Don't ask when you're getting paid.

Apparently if you are an Independent worker, and after you have presented your bill to your employer, it is not appropriate French behavior (another "code") to ask when you could expect to be paid. You must just wait until they decide they will pay you. It could be a day, a week, or two weeks. And if no money shows up? I guess you have to wait until you can meet with them again to politely inquire.

* This is how it's working with my husband's employer anyway. Perhaps it isn't like this with every company. But this has been my experience with them.  This is very frustrating and makes it pretty difficult to budget, plan and allot expenses.

JAPAN. Tsunami

It is horrifying to watch the repercussions unfold and I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.


I hope that the relief efforts are swift and life can resume there as quickly as possible.

I encourage you to join me in making a donation (to the International Red Cross) in sympathy and solidarity with them.

Spring Is Springing.

Today I not only noticed some buds on the flowering trees, but I could smell their fragrance as well. It gave me that "Spring is coming" sense of Hope that only fragrant trees, a temperate breeze and some blue sky can. It was a welcome relief after a rough winter with a sick baby (since November with one virus after another) and my own sinus infection...not to mention no time out of Paris for vacation. We haven't left since...hmmm...summer. Gasp! No wonder I'm grumpy.

I also, in a burst of renewed enthusiasm after meeting Nathalie Ohana - the original OMGmother, I am considering starting up the famous "Cocktails with Courtney" series once again. Why not, I say? Why not, indeed?!

Stay tuned, dear loyal readers, stay tuned...