If we were having coffee today...
- I'd tell you that my first French class went really well! There are only 5 of us in the class so I think I will learn a lot!! We had a substitute teacher for the first class, but our regular teacher is a guy from France so it will be nice to learn from someone who is native to the language!
- we'd probably talk about what is going to happen when my year commitment in Charlotte is up as I get a lot of questions about this. My company thinks I am here in Charlotte indefinitely (well, my immediate managers probably don't as they know I am not happy here). The year I speak of is the contract associated with my relocation package; if I leave before the year is up, I have a significant financial obligation. When that year is up, though, I would have to find a new job (most likely with a different company) if I wanted to move back because my current job is permanently in Charlotte - moving back and keeping my job is not an option. So there are no guarantees that I will actually be able to move back when my year is up... we'll see how things shake out.
- I'd tell you that I am actually looking forward to being in Charlotte this weekend as I was gone the last 2 weekends and will be gone the next 3. My to-do list is long, but my goal is to get it all done on Friday night/Sunday because on Saturday I am taking a day trip up to the Blue Ridge Parkway with a co-worker and her boyfriend. If my foot feels ok, we are going to try to do some hiking!
- I'd tell you that I am really excited to see my local friend Lori tonight! We are going to dinner at this cute French bistro. I haven't seen her since June, which is kind of crazy. Between my work & travel schedule, and her busy life, we have the hardest time finding time to get together. It will be great to catch up with her tonight, though!
- I'd tell you that I am starting to do some research & planning for my Paris trip, which is about 9 weeks away!! Since it's my 3rd trip to Paris, I don't feel the need to really plan much, but I do want to plan one day trip to an outer region that is a 1-1.5 hour train ride away. I ordered a book called "An Hour from Paris" so will be perusing that before making my decision. Right now the front runner is Chartres as I've heard good things about it!
- I'd tell you that I am really looking forward to seeing my parents a week from tomorrow. I haven't seen them since August and I feel like so much has happened since then. I think I am a very independent person, but in my opinion, you never stop needing your parents and that has especially been the case this year as I've dealt with the move, my RA diagnosis, etc. I am sharing a hotel room with them the weekend I am in Minneapolis so can't wait for lots of one-on-one time with them (which is such a treat when you are from a big family)!
If we were having coffee, what would you share?
I'm so glad you have some fun things to look forward to right now- dinner tonight, the wedding and hanging out with your family next weekend and of course the PARIS trip! It sounds like your French class will be really good. Learning a new language is something I always want to do and never make time for. It doesn't help that I know I'm pretty bad at it, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteIf we were having coffee I'd tell you that things have been really crazy at work so even though I try to come home and have time to rest/relax, it just does not seem to be happening right now. I'd also ask for some book recommendations as I can't seem to get into any books right now ha ha. Luckily Becky is sending me some so that should help! I'd probably tell you about all the things I am looking forward to that I blogged about today :)
I would share that I would like to be in your suitcase when you go to Paris and that I'm excited for you.
ReplyDeleteI would also share that I have NO IDEA how people who get up early do it. I've been getting up about an hour, maybe 90 minutes earlier than usual for work as of late and my goodness, I'm dragging. I need to know the secret sauce!
Oooh I highly recommend Chartres if you're looking for a short trip. It's just stunning. Oooh I'm so jealous for your trip to France!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your first class went well, it sounds like a blast!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day trip on Saturday! And we are so excited to see you next weekend! Time is slip slipping away! :) You have lots to look forward to in the next few months!Enjoy every minute!
ReplyDeleteYay so glad your French class went well! Ours did too but our class is pretty large, I think about 15 people! So jealous you get to go to France and practice this year. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your first French class went well! Did you take french in elementary school? We had to take it until grade 9. If only I would have realized how useful it would have been!
ReplyDeleteIf I were having coffee with you, I think we would certainly compare notes about planning a European vacation during low season. We are 3 weeks out from our trip to Italy and I still haven't booked a hotel room for one of our side trips. I'm just not that concerned - I know there will be plenty of options, unlike if we were traveling during the height of the summer travel season!
ReplyDeleteEek... so many good things coming up! I'm glad you will be super busy this weekend to keep from any feelings of loneliness.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to tell you what I would tell you if we were having coffee because we'll be chatting this weekend. SO YAY! :)
You have so much going on!! WOW! Nice work on your french class, I did french all the way through school up until grade 12 and I would still be nervous! Have a great visit with your parents.
ReplyDeleteAh, your Paris trip sounds fun. Love that you're exploring a new region. If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that I am at my stress limit now. Physically feeling and seeing the effects of my stress level and know I need to make a change soon. While next week will be stressful with school starting, I am looking forward to it as I'm excited to continue moving toward my future goal. So glad the first French class went well.
ReplyDeleteI love love love that you have so much to look forward to!!! So glad we finally got to catch up, looking forward to catching up again in December :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to tell me about the blue ridge parkway! I'll be driving along it in just two weeks! I can't wait! Have a great weekend : )
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through Stephany - so glad that I did! I've really enjoyed reading back through your posts tonight. HOW EXCITING that you're going to Paris! And learning French! I took six years of it in middle school/high school but I've lost a lot of it in the last eight years.
ReplyDeleteAh, Paris! Lovely that you get another trip, and a perfect opportunity to put some newly-acquired French to use! I know the countdown is exciting.
ReplyDeleteParis is going to be here before you know it!!! Squee!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd tell you I'd already started thinking about Christmas shopping - we have a decent-sized list but draw names where possible and the name of my game this year is to get the most bang for my buck - the most thoughtful/sweetest thing for the least amount of money. So far? I'm killing it.
Can I be in your suitcase too?! :)
ReplyDeleteYour French classes are really making we want to do the same; if only I had a trip there coming up! Cannot wait to hear all about your trip.
Oh, I am so glad you're going to be able to spend time with your family. I agree, even as independent people, we never completely stop needing our parents for love and support :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're headed to MPLS. That'll be good. And nice you have Lori to enjoy in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for Chartres or Giverny (which MIGHT be more than an hour). Do you read Paris Breakfasts? Carol hits the road all the time. She might have ideas, too.
Excited about French class. Maybe there will be nice people there you can enjoy outside of class -- practice makes perfect!
I'd share that my neck/shoulders have knots, and I totally need to go for a massage. I'd share that I am excited for Oktoberfest this evening. I'd say that I'm excited, but also nervous about Christopher moving in with me!
ReplyDeleteI am glad your French class went well! The first class is always the hardest, all of the "getting to know you" and all of that Jazz...once that happens, I always feel more comfortable and then the learning can begin!
ReplyDeleteIf we were having coffee I would tell you that I am feeling kind of numb brained lately. Since I spend all day on the computer, I get home and even though I had so much to talk about, I draw a blank. Even just now trying to form a coherent thought about what to say right now is hard!
I watched Midnight in Paris the other day; have you seen it? There are such great views of Paris and Paris in the 20s would be especially great, don't you think?
That's fun you're planning a day trip from Paris this time around! Makes sense since it's your third trip there! I can't wait to hear where you decide to go.
ReplyDeleteIf we were having coffee tonight I'd tell you how happy I am to be feeling mostly normal again. That stomach bug I had really took a lot out of me the last 4 days!
All sound like absolutely wonderful things! :) Sounding like you are finding some great positives right now and I can imagine the 30 days of gratitude will help too. The right long-term door will open :) Much love to you Lisa!
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