In two weeks I've had my ups and downs. I may be on the up side now with fewer downs (I hope!). But, in this process of adjusting, I've realized (not surprisingly) there are things (after just two weeks) I miss from my Plano life and things I love about my Paris life.
The Misses
*My car - I actually would love the walking if I had no pain so maybe soon...
*My kids and grandkids - We don't see them all the time but I think the "special" times I'll miss -
Drew's birthday this month we'd have a sleepover and bake. I'll miss doing that.
*Friends - We've both met some people but friendship takes a while...
*Church Music - Ours at ACP is way too formal and classic for us! Where are the classic hymns
and gospels???????
*Shopping - I know this is the fashion capital of the world but where's Banana Republic and
Nordstrom????? And I miss multiple choices for household goods that are easily obtained...
*My magazines - Really!!!! I've been an addict since I was a teenager! I picked up a "Shape"
magazine at an English bookstore and thought I'd gone to heaven.
*My ensuite bathroom - I don't really mind not having "ensuite" but our bathroom (the main
bathroom of the apartment) is at the other end of the apartment. I realize in 950 sq.ft. that's
not all that far...but in the middle of the night it might as well be the next apartment!!!!
The Hits
*The apartment - I love it - I love the space (or lack of!) and as it becomes more "us", I
love it more. That is just taking some time because of knowing where to find what I'm
looking for...(that goes to "Shopping" above!!!)
*The outdoor food markets - I hate US grocery stores and love the market experience (even
in the rain).
*Having cafes everywhere - and never feeling rushed to leave because waiters are salaried and don't
depend on tips.
*Quiet restaurants/cafes - French people, mostly, speak quietly and the music isn't blaring
(mostly) - they want you to enjoy your experience and time with friends/family.
*Riding the bus - and the metro but, as I posted earlier, I'm a bus fan. I don't care about the
traffic or weather. I can get on, ride and get off. And I don't have to park!!
*The twinkling Eiffel - remember, I'm a geek!!!
*The diversity of church - Hunter's Glen was becoming more diverse - ACP is already there -
that's nice.
*The lift (elevator) in my building - it's a lifesaver for me now and when we have packages -
hopefully, I'll be able to take the stairs some as my leg gets stronger.
*Hearing the life in our building - the piano practicing, the heels clicking above us (oh, I miss
my heels!!!!!)...I like it all.
This is where I am right now. It'll be interesting to see how these change in the weeks ahead.
**As a postscript to this post which I wrote four days ago, the last day or two have been difficult. I don't think my expectations were too high, but I do think I just didn't realize how difficult a transition this would be. Some of the differences are easier than others. It's just all different. If nothing else, I'll learn flexibility in the months ahead!!!
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