April 23, 2018
Yesterday, I started three separate blog posts and deleted each essay because my inner-perfectionist was being a jerk, so I asked my accountability buddy for a few blog post ideas. (Thanks Meghan!) She offered a bunch of great suggestions, like writing about my upcoming trip to Paris in July!
This morning, I opened my calendar and counted the number of days until I fly to Paris. I leave the states in 62 days; that's about two months! As an aside, you can read the backstory behind the trip here. The abridged version: I’m attending a month-long Creative Writing Workshop at the Paris American Academy.
I'm looking forward to so many things about the trip, including:
Learning about the craft of writing from my teachers and peers,
Making new friends and connecting with friends who live in France (and beyond),
Writing at cafes in Paris and drinking coffee,
Taking all the photos,
Eating all the food,
Walking and cycling all over the city,
And if my legs can handle it, I'll CrossFit while I'm in Paris.
Attending the academy has been on my bucket list for a few years, and I don't think it's possible to convey my excitement about this trip in words!
Packing for Paris ...
In October 2016, I visited family in Florida, and before the trip, I asked readers for travel bag recommendations because my old bag was falling apart. Based on reader recommendations, I bought a blue Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30. Mr. Bihn has already traveled with me to The Netherlands, Texas, and around California, so it makes sense that he comes to Paris too.
In the spirit of living small, I'll be traveling lightly. Here's a tentative list of the items that I'm taking to Paris:
Passport
Wallet
Journals & pens
iPhone
Computer
Plugs and adaptors
Five shirts
Two dresses
Two skirts
2 pairs of leggings
CrossFit clothes (I’ll probably bring two outfits for gym days)
Swimming gear (swim suit, goggles, and swim cap)
One pair of walking shoes
One pair of CrossFit shoes
Socks & undergarments
Day pack
Small Tom Bihn tote
A 6 x 7-inch personal care bag
Traveling jitters ...
I'm incredibly excited and grateful that I'll be in Paris for a month, and part of me is slightly anxious about the adventure. I'm nervous about flying solo, navigating Paris by myself, and more.
Also, I hope my classmates and teachers like me. I feel silly worrying about being “liked.” I can’t control who likes me, and not everyone will. On the other hand, I think it’s natural to want to be liked because humans are social animals. As Brené Brown wisely noted, “Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
I’m looking forward to making connections while I’m in Paris, and I can’t wait to learn about the city and writing. It’s going to be a blast!