Laying it all on the line..

This is it. I am moving to Paris at the end of January for a year long pastry program. It seems so surreal but I am beyond excited. I really feel like I am going to be living my dream. Remember the movie "It's Complicated"? I adored Meryl (not only because the movie was a crack up and one of my favorites) but because I found myself wanting to be like her. I wanted so badly to study pastry in Paris and I so badly wanted a bakery exactly like the one she had in the movie. It seemed so perfect and unlikely. Now, I am going to be doing exactly that!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be embarking on this new adventure and taking a giant step in the right direction but it was in NO way an easy decision to go. I have never been overly adventurous so living in a foreign country by myself was an idea I really had a hard time wrapping my mind around. I know I will probably be home sick and scared out of my mind in the beginning but at the same time, this will help me become a stronger and more self-sufficient person. I have so much support from my family and friends and I am so thankful but it doesn't make it easier to leave them. I will miss my family and friends so much and I hope they can come visit!

The hardest part of this all, is thinking about being away from Mike and Taylor for an entire year. Every time I think about it I feel like I will just break down crying. Mike has been extremely supportive and motivating for me but it breaks my heart thinking that we won't be in our little apartment with little Tay everyday and going to Mad Dog's Cafe for breakfast on Sundays or watching Taylor run like a speed demon on the sand at the bay. I know this is not the end of anything, it is just an adventure in our life together and will make us stronger individuals and a stronger couple. I love him so much and am really thankful that he supports my dreams and pushes me to pursue them. Maybe by some stroke of luck he will find a job in Paris and him and Tay will become Parians with me!  (I hope!!!)

Mike, thank you for being there for me and supporting me as much as you do. I love you and I am so happy and thankful for our life together. Like you said, this is just one year of adventure in our 100 years together.

At this point, I have a TON of planning to do. I need a visa. I need to learn French. I need to research the city. I need to find a place to live. I need to get some clothes. (It is going to be freezing when I get there!) Anyone who has moved and lived abroad, if you have any advice please do share! I would appreciate any guidance!

Oh Paris, I'm coming for you!