Monday Morning

It is the morning after returning to the US. It is nice to be home and in my own bed, but I really kind of miss it now. My foot is happy because I can actually lay in bed and not move it for longer periods of time. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be somewhat better, but I still have this feeling I am going to have to call and let them know I will have to be in flipflops at work. I am taking today off to regroup, do laundry and sleep when necessary. This doesn't feel like the doosy jet lag from China, but I can still imagine I will be needing more sleep.

It was nice to get kitty cuddles this morning. Simon just feels this is his time to play with mommy and so he takes it. My friend Taylor did a great job in taking care of them while I was gone. Taylor and I dated when I first got them so they love him almost as much as me. (Sometimes I think even more so than me, but that is another blog!). And the story of Taylor will be for another blog too :-).

So, what did I take away from my trip to Paris? People are generally the same all over the world, never count on your first impressions of people and really, don't listen to generalizations of people -- experience it for yourself. Not all Americans are rude in foreign countries -- I hope Jen and I led some French to think differently of Americans as much as they changed our perceptions. I still think of the lady, Christina, in the shop on the rue de Rivoli. Her joy and hospitality will stay with me for a lifetime.

Back in America

After a ten hour plane ride, we finally arrived back in the States. I loved Paris, but man, it is great to be home!!! Now there are things I miss that I will be referring to for a long time in the blog!

Yesterday, we finally made it to the Louvre. It was amazing. We had a pretty funny tour guide. I don't remember her name, but she had a Julia Childs voice and must have been a third grade teacher in a previous life (do you have your ticket to the Louvre??? We must stay together!!). She was full of interesting facts and we learned a lot. We then had lunch, where we ran into our truly first rude Parisian. And he wasn't really rude, as he was more an overactor. We laughed!

Well, I promise there will be more later. I just wanted to let everyone know we arrived safely. I do plan to post more stories from the past week as we go forward into June. It was a blast!!!

Day Six

We are coming to the end of our Sixth full day in Paris. Today, we visited Versailles. It was fabulous. The tour was pretty good, although I wanted to see more of the palace. A lot of it is actually under construction. I have some great pictures. Before the tour left, Jen and I headed to the area where we needed to meet the bus. Since we arrived early, we sat at a cafe for lunch. We ended up ordering Champagne and some great salads. We also got in a lot of shopping!!!! One store, we had a blast in. Cute scarves and purses. The lady was more than nice to us and we ended up staying there for awhile. I got some great things, not only for myself but for gifts as well.

This morning at breakfast, we quickly discovered why the French think Americans are rude. A lady and her daughter came down to breakfast and were very loud and obnoxious. At the hotel, you serve yourself and get your own utensils. The lady brings the coffee, but that is it. The girl was whining because she wanted a spoon and nobody was bringing her one. This girl is old enough to get her own freakin spoon. If that was me, my parents would have pretty much told me to get it myself or starve. Even I, limp girl, get my own spoon! The mother was also rude and obnoxious and both Jen and I were embarrassed for her. Everybody we have met has been nothing but nice to us. And if they appeared rude, I figured it was really indifference, not really rude. But off my soap box. My impression of the French (and the Londoners) is good and very pleasant.

My foot is doing much better. I only limp when I have been sitting down for awhile. Legs are not dying anymore and my hives are gone (yes, I had the hives!!!). I am now sunburned, but still doesn't matter. The weather has been perfect.

Yesterday, Jen and I witnessed a protest. We didn't know what they were protesting at the time, but turns out they were a part of the union and they were protesting low wages and unemployment. Thought of joining them :-). Once that was over, one of the union guys sat near our table at the cafe and started hitting on me. I had no idea what he was saying to me, but trust me, he was definitely trying to flirt. Now, people really should not be worried about me running off with a French man. I can't really understand American men. Add in the language barrier, I would go crazy!!! Now, if he knows English, that is a different story :-).

Well, I left Jen at the hotel. She is now having feet problems (blisters) so she will blog later if you want to check that out when she does. We are having dinner at the Hard Rock tonight (don't worry, we really have had French food!). Not sure after that. Depends on Jen's foot, I guess. It doesn't get dark until 10ish here so we have plenty of light.

Lost: The Vacation

A theme of this trip is being Lost. Yesterday, in London, we had the hardest time getting to Buckingham Palace A nice man with an AK47 (security guard at Scotland Yard) noticed we were looking a tad disoriented and gave us directions. We always recover and it leads to some great stories. However, I am very glad I called Kevin and he was able to actually show us around. Otherwise we would not have seen as much!!! We did have an English beer, in an English pub and it was fabulous. One thing about the pub was that the ladies room was all the way down the stairs while the Men's was upstairs and accessible. I felt like I was going to the dungeon just to pee. Apparently there are places in London that still do not open their doors to women. In the States, I would fight that, but really, can't say much in someone else's country!!!!

Back in Paris: We have discovered the joy of Nutella and Whipped Cream crepes. Oh my God. So wonderful!!!! There are crepe stands everywhere so it isn't hard to find one.

Tuesday at the Eiffel Tower was a blast! We waited in line forever, but it was so worth it to reach the top. I have some great pictures. And a video of us in the elevator queue ( I have actually gotten a few good videos). We did drink wine under the Eiffel Tower, but it was pretty bad. We had one glass to say we did it and discarded the rest. Don't worry, it was the cheap kind (I guess you do get what you paid for.). I also bought some candy thinking it was like our green slices in the States. Oh, not so much. It was along the lines of the wine. Tasted like pine. Very awful. I won't be bringing that back to the states!!!

Well, this afternoon is suveniour shopping. We ended up rescheduling the Louvre tour and ended up going to the Musee D'Orsay instead. It was a great place but my foot was KILLING me and I had to sit most of it out. We went back to the hotel, ate, rested the foot and I feel much better. I think I can walk through the pain :-).

Howdy From London

I am in the train station ready to go back to Paris. It was a fun day in London. Saw the changing of the guard, meet a friend of mine who lives in London, and walked, walked, walked. There will be more details later, however I am typing on one of those AT&T weird internet service. Plus we are now bording. I should get here tomorrow but that is our Louvre day. I plan on going then. Lots of love!!!!

Day Three :-)

Oh, the legs hurt and the foot is killing me, but I would have it no other way! Paris is wonderful and I am loving it. It rained all day yesterday, but hey, I was getting rained on in Paris :-). It started off with good intentions. We were going to do our tour of the Louvre, set out from the hotel at the right time and were ready to be on time. Um, well, we decided to walk since we weren't too sure of the Metro at that time. Jen was the navigator and I was just happy to explore and walk around. We suddenly have no idea where we were, are looking at a map and the street cleaner asked if we needed help. Asked him where the Louvre was. After he finished laughing at us, he pointed us to the Metro and said that was the only way from where we were to get to it. So, we go to the Metro, figure out how to get to the right stop through a series of charades and end up at the Louvre. The fun just begins though. We have to meet the tour guide at the office of Paris Vision. I am perfectly happy just looking around and take it at Jen's word that we are to go to 24 Rue de Rivoli. Well................ you can just imagine what happened. We were supposed to be at 214!!!! So, Jen happily gave me control of navigation after that. The tour of the Louvre was rescheduled, we scheduled the Versailles tour as well, and then went to the area of Notre Dame, etc. We also have a great mastery of the Metro now. Put me on it anywhere and I can easily get from Point A to Point B. I also have the maps now........

It turned out to be a great day. Notre Dame is beautiful. The stain glass windows are stunning. I got pictures, but they just don't do it justice. We then went on our Red Bus tour. Took us around the city and I got some great pictures there too. We are going to the Eiffel Tower areas today. I will be drinking wine and eating cheese under the Eiffel Tower. Not many people say they have done that :-). There are some museums around there as well that we will hit.

Off to the Metro!

We are here

We have arrived safe and sound in Paris! It has been an adventure from the start. To begin, I will start with Friday night. While leaving OTB, my slippery kitten heels met the slippery curb and down I went. Long story short, I have a scrap on my foot that is a killer. This does play into the day, so hold on. The plane ride was long and very uncomfortable. Even more so since I put something on my foot. It hurt like hell and that made me a wiggle worm. Finally felt better, but it was a freakin long flight!!!!

Once we finally got off the plane, I was a happy camper. Went through customs, and got so excited that we forgot one important thing...... Our luggage at baggage claim. Our driver looked bewildered that we only had backpacks. We went back in to get it, laughing all the way. He was a nice guy, however my foot was killing me and he insisted on walking very fast.

We couldn't check into our hotel right away, so our desk clerk took our luggage and we ventured onto the street. Oh what a comedy of errors. We really have no idea where we are going, we just want coffee! Again, I am gimp girl with the foot and so I feel like I am slowing us down. We find one place, but it didn't seem too friendly. We venture off some more, find a place for coffee and croussounts. Again, we were still in plane clothing since we weren't able to check in yet. I was feeling grubby and out of sorts! We finally got to check in and my foot prevented us from going anywhere too soon! The room is nice, but very small!!!! And the elevator is the freakishly small. We had to ride up with our luggage one at a time. The desk clerk is very funny and I expect to have plenty of stories about him later.

tomorrow we are going to the Louvre for our half day guided tour. I pray my foot heals enough to not make it uncomfortable! We'll see.

Well off I go. There is so much to do and see and I wasted part of it putting my foot up. Hope all is well in the States! Miss you all :).

Bon Voyage

I leave today for Paris. I can't believe it is finally here! So happy :-).

The interview went very well yesterday. It is definitely someplace I'd like to work. The two people I met with were very nice and I really think I have a shot. So, I will go on my trip on a high note and wish for the best. While I am sure I am the best candidate, I know other factors go into decision making so I won't pin my hopes on this one interview. Not sad, just realistic :-). But, I know the signs of impressed interviewers and I think I did very well :-).

I am going to finish getting ready now. I am meeting Jen at the airport at 3:30 and I have plenty to do before I go! Next time you hear from me I will be sipping coffee on a patio in Paris :-).

One Day at a Time

I am so tired today. I think mental draining is finally getting to me. I should be jumping off the walls since I am leaving soon for Paris, but I really just want to crawl in bed. I guess one good side effect of this is that I am not hungry, so I tend to forget to eat. That might prove helpful. I had dinner with a friend last night, then came home and just crashed. Woke up, brushed the teeth and then went back to sleep. Trying to get enough caffeine in me to make it through the afternoon!! I am sure once I go home, work out and start packing, I will get the pep and excitement in me. A good run through of Carmen Electra's Strip Aerobics will definitely get me going. (Great workout by the way. Fun and you can really feel it in your muscles. Plus, you forget you are working out! Her second DVD is the toning one. Those aren't as much fun, but man do they whip you into shape!!!)

My genius brother did bring up a good point: They are paying for my Master's and then they lay me off. He pretty much told me I was getting the better end of the deal. True. Very true. Mom and Dad offered a great thing yesterday. They are going to cover the tuition for my summer class. Kind of forgot I even registered for moment there! So, that is on. And I was thinking it might just be nice to get a part-time job somewhere and just take a little break. They say follow your passion and the money will come. Time to test this theory out. I am just not a big fan of insecurity or instability. I will just have to work through it!!!

All will be better once I get over my tired phase, get on the plane to Paris and relax!!! I have a phone interview this afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes!!!

PS -- I have an interview tomorrow (Friday). Pretty cool :-) I am taking the afternoon off to prepare for Paris, so I will update here when I get a chance!

Weird Limbo Land

It is kind of surreal when you find out you will be forced to leave a company, but you are still expected to work and be productive for the next 30 days. My life has changed and I feel slightly off-center, but I am here and working away. Life has changed for the better, I am sure, but things feel off. I can't really put into words what I am feeling. Now I am starting to tell people and detaching from things I am close to here. The thrill of hunting a new job is kicking in and I am thinking of opportunities and options that I have available to me. Maybe it is the fact that I am going to Paris in 3 days, or that I know I always end up on top, but I really am not freaked out. My co-workers are more disappointed now than I am. I will miss the office, but I have already made peace (or somewhat made peace -- still do get a little pissed off!). I think it is the fact that they are cutting too deep in some areas and the higher ups have no idea what the "worker bees" are really going through. It is still a good company with a great product, but some business decisions seem off. I am sure I will continue to use their products too, since they really are good (and I have printers and cameras hanging around my house!)

But the hives have come back................

Well, Um, I'm a little stunned

Today was like any other Tuesday morning. Got up, happily drove to work and started off like a busy bee. Did a new hire orientation (you'll see the irony soon) and made this new person feel welcome and at home. So, to my surprise, my manager calls me into her office. Turns out that my position is being eliminated. That was kind of a shock. My last day is June 30 and I will be taken care of through Aug. 12, but still, not the best news you want to hear. I was itching for something new, but I wanted to leave on my terms. Oh well. God has a way of kicking you out of your comfort zone. I always land on my feet, so that is not a worry with me. Okay, it is a little worry, but God always takes care of me. I love everybody here and will miss everyone. But, God tends to work on his own schedule and really doesn't care that I am comfortable.

I have already started contacting my network. That is the good part about being a recruiter. I have people who are on the look out everywhere. I actually have a nibble of a lead. Wow! I will send her my resume tomorrow. But, I still have to say good bye to everyone here. I don't want to do that to soon.

Well, guess that is all for now. I am still numb, but I am meeting my gals after work for a beer. And, I need Paris now more than ever!!!!

Internet Issues and the Single Girl

Geesh, you never know how much you miss the internet until you can't get on. I have been having technical difficulties since Saturday -- unable to log onto the internet. Called my dad today and had him look up the info on his end to see if my ISP was having problems. We ended up having to change the number, but I am working now!!! Now, if he can get the guy out of my parking space, I'd be a happy camper. Anyway, thanks Dad :-).

Okay, since I haven't been on since Saturday, I do have adventures to share. Okay, adventures would be a stretch, but I had fun. Due to inclement weather, the party that we were going to on Saturday didn't happen. Jen and Mia did come over, but we ended up watching French movies and just relaxing. I did discover I am not a fan of French musicals. Love French comedies, French Dramas actually scare me (but I watch them anyway). We were all pretty tired, so we had to cut the second movie short. But it was fun to hang out with my girls :-).

Sunday was a "Law and Order: SVU" marathon day. Okay, I am such Miss Excitement, but I was so happy just to relax and watch them. These were episodes I hadn't seen either. I was good. Mia called around 6:30 saying that she and her hubby were going to have a get together at their house. So, off I went. (Yes, I broke myself away from SVU!). We had a blast. Brian kept experimenting with shots. We had some good ones and then some pretty horrible ones. But it was so much fun. After water and some time, I finally was able to head home (don't worry, the shots had all worn off. I wouldn't risk it if I had felt any other way!!! There have been a few times I have crashed at Mia and Brian's.) I had fun and it was a nice way to end the day.

Now, today isn't too interesting. I feel a relaxing movie day coming. I have started packing, but just as I feared, I actually took clothes out last night. Not the way it is supposed to go. I really think I will be in a packing furry on Saturday morning. Oh, Paris is so close. I am so happy!!!!! And there is a "Law and Order" marathon on TNT, so I will probably just hang out and watch that :-).

Happy Memorial Day. Remember those who sacrificed their life for our country. I also want to take the time to send thoughts and prayers to a friend currently in Iraq. Chris is one of the bravest men I know. He is sacrificing more than I think possible for me. Chris, we pray everyday for your safe return to Texas, your wife and little girl. Thank you for everything!!! We love you!!!

I am a sick, sick girl....

Today, I decided I could not skip the summer session. I don't know if it was the rush of the "A" or I am just really afraid to loose the momentum, but I decided to go ahead and take another class this summer. Not just any class, International Business. But as the wise Jen said, the sooner you do it, the sooner you get it done. Wise, wise woman :-). I have to push it quickly through the approval process at work to get reimbursed. I don't see a problem though. I am adding value to the company, not just myself. Yes, you can stop laughing now......

It is Friday and half the office is gone. I will take this as my opportunity to such fun projects as filing and archiving. I know, you can just feel my joy through the screen.

Since tomorrow is going to be a party day -- more on that at a later time -- I plan to be very lazy today. I have some movies to watch and I think that will be the extent of my evening. I went out last night, so I really am not pathetic :-).

Happy Friday!!!

Good Night Indeed

When I got home from work today, my grades were in the mail. I got an A in both classes! As you recall, I already knew I had an A in Mgmt, but I was on the fence about organizational culture. My goal of an A in Dr. Watson's class has been achieved!!! Woohoo....

Good night all!

The Countdown is on

I don't know what it means when my co-workers start counting down for me! Do they want to get rid of me or are they just really excited for me. :-). Oh well. 10 more days and I am off to Paris. Pretty excited about that. This week is starting off pretty calm. I saw Star Wars Monday night with a friend of mine. I thought it was entertaining. Loved the lightsaber fights. I am glad I saw it since I actually missed the second one. I still think the original three are the best, but I am very partial to Harrison Ford. Loved Han Solo!!! The next movie is going to have to be "Madagascar". Love animated movies and the previews look great! I did see the trailer for "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". I think I will pass on that one. All my friends know I am a huge Jen Aniston fan and really don't feel like watching Brad and Angelina snuggling on screen -- but that is just me......

Well, back to work I go. Have to gather information for an employee event, do some more hiring and make sure everything is in to payroll to get the employees paid. Very important, I think!

Happy Hump day!!!

London is on!

Well, Jen and I have chunnel tickets from Paris to London for Wednesday. I am really not to sure about this under the English channel thing since I can get claustrophobic. There is nothing to see, so I figure a quick nap will do. It should be interesting though. Jen found a good deal and so we thought we'd better go for it. Plus, we get first class

Work has been pretty good today. I am rather hyper about Paris, so my boss is in for a long 2 weeks. I will probably get to the point of annoying. I guess if I am productive, it really won't matter. She can just close the door. I do have a few things to finish by June 3, so I will be busy. Nothing too big planned for tonight -- just a hair cut. I know what you are thinking, slow down Kim!!! :-)

Okay, break over. Off to finish the next 2 hours of work. Happy Monday!

13 days and counting!

Jen and I picked up our itineraries and tickets yesterday. It is getting so close. I can't believe it. I plan to make the best of the next 2 weeks and not wish them away, but it is really kind of hard considering what is at the end of those two weeks!!! After picking up our information from the Dillard's travel agency, we went for a light lunch and then a shopping trip to Target. Found a great Paris dress and so I had to buy it. Simple, pink and pretty hot if I do say so myself. Other than that excitement, I really have just been cleaning, watching movies and relaxing. I am so used to having to do homework on weekends, I really don't know what to do with myself! I was going to sit on the patio, let the cats run around and read. But, it is 91 degrees outside. Not really wanting to sweat while reading.

Well, for a weekend, I really don't have any more information to give. Michelle's birthday dinner was fun. We go to the same place, get the same waiter (and he is a cutie!) and have a blast. She is still a baby - 24- but I consider her a little sister (actually I really think she and my brother would get a long great.) Anyway, we had cake, drinks, fun and giggles. Her friend Brandy came up too and that was pretty cool.

Have a great Sunday!

Weekend, Here I come

School is over and I leave for Paris in 2 weeks. It will be here before I know it! I am sure I pulled an A in at least one class, however not sure in the other. It all depends on the Final Exam. But I loved that class and the teacher was outstanding, so I will take a B. I don't go back until mid-September. Think I need a good long break.

Tonight, I am taking my friend Michelle out for her birthday. It was actually Wednesday, but we got paid today so I can really do it up right. She seems convinced I will meet a French guy and she'll get an email telling her I won't be coming home. Not a bad thought, actually. I will keep everyone updated :-).

It has been a productive week. I went to a Pro-Choice meeting on Tuesday. It was filled with some great women. I look forward to getting to know them. I was tired of feeling like the outsider with no one who believed the way I do (except Jen!). This group will do some good things and I look forward to being a part of it. Work was productive too. Filled a job (I recruit, along with the other HR duties). That is always a good feeling. This weekend, Jen and I pick up our itinerary from Dillard's travel. Oh so happy. We can start firming up the trip and decide roughly when and where we want to go each day.

My Fun Weekend

Well, not really. I have a major assignment for my Organization Culture class due on Wednesday. While I have a good portion of it done, I still have to focus on this all weekend. I also have a training class to deliver on Monday that needs to be reviewed. I have facilitated this class before, but there is some review that needs to be done. My parents are coming over tomorrow night for the Mother's Day dinner. This is also fun, because I am a vegetarian and my dad is on the Atkins diet, which calls for lots of meat. There will be a quick trip to Central Market for prepared Chicken. I refuse to prepare it since I am a vegetarian for ethical/moral reasons and not just health reasons.

So, I guess I need to leave the blog and get to work. I have an A in the class. I would hate for procrastination to drop it to a B. I have never made an A in this woman's class (although she is my favorite professor and I learned so much from her so far). Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Day Time TV Stinks!

I hate being sick. I had to stay home from work today with the ick. Not sure what it is, but I couldn't get out of bed today. Not good since I have plenty to do! But seriously, daytime tv is pretty much the lowest entertainment level you can go. So, it is either sleep or CNN. Sleep wins when you are sick though.

30 days until Paris! I cannot wait. I am starting to research travel tips on the internet now. Some of my experiences from China can transfer over to this trip. Things like what to bring, how to pack efficiently, who to leave my information with, along with other things. It will be a great experience and I want to remember every bit of it. So, I guess it is a good thing I have a new digital camera :-). I had a class yesterday and learned all the new little tricks, so I really think I will have some great pictures this time. Even better then the ones from China.

Okay, since I am feeling better, I had better get some homework done. I am in the 2nd year of getting my Masters degree. I can't believe I am almost done! I should be graduating in November. Never thought I would go back for it, and it is a pretty big decision. But I am very glad I went back. It has opened up a lot of avenues and ideas in my life. But, more on that later!