unwritten time of new beginnings, a new year of sorts, akin to a fiscal year of renewed motivation and opportunities. Aside from the south of France which peaks in the summer, the rest of France shuts down only to re-emerge well rested and revving to go come September. And it is off to a fairly decent start… Within the first week, I was gainfully employed, entangled in never-ending rouge tape, pondering other new starts; all the while frantically searching for a legal parking space. And alas, the city of Lyon has returned to its regular routine with enhanced fervour and appeal, as the Lyonnais are rearing to go from a summer of anything but work or worry.

And 3 weeks in, my over analytical brain threatens to run on overdrive of confusion, loneliness, welcomed responsibility, new experiences and catapulting forwardness…  So as I write this post, I am reminded of the fact that 3 weeks is much shorter than the 10+ months I have been here, and the amount of actual, real, possible, probable and imagined opportunities that have materialized are more than I care to handle, but a great reminder of the importance of patience and trust in time and space and the natural order of things.

So… in the last 3 weeks I have ….

Started a new job.

Began exploring and developing private English lessons.

Learned for the second or third time that I don’t qualify for French unemployment –

well maybe or maybe not? The rouge ruban is long, thick and knotted! (More to come…..)

Looked into other possible fun employment ideas…

such as English teaching theatrical style…

Country driving complete with another parking ticket!

This time parked in a legal space but without proof of payment (oops!)

Counting centimes and checking and re-checking bank statements to fund an

upcoming October sejour to Scotland!

Etc, etc, etc…..

Always trying to err on the side of positivity, I must also share that the last 3 weeks have also dragged on slowly; fuelled by the expected and actual loneliness that is inevitable in a foreign land where despite time, each day, opportunity and experience is a challenge… and one that is amplified coming off of a summer of heartfelt friendships and connections.  And so, I also need to remind myself that this too is normal and natural and okay!