You know what's funny? I really didn't want to know! In other news, whoa, my Picard guy is really miserable.
We had a nice weekend if you enjoy dinosaurs and thinking about devastatingly sad things. L’Institut de Paléontologie Humaine is currently exhibiting half a dozen REAL DINOSAUR SKELETONS so I took the dino-obsessed Loosh to see them on Saturday afternoon. His mind was sufficiently blown.
Holy sh*t, Mom, that is a motherf*ckin' Triceratops head behind me, I sh*t you not.**
**not something he actually said
He brought along a dinosaur book to help identify each skeleton. After proper identification, he then "read" outlandish claims about each one -- such as this one could swim underwater and that one could shoot lasers out of his eyes. He got defensive and ran away holding the book over his head when I asked to see the book so I could double check his facts.
This one could read your motherf*ckin' mind!**
**I apologize, folks. I'm pretty ornery tonight.
L’Institut de Paléontologie Humaine is a lovely old building but one thing bothered me and took me out of the dinosaur moment --
I am not a fan of swastika as design element
I'm supposed to be at a school meeting right now. It's the same informational meeting his teacher got mad at us for missing last year. Alex is in Spain but I had a babysitter lined up so felt pretty confident I was going to make the damn meeting this time and then everyone would LOVE ME. At school pick-up this afternoon, I cheerfully told the teacher I would see her again in an hour. I was born to attend that meeting.
Then the babysitter didn't show up. I have no idea why. So I didn't go to the meeting. Now I'm shakin' in my fashionable boots and feeling "the dread" because I know this teacher hates us now, too. I can't blame her because we've done nothing but sh*t** on important school meetings since the get-go.
**ornery
Some guy came to the door today and said he had to inspect chimneys and gas lines. I said we didn't have a chimney or gas in the apartment but told him to come on in and take a look around if he wanted to verify. For reasons I'll never understand, he pointed at the ventilator duct coming out the top of our stove's ventilation hood and declared it a gas line. He jumped up on our counter and banged on the thing for awhile, declared it "blocked" and said we would need a full inspection at a later date.
So tell me the truth -- is this guy going to break in later and rob us blind? Something was weird, but I hadn't had interaction with adults all day and was happy for his bizarre company. But he got to me -- I'm now scared to turn on the ventilator hood/gas line for fear of blowing up the building.
One more thing before I go. Sunday, obviously, was September 11th. I very much felt the need to do something to commemorate the day so I took Lucien to the memorial ceremony at Trocadero. On the metro ride there, I gave Lucien a very rudimentary explanation of where we were going and why, basically how we needed to think about our country on that day because something very sad happened there ten years ago. Thankfully, he didn't ask too many in-depth questions because I have no idea how to explain something so horrible to someone who thinks the worst thing a person can do is call someone else "poo-poo face."
It was a moving tribute at Trocadero. The mayor of Paris was there alongside the American ambassador. A choir sang the French and U.S. national anthems back-to-back, and various people gave speeches about how the day changed the entire world and the entire world mourned. The official ceremony lasted between the exact times, ten years ago, when the first plane hit through when the second tower fell. There were tears, of course, including mine, because all Americans still feel the events of that day in a visceral, raw way.
I was brought to tears by the horror of the events of 9/11, but also by the show of solidarity by the French. I'm so grateful they gave us somewhere to go, something to do. Otherwise, we would have been sitting at home or wandering around the neighborhood pretending it was a normal day when it wasn't a normal day.
This is a group of French firefighters who showed up carrying American flags. Several wore FDNY hats. They were somber, and sincere.
We didn't stay for the whole ceremony. The intense security repeatedly reminded me it may not have been the safest place to bring Lucien. By the third time we saw a group of cops run past us full speed to surround someone, I decided it was time to go. The terrorists scared MJ away from the 9/11 memorial ceremony, and for that I'm not exactly proud.
Thank you, just thank you, France, for giving a sh*t** about our pain.
**not ornery, I really mean that one.
Lucien took a spin on the carousel on our walk back to the metro. It felt good to watch Lucien, head thrown back laughing out loud, after re-living that day ten years ago. I didn't even care I was watching him in the middle of a downpour.
Phew. Done. Cleansed.
In more upbeat news, I've now received several emails on the subject and am pleased to report "assorted toast" is sweeping several nations.
Hugs to all my people,
MJ
25 comments:
MJ: That guy was definitely casing your apartment. Make sure your door is always double bolted when you go out and the windows locked too. The terrorists may not win but the thieves could. Not trying to scare you but.....
Hi Anne -- kinda figured that one. Thankfully, there are three doors, two codes, and two bolts between him and me right now. I will triumph over the weird thief man!
Very touching to know about the memorial/tribute. Inspiring that they were able to overlook that whole 'freedom fries' episode. Not our finest moment.
I agree with Anne as well on the chimney/gas dude. He may not have been plotting a break-in, just trying to scam you, but best to be extra vigilant.
No more opening the door for strangers. Unless they are really really hot policemen and fireman, with obvious ID. Just saying.
Didn't go to the memorial this weekend as (as you know) it was pouring and my children are not fun in the rain. (Perhaps the Loosh can help them adapt.) We spent the day cooking a family "feast" that we dedicated to those lost, and trying to keep The Boy from asking why Mommy was crying. It was a tough day. So much tougher now that I'm a parent. To think of all those parents who lost children and children who lost parents had me in tears too many times to count.
Glad to see you had fun with the laser shooting dinos, we'll have to catch that soon.
Take care,
StayingPositive
Don't worry about school, you won't be there much longer, right? It could be worse, you could of told the teacher you were fairly hands-off parent and trusted she would keep you updated on your child. Apparently that is a bad answer. When I picked MRS from school, the teacher informed me MRS is very talkative. I think it is going to be a long year.
Thanks for the scoop on the 9/11 Tribute! I'd wondered how that went down and I was pleased it was so appropriate and moving.
Good Sh*t! (yeah, I'm a little ornery too).
Bonjour MJ. Dégueulasse weather in Paris it looks like, sorry. Looks like merdique weather (another French adjective you must learn before you leave in case you have not already) is headed our way too. Summer is over, alas. I am glad you got to take Lucien to the Trocadero. How were the two towers? I read about them and have been wondering. I heard they were financed by an organization of US-based French business owners, founded in 2003 during the "Cold War" between the French and US government. On another note, I bet Lucien's teacher will miss you all once you are gone ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
What a great post. I loved it!
That 9/11 memorial is so touching.
Oooh, dinosaurs! I particularly love the Pterodactyl baby crib mobile. That reminds me... Natural History Museum, good or creepy? My kids are nerds who like dead stuff, so I'm thinking it might be worth the trip over to Jardin des Plantes.
And okay, don't think I'm weird but I really want to try Picard. Is there anything I should steer clear of?
"Holy sh*t, Mom, that is a motherf*ckin' Triceratops head behind me, I sh*t you not.**
**not something he actually said"
Thank God! I wouldn't want Judy to have a heart attack!;)
By the way, to Buddhists, the "swastika" is called "Chu Van", the mark of Enlightenment. It is found on medals, decorating pagodas, and on breasts of Buddha statues. I must say I did a double take the first time I saw one in Korea, back in the day. In black magic, it's quite common to reverse symbols to obtain an adverse effect, which might explain why Hitler chose it in the first place. You'll notice that the signs on that floor turn anticlockwise, unlike regular swastikas:)
Not feeling too good about the gasline guy. Sounds a bit fishy to me too.
I like that shot of the Loosh on the carrousel after the memorial visit... shows that in the end, light and joy win:)
I had a visit by the chimney/gasline guy a few months ago, it happened to be the same day the ERDFER inspector was supposed to come so I got mixed up, let him clean our gas vent and chimney as was out 100 or so Euros, damn. He said our whole building could catch on fire if the vents weren't clean. So not true. He's a fear mongering chimney sweep. Anywho, like you, I thought the company and practicing French was strangely pleasant :-)
ok lady...skipping my first instinct to say WTF about those swastikas in the tile ...DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR to anybody like that again...how did he get past the digicode in the first place?
re the teachers meeting...couldn't you just take Mme Cokes with you...or are the frenchie teachers so anal they only want an adult in the room to discuss a child...
and you know the dread is just because you feel like you can't communicate fully to explain...if this was happening in English you would whip her ass...
just saying...
I'm a bit ornery myself today I guess...
Hello, posse, how are you today?
Let's do this --
Carrie -- Freedom Fries. Shudder. God, we can be petulant children.
Staying Positive! You better hurry --dino exhibit ends tomorrow, the 15th! Go, go, go!
Hello C Rouse! -- That's what Alex said -- who cares, we're outta here soon, then they'll celebrate, whoop dee doo.... but still....
OOh boy, your MRS sounds like a pistol, too. Good luck.
Paris Paul, all in all, the memorial was a job well done. Security was scary, but I guess them's just the times. Ornery!
Hi Veronique -- the organization that put it together is really interesting, indeed founded when American sentiment was decidedly anti-French because you wouldn't follow us down the Iraq rabbit hole (nice choice, by the way). The group also often goes out to put wreaths on American soldiers' graves, etc. Good group, certainly appreciate their efforts at this time.
Thanks, Lora!
Bec -- we love the Natural History Museum because we love animal skeletons. That's really all it is, and it's a bit dusty and creaky but we like that, too.
Try Picard! Everyone loves Picard!
Hi Duchesse... hmmm... this probably wasn't Judy's favorite post. I knew the swastika had positive origins, but did not notice the clockwise-v.-counterclockwise thing. Interesting, but unfortunately still jarring!
Annabelle, YES! That was exactly what my guy said. I wonder why he didn't try to stick around and clean it? He just said it needed to be cleaned because it was blocked and left -- guess that means I can expect a return visit? He won't get in this time, thanks for the tip. So maybe he's not an out-n-out thief, but he's definitely a scam. Do you think he realized he was trying to sweep the ventilation hood duct?)
Debbie! Fear-mongering chimney sweep got through the doors because there's a ton of construction happening in the building and the construction guys keep propping open the doors during the workday.
The teachers meeting was for the whole class -- all parents get the important info for the upcoming school year or whatever. And it's made clear no one is to bring their children. I would have had both of 'em, and perhaps would have been even more vilified for that than just missing the thing.
True, it would be easier if I could explain what happened to the teacher in English tomorrow AM -- but alas, I must again use the Frenchie talk and it's not nearly as comfortable! I often say to Alex when we get home I'm going to talk constantly to everyone we come across just because I CAN.
OK, bye all, thanks again for the input, always needed.
Ooh Debs is ferocious today!
You know what Deb? I discovered your blog yesterday and read it from beginning to end!:) When are we getting the details from the trip to Florence?:)
(I too read blogs during my work hours... Legal translation is a drag;))
COUNTERclockwise, not ANTIclockwise... Geez! I'm hopeless!
There! I'm ornery too it would seem!
:)
I love that France had a tribute for 9/11...I wonder if the U.S. would do the same?
Jill, your question seriously gave me pause. Would a major U.S. city organize a large memorial service for a tragedy in another country? I daresay we wouldn't? Ugh. Anyone think differently? I hope so, because that's depressing.
A really beautiful memorial!
Paris is le s**t for honoring our tragic day...I feel like haveing french fries at McDonalds...Glad the Loosh got a dino-fix...kids just looooove the dinosaurs...and don't beat yourself up too much for the missed meetings...s**t happens...
Having been loving your blog sooo much !!! Sooo funny - I have two boys, so i feel your pain :) ... lovely tribute :)
stay safe with the dude casing the joint there !
(A) It's that time of year again: cooler temperatures mean the chimney/gas scam guys are on the prowl! Report that guy to your building's gardienne or your landlords, and if you happen to speak to any of your neighbors, mention it to them so they are alerted. Usually if someone is authorized to be there, the gardienne posts a notice near the entrance to alert all residents. Heck, in our building, when the guy from La Poste came around a Christmas looking for his annual "donations", our gardienne actually accompanied the postman so we'd know it was on the level. But never let in someone claiming he needs to inspect anything without verifying it first. You might even report it to the local police station if you feel your French is up to it.
(B) the Swastika thing. I know what you mean, it's startling to see it in other contexts than the Nazi one but in fact that symbol (both right or left-facing) has been around in many cultures since ancient times. Unfortunate that Adolf & friends appropriated it because in our western culture that's how we associate it. Here's some info on Wikipedia if anyone is curious about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika I suspect its use on the tile floor of the museum predates 1940's France.
I just love reading your blog, and the comments too! Makes me feel as though I am sitting down to visit with some friends over a cup of coffee!
I was touched to see the memorial for 9/11. As someone who lived in the DC area at that time we sometimes forget how much the world was affected and not just DC and NY. I daresay the U.S. probably wouldn't a memorial like that for another country but in all fairness the U.S. has always been quick to help those countries affected by tragedy. Maybe that is our way of showing support. Regardless, it was touching to see your pictures of the memorial, thanks for sharing! ~Melanie in VA
The French are so wonderful. My sweetheart and I were in Paris on 9/11, and the French were shocked and horrified at the terrorists' actions. There was a "moment of silence" a few days later and, I swear, the entire city came to a stop for a full minute! (Of course we didn't speak enough French to know what the heck was going on but, as soon as we figured it out, we were quite overcome.)
A day or two after the attack we were in our favorite chocolate shop. When the proprietress realized we were Americans, she swept us up in a great flood of empathy, forcing chocolates on us and anyone else who happened into the vicinity. As we staggered out, sated, she stood at the door, waving her handkerchief, shouting "Courage! Courage!"
Imho, Paris is the center of the universe.
Hi Mrs. Howard. Agreed, it was a lovely memorial. Thanks, Frenchies.
Laughing Salmon, I pretty much always feel like having french fries at McDonalds, but if this gives you a reason, GO!
Thanks, Elizabeth! Hang in there with them crazy boys. "Pain" is, at times, the correct word.
Hi Bold Soul! Alas, we have no gardienne. That's how we get the riff-raff. Our building only has five apartments total, and only three are currently occupied. Guess we don't necessitate a guard at the door.
I did mention it to the neighbors, though (all two of them).
"Swastika" history all over the place! You guys know a lot of stuff.
Macsmail. Ahhh...love that you enjoy the blog and the posse. I love the posse. What the hell am I going to do without the posse when all this is said and done? Aww man, mama needs a drink now.
Good point, the U.S. is always beyond generous when another country is confronting tragedy/disaster. Very, very good point. We are not heartless, not at all!!!
Hi Unknown, what a great story about spending 9-11 in Paris. And funny enough, Parisians, too, believe Paris is the center of the universe.
Bye bye, all, ohmygod gonna miss you when it's over.
We were visiting Paris a month after 9/11 and we were treated so kindly, with such gentleness and warmth, we still include that when we're telling others about our trip all these years later. We love France anyway, but to be there after the horrible tragedy that struck our home country and to find so many joys and reasons to be happy made the trip even more meaningful (especially in light of the small-minded people who were very anti-France just then).
I will dearly miss reading your blog when your adventure comes to an end!!
Cheers,
Jenni
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