Twas the night before Paris

We spent most of the day with our lovely friends of Kalamazoo (Josh, Nathan, Jan, and Shelby). We enjoyed the John Stewart Rally for Sanity and watched a very scary documentary about "the hill people." We both feel pretty anxious and overwhelmed as we prepare to take up residence in France for the next month. The bags are packed and all arrangements have been made (checked and rechecked). International phones and internet access established. Nonetheless, anxiety prevails. Sammy (our puppy) had a fantastic halloween filled with costume changes and kitty is doing well in Flint-town with Grandma Karen. It feels weird to be home without the babes but it helps solidify our decision. A few last minute french lessons in "thank you sir/madam" and "wine please." Ipods updated, books packed, and laptop filled. It still seems surreal (especially given our short time to plan) that we will be in Europe for the next month. Nonetheless, a honeymoon and demo reel are in order. Our passports are ready for the stamping (although I hear that is obsolete)...Frankfort (in passing) - France - England - Spain. Tomorrow, we trade our dollars for euros and our gas money for euro passes. In the fine words of the great David Sedaris "Is thems the thoughts of cows"

Je suis la jeune fille

So far our French lessons have been nothing, and what I remember from a Muzzy commercial from 20 years ago. This does not bode well. I hope to be able to just go into restaurants, cafes, and the like and shout English slowly. From my research, this is a good plan. The French are an understanding bunch and I think they enjoy when Americans talk down to them. Either way, that's the plan. Packing for the trip is finished and now we just need to wait for Monday. Packing is awesome because it really gives you a chance to second guess everything you are doing and have done so far. When we leave, it will be no turning back and if I have forgotten anything I can yell at the airport porters and weep at the TGI Friday's in the terminal. Again, this is all part of our vacation. Yesterday, thanks to the help of Dino and Anthony, I got the greatest phone that has ever been made. It is so awesome, I am mostly afraid to use any feature of it. I think I will wait until it is obsolete and people make fun of me for even having it before I learn how to use it in it's entirety. In other news, my mom and sister dressed my dog up in costumes for halloween. If I knew how to get things off my phone,  I would totally put the pictures on here, but again I have no knowledge of my phone or it's features. More France news to follow tomorrow.

The First Blog Post

Our bags our packed-ish. We are ready to go-ish. And we are very excited. No ish. All the proper documents have been put in order and clothes are in the right suitcases. We attempted to put all of our stuff in three bags (two carry-ons and 1 checked). It turns out that not only is this impossible, but also completely unneccessary as the airlines allow free checked luggage on international flights (that's a tip). As it stands, we have so far successfully planned a monthlong trip to Europe in roughly 17 days. I think it will feel weird once we actually get on the plane and we are no longer rushing to do something for this trip or otherwise. We did some light shopping yesterday and today and now we are the proud owners of several women's hats, a peacoat, and some awesome new Asic Tigers for my feet. Tonight is Dexter season 2 and booze. No more stuff to do for Paris this evening. Jean had a baby whom we hope to meet before he is a month old. Outlook is not good.