Thursday, July 11, 2013

My Survival Award


So this year has kind of metaphorically kicked the crap out of me.  I've been challenged in more ways than I have ever been in a single year of my life.  But I am thriving and surviving and trying to persevere.  While I think of myself as a pretty frugal person that does not tend to splurge very often, I decided to splurge on something to reward myself to getting through this tough year (or at least the first half - I have to believe the worst is behind me).

What is that reward?  I'm going to Paris!

Before this whole unforeseen relocation, my plan had been to go to Paris in April if I passed level 3 of the CFA.  But then I got relocated and life got turned upside down. Shortly after moving, I realized that even if I do find out that I passed the CFA next month, an April trip to Paris was not in the cards for me as next April will mark one year in Charlotte, and I have no idea what the future holds after that.  Planning a trip to Paris just wasn't responsible as I just might be moving at that point.  Who knows.

So I had resigned myself to the fact that a trip to Paris just wasn't in the cards for me until 2015 most likely.  But then I got to thinking...  maybe I could go to Paris for Thanksgiving.  In the back of my mind, it all seemed very unlikely, but I decided to look at airfare, and if it wasn't exorbitant, and if the guy I rented an apartment from in 2011 had one available in the Latin Quarter, then I would go.

Well, it turns out that there was in fact an apartment in the Latin Quarter available for rent AND the plane ticket was not ridiculous.  It's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination since Charlotte is not a hub for international travel, but it was reasonable.

So I ran the idea by a couple of people who know me well, and are honest.  The response I got was basically "YES, OF COURSE, GO!"

And so I am going!!  I will be in Paris for 5 days in late November!  My flight is booked and I've signed the contract on an adorable apartment in the Latin Quarter, which is an area I haven't stayed in before.

I'll wake up to this view...

Why yes, that is the Notre Dam in the background!

And this is where I still stay...


I might not come back.  (Just kidding, Mom).

It all still feels like a dream to me at this point.  Part of me feels guilty spending the money (even though I have more than enough in savings), but a bigger part of me knows that I need and deserve this trip.

The thing is - this trip just might be what saves me.  I know that sounds dramatic to say, but there is just something special about Paris.  Even though it's far from my roots of North Dakota, going there feels a little bit like coming home.  I always come back from Paris feeling happier, more full of life, and honestly, more full of hope.  Now, more than ever, I need to be filled with those emotions.

And in the end, Audrey Hepburn said it best when she said:

"Paris is always a good idea"

29 comments:

R's Rue said...

Does Charotte have direct flights there?
Paris is my dream!
Glad you get to go back!
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Lisa-Marie said...

It's beautiful Lisa! And you so deserve it! I can't wait to reafd about your adventures!

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

YES, Paris IS always a good idea. I still remember your feelings coming back last time- am I getting the years mixed up or did you after that decide to move downtown and end up super happy as a result? I think it's going to be great for you, and I think looking forward to it these next few months is going to make it worth it as well :) People do way crazier and more irresponsible things with their money every day and I truly feel that most all travel is completely worth the money.

Becky said...

Yes yes yes yes! SOOOOO excited for you!

J said...

That is great Lisa! I am so glad you booked that and have the trip to look forward too! I hope the time flies between now and Novemeber! Stay busy! Thats what I am trying to do and I think its working!

Jeanie said...

Audrey was brilliant. So are you. The spot you are staying in unbelievable. I will need to get details on that at some point if Rick and I head back and Jerry has moved on. It's gorgeous! And November will be your half-way point -- perfect, I think!

Anonymous said...

How delightful! Go you.

Marlys said...

I am so excited for you! Now you have something big to dream about, and if you do pass the CFA, it will be frosting on the cake! This blog all started with your first trip to Paris! Can't wait to see what you discover this time!

Nora said...

Um, I wouldn't come back if I was staying in that apartment, either.

Last night I heard the Grace Potter "if I was in Paris," song as she was the opener for DMB and I immediately thought of you, as I do with all things Paris.

You deserve this trip and I do hope the trip gives you the peace you need! xo

Stephany said...

I am so, so, so, so glad you booked a trip to Paris because you TOTALLY deserve to get away and be in a place that makes you feel so happy and at peace. With all the crap you’ve had to deal with this year, I think it’s good for you to do this for yourself. That view looks AMAZING and I am just so very happy for you. YAY, PARIS!

And hopefully, it will rejuvenate you and you’ll have epiphanies about life like you did last time and can figure out a plan from what you want from Life After Charlotte. :)

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I absolutely think you deserve this trip! Not only will you come back with an improved attitude ... but, the next few months of planning your trip and dreaming about your time away will also be good for the soul. Yay, Lisa, so excited for you!

Jen Feeny said...

I cannot wait to drool over your trip pics and hear all about it! That apartment looks gorgeous and that view!!!!!!!!!!

Crissy Rae said...

What a wonderful thing to look forward to in the next few months! That is a dream place for me to visit and can only imagine the wonderful time you are going to have. Now to get rid of that pesky boot too! :-)

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

That is a pretty sweet reward!! You totally deserve it! And that room - wow!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope you have an amazing time, and I can't wait to hear all about it! Also, this reminds me that I still haven't blogged about my trip!

Leigh said...

I think that's such an amazing idea for you to go to Paris! You deserve the trip and to have something to look forward to. I was secretly hoping you were going to say August, so we'd be there at the same time :)

Carolina John said...

Greenville SC is actually a hub for international travel. You might get a cheaper ticket flying out of GSP. It has the highest number of foreign headquartered companies in the US, so the airport hubs up.

and yay! That's going to be a wonderful trip. Excellent call.

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

can't wait for your adventures!

Linda said...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. :) I knew you were going to do this already but AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Linda
curious notions

Cherry Blossoms said...

The apartments looks darling and glad it all lined up with your schedule. Should be another great adventure for you!

Jamie and Missy said...

Great decision, Lisa!! The apartment looks amazing, as does the view. Well deserved, indeed.

Shoshanah said...

I think this is such an awesome idea and so perfect for you!! And I can't quite get over the chandeliers in the apartment. I just know you have such a fabulous time, and "de-stress" a little from everything going on.

Unknown said...

Wonderful!!!

Charis Faith said...

I am so very glad that you are taking this opportunity!!! It's important to take care of you!!! I'm looking forward to this trip, and I understand that this trip is a saving grace trip, and saving sanity. It gives you something to look forward to that's such a big deal and such a special place!!!

Abby said...

Holy cow, let me pick my jaw up off the floor! It seriously dropped at that view of what you'll be looking at!

That is AMAZING!!!! Good for you!! You couldn't deserve this more than you do. And think, by then you'll be back at running and your pedestrian lifestyle will be back!

I am so excited for you. I hope to visit Paris some day....There is a lot I'd like to see in France including Normandy!! I'm probably going to need to consult you as our travel guide that day we make that trip ;)

Yay!!!

Amber said...

AMAZING! You absolutely deserve this after the hellish year you've had. I'm so excited for you!! And that view. Wow!

Elizabeth said...

Yea! So glad to read this and hear about the trip. DEFINITELY glad you're going. If you have the money, then use it to make yourself happy for both long and short term things. Doubtful you'd ever regret going!

Amanda said...

Agghhhhhhh!!! So jealous!! I know EXACTLY where that building is :) I wandered in that hood constantly when I lived on the Ile saint Louis. It's been for different reasons, obviously, but 2013 has been rough here too. Now I'm pondering what my "survivor award" should be :)

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Holy moly; that apartment is perfect. PERFECT! You are going to have such a good time people watching, sipping espresso, running and just soaking it all in! I am so happy for you. You deserve this.

I think Kelly is right, right? Last time you went to Paris you came back and moved into your new condo, right? And from there things went uphill for you!! So...here's to it happening again!

I am very frugal in many ways, but the #1 thing I "waste" money on (and I don't think it IS a waste) is travel. Totally, 100 percent, travel.