So I leave tomorrow afternoon for 3 weeks in France again. This will be my 4th year teaching at La Bonne Etoile, an hour or so southeast of Paris. I was a nervous wreck the first year. What do I wear? How do I handle the currency exchange? How will I communicate? How will I know how not to offend in another culture. None of these things worry me now. I've learned enough French the past 3 years to get by. The currency exchange--a piece of cake. Or should I say un morceau de gâteau. Tonight, surprisingly, I'm totally relaxed, knowing how all those things will be handled. But there is one thing tonight that terrifies me.

Fromage.

Cheese. Brie. Camembert. Boursin. Comte. Chevre... after every meal. A huge plate of fromage will be passed around and around the table. I am terrified I'll come home 10 pounds heavier.

So I'm thinking, if I just stay away from the breads and try to limit my wine intake, I can still eat the cheese. I'll let you know how it goes. Meanwhile, I've got to finish packing.