Jitters

Here we are about 63 hours from boarding my plane to Paris. I will not sit here and try and tell you I am not feeling a plethora of emotions. I am anxious about getting into the city that will be my home for the next ten months. I am nervous about putting my entire life on hold for the same amount of time. I know that this will be a great experience for me and I would go no matter the cost or trouble. However, I like to know what lies ahead and this is a situation that is far outside my comfort zone. I am leaving issues to be taken care of by my family and friends and hoping that a little luck comes my way.
The last few days I have spent entirely too much money on the things that are "necessary" for this adventure. It is all this nickel and dime crap that I have had to get that I wasn't really thinking about. You know what I am talking about, adaptors, contacts, glasses, luggage, camera, etc...... I have "blown my load" and I have to really pinch every penny for the next few months until I am set up in Lyon. The only real issues that concern me are the truck payment, rent, and taxes. Will everything work out? I will keep all of you posted.

Je vais en France!!!

7 Days left, and the party pictures

I am very slowly beginning to realize that by the end of next week I am going to be about 6,000 miles away from where I grew up. The comfort zone that I have built here is going to be left in search of new culture, adventure, and experiences. I have heard everyone else's stories of traveling abroad and while I seldom tire of them, I pine for tales of my own. I am now much more comfortable with my position than just two weeks ago. I have been to Atlanta and back and received my passport, arrete, and birth certificate. Yesterday I picked up my laptop and purchased an MP3 player as well. The last major detail is to sell my truck. This is the last batch of bricks that remain on my shoulders before I leave. It is uncertain whether or not it is going to happen before I leave but my bro will take care of it if it is after next Wednesday.
I spoke to Fred yesterday about picking me up and what the first few days would hold for me when I arrive and stay with him in Paris. He is taking a half day to pick me up and go to lunch or something. While Michael is leaving the same day to get to Limoges, I hope that he at least shares a table at lunch before going. I also have heard from another exchange student of mine Caro and I think that I will have to see her before I go to Lyon as well. Everything is going well and I do not believe that the bottom is going to drop out anymore. I am going to France next Wednesday and "I pity the fool" who tries to stop me!!!
Thanks to everyone who came to the cook-out, errr, cook-in!!! We had a few technical difficulties that arose as soon as we went outside to grill-it-up!!! That is alright, it was practice for France and we adapted to the situation. The night was wonderful and I had a blast, the clean-up wasn't even too bad. There are a few shots above and if you would like to check out the rest just go to OFOTO at http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=7uoigm0v.cmxsyth3&Uy=-y7dtxz&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3fshowSlide%3dtrue&Ux=1

I hope that you enjoy them.

Getting laid...off

Yesterday I was going about my own business when I got the phone call. Apparently I worked myself out of a job. I worked 29 days at the freight dock and as a result was let go before the 30th day. This was done to prevent me from being able to join the union and be put on a preferential list. I am a little dissappointed but also relieved at the same time. I am going to have to sell my vehicle now and I am trying to call everyone back that I blew off after I thought I was going to keep it. Murphyslaw is taking effect I guess, but not taking control. I will sell the truck and have more money as a result to do things while I am abroad. I phoned the restaurant immediately and asked to pick up some shifts and luckily was given the go-ahead.
I have 14 days and a wake-up until I leave for Paris, I am ready to go. I am feeling the anticipation and a little anxiety as well. It fuels me to get things done everyday towards my trip. This Saturday is also my going away party and I have to organize that as well. I will be making some lovely burgers, ribs, and other back yard faves!!! My mouth is waterind already from thinking of the delicious treats.

Cheese!!!!!! What is Pierre taking a picture of??? 

Do you have any of that lovely Wisconsin cheddah? You know, I really like it, you know. 

Bonjour Lea!!! She is on the right. This is a few months before she became my teacher. 

These are from the Misfit's Thanksgiving last year. I forgot to take pictures last night.  

Good Vibrations and Libations

While we were toasting the Gods last night, we did pour out a little alcoholic concoction last night in the company of friends here at Chez Murphy. Lea, my french teacher and good friend is in town from Texas Tech University. So, since I have not had a night out in a while from working I arranged a rendezvous at the Flying Saucer, my little watering hole. We had some good conversation and then headed back to my place for some cheese and wine. The weather could not have been better, almost chilly as I walked my guests outside in the waning hours of the morning. Then, since the sleep patterns have me like a little nocturnal social butterfly, I headed over to Kat & Caya's place for a little delve into politics, religon, anything else that can cause controversy. I am 25 days away from my departure for France. I hope that the people that I am in contact with there are as great as those that I have met over the past few years. Kat, Caya, Jacob, Michael, Lea, Come, Homere(when you find the place), Tolu, etc........ You have made the past year one that I am going to remember for years to come. I would like to say that we will all meet up again one night when the planets line up for us, but, if it never happens I wish you all the best. We are the future, and although we will become the past, let nothing stand in your way. Do not take "no" for an answer, if you will it then you can make it.

Ok, that is enough of the power talk for today. To get your very own "Power of Pursuit" video seminar please send $59.95 in cash, certified check, money order, or bearer's bonds to Sean. Please allow 6 to 8 years for shipping. Enjoy the program!!!

The Big Push

Well, as I get closer to leaving I knew that there would be a big push to get things done before I leave and a possible bump in the road as well. I am at the bump right now, I am going to push through and make everything work out. I am working so much that I have no life, and it is all going into my truck, just to sell it. I wisj I never would have gotten this truck in the first place but my Honda was stolen and it happened. It is a great truck and I would like to keep it, but I would much rather have my freedom form the payments while I am in Lyon. I guess that I am just having a rough day and I need to "push on through to the other side."