Well, those that have been following the trials and tribulations of Mandounette in France know that she had a rude awakening a few weeks ago when she realized that her savings had finally run dry. But today (or more precisely on October 4th) it all changes. She has just been offered a real live job, with a long-term contract and benefits! Finally she will be covered by the wonderful French social security system. Her lunches and metrocard will be paid for! She is a real grown-up now!

She will be teaching English to executives at Renault, one of the major French car companies, and managing full day workshops on giving presentations, running meetings, and "socializing" (i.e. get them drunk and singing karaoke.) My office is just off the Champs Elysees, which makes me feel very important. It is right next to the Hustler Club. Ha! Only problem is that I have to look "professional" and after 4 years in university, 2 and 1/2 years working for a non-profit arts organization, and a year bumming around Paris using every penny I have to by bread, toilet bowl cleaner and other essentials, I have absolutely nothing to wear. Guess I will have to go on a buying spree in Istanbul next week, with the help of my new credit card!

Wow, I just realized that I have gone from the third to the first person and that is just terrible. So I will end this post now. Chita (the cat) will be arriving soon to test out our apartment and garden. But one final word: yay!