Some Paris Pics

Our Ford Mini Van

Road to Meudon at rush hour

Metro Station

Champs Elysées

Near Champs Elysées

My Metro stop

Hallways in Porte de Saint-Cloud Metro Station

Adieu Paris

I found out Thursday my project here in Paris will not continue to the next phase. It is a let down. It is also a relief. I have so enjoyed being here. My great grandfather emigrated from France to the USA in 1806. I still have relatives here. I have not had a chance to meet them. I think I will have to come back when I don’t have to be at work 5 days a week and have some money to see more of France.

I have made some friends here out side of work. I am happy for that. I went to go see my new friends perform last night. I spent an hour walking around looking for the place. I never found it after walking all over Saint Denis. I had a few new male friends I met that wanted to take me somewhere and do something. I know the word for drink and it wasn’t that. It’s hard not having full control of a language. I know horny it looks the same in any language.

The day before I met another friend after she met with her doctor to get her levels checked. The doctor did not have the results. I told her I just look online to see mine. The medical care here in France is good but same things are just like back in the day.

I met my friend near the Arc de Triomphe. I had another gentleman follow me like a puppy on the Metro. It’s a good thing I don’t where I am going because once I realized I was going the wrong way I did a u-turn and left him. Anyway my friend has a new Black Mercedes. I don’t know how people can spend that much money on a car. It is pretty cool though. Something about cruising down Champs-Ellysees in an expensive car is just right. It makes me forget about my personal financial struggles.

We ended up in the Saint Denis area. They have some shops with sexy lingerie, cute cheap boots, sex shops mixed in with other businesses. Walking is hell in Paris. Who thought cobblestones were a good idea. It is hard work walking in any kind of heel. You really risk your life or sometimes just look drunk even if you are not.

We had a nice dinner at a pizza place after trying to decide what and where to eat. It was pleasant and we talked about the things we all talk about, transition, ex’s, hormones, the future, the past. She is not yet full time. She has lived in Paris for 16 years and plans to complete her transition after a move and possible job change. She says she has a 4-year plan.

After dinner she took me on back to my place via the scenic route. In my opinion Paris by night everything is scenic. It is all so beautiful day or night.

I am going to miss Paris. It still seems a little like a dream to be here. I am glad my partner was able come and share it with me. Our two months here flew by. I was planning on her being back. It will be good to be home. To be able to be together again with Sandi. I miss her so much. To be able to sleep in our bed with our cats, see my kids and deal my part of the financial collapse. I am not sure exactly when I am leaving. I have some finishing up to do but it is soon.

2 Weeks back in Paris

The picture is of the best Pate' de fois gras in Paris!

I have been back in Paris for 2 weeks Monday. You would think I would be thrilled to be back but it is bittersweet. Sandi and I were here together for 2 months of the 4 I spent here. Now I am back by myself. It is no fun sleeping without her. No amount of pillows make up for skin to skin contact.

My first week back I was very depressed. I finally realized I needed to get out to get some sun and exercise. That helped my mood quite a bit. Going to the Buddhist Temple here helped as well. I have been chanting everyday and that helps as well.

I am working to get my condo out of foreclosure. I missed a couple of payments and my good friends at the bank promptly did the nasty on me. I personally think this is all arranged to make anyone with out a minimum of a million dollars indebted to the government as a renter of a government owned property. I know I am in good company.

I have to come up with a lot of money between my payments to my ex and the bank it leaves me with about $100. The good thing is I am on site and all my expenses are paid by the company. Paris is a expensive place to live. I have to come up with $700.00 to pay off my bankruptcy lawyer so I can file. Money troubles always add to depression.

This election is depressing. McCain is in my opinion a few bricks short of a full load. I think he is too old and after all he has been through he should just rest. Palin is just downright scary. I don't need some gun loving, right wing woman a heartbeat away from the presidency. I think she is a nut case.

Obama is criticized for being young. I would rather have someone with a new thought and fresh view. Old white men has got us in to a big mess in the world. It dates way back not just with Bush. LA used to have one of the best rail systems until Standard Oil, Goodyear and the car companies managed to get it all ripped out. There is no going back. Europe has one of the best passenger rail systems. The subway here in Paris is awesome. With a little walking and the subway I can get where I need to go.

Next weekend I am off to Amsterdam for the IBC trade show. It is the broadcast show here in Europe. I am taking the train. I am looking forward to it. It will be a big adventure and I have never been to Amsterdam before.

It feels good to get all this out. To much work and no play makes April a depressed girl!

I am heading out for the day.

Love to you all,

April