Intensive Course and Crazy Paperwork

Although I should now be working part-time, I think my interpretation of what that entails may be slightly different to another’s.  But despite JF’s constant support and insistance that I need to do less, when it comes to a week like this one, I have to retain a certain amount of work for smooth operation.  It has actually been a very interesting week.  We have had an intensive 20-hour course taking place in our teaching room, with all four teachers involved in taking sessions, the overall programme having been created and coordinated by me.  I think the different experiences, background and, of course accents of the teachers has added a very interesting dimension to the course and I’m incredibly satisfied with the result.

Another reason why this week has been so busy is that there has still been a certain amount of paperwork to finalise as well as routines to establish and JF has been putting in extra hours in an effort to get through the remainder.  At the same time, we have both received a healthy number of new requests this week and putting quotes and programmes together has been time-consuming, although it is extremely satisfying to be in such a position, so we won’t complain just now!

Slowly, but surely, we are starting to gain security and peace of mind after this enormous step and despite the continued workload, we are finding time to catch up with friends, go out together, relax and enjoy the beautiful summery weather here in Bordeaux.  As the weeks pass, we’re advancing more and more with our plans and finding a better balance.  I taught my last lesson yesterday, so I can now work flexibly according to when I have the energy and concentration, which does vary considerably nowadays (!), and now that we have an office with regular hours, it allows JF to switch off (mentally, as well as his computer!) in the evenings when he comes home and (for most of!) the weekend.  As my doctor assured me yesterday, as soon as the baby is here, we’ll see our priorities differently – well, we have a month and a half to get ourselves ready for the rhythm of our lives to change once again.

Advertisement