Flying by le fond de notre pantalon

...That would be 'the seat of our pants'

So, we spontaneously booked a trip to France last week. Wild hair and all, searched some flights, considered some countries and other far away places and then *BAM* we're going to Paris.

The 7 hour flight used to be a tad of a deterrent, and the jet lag of 7 time zones. Last summer we opted for Mexico because it just seemed so far.

But admittedly, that 7 hour flight feels a bit trivial after the 30+ hours (one way) and 12/13 time zone differences I traipsed through last month. 7 hours? Hump! I did that in an afternoon going from Tokyo to Singapore... and then back as a morning jaunt a week later. This will be nothin' Proving again... that perspective is everything.

Really, i think this might be mostly a 'because we can' kinda trip. Don't get me wrong: we both love Paris and are really excited about it. In fact, we were there once before together - though we were 'just friends' back then and he slept on the floor of my flat (seriously). It will be nice to relive those moments, but this time around without that esprit très frais (ou froid!). But I think we are appreciating the fact that we can just pick up and go to another continent with a couple weeks notice with little care or concern in the world. Our neighbor already happily (and eagerly) offered watch after Tyler and the kitty girl. Done.

After getting back into the office last week, my manager asked me "what can I do for you?" and I instantly responded with a quick "oh, not freak out when i'm gone a week next month" to my delight, he nodded and said "ok. you got it. i will not freak out." Humph! Done.

Wow- that's all we had to clear? Really? Cool.

No pending litigation, no judge's calendar. No Partner going berserk. No class schedule. Nothing complicating us picking up and being gone for a week.

So for 7 nights, in Paris we shall be: on our 4th anniversary; to celebrate Mr. Price's MBA graduation; to toast to river banks of Seine and the Champ du Mars; to wander the streets of la Rive Gauche; and to appreciate the simple fact that we could.