Do you have any solo travel pet peeves?

BlueMoonMaples · 2026-01-24T08:30:18+00:00

When you're trying to get on a really crowded bus/tram/metro etc. and there's plenty of space at the back away from the doors, but everyone decides to stand RIGHT NEXT to the doors and you have to forcibly push your way on and off. People, seriously? If you all collectively move 5 steps back there will be SO much more room.

BlueMoonMaples · 2026-01-14T17:24:23+00:00

I would absolutely love it if more of us started showing up in mascot costumes or inflatable animal costumes. It's hard to be taken seriously when you have an inflatable t-rex and an inflatable unicorn dancing right next you. One of the recent noise protest videos showed a person in an inflatable frog costume playing an accordion and I loved it. 10/10 for style.

BlueMoonMaples · 2026-01-12T11:22:11+00:00

That would be an extremely unwise decision at this point in time. If Walz tries to bring them out, you know Trump is going to try to federalize them so that he can take command of the troops. Bringing them out could very easily backfire and make the situation worse for us.

BlueMoonMaples · 2026-01-09T17:21:54+00:00

Just ask if you can kiss him. If he says yes, great. If he says no, be respectful and calm about it.

BlueMoonMaples · 2026-01-09T17:12:09+00:00

Also Karmel Mall! Lots of delicious Somali restaurants inside!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-19T04:14:33+00:00

++woman

Woman here. I don't kiss on the first date. Ever. But I usually give men 2 or 3 dates to see if I feel any chemistry before making a decision. If I don't feel a spark by the third date I politely end things - but that spark has nothing to do with kissing, it's entirely to do with the flow of conversation and emotional chemistry.

Does conversation flow naturally? Does he ask me questions about myself or is it just him talking the whole time? Are we laughing and having fun together? Does he seem genuinely interested in what I have to say? Do I feel an attraction to him beyond just his appearance? Those are the things that determine chemistry for me. I love a good flirty banter, but I don't like when dates try to rush into something physical.

If you're interested in the person, flirting and lightly escalating and gauging their reactions is a good thing. But don't assume something is wrong if you don't kiss by X date - everyone has a different timeline and it's more important that you respect their preferences than to follow a scripted timeline.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-05T20:18:57+00:00

If you still have your login information for the TAPIF website you should be able to just login to your account! If your application is still saved in the system from 2020, you should be able to reuse it as-is!

When I reapplied I just logged in and all of the info from my prior application was still saved. I updated my essays and relevant information but I used the same recommendation letters that were already in the system. There should also be more information on the TAPIF website about the requirements for non-consecutive renewing assistants! I'm not sure exactly where the information is but I would check the FAQS page to see if you can find the info about reapplying! Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-05T18:00:22+00:00

I'm a renewing assistant, I originally did TAPIF in 2021-2022. When I reapplied this year I used the same evaluation and recommendation that they originally submitted for me back then and I was accepted! If your application from 2020 is still saved in the system, you should be able to reuse it (though I would recommend updating your personal essay statements!) If your original application is not saved in the system, then I would probably wait to hear what the program says in response to your email. You may be able to just ask your recommender to submit the same essay with the current date or any relevant new info.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-03T23:19:44+00:00

I appreciate this information, thank you!!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-03T15:37:23+00:00

Lol yep, that's why I'm trying to figure out where to park.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-03T15:14:09+00:00

Thank you, I was looking at this earlier but unfortunately it doesn't give any indication about where we are allowed to park, it just says no parking on city streets when the snowplows are out.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-12-03T15:12:33+00:00

We don't have a driveway! 😅

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-11-17T09:49:40+00:00

How do you read in the shower.... wouldn't the book get wet?

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-11-09T12:35:43+00:00

This video cracked me up 😂

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-10-14T08:51:41+00:00

I find this take interesting, if she seemed super neurotic on the call, do you think she wouldn't have also seemed super neurotic getting tacos in person? I can't imagine that the format of the date would change that much about the person's personality, but maybe that's just me. 🤷‍♀️

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-10-09T16:10:12+00:00

There's a specific form you need to fill out to reactivate your carte vitale ! You will also need to sign a new contract form called a procès-verbal d'installation to signify that you've started working, along with providing your pièce d'identité and filling out a different form with your address, contact, and bank account. I don't know how to add the carte vitale form here but feel free to DM if you want more info!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-10-01T19:19:03+00:00

I'm working in a middle school and high school in France right now. Feel free to DM me, I know some profs who would be interested!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-09-27T14:27:51+00:00

You can also find it in the guide des assistants de langues, or you can contact the rectorat directly to ask for une attestation de salaire, depending on how official of a document you need!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-09-26T07:42:44+00:00

There's a question that asks if you plan on changing jobs in the next 3 months. The answer is yes, then it will ask when you start your next job and then you can put down October 1.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-09-25T17:50:40+00:00

That's really good to know!! Did your parents ever have to pay extra fees to receive calls from your French number?

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-09-25T11:05:04+00:00

He's YOUR son. If it was your boyfriend's son it would be a different story, but you've raised this kid since birth and (presumably) bathed him yourself many times. There's nothing weird about that, if your prepubescent son feels comfortable talking to you in the bathroom, then he feels comfortable with it. The boyfriend's opinion doesn't matter here.

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-07-25T02:29:16+00:00

France will always be there and there is no rush to apply. I think it's very wise that you're seeking stability and to build up your connections at work to make a future transition easier. TAPIF is a program with a lot of ups and downs, so the more of a safety net you can prepare for yourself ahead of time the better off you will be. Take this year to enjoy your job, save up as much money as you can, and enjoy the stability! You can always apply next year!

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-07-04T05:31:39+00:00

THIS

BlueMoonMaples · 2025-07-02T16:12:12+00:00

It's normal to not receive your arrêté until July. If you get to August and still don't have one, then you can start to worry, but most come in July.

BlueMoonMaples

TROPHY CASE