Since the last time I wrote, many things have happened in my life. I turned 30 for one. A good friend died somewhat mysteriously at the age of 38. And, my grandfather died at the age of....I really have no idea....but, he was ready and waiting to go. You know how they say that bad things happen in threes........well, do you think turning 30 counts???
Actually, the turning 30 thing has not really been that big of a deal. Well, not until a guy who has asked me on a date asks me how old I am and his jaw drops when I tell him. Should I be flattered or a little put off??? I am blessed with genes that help me retain my youthful look, but when do the grey hairs start to come in and when do the lines begin to appear around the eyes? As my birthday approached, I asked the typical questions of myself; have I accomplished what I was supposed to, am I happy where my life is, when will I meet the ONE, is trying to launch a jewelry business and live in Paris what and where I am supposed to be??? You know, the typical "oh my gosh, I am turning 30!" questions.
I planned a huge vacation with good friends so that I would have something other than the hump to look forward to. We all met on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos islands in the Caribbean. It was a week of great friends, crazy adventures, and relaxation at our villa (or, compound as we began calling it because it was so easy to never leave). I really appreciate the good friends who helped make my birthday really special.
But, what are you supposed to feel like when you are 30? Although I have experienced many things, my train of thought is different, and I like to think I act more like an adult; most days I still feel like I am 18 years old. Isn't it really about how old you feel rather than how old you are?
My friend who passed away unexpectedly was someone I met when I was 18 years old, living in Seattle. He and I worked at the Gap together and became fast friends. Through the years we kept in touch after he moved to San Francisco and I moved to Paris. The last time I saw him was a year and a half ago when we met up in Amsterdam for a weekend as he found a cheap ticket and just wanted to get out of San Fran for a few days. I am really going to miss him and am seriously disappointed that the last time we really talked was in Amsterdam.
This 30th birthday thing and having a good friend pass away have really made me start thinking about how important my friends are to me. They listen to me, love me, tell me when I am being stupid or high maintenance, cry for me, laugh with me, call me, hug me, take me to concerts, take photos of me, write for me, tell me I am beautiful, and just provide lots of love and support. You know, I think I am pretty lucky. I have really good friends in Paris, London, Seattle, LA, and many other places I have never even lived.
The last few months in Paris have been very interesting. I am finally here for more than a few days at a time. My friendships with people here have been growing, and I finally feel like I can just call some of them last minute and ask them to hang out. I also started a book club a few months ago and now reguarly (well, every 2 months) meet with friends who almost enjoy reading as much as me.
I am really excited about my jewelry business. However, this one woman show thing can be pretty overwhelming. I feel like all I ever do is think about my business.......I have a hard time sleeping at night because there is so much to do. There are many moments when it feels impossible to accomplish and I am being ridiculously naive to think I can be successful with it. But, I am making progress....slowly, but surely. My website is almost done (I feel like I have been saying that for two years now, but it really is this time), a good friend is designing post cards for me, I am making lots of jewelry, I am trying to get an exhibit together, and I will be visiting boutiques shortly. Encouraging words from friends help keep the confidence levels up, so keep them coming.
Last week I went to the south of France to do my familial duty and visit my cousin in Bordeaux, then drag him and his girlfriend (so they could help buffer) to visit my aunt and uncle who live near Toulon. It was a wonderful, yet exhausting few days of Tahitians (there is this entire Tahitian student community in Bordeaux), beach (we spent an afternoon and evening at LaCanau beach which is on the western coast of France), long train rides, and the quiet and boredom of Gareoult in Provence. I have included a few photos.
Last night I ran around Paris with this guy I met who is trying to do this underground tourist website thing. Anyway, we followed the group called Friday Night Fever.....a group of anywhere between 5000 and 10,000 rollerbladers who rollerblade a designated route through Paris every Friday night. The city makes sure they are supplied with pace cars, rollercops (cops on rollerblades....I love it), and ambulances. So, last night he filmed them leaving their meet up point at Montparnasse, then we rushed over to the Eiffel tower to catch them while they went past. We rushed there only to wait for an hour+ before they arrived. I guess they don't go as fast as we thought. But, I was smart enough to bring my camera along......something I rarely do in Paris......so I now have some pretty good photos of the Eiffel tower. I have decided to take up rollerblading, although I may need to practice a bit before I am cool (and experienced) enough to join this group. I don't think there is anywhere else in the world where they love rollerblading as much.
My grandfather dying was not especially difficult for the family because we know he is much happier now. We all love him and will miss him. However him dying makes me feel so much older. That, plus the turning 30 thing. Oh, and my dad called me a spinster!!! I didn't think that was very nice.
I hope you are happy and well and please tell me how you are.
Love,
Kareen
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Protests in France
Many of you have asked me about the protests/riots in France. There were about 1 million protesters here in Paris today. And, there was a photo of a sign that a student was carrying in Le Figaro.......a French newspaper......that said, "We are not trouble makers, we are just the future unemployed".
My friend Matt and I have been discussing it via email, and this is what I have written to him.
So, France has a really high unemployment rate.......about 9% (I think). However, in under 26 yos, unemployment is as high as 20%. The French gov has so many employment laws that make it difficult and costly to terminate or layoff. So, employers avoid young, unexperienced workers. Discrimination is high in France, if you are too young, too old, strange last name, look funny, etc, etc.
Well, the gov is trying to pass this law that is called CPE. It gives employers the right to hire under 26yos for 2 years, then terminate them without any repercussions and without a reason. The gov thinks this will increase the employment rate because it gives employers the opp to try out an unexperienced worker, where as many believe this just gives employers another short term contract situation to take advantage of. I see it both ways.
(I was actually at a meeting last week at the unemployment office all about how to create a business in France. The discussion quickly became political. It was pointed out that the system of employment works better in the US, UK, and Denmark, where you can quickly get a job if you work hard; no matter what age, what ethnicity.)
Anyway, on Saturday (March 18), there were a few peaceful demonstrations throughout Paris. However, at about 6pm, violence broke out.......near Nation and near La Sorbonne (one of Paris' elite schools that is in the 5th (near Jardin Luxembourg and the Pantheon)....the Latin Quarter. Anyway, it was instigated mostly by young, frustrated people (a spin off of last years riots that were fuelled by young, frustrated immigrants (1st gen French from immigrant parents)).
So, at Nation (near my house), there was a police blockade.........lots of things thrown at the police, tear gas, burnt cars, etc, etc. Typical riot activities.
For the last few weeks, students and teachers have walked out of schools......high schools and universities, to protest this law. The French people value their right of free speech and love to have a cause to fight for. Vive la Revolution!!! So, there are strikes, walk outs, blockades, riots and all sorts of craziness happening in Paris right now.
Matt then responded with the fact that as an American he knows that he could lose his job tomorrow. So, he works hard and tries not to take the job for granted. Most employers in the US are "at will".
This is my reponse......
I agree with many of the things you say, however, I think you need to keep a few things in mind. The average French person pays more in taxes than the average American. When I say taxes, I am including Social Security, unemployment insurance, etc, etc. The average company also pays more towards social benefits.
In the US, if a company has a standard to good benefit plan.....the cost is about $8K on top of salary. This number does not include stock options, car allowances, etc. This is basic medical, dental, vacation, 401K, pension, etc. In France, the cost is 50% on top of salary. This is part of the reason salaries tend to be lower in France. Many employers provide transportation benefits, lunch tickets (or a cafe with reduced prices), etc. But, they are also paying into the social system. So, employees and employers pay more.......what they expect is a certain degree of security. This is the main frustration with many French.
We also need to keep in mind that many French people grew up in this society where they expect to have a job (about 30%+ of the workforce is in the public sector), their parents had and have the same jobs that they have had forever. Job security is a huge part of being French. So, this CPE that the gov is suggesting goes against the ideals of job security.
In France, there is already a law that states an employer can have a contract employee for under 18 months, then terminate. But, 18 months is the max. I think young people are looking at this new CPE law as being the same exact thing, just 6 months longer.
As an American, I have never expected to always have the same job. I actually think it looks bad on your resume when you have been in the same position too long. The limit is 3 years. If your company is promoting you, that is one thing.......but same position for more than 3 years, you need to take control of your career. But French are much more into security. They all thought I was crazy to move to France on a 6 month contract.
I agree that you need to work hard in order to gain things in life. Nothing should be handed to us. There are many French who get a job, then never do anymore work because they know that they are good for life. I think this happens in the US as well.......but at the Admin or service level. I think as a professional, the expectation is that you need to work hard, advance fast, stay on your toes. But, this was also a reason why I hated the US.....I hated the rat race.....I hated feeling like I was being judged for how busy I was.
Today there is a huge manifestation (is that an English word??)/demonstration. The CPE law went into effect on Sunday. I think there may be some drama tonight......many are expecting it. Within the last few hours, I was at Place d'Italie in the 13th arrondisement......near Chinatown. When I arrived there at about 1pm, they were prepping for a huge protest. I wish I had my camera with me. I saw a huge line of police vans.......about 15 parked in a row, all with lights on, ready to go. When I went back to catch the metro 2 hours later, there were about 10 police in riot gear just near the metro entrance. I think I left the area just in time as there was a huge group of students leaving the metro and chanting protest slogans. I think I will stay at home tonight.....sorry I can't get photos for you.
Kareen
My friend Matt and I have been discussing it via email, and this is what I have written to him.
So, France has a really high unemployment rate.......about 9% (I think). However, in under 26 yos, unemployment is as high as 20%. The French gov has so many employment laws that make it difficult and costly to terminate or layoff. So, employers avoid young, unexperienced workers. Discrimination is high in France, if you are too young, too old, strange last name, look funny, etc, etc.
Well, the gov is trying to pass this law that is called CPE. It gives employers the right to hire under 26yos for 2 years, then terminate them without any repercussions and without a reason. The gov thinks this will increase the employment rate because it gives employers the opp to try out an unexperienced worker, where as many believe this just gives employers another short term contract situation to take advantage of. I see it both ways.
(I was actually at a meeting last week at the unemployment office all about how to create a business in France. The discussion quickly became political. It was pointed out that the system of employment works better in the US, UK, and Denmark, where you can quickly get a job if you work hard; no matter what age, what ethnicity.)
Anyway, on Saturday (March 18), there were a few peaceful demonstrations throughout Paris. However, at about 6pm, violence broke out.......near Nation and near La Sorbonne (one of Paris' elite schools that is in the 5th (near Jardin Luxembourg and the Pantheon)....the Latin Quarter. Anyway, it was instigated mostly by young, frustrated people (a spin off of last years riots that were fuelled by young, frustrated immigrants (1st gen French from immigrant parents)).
So, at Nation (near my house), there was a police blockade.........lots of things thrown at the police, tear gas, burnt cars, etc, etc. Typical riot activities.
For the last few weeks, students and teachers have walked out of schools......high schools and universities, to protest this law. The French people value their right of free speech and love to have a cause to fight for. Vive la Revolution!!! So, there are strikes, walk outs, blockades, riots and all sorts of craziness happening in Paris right now.
Matt then responded with the fact that as an American he knows that he could lose his job tomorrow. So, he works hard and tries not to take the job for granted. Most employers in the US are "at will".
This is my reponse......
I agree with many of the things you say, however, I think you need to keep a few things in mind. The average French person pays more in taxes than the average American. When I say taxes, I am including Social Security, unemployment insurance, etc, etc. The average company also pays more towards social benefits.
In the US, if a company has a standard to good benefit plan.....the cost is about $8K on top of salary. This number does not include stock options, car allowances, etc. This is basic medical, dental, vacation, 401K, pension, etc. In France, the cost is 50% on top of salary. This is part of the reason salaries tend to be lower in France. Many employers provide transportation benefits, lunch tickets (or a cafe with reduced prices), etc. But, they are also paying into the social system. So, employees and employers pay more.......what they expect is a certain degree of security. This is the main frustration with many French.
We also need to keep in mind that many French people grew up in this society where they expect to have a job (about 30%+ of the workforce is in the public sector), their parents had and have the same jobs that they have had forever. Job security is a huge part of being French. So, this CPE that the gov is suggesting goes against the ideals of job security.
In France, there is already a law that states an employer can have a contract employee for under 18 months, then terminate. But, 18 months is the max. I think young people are looking at this new CPE law as being the same exact thing, just 6 months longer.
As an American, I have never expected to always have the same job. I actually think it looks bad on your resume when you have been in the same position too long. The limit is 3 years. If your company is promoting you, that is one thing.......but same position for more than 3 years, you need to take control of your career. But French are much more into security. They all thought I was crazy to move to France on a 6 month contract.
I agree that you need to work hard in order to gain things in life. Nothing should be handed to us. There are many French who get a job, then never do anymore work because they know that they are good for life. I think this happens in the US as well.......but at the Admin or service level. I think as a professional, the expectation is that you need to work hard, advance fast, stay on your toes. But, this was also a reason why I hated the US.....I hated the rat race.....I hated feeling like I was being judged for how busy I was.
Today there is a huge manifestation (is that an English word??)/demonstration. The CPE law went into effect on Sunday. I think there may be some drama tonight......many are expecting it. Within the last few hours, I was at Place d'Italie in the 13th arrondisement......near Chinatown. When I arrived there at about 1pm, they were prepping for a huge protest. I wish I had my camera with me. I saw a huge line of police vans.......about 15 parked in a row, all with lights on, ready to go. When I went back to catch the metro 2 hours later, there were about 10 police in riot gear just near the metro entrance. I think I left the area just in time as there was a huge group of students leaving the metro and chanting protest slogans. I think I will stay at home tonight.....sorry I can't get photos for you.
Kareen
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
KareeninFrance 11, The Opera and other Adventures
Ever since the last time I wrote, I have been trying to come up with something to tell you. I guess you don't typically realize that you are living life and experiencing things until after they happen. However, there are few moments in life when you enjoy the fact that you are experiencing an adventure as much as the actual adventure.
This happened to me last night. I was invited to the Opera. Actually, the story begins before last night.
A few weeks ago, I went to an artist meet-up group here in Paris. This was my second meeting, so there were familiar and friendly faces. I still made a few new friends. One being this American girl (first American I have met since here), Rachel, who grew up in LA, then lived in San Fran and New York. Anyway, we got along well, and decided to meet up again. This happened last Friday. As she and I were laughing at funny stories while we got to know each other, this French guy approached us and asked if we spoke French. I immediately answered Yes, while she hesitated. He then asked if we wanted tickets to the Opera for Monday night. Of course we said yes, as neither of us have ever been. We met up with him at the Opera last night.....questioning why he gave us these tickets as we made our way there. Ends up he works there as a scenery machinist.......assembling scenes and working them during the shows. The show was a horribly boring French opera about some war in Eastern Europe. We were all fidgeting during the last act........but, it was good practice for my French. Anyway, after the show, he gave us a tour of the Opera house. This is the largest Opera house in the world. This is not the Opera Garnier......of the Phantom of the Opera, but the Opera Bastille that was built in 1989 by Francois Mitterand during the bicentennial of the French republic. This Opera house has 8 floors above ground, and 6 floors below. All the space is for the building of scenes, costumes, props, etc. They even have a cafeteria for the employees inside the building. The main stage is 400 m sq or about 3600 ft sq. This space is replicated 8 times, on the same floor, providing enough space for multiple scenes to be available for different acts as well as space for a rehearsal stage that is the exact same size and layout of the main stage with orchestra. So scenes are constantly being created, built, assembled, and disassembled on the lower floors. If an Opera is appearing from overseas, the scenes are delivered in shipping containers and are then assembled on the -6 floor. Each show runs around 3 weeks, and they are working a few months ahead of schedule. The shipping containers are delivered via a waterway from the Seine. It was absolutely amazing......to see behind the scenes of a place in Paris where creativity and artistry flows. And, to see the immensity and grandeur of the Opera house. This was one of those moments that I feel like is a gift from Paris. Similar to seeing David Reinhardt half a year ago. One of those moments that catch you by surprise.
I finally got my propane tank. Actually it arrives tomorrow. It ended up being one of those things that is so easy, you wonder why it took you so long to figure out. As most of you know, I melt glass to make glass beads. In order to do this I use an oxygen and propane mix torch. This produces a high temp. flame that can melt the glass. Initially, I searched for oxygen.........it taking me a few months to finally get my hands on some. I thought this would be the hardest thing to accomplish, so did it first. Then realized that my American torch did not work with the French system. My torch and regulators would not connect with the French oxygen tank. I looked for torches here with no luck, then looked for a torch in the US with European fittings. All with No Luck. When I returned from the US and Tahiti, I found someone who could change all of the fittings on my torch and order me oxygen and propane regulators. This taking them a few weeks to accomplish, I finally had my torch back and just needed to find propane. I had been asking about propane for awhile and learned that propane is "special" in France. Everyone kept trying to offer me Butane, but I always had to explain that I needed Propane to produce the high heat to melt glass. I have run into dead end upon dead end. And, it's been a ridiculous roller coaster, thinking that I have found Propane, only to be disappointed when I went to buy it. I have a nice friend who helped call one of the main suppliers of Butane and Propane and they sent me a list of places I should be able to get it. Funny that I had already tried 2 of the places on the list. Yesterday, I set out to hit all on the list, but decided to revisit a hardware store that is a few blocks from my place, and according to the list would be able to get me propane. It was so easy! I went in and asked for Propane......they said they didn't have it and it was difficult to get as no one really uses it in Paris. I explained that I needed it to melt glass and that I called the supplier and was told they would be able to help me. They said......well, we can call for it. I responded with, "Great! When will it be here?" They said Wed or Thurs. I said, "Great, can you call?" And, they did. It arrives tomorrow. I spent the next 15 minutes showing them photos of my jewelry, taking off my bracelet so they could examine it, and discussing the fact that I am trying to start this business, but all I need is propane. I got them hooked. We then talked about my torch and that I use oxygen to producer a high heat flame. They then asked where I got the oxygen. I told them it took me forever to find a company, but that I have someone who delivers to me. They told me that they sell oxygen and it would probably be cheaper. Why didn't they tell me any of this when I was there a few months ago???!!!!
So, is it the things we work the hardest for and that cause us to face the most obstacles, the ones that are the most successful??? Or, are we meant to learn patience, perseverance, and persistance? And, why do we sometimes need to take the longest, most discouraging route to attain something, then learn that it could have been as easy as walking down the street a few blocks and talking to some old men in a hardware store?
I hope my enthusiasm for the architecture of an Opera house and for Propane have not bored you.
I am excited to say that by tomorrow night, I will have made my first bead in Paris. By this weekend, I should have new jewelry. As I am working on getting my website done, I have created a store at www.kbykareen.etsy.com I will be posting new stuff on very soon, so please check it regularly. I hope you share my enthusiasm for my jewelry.
Again, thank you all for your support, your well wishes, and your compliments. I appreciate it all and enjoy hearing from you.
Love, Kareen
This happened to me last night. I was invited to the Opera. Actually, the story begins before last night.
A few weeks ago, I went to an artist meet-up group here in Paris. This was my second meeting, so there were familiar and friendly faces. I still made a few new friends. One being this American girl (first American I have met since here), Rachel, who grew up in LA, then lived in San Fran and New York. Anyway, we got along well, and decided to meet up again. This happened last Friday. As she and I were laughing at funny stories while we got to know each other, this French guy approached us and asked if we spoke French. I immediately answered Yes, while she hesitated. He then asked if we wanted tickets to the Opera for Monday night. Of course we said yes, as neither of us have ever been. We met up with him at the Opera last night.....questioning why he gave us these tickets as we made our way there. Ends up he works there as a scenery machinist.......assembling scenes and working them during the shows. The show was a horribly boring French opera about some war in Eastern Europe. We were all fidgeting during the last act........but, it was good practice for my French. Anyway, after the show, he gave us a tour of the Opera house. This is the largest Opera house in the world. This is not the Opera Garnier......of the Phantom of the Opera, but the Opera Bastille that was built in 1989 by Francois Mitterand during the bicentennial of the French republic. This Opera house has 8 floors above ground, and 6 floors below. All the space is for the building of scenes, costumes, props, etc. They even have a cafeteria for the employees inside the building. The main stage is 400 m sq or about 3600 ft sq. This space is replicated 8 times, on the same floor, providing enough space for multiple scenes to be available for different acts as well as space for a rehearsal stage that is the exact same size and layout of the main stage with orchestra. So scenes are constantly being created, built, assembled, and disassembled on the lower floors. If an Opera is appearing from overseas, the scenes are delivered in shipping containers and are then assembled on the -6 floor. Each show runs around 3 weeks, and they are working a few months ahead of schedule. The shipping containers are delivered via a waterway from the Seine. It was absolutely amazing......to see behind the scenes of a place in Paris where creativity and artistry flows. And, to see the immensity and grandeur of the Opera house. This was one of those moments that I feel like is a gift from Paris. Similar to seeing David Reinhardt half a year ago. One of those moments that catch you by surprise.
I finally got my propane tank. Actually it arrives tomorrow. It ended up being one of those things that is so easy, you wonder why it took you so long to figure out. As most of you know, I melt glass to make glass beads. In order to do this I use an oxygen and propane mix torch. This produces a high temp. flame that can melt the glass. Initially, I searched for oxygen.........it taking me a few months to finally get my hands on some. I thought this would be the hardest thing to accomplish, so did it first. Then realized that my American torch did not work with the French system. My torch and regulators would not connect with the French oxygen tank. I looked for torches here with no luck, then looked for a torch in the US with European fittings. All with No Luck. When I returned from the US and Tahiti, I found someone who could change all of the fittings on my torch and order me oxygen and propane regulators. This taking them a few weeks to accomplish, I finally had my torch back and just needed to find propane. I had been asking about propane for awhile and learned that propane is "special" in France. Everyone kept trying to offer me Butane, but I always had to explain that I needed Propane to produce the high heat to melt glass. I have run into dead end upon dead end. And, it's been a ridiculous roller coaster, thinking that I have found Propane, only to be disappointed when I went to buy it. I have a nice friend who helped call one of the main suppliers of Butane and Propane and they sent me a list of places I should be able to get it. Funny that I had already tried 2 of the places on the list. Yesterday, I set out to hit all on the list, but decided to revisit a hardware store that is a few blocks from my place, and according to the list would be able to get me propane. It was so easy! I went in and asked for Propane......they said they didn't have it and it was difficult to get as no one really uses it in Paris. I explained that I needed it to melt glass and that I called the supplier and was told they would be able to help me. They said......well, we can call for it. I responded with, "Great! When will it be here?" They said Wed or Thurs. I said, "Great, can you call?" And, they did. It arrives tomorrow. I spent the next 15 minutes showing them photos of my jewelry, taking off my bracelet so they could examine it, and discussing the fact that I am trying to start this business, but all I need is propane. I got them hooked. We then talked about my torch and that I use oxygen to producer a high heat flame. They then asked where I got the oxygen. I told them it took me forever to find a company, but that I have someone who delivers to me. They told me that they sell oxygen and it would probably be cheaper. Why didn't they tell me any of this when I was there a few months ago???!!!!
So, is it the things we work the hardest for and that cause us to face the most obstacles, the ones that are the most successful??? Or, are we meant to learn patience, perseverance, and persistance? And, why do we sometimes need to take the longest, most discouraging route to attain something, then learn that it could have been as easy as walking down the street a few blocks and talking to some old men in a hardware store?
I hope my enthusiasm for the architecture of an Opera house and for Propane have not bored you.
I am excited to say that by tomorrow night, I will have made my first bead in Paris. By this weekend, I should have new jewelry. As I am working on getting my website done, I have created a store at www.kbykareen.etsy.com I will be posting new stuff on very soon, so please check it regularly. I hope you share my enthusiasm for my jewelry.
Again, thank you all for your support, your well wishes, and your compliments. I appreciate it all and enjoy hearing from you.
Love, Kareen
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
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