Thursday, September 13, 2007

PARIS FOR CHRISTMAS???

You might have heard me talking about it this morning. I was sitting there the other day wondering about this new "single and in a new city" chapter of my life. I was thinking "How am I going to spend my Holidays?" I have no one in my life, no boyfriend, no husband, and my family isn't the most festive. Actually they're not festive AT ALL! And I wasn't trying to sound like I don't like my family...cuz I do. Let me explain.

Why is my family not festive? That's a story in itself. I'll give you a piece of it. Growing up my family didn't have a lot of money. In fact, as a kid we usually got reduced or free lunches at school because of my families income. I can remember collecting cans to buy the basics. (milk, bread etc.) So when it came to Christmas there wasn't any extra money for a tree or wrapping paper. I think my mom saw the wrapping paper as a waste. So most times we went shopping and picked out what we wanted (if we could afford it) and then out in the car it would be "Well there's your Christmas present." Oh and did I mention that my parents looks like something you'd see in an episode of COPS? Yeah...it's pit. I try to help out when I can.

So back to the other part. When Sean broke things off with me, a week later he took a trip to Germany and Ireland. Now, some the trip was with his family and the other part was by himself. He was gone for like a month or so. Nice. Easy for him to not think about us...he's off in another country...feeling free.

So I thought, " you know I've never been anywhere over seas. I've dreamed of what it would be like at the top of the Eiffel Tower...of course my dream included some romantic moment...but whatever right? I could find a little aspiring artist and buy a piece of artwork. Maybe take a day trip to the D-Day beaches. Or go to wine country. Maybe I should spend Christmas over there.

Of course, I could spend my Christmas with another family but if I'm not spending it with my own or the family of the person in my life...why spend it with some random family? I think it would make me more lonely spending Christmas that way. Everyone has there family, opening their presents and I'm just sitting there with nothing. I would feel so much more empty.

In our business we only get to take time off at certain parts of the year. So I think Christmas is a good time...right? I may not have another opportunity. I just know that I'm a little scared. Scared of doing it alone. I feel like I do so much alone as it is. I don't know the language or anyone there. Although,this experience could be very liberating. I've moved to a new city and taken this job without knowing a soul. Maybe I'll discover something about myself while I'm gone.

9 comments:

Andy f/k/a Anonymous #1 said...

Carpe Diem!

Danica said...

Do it Erin. Take the trip. And if it ends up not being Paris, maybe it's someplace warm down South. It's the best feeling ever to take a vacation alone. I think it may even feel better coming home from that vacation knowing you DID IT! It's awesome, amazing, liberating. Go for it, you will not regret it. :)

Anonymous said...

Go for it!! I've been reading your blogs and you really do need to step out and take some risks. You need to find the real Erin inside! If not Paris, go somewhere else you've never been. It seems to me that Milwaukee just may be the place you've been looking for, but didn't know it! Life is full of surprises, Erin! I'm with Anonymous #1...Carpe Diem!

Ashley said...

Erin...GO! This is one of my dreams, to go somewhere alone. You do it!

Anonymous said...

Go for it, Erin! Even though my trip to Paris was with 50 other people, I found plenty of time to just be alone, and it was SOOO worth it. It's great to just get away fro it all. Don't be scared or nervous. You'll look back on this and remember how great it felt to be with your favorite person -- YOU!

Anonymous said...

Just remember that French guys smell :)

Anonymous said...

Don’t worry so much. Your beautiful, you have a great career with great friends / co-workers. Slow down and enjoy, explore and you will soon see that there might be one normal guy with in a 10 mile radius who is not self absorbed over himself. Give those a chance that you might not normally give a chance. You have nothing to loose, only too gain.

Pete Fanning said...

Hey, I've always wanted to see Ireland....but I don't know what the weather would be like that time of year over there....perhaps you might hop in a plane for there....

I've been to several places along the Mediterranean due to my Navy career...Toulon and Marseilles, France, Monaco, Alexandria, Egypt, Haifa, Israel, Morocco, Palma, Spain, Antalya, Turkey....others....the best place I've been is by far Monaco...very beautiful view overlooking the bay.....

Go for it!

Anonymous said...

I've been to Paris and it is awesome. On the show you talk about your girl friends from TMJ4 (Melissa and Heather) why don't you ask them if they want to go with you? They appear to be young, single and intelligent women who are full of energy and life such as yourself. I bet that the three of you would have a blast together.