Countdown to Paris

A few months ago, I had a recurring nightmare. It was time to head to the airport for our Paris flight and I hadn't packed yet. Even worse, I couldn't find our passports. Although the nightmares have subsided, I see the days going by very quickly and the sabbatical I have been thinking about for ten years is nearly here. Before the economy tanked, one of my life goals was to spend a month in Paris every year. At this point, I am absolutely thrilled to have a six week sabbatical and be able to spend a month of it in Paris.

I still find myself wavering back and forth - Have I lost my mind? What am I going to do for an entire month in Paris? Will I be terribly homesick, walking the streets of Paris sobbing (Les Sobbing Américain femme)? Alright, that's unlikely.

Even though I'll be busy exploring Paris, I know it will be tough being away from my husband, David, and our 7 year-old son, Davey, for three weeks. I cut way back on business travel when Davey was born and have only spent 3-4 nights away from my husband and son in the past 7 years. For Paris, I'm hoping that occasional Skype videoconferences will help. It also gives me tremendous peace of mind knowing that my sister Connie will be looking after David and Davey until I return.

I have taken great pains to not over schedule myself. For the first week, my husband, son and sister will be in Paris. Once they leave, I'm on my own for three weeks. As much as I love my family and friends, I have had to decline numerous offers to visit while I'm in Paris. It's great to share experiences but I'm really looking forward to spending this time with myself and allowing Paris to unfold before me as I explore.

When I have time, I love to cook and create new recipes. I'm taking two cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu and another class with Stephane Schmidt at le Violon d'Ingres. When I saw the movie "Julie and Julia" I became terrified that my knife skills would cause the Cordon Bleu instructors to laugh. I recently took a knife skills class at Toque Blanche here in Half Moon Bay. Chef Stuart invited me to chop an onion in front of the class. Everything went well, I was very proud of my chopping technique and I can check this item off the list.

By the end of my month in Paris, I'm hoping to know the local shopkeeps on a first name basis, have a few more French phrases (with better pronunciation) under my belt and feel like I've experienced Paris as a local.