I woke up early this morning to help my sister get a French phone and pack her suitcases.  Her au-pair apartment was finally ready to be moved into so her new employer was coming to pick up her up.  I thought I could help her pile luggage into the car and get an early start on preparing for my interview.  I shuffled a suitcase or two outside and then I heard "clack."  SHIT! I had just closed the door to the apartment sans my keys.  I quickly called J to see if he could come home and open the door for me but-surprise!  He had left his keys in the apartment as well.  His brilliant idea- just go to the interview unprepared in what I was already wearing, which just so happened to be sweaty gym clothes. Hmmm....brilliant idea!  I'm sure I'll be hired on the spot!  

After a small breakdown I decided I would either try to get in through a window (if open) or call the locksmith.  Our apartment is on the rez-de-chaussée (the bottom floor) and is enclosed by a little fence so people from the street aren't able to look in.  The fence actually has a door that opens up to a little garden, but only my neighbor has access.  She, of course, wasn't home.  I buzzed everyone in the building to see if they could help me and finally, a very friendly Monsieur Brun came downstairs with a ladder.  He held it steady while I climbed a very pointy fence, and kept saying "doucement" as [I'm sure] he was imagining the possibility of puncture wounds.  I made it safely over and no, the window was not open.  So I broke it.  I figure it's cheaper to replace a small window than to pay a locksmith.  I guess we'll see. 

On a happy note, I did make it to my interview on time and I think it went rather well.  Here's to hoping I get the job and that I was right about the price of the window......