Just so everyone knows,

Le Love

Busy busy busy.

I started my new job this week! I love it there. The kids are great, the hours go by fast, and I don't have to clean anything. And of course I get to use my French.

The first day was crazy because we weren't sure which kids were staying for the after-school program, but every day we get more and more kids. We start the day with free time playing with blocks, coloring, and playing games and then get them washing their hands and eating a snack by 4 o'clock. After that, they play outside, come inside for craft time, and then we close up at six. It's a nice short day and most of the parents pick up the kids before we even come back inside.

I have a few favorite kids already -- one little boy that always brings a giant Pound puppy stuffed animal and a little girl that never talks but always wants to play with me. Fun kids.

In other news, Tyler will be moving into an apartment tomorrow! I'm so excited for him and am happy to have a place to crash during the school year when I have breaks between class and work. There's no way I'm driving all the way back home before work when I have to commute to Scottsdale. I want to help pick out furniture and decorate, but I'll have to restrain myself and not pick anything too feminine such as...

a headboard made of old books found at apartment therapy

Design Sponge

Urban Outfitters (and for the rest of the items as well)



I love this shower curtain with the French vocabulary written all over it.
Tyler needs to learn some French anyway.

Francoise Hardy Obsession

A couple of years ago, my dad wanted the family to sit down and watch Grand Prix, a movie he used to watch over and over and over again when he was little. It ended up being a pretty good movie but what interested me the most was the awesome French girl, Francoise Hardy. Though she has a very small part compared to the rest of the cast, I became obsessed with her style and even contemplated cutting bangs like her. She's one of my favorite French women and though she does not sing in the movie, she is better known for her work as a singer.

Italy 2009

"Homework"

This has been on my list of "homework"
for over a year now -- sharing some of my videos
from my past two summers in Europe.
Enjoy.

They're nothing too exciting, but it's fun for me to reminisce.

That's not a horse.

Finding Time for Southwest Literature

I have tons of reading and writing to finish up this weekend for my ENG 434 class. At least both of the books are interesting. I just need to find the time to read - that's always the hardest part.

Here's the plan.

I need more Zumba,

muscle,

and yoga in my life.

I'm not looking forward to school starting. My gym time is going to disappear!
Oh well, there will at least always be time for
.

Bruno: Bad Movie Reviews Pt. 2

Speaking of movie reviews, I saw Bruno several weeks back and came away from it disturbed, upset, and overall confused. I think that author Bill Konigsberg's reaction illustrates the discomfort I felt from the film but better than I could ever explain it. After reading Out of the Pocket and meeting Bill, I started following his blog and have really enjoyed reading about his life as a writer and all of his experiences.

Anyway, off to bed to rest up before my long day at work tomorrow.

The Ugly Truth... not so much.

Last night, or rather this morning, I saw The Ugly Truth and let me just tell you now -
Don't. Waste. Your. Money.

I went to the midnight showing with Kristin, Jess, and Tyler last night it this is the most awkward, overtly sexual movie ever. Crumby love story. Heigl's character was annoying and Butler's character will make your stomach turn.
Aside from pretty shots of hot air balloon rides, there wasn't much I liked about this movie.

On a more exciting note, I'm leaving for Seal Beach, California this afternoon to visit family and hang out on the beach. Our Great Aunt Dot is celebrating her 96th? birthday, so everyone is getting together to visit and reunite since my grandpa's funeral.
There is one silver lining to loved ones passing away -
everyone seems to realize how precious time with one another really is.

EDIT: It was my Great Aunt Dot's NINETY-SEVENTH BIRTHDAY!!!