Time out in Taghazout Morocco

As I write this we are in Morocco on vacation and we are staying someplace where there is nothing to do BUT relax – and surf. I was really sick before we came – was advised by the doctor not to travel at all and if I did to sit around and do nothing while here. Hell of a prescription. Relaxing in the sun for a week. I guess I can try and follow her orders.

Falling into the Void

Fall - I love so much about it - especially the cold, sunny days… a cup of steaming coffee or cider… the cheerfulness of orange and yellow in the trees. Gradually though, almost imperceptibly, the sky goes gray. Dampness invades your bones, colds your household and your spirit starts to sigh.

Since we are experiencing our first fall in Paris and our kids have to be commuted to school we are going through, how shall I say, a bit of a wake-up call.

Bus vs. Metro

This is a post I wrote this summer before my “work life balance” lopsided over to work, work work. Trying to wedge the balance in again. Anyway, I still stand by this post so here it is - a little late.

French Work Visas for Idiots

I’m trying to think about how I can tell you this story in a short format. Because really, it deserves a bottle of wine and a half an hour. To start, I will commend my company for their efforts to make this transition as easy as possible. I know we have had it much better than most. Help with the apartment search, assistance with the visa, the bank… for all this, I’m very grateful. Especially now that I know how hard it is even with all the help in the world.
Here is a short vignette about getting our visas. I call it, “Endurance.”

What I Love about Paris!

There is much to love about being here. The sheer difference of it all. The languages. The diversity. The food and the history. I’m not going to go on about all thatbecause it is already well documented. Amazing. Beautiful. Instead, I will simply share some of the moments and pictures that have made this experienceextraordinary…

Fête de la Musique and Surfing Biarritz

It was a better week in week 2. On Thursday night we hit the Ogilvy summer party where the husband made surf-love to a new friend when he was invited to Biarritz for the weekend - some sun and some surf. As of this report he is not back yet but I expect to see a blissed-out, glassy-eyed, lover of waves fully rejuvenated later tonight. That is, if he can get to our apartment.

It’s Like Those French Have a Different Word For EVERYTHING.

Anyone out there old enough to recall Steve Martin’s Wild and Crazy Guy standup album which included a brilliant piece on being in France? “Oeuf means egg, chapeau means hat. It’s like those French have a different word for everything.” Welcome to our lives in France.

International Travel with Kids

Ok, so here’s a good time: Pack 8 bags and 4 carry-ons. Pack snacks (including candy) in your carry on and then force two children under 6 to behave for over 12 hours in basically the same seat.

Parting Gift

After having been through (well, I’m currently going through) this process of planning and “hosting” my father’s memorial service, I have learned something I feel compared to share with you, readers. Before you die – plan your own damn funeral.

PC to Mac and Back

When I started with my company in the summer of 2006 I was issued a PC. This PC had belonged to someone else previously so I don’t know how old it really was. We got along just fine for a long time – it was reliable and dependable and I really didn’t give it much thought. Then, after I returned from maternity leave last February, it started its slow and painful decline.