Aren’t there laws against bad poultry in France? Report whoever sold you those bad birds and find a better market! Also, when climbing the steep part of the learning curve, I think it’s perfectly justifiable to have the wine aisle be your happy place. Especially when stocked with reasonably priced Burgundy. Keep making brain cells! ❤️
I empathize with your new land/new life adjustments. Reading your blog dredged up some distant troubled memories of looking for my first apartment after law school in 1978 (though at least there was no language issue).
On the good news front from Philly, the Phils rallied from 3 down in the 8th to break a 5-game losing streak 2 nights ago and won again last night, 1-0 over Atlanta. The sports talk shows were already making references to the Phils' 1964 collapse which reminded me of Don's 1964 Phillies' world series tickets which I understand made it to France. We don't need to revisit 1964 however.
Beautiful, Theresa! I can see it all through your words.
For all of the unnerving newness and challenges, always know that we're all living vicariously through you in the fantastic adventure. Cheers to building new neurons and finding that new sacred sanctuary! XXXOOO
I’ve lived through those “cleaning products blues” (on a smaller scale) during our two and three-months-long sojourns in France. That was a whole sight easier than experiencing it as your new forever along with not just a lot of other things, but EVERY. SINGLE. THING. Yikes!
And getting into that long-term lease will also allow you to experience community as neighbors. We met and connected with shop owners, our building gardien, other dog walkers in our buildings, and produce purveyors at our local marché...it made our long stays more like living there and less like visiting.
Sometimes you just need/crave something familiar. While you’re still getting settled, Darryl and I would be happy to send you anything (outside of chicken). Bon courage, mon amie!
Theresa, this sounds really difficult, and while I agree with Don that you are challenging your brain, as someone who loves and craves the comfort of "home" , I totally understand. It is the way I feel when I travel (only on steroids), even when we find a great place to stay, but not having places to put things, understanding where to go for what we need, etc. I find it unsettling. Is there an ex-pat community there? I know you are not hoping to settle into an isolated community of Americans, but it would include people who have answers to some of your questions at least. In the meantime, I send my love and my knowledge that you and Don together will weather this initial period of difficulty, find a home (may it be the one you are craving), and will connect with all the reasons you both made this decision in the first place. Is there a yoga studio anywhere nearby? It could be a start at least.
I don’t know what they do in France to wish good luck, but I will keep my fingers crossed that you get the apt with two balconies. Deep breaths… as you know.
I wasn't expecting to miss Windex and Oxiclean while in France, so . . . using dish soap for a lot of things while here, but it's not a great stain remover.
The tickets are still en route, somewhere at sea. Just like the Phils.
Aren’t there laws against bad poultry in France? Report whoever sold you those bad birds and find a better market! Also, when climbing the steep part of the learning curve, I think it’s perfectly justifiable to have the wine aisle be your happy place. Especially when stocked with reasonably priced Burgundy. Keep making brain cells! ❤️
I empathize with your new land/new life adjustments. Reading your blog dredged up some distant troubled memories of looking for my first apartment after law school in 1978 (though at least there was no language issue).
On the good news front from Philly, the Phils rallied from 3 down in the 8th to break a 5-game losing streak 2 nights ago and won again last night, 1-0 over Atlanta. The sports talk shows were already making references to the Phils' 1964 collapse which reminded me of Don's 1964 Phillies' world series tickets which I understand made it to France. We don't need to revisit 1964 however.
Beautiful, Theresa! I can see it all through your words.
For all of the unnerving newness and challenges, always know that we're all living vicariously through you in the fantastic adventure. Cheers to building new neurons and finding that new sacred sanctuary! XXXOOO
All be well! You will thrive eventually--it is getting to the other side of the eventually that is so hard.
Good luck with the apartment search. And like Deb said if you need something sent, let me know.
I’ve lived through those “cleaning products blues” (on a smaller scale) during our two and three-months-long sojourns in France. That was a whole sight easier than experiencing it as your new forever along with not just a lot of other things, but EVERY. SINGLE. THING. Yikes!
And getting into that long-term lease will also allow you to experience community as neighbors. We met and connected with shop owners, our building gardien, other dog walkers in our buildings, and produce purveyors at our local marché...it made our long stays more like living there and less like visiting.
Sometimes you just need/crave something familiar. While you’re still getting settled, Darryl and I would be happy to send you anything (outside of chicken). Bon courage, mon amie!
Theresa, this sounds really difficult, and while I agree with Don that you are challenging your brain, as someone who loves and craves the comfort of "home" , I totally understand. It is the way I feel when I travel (only on steroids), even when we find a great place to stay, but not having places to put things, understanding where to go for what we need, etc. I find it unsettling. Is there an ex-pat community there? I know you are not hoping to settle into an isolated community of Americans, but it would include people who have answers to some of your questions at least. In the meantime, I send my love and my knowledge that you and Don together will weather this initial period of difficulty, find a home (may it be the one you are craving), and will connect with all the reasons you both made this decision in the first place. Is there a yoga studio anywhere nearby? It could be a start at least.
I don’t know what they do in France to wish good luck, but I will keep my fingers crossed that you get the apt with two balconies. Deep breaths… as you know.
This thing you call "reasonably priced Burgundy..." Please tell me more. Have never seen it.
Yikes... Que la force soit avec toi!
Sounds tough (I have a lot of stress around home changes too) but exciting! All of the possibilities! And white vinegar works well in any language.
I wasn't expecting to miss Windex and Oxiclean while in France, so . . . using dish soap for a lot of things while here, but it's not a great stain remover.