Let the Work Begin

 “When all of your tears dry, let your troubles roll by.” –Carbon Leaf

This morning was my first day of work! That made it a little bit easier to get out of bed because I had something to look forward to. Although, even though I slept much better last night, I was still exhausted all morning. Apparently it is going to take me a bit to get over this jet lag L Since I don’t really know the bus system yet, Marion said she would come pick me up. However, she had to wait to go get her cat before she came into Montpellier (she lives about an hour away), so she didn’t arrive until about 10:30. I was ready by about 8:45, and Peter was up at about 9 (Claire had long left for work already), so I sat in the kitchen drinking tea and listening to Peter’s outrageous stories about the things he’s done in life. Judging by his character, I would say they are all true!

At work, I got my own name badge with a pass on the back to get into all of the different areas of the building—yes, I felt special indeed—plus a card to put money on for lunch so I don’t have to go through the hassle of paying with cash! I feel so professional ;), doesn’t take much, I guess! Our first task was to set about trying to find a charger for my computer because a lot of the work I am going to be doing must be done on my computer. We went to the IT center where they tried to come up with a charger but didn’t have much luck so Marion decided I could read some research papers while we were waiting. Eventually the guy from IT turned up with a charger he had found that worked for my computer!! YAYY!! Although I had no wifi access at work yet, because I have to submit an application for a password. At least I could do some work though. I read a research paper until lunch which is sooo much better here than in America. Everyone breaks at the same time and goes to the cafeteria for lunch. You get three sides of your choice (including different types of salads, cheeses, yogurts, and a bunch of yummy looking deserts), plus a main course (today was fish in a white sauce, a porksteak, or some beef) with a vegetable and as much bread as you wish!! All for less than 4 euro!! It was delicious and I was stuffed!

After lunch I spent the rest of the day sorting through pictures of old people that we are going to be using for our research. It was interesting—and at times terrifying. Nothing against old people, it’s just that some people are quite terrifying—like the one woman that had a shocking resemblance to the Wicked Witch of the West (from the Wizard of Oz, not Wicked). Marion called the phone place about my password and apparently there is a password that I need, however they aren’t allowed to give it over the phone…? So I will have to go back into Montpellier to get that at some point. Which will be interesting because I have no recollection of where the store was, nor is my French accomplished enough to explain to them what I need. I will save that adventure for another day I think. Fortunately Marion took me home because I still haven’t quite figured out the bus system, and without a working phone, I don’t much care to be utterly lost. I’m cutting myself some slack since this is only my third full day here and during two of those days it was raining..hard..all day.

I came home to find that the wifi here is down, and since Claire was only home for about 20 minutes before she left for her meeting, she didn’t have time to fix it. So I spent some time looking over the maps of Montpellier to get a better grasp of where I am and then I read for a bit while Peter is napping. Now, I’m sitting in the living room typing this blog—on Microsoft since I have no internet access L--while Peter prepares dinner. I’ve offered to help, but I don’t think he wants me to get in the way haha. We will chat from time to time as he thinks of another story he wants to tell me. They are mighty entertaining, so I’m not arguing. He’s also given me some pointers on different dishes and taught me how to use the stove which will definitely come in handy.

Overall, I can’t complain about how things are going really. I used to get worked up about all these things going wrong the first week I am somewhere new, but now I just try to accept them and believe that everything will get better. It is still annoying that I can’t just jump right into the swing of things without having to work out all the little kinks, but I am learning this new virtue they call “patience,” and it is actually working out better than I had expected. Out of all of my three trips though, this has been the best “orientation” week as far as people helping me out and introducing me to the city and culture. So here’s to hoping that I can get the wifi and phone situation fixed and be on my happy, jolly way!!!

“Many times you’ll have reason to feel sorry for yourself, yet you could just as easily choose to feel encouraged about yourself.”