Here we go.

This morning I signed the last Housing Contract I shall ever sign in France for the time being.

It is also the very contract that initiates the count down of my stay.

As in every contract (at least in France) one is obliged (if one accepts the terms) to write Read and Approved followed by a signature. In the tense moment, that lasted no more than 10 minutes in a hospital-ward-looking office, I still found it humours to abide by that custom and approve the very date I, myslef submitted. It felt like I was choosing my own execution date, but at the same time I felt as though I was choosing my own date for freedom (don't ask what from).

"It would be excatly one year that you would have moved in with us," remarked the very lady that helped me sign my first Housing Contract 10 months ago. "Time flies."

And things change. I remember clearly that a year ago I didn't like the first impression I had of this lady. And every day since I've done my best to avoid her. A long time later we're back in a similar situation but so much has changed. My impression of her is now one of a sweet, kind-hearted mother. This time round I don't need the English translation of the contract (that was offered to me the first time round). Confidence in speaking and expressing myself in the foreign language has improved a tremendous amount.

I have a strange feeling that from now till my departure it's going to be a rush of panic to get all my papers sorted. I'll try and take each day as it comes. "Indeed, times flies."