There was a sudden realization today that filled me with sadness. We’ve been going back and forth on the house we own in the Midwest- the renters have decided they might want to buy it but after doing the math- selling our house, even at the amount we feel we should get, is not going to help us stay in Paris. The dollar is in such a state that it has crippled us. I should have realized this sooner but denial is strong and I’ve been knee- deep in doing the things I like that I hadn’t bothered to pay attention.
The options are get jobs in Paris, which doesn’t seem possible or head back to the Midwest and pick up where we left off. That seems a lot like taking many steps back. I also realize that I’m not that interested in continuing the blog. It was started to discuss the move and life in Paris and after it’s over, in several months, there doesn’t seem to be much point in continuing it.
I took a walk across Pont Louis Philippe to the Ile Saint Louis- even the crazy guy playing the flute with that weird-ass portable fountain failed to cheer me up. It’s a warm night and the streets are filled with people. I browsed through Shakespeare and Company and took the long way home. The walk, as you can imagine, did not cheer me up. This sucks.
If anyone has any suggestions let me know.
19 comments:
I'm sorry you're feeling blue. We should get a drink before you leave. I'll be in the US untill the 22nd of April, but if you want to go and drink then, ce sera avec plaisir.
Misplaced,
To me, the blog has not been about Paris. It has been about a great writer composing a chapter. Two of the greatest accomplishments in life, I believe, is to become quotable (Mark Twain) and to end up being the hero of your own book (John Steinbeck).
Well Done on both counts, sir.
Incidentally, your hair is MUCH nicer than either of those guys...but then, they didn't carry a Man Bag. Life is full of trade offs.
B.
I started reading your blog before it had really anything to do with Paris and IMO, the Paris part only gives current context to your daily anecdotes. You're a truly gifted writer and have such an effortless way about giving people perspective, hope and laughs all by way of your daily observations and snipits of life. Which could be done from anywhere.
Hey, do like I do and pray that the the coming election will give a bounce to the dollar! Also, that I'll sell my book! (You don't have to pray that, but I always do.)
I agree with the others, though -- I hope you keep blogging wherever, because this blog is much more about voice than place. Besides, if you move back home, your blogname will at last make sense...
I agree with the other bloggers - your hair is too amazing to stop blogging! Seriously, you have a gift for writing and I love reading about your adventures/observations. You are an interesting fellow and I like your sense of humor. Remember, "No matter where you go, there you are."
I know whereof you write. We had hoped to sell out here and move to Paris before the dollar slid into the cesspool. Then we started looking at other places, Lyon, Toulouse, Montpelier, etc, etc.
If you had enough money, you could invest in something that pays euros, but even that would take quite a bit of loot.
I feel your pain... however it seems to me that your plight hinges on the seam of the word seem. You say it would not seem possible to find a job in Paris.... hmmm how much energy have you put into looking...? afterall you have great hair, and a fertile brain below... its an international city....there must be work for a multi cultural guy with your varied skills.... and ok so if you exhaust that possibility and must return to the rusty,cultural backwater of netherworld must it be a step backwards, why not a way station to your next adventure... In either event it seems unseemly MM to presume a mental moonwalk before your feet once more touchdown on your native soil...
1. Keep blogging.
2. Do not give up hope.
3. Sometimes, steps backwards allow you to proceed forward at a greater velocity after a little while.
4. Keep blogging.
5. Do not sacrifice the beautiful time you still have to LIVE IN PARIS to sadness.
6. Remember that there are people who totally understand what you're going through. We'll all get through it together.
7. Focus on the fact that you get to keep your person with you no matter where you live.
8. Seek solace in your kickass hair.
9. Vigorously enjoy every Parisian joy you have.
10. Keep blogging.
The crashing dollar is not only hurting you, but pretty much everyone, including the French. The housing crisis in the US will probably go on for at least 18 months. Hard to say if a new administration will give a bounce to the dollar, as these things tends to spiral outward and downward. If you can, try to earn euros. People here seem to think your hair is worth quite a bit. Start there.
Matthew
I hope you don't stop blogging, and I hope you hold out in Paris as long as you can. Finances suck, thinking about money and how you're going to afford the future? Sucks. The thing is, it's no better here. Stay in Paris as long as possible.
I'm the only guy you know who has hair as good as yours. Would you like me to send you some?
This is your story. No one can take it away from you. You experienced it. And, if what is evident on here is any indication, you've written extensively about it.
I'm reminded of a quote I saw a long time ago scrawled on the wall of Elder High School's wrestling gym: "What I had, I gave. What I saved, I lost."
Did you write it - all of it you could while there? Then you did it. If not, you still lived it, and can yet write about it.
We're all here on borrowed time anyway.
My dear friend whom I don't yet know...I understand. We came to Paris while living on the ol' Home Equity Line Of Credit on our home in Arizona. More than a year and 3 real estate agents later, it sits empty and unsold. No more moolah either. Cashed in my last retirement account. We can't go back. Somehow we will make it work. If you're in the 18th anytime, we can drink a demi or nine and commiserate. I love your writing. I would be sad not to hear your unique voice.
OMG--don't ! I have just discovered you (after you agreed with one of my comments on Bold Soul). I too have a Parisien dream. I am trying to sell my house in the UK. (damnit WHY didn't I sell it last year ???)I was hoping I would be in Paris soon, but now with the 'credit crunch' I dunno. Sigh. C'est la vie. Keep your chin up.
I am bringing 3 ladies (one is my wife) to Paris on May 1st this year. We have planned this for a year but now things worry me. Things like what will a glass of red wine cost me in US Dollars? what about a meal in a Bistro? How about Coffee? Of course there is the red wine. I am really worried about that. This is my 5th visit and I love Paris. However, What will a glass of Red wine cost Ah Me.
Pigpurple
Hey, if you do go back to the States, can I have your 220 volt hairdryer? They don't work in the US.
Thanks
I'll de-lurk and chime in. my life will have no meaning without that hair.
what about tutoring/teaching English part time? any job prospects for K after she finishes school? sell things on ebay? (that's what I'm doing, but I lost $3 last week)
somebody needs a "hang in there" kitty poster!!!
--carrie
You are too funny to stop your blog - even if it's only a 1 liner or to tell us about a new toothbrush or cat food! Please don't go. Teach English; private lessons? Lessons in dry humor? Think out of the (cat)box?
__
I will quote I guess my quotable friend Richard who said, "The dollar is the new ruppee."
Well, if you want to get your hands dirty (I said hands, not hair) and really, I don't think you do - but if you do - Sell in OH and buy in France. From what little I know, the French don't have much of a home improvement culture. Not a lot of Maison Depots I hear. There is, perhaps, some opportunity to do some home flipping there. And while it is a job for you, the French Govt. doesn't really consider it that way. Thu, no work visa hassles. So you spend several months painting and redo a kitchen and bath and then sell and trade up and do it again. Which is the rub, as things don't always sell as quickly as one would like. Or there's always hair modeling. z
Change the game. Keep your place in OH and take your adventure to a more dollar friendly (and blog inspiring) locale. Albania? India? Thailand?
It's a small world after all...
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