Un ange gardien

I must have un ange gardien following me around. Either that, or I just have a lot of luck. (Maybe it's a combination of both? Who knows but I won't complain!) On Monday morning, I arrived at work layered up as well as any real Seattleite; tights, a long-sleeved shirt dress, cardigan, and a coat. Albeit, my "coat" was more or less a light-weight jacket, see below. When packing back at home, I made a stupid executive decision not to pack one of the winter coats I already had. I figured it would take up too much space/weight in my valise. Instead, I brought two light jackets - the second one I accidently left at the sauna in Estonia... So I'm down to one light coat and lots of sweaters. 

The only coat I have from home... Did I mention that I miss these guys?

While sipping coffee in the teacher's lounge, Sylvia asked me if I was too cold and I replied that I wasn't. Clearly, if I'm writing about this conversation, it's because it didn't stop there. I continued to tell her that the coat I was wearing was the only one I brought with me and that I had plans to buy a coat this week. She insisted that I didn't need to buy a coat because she has extras that I can use. So she asked my size and told me she'd bring a coat or two for me to choose the next day. Surely enough, when I saw her yesterday afternoon, she walked me out to her car and gave me a bag full of three coats for me to take home to try on, even making sure that I'd be okay to get the large bag home by myself. 

One of the coats she gave me is a floor-length, black wool coat with a faux-fur collar. It's a little too big and too dress for everyday wear. The second was a khaki winter coat with lots of pockets and a hood - a little too many pockets and zippers for my liking. The third is a cozy brown coat with a hood that fits me perfectly and is quite comfortable. I felt like Goldilocks - the first was too big, the second didn't work, and the third was just right! Honestly, how amazing is she? She also insisted that before I buy anything else, I check with her because she has extras of things and knows that I can't bring 40 suitcases with me. A guardian angel must have definitely sent her my way. She's also the same teacher who has offered to drive me to the bus station. Sylvia is a wonderful person and I'm lucky to work with her! 

Goldilocks' pick

Aside from my newly-acquired winter coat, here are another few noteworthy tidbits...

Cette photo ne la rends pas justice! 

• I'm stranded in Marcq-en-Baroeul today because there aren't any tramways or buses running. For once, this is not due to a strike but rather due to a shooting that happened on a bus last night. No, it's not a route I take.
• Yesterday I only worked a half day because there was another teacher's strike and teachers for two of my classes were on strike.
• I FINALLY got my debit card for my French bank account... I opened the it Sept. 22nd... 
• Sébastien made me a delicious crêpe last night with banana and nutella. Yes, you heard that right, I ate banana. France has really changed me. (Although I am still afraid to touch them...)

Does anyone know what tomorrow is? Guess!

Bisous, 

-kelse

un ange gardien - a guardian angel

une valise - a suitcase