Okay, I am going to get right down to the task at hand and answer the questions that you have asked me. I will try to keep the answers short, and some of them I will go into depth later on…
First is French Husband going to have a photo shoot in the bathtub?
Not today, and not until he finds a rubber duck. That is what he said. He is not afraid to pose nude hell no. In fact in his younger days he model nude for the Art Institute in San Francisco.
He had met me and needed money to stick around in the USA. So he took a job as an au pair and modeled nude on the side. (Isn't that the type of au pair most people are looking for — One that lists as work experience: Nude Modeling.)
French Husband's first serious question to me was: "Corey, should I model nude? It pays good money. But, what if, you know, what if certain parts of me became you know… what should I do?"
I answered, "I am sure it won't be the first time they saw such a thing. And if it becomes you know– maybe they will be more excited to paint it."
Trust me he would stand Full Monty for this blog "…if I paid him…" and he said that in jest. So girls send rubber ducks.
Why are you going to remodel your kitchen? Can I have the tiles? Are you going to keep the oven/stove? What brand/mark is it? And the kitchen has served you well so why change it?
The remodeling will consist of changing the tiles, adding a longer counter, keeping the Paul Bocuse gas/electric/convection range (which came with the house), keeping the fridge, changing the sink, adding cupboards or drawers, and removing the head banger hood. Hopefully the remodeling will start in April.
For those of you who want the tiles (or some of them) I'll send them to you… if you pay for the postage.
Regarding WHY we are going to change our kitchen?
Because walking clear across the planet to reach the armoire that holds the pots and pans and well everything, and then bringing in the garden table to use as a counter for most occasions, and having the two electrical outlets constantly getting jealous of each other because I tend to use one of them more since the other one has the fridge hooked up to it–
Yes, the kitchen has served me well. But I would like a more practical kitchen with some charm. Instead of a kitchen with a lot of charm and not an ounce of practicality.
Does French Husband cook? Only pasta and rice. He does dishes some of the time.
What about Matthieu and Eva?
Trust me if I had permission to tell you I would dive in and relate every detail.
Wasn't their romance a fun-loving, delicious moment?
I do however have something "romantic" brewing… between another reader on this blog and another French friend. My match making skills are still at it. Unfortunately, I am sworn to secrecy…. again. Drats! I hate keeping secrets.
Where to buy antiques in France, and how to get them back home?
When transporting goods from France to the USA the more volume you ship, the less expensive it cost. For example if you ship an armchair from France to the USA, it will cost you approximately $500. "Less than Container" (LTC) shipping one item or a few items verses a container full costs more per cubic meter. If you have less than 20 cubic meter and yet more or less than 8 cubic meter you might consider air freight.
You can mail a box from the French post office using Chronopost. The largest box measures 8X12X18 inches, more or less. It cost around 38 euro to send. It must weigh under 15 lbs.
You can transports item with you when you fly. Check with the airlines for limitations. A good size cardboard box or extra suitcase usually cost around $80.
Where do I buy antiques in France?
Mainly, on the bottom of the food chain. In the south of France. At local flea markets, brocantes and second hand stores.
Chelsea helping Sacha with his math homework. All those x, y, and strange symbols go sailing over my head. Sacha was concentrating (see him twirling his hair, I love when he does that! It is a sign that he is concentrating and comfortable.)
Hey
Corey, I love when you answer questions! You have mentioned that your
village is very small and your children have to commute an hour to high
school. Does French Husband also have to commute quite a distance to
work? How long have you lived in your village, and what led you to move
there? And could you describe the layout of your house, which rooms are
on which floors? Hope that's not too many, answer what you can! Love,
Pam
Take a deep breath… There is a high school about 20 minutes from our home. But we opted for the one we thought was better, which is about an hour's drive during rush traffic. We have never regretted it. French Husband use to work in Marseilles and drove the children to school. But now that he works from home, and Chelsea is in university. We take Sacha to school, or he takes a bus, or a bus and a train, or a bus and the metro, or a bus and a bike. Everyday is an adventure and Sacha takes it in stride. It would drive me bonkers. I do not usually drive Sacha to school because I tend to fall asleep at the wheel… and that is an adventure nobody wants to join.
First, we lived in Paris. Then French Husband was transferred to Marseilles. When Sacha was born and he was ill. The doctors, concerned for Sacha's health, recommended that we move to the country for fresher air. We have lived in our small village for nearly 15 years. Sacha is fine now… we breath easier.
Our house: You walk into the kitchen, and off to the side is the dining room and living room. The next floor has a laundry room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. The next floor has French Husband's office, two more bedrooms and a bathroom. It is about 2200 ft. with a postage stamp garden.
Why don't you take Photos of yourself?
Hey, hey, hey, I have photos of myself in a bathtub! Doesn't that count for something?
Can I come visit you?
Please do!
Was putting up the Styrofoam molding as easy as it looked?
YES!
What size of shoe do you wear?
LOL! Seven and a half.
Are you an earlier riser?
For the Brocantes I am. Otherwise I wake up around six or seven.
Do you watch Home Decorating TV Shows?
We do not have a TV by choice. But we did watch "FRIENDS" on DVD.
Have you or your husband been married before?
No.
What does your husband do?
He says he does everything. In which I reply that is true because he is a control freak. His work is investing in long term real estate. He also does a mean jitterbug too.
Will you add videos on your blog, and or talk so we can hear your voice?
Sure, once I can figure out how to do it.
Do you miss Mexican food?
God yes!
How is your Mother, Shelley and Daisy?
My mother has bounced back after having a stroke. She is amazing. Strong willed, with joy and courage. I think that the stroke reminded her that even though the love of her life has died, she is still alive, and that we need her to live, and live with joy. Her courage shows me grace and faith.
Shelley's ALS is a tragic burden that she lives with. She is doing as best as she can. And lives a fuller life then most. If you want to write her PLEASE DO she reads the comments everyday.
Daisy is blossoming. One day at a time. She is like Shelley a miracle.
You always seem so carefree and easy going. Like you just roll with life's punches.
Have you always been that way?
Considering I am healthy, loved, have no major worries, do not live in a war zone, have food at my finger tips being carefree and easy going is easy. I have extraordinary family and friends who by their example and love have shown me over and over again how to live life lovingly. I am humbled by the beauty of life given to me everyday.
and still I can be a brat.
Tell us about Yann's family and how you say his name?
My husband's family is small. His father died when Chelsea was three months old. His mother is nearly eighty years old and often is mistaken as my younger sister. Yann has two sisters. One died tragically a few years ago. He has two nieces and two nephews.
"French Husband", is my endearing name for "Yann."
Yann is sweetly pronounced: "Yo-Yo" by my nieces and nephews.
Otherwise just say, YAWN for Yann, and he will come running.
Sorry he does not have a brother.
How to meet a French Man? I met mine in a gay dance club. Who would have guessed that one?
What is your heart's desire?
Right now, to go outside. In the near future to ride with Yann across America on my dad's Harley. After that…to have a heart empty of desire and full of contentment. Just to be happy in the moment…is that freeing?
_________________________________
I'll answer the other questions Sunday. Are your bored yet? Don't answer that! Tell me what is your heart's desire?
(My trivial heart's desire is to have someone sit by my side and teach me a few things in my language.)
Thanks for caring enough about my family and I to even ask me questions!
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