There is a lot to do for this move. For those just joining us I have been beating to death the idea of moving to Paris. K- was accepted into a graduate program there and has a line on a good internship, we’ve both given notice to our jobs, we sold the rental property and just put our house on the very soft market.

I’ve been trying to get insurance for France, which is a requirement for a long stay visa- just applying for the visa feels like a full time job: birth certificates, wedding license, insurance, notarized letter saying I wont work, proof that we have enough money (but they do not tell you how much is enough), fingerprints and criminal record check through the FBI and several things that I’m sure I’m forgetting. All of these documents must be translated into French which is an expensive proposition. We need to travel to Chicago to apply in person and then wait 2-3 months for an 'ok'. I’m taking French lessons, trying to sell the house, organizing a street sale and checking out storage facilities all while trying to stay on a budget- it’s a never ending process.

This weekend my younger brother said, “So really, if you aren’t working, what will you be doing in Paris while you are there?” umm….. It’s a good question. I’ve been so busy trying to get there that I haven’t really focused on what I’ll do while I’m there – other than writing for the year. Hmmm… I may need to get some hobbies. I could train our tri-colored bitch of a cat, Ponette, to dance like Josephine Baker- I may need to start making the banana skirt now…yes, yes my days will be full