Yep, it's today... I am 61 years old, which sounds like some kind of very bad joke as far as I'm concerned... I mean, I am really only 17 years old -- well, maybe 18 -- but not more! Really! I don't know who that lady is in the mirror in the morning, jeez! She used to look an awful like my mother (and alarmingly like my grandmother), but after that recent surgery, not so much... (I am nothing if not au courant with a bit of nip-and-tuck...)
So, what have I done to celebrate? Well, yesterday I bought myself flowers -- beautiful purple iris and a clutch of bright yellow tulips -- they look gorgeous on my dining table. And, this morning my son asked me out to breakfast. I paid, of course, but it's the thought that counts. I got lovely emails from some friends, and had a yummy lunch with a buddy with whom I worked at The Company (and I miss her dearly -- it was great to see her). Later this afternoon, the sip-and-sew ladies will meet me for a drink and some munchies at a local Cal-Mex place (great margaritas there), and that will be great. And, finally, the soon-to-be-ex spouse asked if he could take me to dinner. Hmmm... I weakened and said fine. Not a good idea, but he got me in a weak moment. (One too many Cosmos, I guess.) But, after dinner, I shall send him back to his new home, so he can contemplate the cost of his decision. I spent the morning boxing up many of his clothes (I folded them neatly) and put together a bag of hangers for him. (I am a true queen.) I shall go in a minute and box some more of his clothes. Very therapeutic. (And why am I not letting him do this? Because I want it done now.) I think he would, if left to his own devices, keep half (or more) of his stuff here, so he's neither moved out nor truly living here. He'd also like to be a "friend with privileges", I think (only because he thinks it would make me "feel better"), but I'm thinking not so much...
I think I will knit a bit, too... Talk about wasting time on a gorgeous winter afternoon... And maybe do some more housecleaning. Yep, I know how to boogie down on MY birthday!
(Let the record reflect it's also Joan Baez's birthday... and Richard Nixon's! What a constellation...)
Hope all of you are doing well...
Cheers!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Well, shoot...
So, here I am, in the post-Discussion phase. The spouse has relocated to our rental house, located about an hour from the family house. (Interestingly enough, he only took a few things... So he's sort of here, possession-wise, and sort of not...) (I boxed up some of his stuff today, and found it therapeutic...)
He's been at the family house off and on, taking care of chores, etc. It's been odd, having him here, since he doesn't live here any more. I'm sure this is a familiar scenario to many of you, and it certainly isn't uncommon in these days of rampant divorce, but it's new for me, and I don't like it. We have, from time to time, fallen into discussion patterns or behavior patterns that are "normal" -- then, one of us will say, "whoa, we're getting divorced..." It's like we forget what's going on... Very disconcerting... (I'm sure he'd love to hang out here quite a bit -- it's a warm, comfortable home; there's good food, a huge flat-panel TV, cable, Internet access, hot water, etc., etc.) (But I'm a little too old to even consider a "friend with privileges" scenario, PARTICULARLY with him!) Hey, he's made his choice, and I think it's time he started to understand the price of that.
This divorce is NOT my choice, and is something I fought hard -- very hard -- to avoid. But, the first night I spent alone here, it wasn't all tears and crying and sobbing and hysteria. In fact, I read my trash novel as long as I wanted to, without worrying about whether keeping the light on was disturbing someone; I wore my flannel PJs (!) AND socks to bed -- "full battle gear" as it was referred to once, which pissed me off. It was cold (no human furnace next to me), but I have a plethora of quilts, afghans and blankets to address that issue. Flannel sheets are an alternative as well, I'm told.
To keep me diverted and not sitting and staring into the distance, and whining, I'm starting the Great Kitchen Remodel, and that will keep me occupied for a bit. I am also planning to buy a new bed, and re-paint and re-accessorize the bedroom. My therapist gave a huge thumbs-up to that. I may even buy some foo-foo sheets -- perhaps pink! or ones with a pattern! maybe even some ruffles or lace edging (no, hold that thought)... And more pillows on the bed! Yesss!!!
Tomorrow is my birthday, and of course he's said nothing about wanting to take me out to dinner (not that I think that would be a great idea, but the gesture would have been appreciated). I'm meeting the sip-and-sew ladies for drinks and munchies at a local Cal-Mex place, so that should be nice. And, perhaps I'll drag my son out with me later in the evening to split a molten chocolate cake at the local bar where the spouse and I would usually go on a Friday night. (Note, please, that last year on my birthday -- a "biggie" -- while I was out with the girls doing a little post-work drink, he was sitting at home, sending a love letter/email to The Other Woman... Better that we're not together this year, so I don't get all whipped up...)
I know, in my head, that things will be fine. When I think of what I've gone through over the years, and the facets of my spouse's personality which have come to light, particularly over the past year-plus, I think it's probably for the best that he won't be in my life as my husband. I want, need and deserve a partner who will be honest, considerate, articulate (on the rare occasions when he does talk)(!), and proactively affectionate. (No, I'm not talking about a dog...) At this point, I can't say that my current husband rated very high on any of those indicia. So, perhaps this is all for the best. I know I've always said that things work the way they're supposed to, so I need to stay with that philosophy and see what happens.
Ah, well, "life after" continues. Cheers!
He's been at the family house off and on, taking care of chores, etc. It's been odd, having him here, since he doesn't live here any more. I'm sure this is a familiar scenario to many of you, and it certainly isn't uncommon in these days of rampant divorce, but it's new for me, and I don't like it. We have, from time to time, fallen into discussion patterns or behavior patterns that are "normal" -- then, one of us will say, "whoa, we're getting divorced..." It's like we forget what's going on... Very disconcerting... (I'm sure he'd love to hang out here quite a bit -- it's a warm, comfortable home; there's good food, a huge flat-panel TV, cable, Internet access, hot water, etc., etc.) (But I'm a little too old to even consider a "friend with privileges" scenario, PARTICULARLY with him!) Hey, he's made his choice, and I think it's time he started to understand the price of that.
This divorce is NOT my choice, and is something I fought hard -- very hard -- to avoid. But, the first night I spent alone here, it wasn't all tears and crying and sobbing and hysteria. In fact, I read my trash novel as long as I wanted to, without worrying about whether keeping the light on was disturbing someone; I wore my flannel PJs (!) AND socks to bed -- "full battle gear" as it was referred to once, which pissed me off. It was cold (no human furnace next to me), but I have a plethora of quilts, afghans and blankets to address that issue. Flannel sheets are an alternative as well, I'm told.
To keep me diverted and not sitting and staring into the distance, and whining, I'm starting the Great Kitchen Remodel, and that will keep me occupied for a bit. I am also planning to buy a new bed, and re-paint and re-accessorize the bedroom. My therapist gave a huge thumbs-up to that. I may even buy some foo-foo sheets -- perhaps pink! or ones with a pattern! maybe even some ruffles or lace edging (no, hold that thought)... And more pillows on the bed! Yesss!!!
Tomorrow is my birthday, and of course he's said nothing about wanting to take me out to dinner (not that I think that would be a great idea, but the gesture would have been appreciated). I'm meeting the sip-and-sew ladies for drinks and munchies at a local Cal-Mex place, so that should be nice. And, perhaps I'll drag my son out with me later in the evening to split a molten chocolate cake at the local bar where the spouse and I would usually go on a Friday night. (Note, please, that last year on my birthday -- a "biggie" -- while I was out with the girls doing a little post-work drink, he was sitting at home, sending a love letter/email to The Other Woman... Better that we're not together this year, so I don't get all whipped up...)
I know, in my head, that things will be fine. When I think of what I've gone through over the years, and the facets of my spouse's personality which have come to light, particularly over the past year-plus, I think it's probably for the best that he won't be in my life as my husband. I want, need and deserve a partner who will be honest, considerate, articulate (on the rare occasions when he does talk)(!), and proactively affectionate. (No, I'm not talking about a dog...) At this point, I can't say that my current husband rated very high on any of those indicia. So, perhaps this is all for the best. I know I've always said that things work the way they're supposed to, so I need to stay with that philosophy and see what happens.
Ah, well, "life after" continues. Cheers!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Welcome to 2009...
I am soooo very glad to be back home in California! I loved being in Paris, but I most definitely did NOT like being cold. Yes, I know, I grew up in New York City, and it was bloody cold there in the winter... That is one major reason I do not live in New York City any more... It took several years after I moved to California for the permafrost to leave my feet! The last full day I was in Paris, I waited with my daughter at the bus stop in front of the Gare de Lyon, where the airport bus stops. We waited about half an hour. I had my new lovely warm boots on, but even the thick rubber soles and the sheepskin innersole did not stop my feet from getting cold all the way through. And my feet stayed cold even after I was back in the flat (which was nice and warm) and all night, and really didn't ever get warm even on the (overheated) planes home! (I know, whine whine whine...)
My spouse picked me up at the airport, which was nice. He had spent the Christmas holiday with his sister and mother, and the extended family, in Las Vegas, which he enjoyed. He said it was cold there, too! Our house was still standing when we got home, although it was messy. Our son is living here now, and he did a fair amount of entertaining, apparently...
The next morning, the spouse and I had The Discussion. He confirmed that he doesn't see a future for us, as husband and wife, and wants to proceed with a divorce. We've spent the last year, trying to keep our marriage intact, but apparently it didn't work. This makes me very sad. I've been sad for a year, and have spent the year mourning what could have been. However, I don't look on it as a wasted year. I know that I did everything I could do to save the marriage. It's a pity that equivalent effort wasn't made by the other side. We've spent the time since then discussing logistics and scenarios and the minutiae of disentanglement. It won't be a quick-and-easy unwinding of the relationship, given our two houses and all the crap -- er, precious collectible items -- we've collected over the years. He would love to get a quickie divorce, so he can be free to pursue his Great Love (i.e., the Other Woman), but California does have a six-month waiting period. Personally, I'm going to need all of that time to work through the issues in my own heart and head. If he's smart, he'll take that time to do the same.
Obviously, this is not the way I wanted our story to end. I've spent months toying with shreds of hope that floated my way, but I think I've been indulging myself in unwarranted fantasies. At times, I was the only person on the face of the earth who thought it might be a good idea to stay married to my spouse... Looks like I finally got out-voted on the issue. I am told, by wise women, that the future will be good, and I will find that I will be happier than I could ever imagine, once I walk through the fire... I hope I can believe that, because I sure as heck am not a happy puppy right now... Relieved, perhaps -- once one has lived for a year with a sword dangling over one's head, it could be a relief when the sword finally drops. I didn't realize how sharp the sword would be, but at least I know what's what. I've never been the kind of person who deals well or happily with "what if's" and "could be's"... I'm far better and sizing up the facts, analyzing them, making a decision, and implementing the decision. Unfortunately, in this particular situation, the grief and sadness is somewhat interfering with my normally pretty clear-eyed and razor sharp minded abilities.
Well, the title of this blog was chosen intentionally. So, now I'll get too see what "life after" means in the context of a divorce. It's just such a waste, in my humble opinion, of so many years. Yes, there were bad times, but there were also good times. And there were promises made. Shoot.
On the up side, I have my health, food in the cupboard, money in the bank, great kids, lots of wonderful friends, a car that runs, and no outstanding warrants (that I know of). So, there you go...
Stay tuned for more dispatches from the front lines.
I wish you all a fabulous, healthy and happy 2009. Cheers!
My spouse picked me up at the airport, which was nice. He had spent the Christmas holiday with his sister and mother, and the extended family, in Las Vegas, which he enjoyed. He said it was cold there, too! Our house was still standing when we got home, although it was messy. Our son is living here now, and he did a fair amount of entertaining, apparently...
The next morning, the spouse and I had The Discussion. He confirmed that he doesn't see a future for us, as husband and wife, and wants to proceed with a divorce. We've spent the last year, trying to keep our marriage intact, but apparently it didn't work. This makes me very sad. I've been sad for a year, and have spent the year mourning what could have been. However, I don't look on it as a wasted year. I know that I did everything I could do to save the marriage. It's a pity that equivalent effort wasn't made by the other side. We've spent the time since then discussing logistics and scenarios and the minutiae of disentanglement. It won't be a quick-and-easy unwinding of the relationship, given our two houses and all the crap -- er, precious collectible items -- we've collected over the years. He would love to get a quickie divorce, so he can be free to pursue his Great Love (i.e., the Other Woman), but California does have a six-month waiting period. Personally, I'm going to need all of that time to work through the issues in my own heart and head. If he's smart, he'll take that time to do the same.
Obviously, this is not the way I wanted our story to end. I've spent months toying with shreds of hope that floated my way, but I think I've been indulging myself in unwarranted fantasies. At times, I was the only person on the face of the earth who thought it might be a good idea to stay married to my spouse... Looks like I finally got out-voted on the issue. I am told, by wise women, that the future will be good, and I will find that I will be happier than I could ever imagine, once I walk through the fire... I hope I can believe that, because I sure as heck am not a happy puppy right now... Relieved, perhaps -- once one has lived for a year with a sword dangling over one's head, it could be a relief when the sword finally drops. I didn't realize how sharp the sword would be, but at least I know what's what. I've never been the kind of person who deals well or happily with "what if's" and "could be's"... I'm far better and sizing up the facts, analyzing them, making a decision, and implementing the decision. Unfortunately, in this particular situation, the grief and sadness is somewhat interfering with my normally pretty clear-eyed and razor sharp minded abilities.
Well, the title of this blog was chosen intentionally. So, now I'll get too see what "life after" means in the context of a divorce. It's just such a waste, in my humble opinion, of so many years. Yes, there were bad times, but there were also good times. And there were promises made. Shoot.
On the up side, I have my health, food in the cupboard, money in the bank, great kids, lots of wonderful friends, a car that runs, and no outstanding warrants (that I know of). So, there you go...
Stay tuned for more dispatches from the front lines.
I wish you all a fabulous, healthy and happy 2009. Cheers!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Très Froid!!!
Oh, yeah, mama -- it was COLD here in Paris today. The weather forecast this evening said it was 2 degrees Centigrade (not sure what that is in Farenheit), and I can tell you it got colder as the day went on. The Princess and I went to Sacré Coeur for our outing today, and although the weather was spectacular, we froze our patookies off... I had the foresight, today, to wear my thermals under all the layers, and I was glad I did. The only parts of me that really were cold were the parts that weren't covered! I did try and pull up my scarf over my nose and mouth, but all that accomplished was to fog up my glasses. Not so good.
The whole neighborhood around Sacré Coeur was packed with tourists from every place on earth... I even heard some Brits today, being loud and looking for pizza. (Not that I'm dissing looking for pizza, please understand...) We made it into the church, wandered around, sat for a while, and recovered from the walk up the gazillion stairs in the Abbesses Metro station... Note: none of the guide books I read mentioned that you might want to consider taking the lift up to the ground level at that station... I did wimp out and take the funicular from the street up to the level of the church, although The Princess toughed it out and walked up all the stairs.
After getting all spiritual, we stood on the various terraces and looked out at Paris. It was hazy today, so we didn't see much, unfortunately. We did talk about the movie "Amelie", which had some scenes shot right where we were. (That's a lovely little movie, and I highly recommend it.) Then, we went on a search for sustenance. Found a tea room, and we had a nice little lunch. Then, off to find an English-language bookstore, as we'd run out of trash novels! Went to WH Smith, on the Rue de Rivoli, and spent too much money. Quelle damage! Then, the idea was to walk down the Rue de Rivoli and hit Notre Dame. We made it as far as The Louvre, and threw in the towel... It was just too bloody cold, so back to the flat for tea, cookies, and rest. It was even too cold to go out for dinner (yes, in Paris)... Luckily, I had some supplies (pasta) (and wine), so we didn't starve. Thanks be!
My daughter goes home tomorrow morning, and I shall miss her terribly. We've had a very good time together. She's lectured me mercilessly on my life and what I need to do to move forward. I've nodded my head dutifully, but I know I shall disappoint her. Today is my 28th wedding anniversary, and I'm very sad. I do believe it will be my last wedding anniversary, and I'm taking it rather badly. I wish I could shrug and say, c'est la vie, and move on with a sophisticated air, but I can't, not quite yet. Maybe someday. Perhaps once things are verbalized and the dissolution process is in play, it'll be easier. Or, maybe not. But, historically, I've done well with facts, and not so well with what-ifs, could-be's, and might-have-beens...
I leave for the US on Monday morning, and I will be glad to get home. I've been fighting a nasty cold, and it's subsiding, but I'm really tired. And cold. And drifting toward cranky. I want to get home and get on with things. I need to whip myself into shape, emotionally, and I also need to start looking for a new job. Neither of which activities really make me feel terribly whoop-tee-doo... But, I shall suck it up and move forward. Like I have a choice...
I hope that, wherever you are, it's not as cold as here! (Or, if it is, that you, too, have thermal underwear...)
The whole neighborhood around Sacré Coeur was packed with tourists from every place on earth... I even heard some Brits today, being loud and looking for pizza. (Not that I'm dissing looking for pizza, please understand...) We made it into the church, wandered around, sat for a while, and recovered from the walk up the gazillion stairs in the Abbesses Metro station... Note: none of the guide books I read mentioned that you might want to consider taking the lift up to the ground level at that station... I did wimp out and take the funicular from the street up to the level of the church, although The Princess toughed it out and walked up all the stairs.
After getting all spiritual, we stood on the various terraces and looked out at Paris. It was hazy today, so we didn't see much, unfortunately. We did talk about the movie "Amelie", which had some scenes shot right where we were. (That's a lovely little movie, and I highly recommend it.) Then, we went on a search for sustenance. Found a tea room, and we had a nice little lunch. Then, off to find an English-language bookstore, as we'd run out of trash novels! Went to WH Smith, on the Rue de Rivoli, and spent too much money. Quelle damage! Then, the idea was to walk down the Rue de Rivoli and hit Notre Dame. We made it as far as The Louvre, and threw in the towel... It was just too bloody cold, so back to the flat for tea, cookies, and rest. It was even too cold to go out for dinner (yes, in Paris)... Luckily, I had some supplies (pasta) (and wine), so we didn't starve. Thanks be!
My daughter goes home tomorrow morning, and I shall miss her terribly. We've had a very good time together. She's lectured me mercilessly on my life and what I need to do to move forward. I've nodded my head dutifully, but I know I shall disappoint her. Today is my 28th wedding anniversary, and I'm very sad. I do believe it will be my last wedding anniversary, and I'm taking it rather badly. I wish I could shrug and say, c'est la vie, and move on with a sophisticated air, but I can't, not quite yet. Maybe someday. Perhaps once things are verbalized and the dissolution process is in play, it'll be easier. Or, maybe not. But, historically, I've done well with facts, and not so well with what-ifs, could-be's, and might-have-beens...
I leave for the US on Monday morning, and I will be glad to get home. I've been fighting a nasty cold, and it's subsiding, but I'm really tired. And cold. And drifting toward cranky. I want to get home and get on with things. I need to whip myself into shape, emotionally, and I also need to start looking for a new job. Neither of which activities really make me feel terribly whoop-tee-doo... But, I shall suck it up and move forward. Like I have a choice...
I hope that, wherever you are, it's not as cold as here! (Or, if it is, that you, too, have thermal underwear...)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas in Paris (France) (not Texas)
I was writing in my journal last night, and at the top of my entry I wrote, "Christmas Day, 2008, Paris"... Wow... Still gives me a thrill to see that, regardless of the fact I've done a heck of a lot of traveling in my life. But, in all of that, this year is only the second Christmas that I've spent outside the US. (The first was 1968, and I was in Bombay, as it was known then... THAT was very strange, let me tell you!)
Anyway, Christmas here is, as far as I can tell, not as big a hoo-hah as in the US. There are displays, and trees, but not the oh-my-god-it's-everywhere-and-growing-like-King-Kong sort of presence that I see pretty much everywhere in the US (at least in the areas I observe). There were a fair amount of things closed on Christmas Eve, but also a fair amount of stores and restaurants open. And, yesterday, on Christmas Day, there were some stores open (not many, though). The Princess and I went to dinner at a friend's house, out in the western part of Paris. We rode the Metro all the way to the end of the line, and then got on a bus. We felt terribly adventurous! The dinner was lovely, and we (the three of us) knocked off a bottle of champagne and a bottle of wine. Yum... He (my friend) also tried his hand at making a Christmas pudding. It was not too bad -- his first attempt, and there was lots of dried fruit soaked in whiskey, so how bad could it have been? We got home relatively early, watched "Rebecca" (the original) on a DVD, and I passed out.
This morning, it was really cold out. So, being smart ladies, we woke up, turned over and went back to sleep until 11:00AM! Yikes! But, as my daughter advised me, we're on holiday so why not? We finally hauled ourselves out, and hit the Galleries Lafayette (again), to pick up a pair of gloves for my daughter that she had seen previously, and was brooding about. They are long gloves, which she wanted, in a lovely mossy green color, of the most delicious thin, luxurious leather. Yummy! Being a supportive mom, I also bought a pair of gloves (kind of an outdoorsy-type fabric, with fur cuffs) and a gold-color chain belt. I toyed with buying some perfume, but my inherent cheapness kicked in, and I decided I'll just wait to buy at home. I don't wear perfume as much as I used to, and I still have quite a collection, so why spend the money? I did see a gorgeous black suede handbag there, only (!) 250 Euros, but I shoved my hands in my pockets and kept walking. If I'm still hallucinating about it, I may go back and fondle it, and see if I can justify it in any manner whatsoever.
Then, we wandered down the street to the Printemps department store, and went to have lunch in their cafe. The dome of the cafe is gorgeous -- all stained glass, and worth the trip and the hideous amount we spent on lunch. And we didn't even have wine with lunch! However, I did talk the Princess into having a cup of hot chocolate, which was from Angelina's (they serve it at the Printemps cafe). The chocolate was as decadent and wonderful and orgasmic as I remember. And I don't even like chocolate. I had an espresso, myself, but then filled up my little cup, twice, with some of the hot chocolate. I don't know how any one person could finish off a whole pot of that stuff -- it's deadly. They serve it with a little bowl of whipped cream; you put a dollop on top of the chocolate, and it melts and basically you then just slap it on your hips and be done with it... No, seriously, it's insanely good.
To wind up our excursion today, we went to the H&M right across the street from Galleries Lafayette. Yes, we know that we could visit an H&M store pretty much anywhere, but this one is in PARIS, for goodness' sakes! And, amazingly enough, we each found something to buy! Given that apparently every piece of clothing in H&M is in Extra-Small, this was amazing. The Princess got a beautiful grey wool jacket, a nice little cream-colored cardigan and a foo-foo nightie. I found a black quilted zip-up jacket that looks quite snazzy on me, if I do say so myself. We agonized about buying some of the lingerie there, and I almost succumbed.
I was looking to buy a nice pair of dress shoes here in Paris, but I haven't seen anything I'd really wear. It's not that I'm averse to paying a hideous price (well, I am, but would be willing to some distance if I could find something), but the styles are just not what I could either walk in, physically, or what I would be caught dead in. In addition, some of the more outre styles look great in a display pair of shoes (usually like a size 6-1/2), but when you translate that to my size (9 or 9-1/2), not so much... Disappointing...
On Christmas Eve, we did make it to the Louvre. Oh what a wonderful, wonderful place it is. There are photos on my flickr.com photostream (not many, but a few). We really enjoyed it. Every time I'm there, I am just gobsmacked at how BIG that place is... They've done a nice job on the exhibit regarding the history of the Louvre, from medieval times to the mid-19th Century, to the present. I found it fascinating. We saw the Winged Victory, the Nike, the Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo. The museum was very crowded, but not as bad as I imagine it could be in high season. There were lots of Asian tourists (mainly Japanese, as far as I could tell) and a fair amount of other European tourists (lots and lots of Italians) (or, well, those were the only ones I could hear!), and some Americans/Canadians. Didn't hear many Brits. We also wandered through the shops under the Louvre, and found a Starbucks! I was very surprised to see one at all. We both ordered something, and the coffee was AWFUL. If there was coffee in that latte, I'll eat my hat. And there were no plastic cups there with "Starbucks/Paris" on them at all... For my collection, you know... Rats! We had dinner at a local restaurant, one with a Cuban theme. Their interpretation of chips and guacamole was interesting. I had two margaritas, and was on my butt.
Tomorrow, we are going to go to Sacre Coeur, and possibly wander the Rue de Rivoli (we were going to do that today, but it was too cold and we got too late a start). Tomorrow is my daughter's last day in Paris, so we want to wrap up the trip nicely. Perhaps a nice dinner out, too. Tomorrow is also my 28th wedding anniversary, so I'll be a bit sad, I'm sure. The daughter will have to smack me good, no doubt, to get me out of my blues. Sunday morning, I'll go on the Metro to the Gare de Lyon with her, and put her on the airport bus. Then, I'll need to get myself organized, as I go home on Monday. A long plane ride with a cold ought to be a lovely adventure. I may need to buy another box of mouchoirs!
Tonight, we're going to watch the remaining episodes of "The Tudors". Nothing like a little light history and some heavy-duty bodice-ripping to cheer us up! And, I swear, tomorrow I'm turning the alarm on so we don't sleep until noon.
I hope each and every one of you had a great Christmas Day, in whatever fashion you chose to spend it.
Cheers!
Anyway, Christmas here is, as far as I can tell, not as big a hoo-hah as in the US. There are displays, and trees, but not the oh-my-god-it's-everywhere-and-growing-like-King-Kong sort of presence that I see pretty much everywhere in the US (at least in the areas I observe). There were a fair amount of things closed on Christmas Eve, but also a fair amount of stores and restaurants open. And, yesterday, on Christmas Day, there were some stores open (not many, though). The Princess and I went to dinner at a friend's house, out in the western part of Paris. We rode the Metro all the way to the end of the line, and then got on a bus. We felt terribly adventurous! The dinner was lovely, and we (the three of us) knocked off a bottle of champagne and a bottle of wine. Yum... He (my friend) also tried his hand at making a Christmas pudding. It was not too bad -- his first attempt, and there was lots of dried fruit soaked in whiskey, so how bad could it have been? We got home relatively early, watched "Rebecca" (the original) on a DVD, and I passed out.
This morning, it was really cold out. So, being smart ladies, we woke up, turned over and went back to sleep until 11:00AM! Yikes! But, as my daughter advised me, we're on holiday so why not? We finally hauled ourselves out, and hit the Galleries Lafayette (again), to pick up a pair of gloves for my daughter that she had seen previously, and was brooding about. They are long gloves, which she wanted, in a lovely mossy green color, of the most delicious thin, luxurious leather. Yummy! Being a supportive mom, I also bought a pair of gloves (kind of an outdoorsy-type fabric, with fur cuffs) and a gold-color chain belt. I toyed with buying some perfume, but my inherent cheapness kicked in, and I decided I'll just wait to buy at home. I don't wear perfume as much as I used to, and I still have quite a collection, so why spend the money? I did see a gorgeous black suede handbag there, only (!) 250 Euros, but I shoved my hands in my pockets and kept walking. If I'm still hallucinating about it, I may go back and fondle it, and see if I can justify it in any manner whatsoever.
Then, we wandered down the street to the Printemps department store, and went to have lunch in their cafe. The dome of the cafe is gorgeous -- all stained glass, and worth the trip and the hideous amount we spent on lunch. And we didn't even have wine with lunch! However, I did talk the Princess into having a cup of hot chocolate, which was from Angelina's (they serve it at the Printemps cafe). The chocolate was as decadent and wonderful and orgasmic as I remember. And I don't even like chocolate. I had an espresso, myself, but then filled up my little cup, twice, with some of the hot chocolate. I don't know how any one person could finish off a whole pot of that stuff -- it's deadly. They serve it with a little bowl of whipped cream; you put a dollop on top of the chocolate, and it melts and basically you then just slap it on your hips and be done with it... No, seriously, it's insanely good.
To wind up our excursion today, we went to the H&M right across the street from Galleries Lafayette. Yes, we know that we could visit an H&M store pretty much anywhere, but this one is in PARIS, for goodness' sakes! And, amazingly enough, we each found something to buy! Given that apparently every piece of clothing in H&M is in Extra-Small, this was amazing. The Princess got a beautiful grey wool jacket, a nice little cream-colored cardigan and a foo-foo nightie. I found a black quilted zip-up jacket that looks quite snazzy on me, if I do say so myself. We agonized about buying some of the lingerie there, and I almost succumbed.
I was looking to buy a nice pair of dress shoes here in Paris, but I haven't seen anything I'd really wear. It's not that I'm averse to paying a hideous price (well, I am, but would be willing to some distance if I could find something), but the styles are just not what I could either walk in, physically, or what I would be caught dead in. In addition, some of the more outre styles look great in a display pair of shoes (usually like a size 6-1/2), but when you translate that to my size (9 or 9-1/2), not so much... Disappointing...
On Christmas Eve, we did make it to the Louvre. Oh what a wonderful, wonderful place it is. There are photos on my flickr.com photostream (not many, but a few). We really enjoyed it. Every time I'm there, I am just gobsmacked at how BIG that place is... They've done a nice job on the exhibit regarding the history of the Louvre, from medieval times to the mid-19th Century, to the present. I found it fascinating. We saw the Winged Victory, the Nike, the Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo. The museum was very crowded, but not as bad as I imagine it could be in high season. There were lots of Asian tourists (mainly Japanese, as far as I could tell) and a fair amount of other European tourists (lots and lots of Italians) (or, well, those were the only ones I could hear!), and some Americans/Canadians. Didn't hear many Brits. We also wandered through the shops under the Louvre, and found a Starbucks! I was very surprised to see one at all. We both ordered something, and the coffee was AWFUL. If there was coffee in that latte, I'll eat my hat. And there were no plastic cups there with "Starbucks/Paris" on them at all... For my collection, you know... Rats! We had dinner at a local restaurant, one with a Cuban theme. Their interpretation of chips and guacamole was interesting. I had two margaritas, and was on my butt.
Tomorrow, we are going to go to Sacre Coeur, and possibly wander the Rue de Rivoli (we were going to do that today, but it was too cold and we got too late a start). Tomorrow is my daughter's last day in Paris, so we want to wrap up the trip nicely. Perhaps a nice dinner out, too. Tomorrow is also my 28th wedding anniversary, so I'll be a bit sad, I'm sure. The daughter will have to smack me good, no doubt, to get me out of my blues. Sunday morning, I'll go on the Metro to the Gare de Lyon with her, and put her on the airport bus. Then, I'll need to get myself organized, as I go home on Monday. A long plane ride with a cold ought to be a lovely adventure. I may need to buy another box of mouchoirs!
Tonight, we're going to watch the remaining episodes of "The Tudors". Nothing like a little light history and some heavy-duty bodice-ripping to cheer us up! And, I swear, tomorrow I'm turning the alarm on so we don't sleep until noon.
I hope each and every one of you had a great Christmas Day, in whatever fashion you chose to spend it.
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Still Breathing...
Yes, the Princess and I are in Paris, and we're dragging. She arrived Sunday morning, but her suitcase did not. Apparently, it was still in Washington, D.C. Rats! So, after futzing around at the airport, putting in a claim, etc., etc., she finally arrived via airport bus at the Gare de Lyon over two hours after she would otherwise have arrived. Poor baby -- she was really really tired and upset when she got off that bus... I felt so bad! I bought her a brioche and a latte at the station, and then we jumped on the Metro and went to the flat. She pronounced it acceptable.
Our first outing was to the Musée D'Orsay, one of my favorite places in Paris. We walked through the barren Tuileries Gardens, over the Seine, and hit the museum. Unfortunately, I am in the process of coming down with The Crud, and she was both exhausted and jet-lagged, so perhaps it wasn't the highlight of her trip. But, I'm glad we saw it, and it was glorious as always. Then, we went back to the flat, rested up a bit, and then hit a local bistro (literally down the block) for dinner. It was a C+ meal at best; very disappointing.
Yesterday, we basically laid around all day, waiting for her bag to be delivered. The promised time frame was any time from 11:00AM to 3:30PM. Which really irritated both of us -- we're not in a hotel, and there's no old concierge lurking around who could take possession of the bag. So, we were stuck. We tried to call the airline's baggage desk all day to get an update, but those clever folks just don't answer! And, we found they work from 0630 to 1430 and that's it! What's up with that? I finally dragged her out for a coffee at around 4:00PM, to a local dive. It did not make her feel comfortable... Then, back to the flat to rest a bit more. Finally, at around 7:30PM, we decided to hit the pizzeria across the street for dinner (I simply did not feel well enough to cook); but, literally as we were putting our coats on, the luggage delivery service called, and voila! Her bag arrived! So, all is well in the universe. The pizza was about a "B", and that was that. We went back to the flat, and watched a couple of episodes of "The Tudors" (an HBO series). I was underwhelmed. Beautiful costumes, thin on plot and detail. But watching Sam Neill as Cardinal Wolsey was a hoot! He'll always be Reilly, Ace of Spies, to me! Then, to sleep. Apparently, I snored badly last night... Humpf... Well, I am quite congested and feel like dog meat, so I'm not surprised.
We swore that today we would be more active, and we were! First thing this morning, we walked to the local pharmacy where I picked up some migrane meds I had asked them to get for me. (Thank you, French health care system!) Then, off to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of my very favorite places in Paris. Then, to the Galleries Lafayette... The prices were jaw-dropping! I don't remember things being so expensive there, but then again I don't remember a lot. I bought a hat (as I had lost my other one), and spritzed myself with lovely perfumes. I may purchase one before I go home. Or not. We then hit the lingerie department, and it was astonishing. I don't think I have the chutzpah to wear some of that stuff. To say nothing of the fact that it was hideously over-priced (at least to me). So, pretty much a wash-out on the shopping front thus far.
We're off to have coffee with a professional colleague of mine later. He and I were on opposite sides of a monstrous agreement a few years ago, and we developed a deep appreciation of and respect for each other. We've never met in person, so this should be interesting. Then, I promised I'd cook here in the flat tonight, as we're both just wiped out. Then, early to bed. Not sure what tomorrow's activity is.
Please do check out my flickr.com photostream for the latest additions to the photo record of this trip!
I hope all of you are keeping warm and dry, wherever you are.
A bientot!
Our first outing was to the Musée D'Orsay, one of my favorite places in Paris. We walked through the barren Tuileries Gardens, over the Seine, and hit the museum. Unfortunately, I am in the process of coming down with The Crud, and she was both exhausted and jet-lagged, so perhaps it wasn't the highlight of her trip. But, I'm glad we saw it, and it was glorious as always. Then, we went back to the flat, rested up a bit, and then hit a local bistro (literally down the block) for dinner. It was a C+ meal at best; very disappointing.
Yesterday, we basically laid around all day, waiting for her bag to be delivered. The promised time frame was any time from 11:00AM to 3:30PM. Which really irritated both of us -- we're not in a hotel, and there's no old concierge lurking around who could take possession of the bag. So, we were stuck. We tried to call the airline's baggage desk all day to get an update, but those clever folks just don't answer! And, we found they work from 0630 to 1430 and that's it! What's up with that? I finally dragged her out for a coffee at around 4:00PM, to a local dive. It did not make her feel comfortable... Then, back to the flat to rest a bit more. Finally, at around 7:30PM, we decided to hit the pizzeria across the street for dinner (I simply did not feel well enough to cook); but, literally as we were putting our coats on, the luggage delivery service called, and voila! Her bag arrived! So, all is well in the universe. The pizza was about a "B", and that was that. We went back to the flat, and watched a couple of episodes of "The Tudors" (an HBO series). I was underwhelmed. Beautiful costumes, thin on plot and detail. But watching Sam Neill as Cardinal Wolsey was a hoot! He'll always be Reilly, Ace of Spies, to me! Then, to sleep. Apparently, I snored badly last night... Humpf... Well, I am quite congested and feel like dog meat, so I'm not surprised.
We swore that today we would be more active, and we were! First thing this morning, we walked to the local pharmacy where I picked up some migrane meds I had asked them to get for me. (Thank you, French health care system!) Then, off to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of my very favorite places in Paris. Then, to the Galleries Lafayette... The prices were jaw-dropping! I don't remember things being so expensive there, but then again I don't remember a lot. I bought a hat (as I had lost my other one), and spritzed myself with lovely perfumes. I may purchase one before I go home. Or not. We then hit the lingerie department, and it was astonishing. I don't think I have the chutzpah to wear some of that stuff. To say nothing of the fact that it was hideously over-priced (at least to me). So, pretty much a wash-out on the shopping front thus far.
We're off to have coffee with a professional colleague of mine later. He and I were on opposite sides of a monstrous agreement a few years ago, and we developed a deep appreciation of and respect for each other. We've never met in person, so this should be interesting. Then, I promised I'd cook here in the flat tonight, as we're both just wiped out. Then, early to bed. Not sure what tomorrow's activity is.
Please do check out my flickr.com photostream for the latest additions to the photo record of this trip!
I hope all of you are keeping warm and dry, wherever you are.
A bientot!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Okay, okay...
There are a lot of you out there who, when you read this post, will mutter, "I told you so!" But, control yourselves and don't write and tell me. Yes, it's true, being in Paris is a darn good idea, and I'm feeling better already.
So, I'm in Paris, as you know, and it's pretty nice weather (a blue sky, no rain, not too cold), and I'm not weeping and whining about my bad marriage. In fact, I got up this morning, had tea, a shower, breakfast, coffee, and went out to explore. I'm staying in an area I hadn't explored before (the 11th Arr., right next to the Marais). In many ways, to my outsider's eyes, it's a lot like other parts of Paris. But what do I know?
On my travels this morning, I went to a pharmacy, got some ibuprofen (the guy behind the counter -- who used to live in San Francisco -- offered me something with codeine, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet and get it), visited an ATM, went to a different market, and then went into one of the older/oldest markets in Paris, and bought a chicken p'stilla (or b'stilla) (the marvelous Moroccan pastry with meat filling) for lunch, and traded compliments with the woman behind the counter. She said I have a VERY good accent, and that she could understand me quite well! And the b'stilla was positively absolutely lovely and melted in my mouth. I got back to the flat and devoured half of it, along with a nice little beer. Life is good.
What amazed me is how my spirits lifted once I was out and about, and forced to speak in French. I smile, they smile, we all smile, and I don't feel so bad. I still managed to squeeze out a few tears, thinking about my spouse's behavior, but in general, perhaps I'm getting resigned to it. He's treated me badly and unfairly, and been extraordinarily duplicitous, and morally reprehensible, and taken advantage of me, and is pretty spineless, but there you go. Perhaps it's all for the best, because I needed something to ensure that I don't open myself up to yet more hurt from him. But, I probably will, you know... Sigh... I wish, truly wish, that things had turned out differently for us, but they didn't, so I'll just play this one out.
OK, enough whinging about that for the moment. Time to brush my teeth, put on my toasty new Ugg boots, and go walk the other way on the boulevard, toward Place de Bastille. Perhaps I'll feel a surge of revolutionary spirit! Or, perhaps I'll hop on the Metro and go to the Luxembourg Gardens (my usual -- up to this trip -- first activity in Paris), and contemplate my past, my present and my future. Then I'll get a coffee, perhaps. Or not.
I also saw little Christmas trees in the market; was sorely tempted to buy one. Perhaps not, though. Maybe a wreath? Just for the smell... Hmmmm...
Well, enough for now. More later. A bientot!
So, I'm in Paris, as you know, and it's pretty nice weather (a blue sky, no rain, not too cold), and I'm not weeping and whining about my bad marriage. In fact, I got up this morning, had tea, a shower, breakfast, coffee, and went out to explore. I'm staying in an area I hadn't explored before (the 11th Arr., right next to the Marais). In many ways, to my outsider's eyes, it's a lot like other parts of Paris. But what do I know?
On my travels this morning, I went to a pharmacy, got some ibuprofen (the guy behind the counter -- who used to live in San Francisco -- offered me something with codeine, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet and get it), visited an ATM, went to a different market, and then went into one of the older/oldest markets in Paris, and bought a chicken p'stilla (or b'stilla) (the marvelous Moroccan pastry with meat filling) for lunch, and traded compliments with the woman behind the counter. She said I have a VERY good accent, and that she could understand me quite well! And the b'stilla was positively absolutely lovely and melted in my mouth. I got back to the flat and devoured half of it, along with a nice little beer. Life is good.
What amazed me is how my spirits lifted once I was out and about, and forced to speak in French. I smile, they smile, we all smile, and I don't feel so bad. I still managed to squeeze out a few tears, thinking about my spouse's behavior, but in general, perhaps I'm getting resigned to it. He's treated me badly and unfairly, and been extraordinarily duplicitous, and morally reprehensible, and taken advantage of me, and is pretty spineless, but there you go. Perhaps it's all for the best, because I needed something to ensure that I don't open myself up to yet more hurt from him. But, I probably will, you know... Sigh... I wish, truly wish, that things had turned out differently for us, but they didn't, so I'll just play this one out.
OK, enough whinging about that for the moment. Time to brush my teeth, put on my toasty new Ugg boots, and go walk the other way on the boulevard, toward Place de Bastille. Perhaps I'll feel a surge of revolutionary spirit! Or, perhaps I'll hop on the Metro and go to the Luxembourg Gardens (my usual -- up to this trip -- first activity in Paris), and contemplate my past, my present and my future. Then I'll get a coffee, perhaps. Or not.
I also saw little Christmas trees in the market; was sorely tempted to buy one. Perhaps not, though. Maybe a wreath? Just for the smell... Hmmmm...
Well, enough for now. More later. A bientot!
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