J'ai choisi Paris!

So excited to say that I will officially be an au pair in Paris! I have thought so long and hard about this decision, and I think that it is the right one for me.  I am just as excited to be enrolled in French language classes at the France Langue just down the street from l'Arc de Triomphe.  I cannot even imagine.  Back in the stress-free days of high school when I had no responsibilities and no cares in the world, I took French class.  I even ventured out to take Mrs. Thompson's French 3 class, which was very seldom offered, but I had several people in my class interested in taking it.  Thank goodness!  I learned more in her class than I did in 2 years of French at Ole Miss.  I probably need a very big refresher on verb conjugations and sentence structure.

Most of all, I am so excited to meet Marie-Cesare, the 3 year old girl who "lives her life in pink"according to her mother!  My mom brought home "Fancy Nancy" and "Pinkalicious"- 2 precious books that I can read to her.

Many people have asked me why I have decided to do this with my college degree, and why am I working so much for supposedly so little pay?  I expect to treat this not only as a learning opportunity, and wonderful experience, but a job as well.  Marie-Cesare and Gaspard's lives will be trusted with me, and that is more important than making a salad or greeting a guest at a hotel!  I expect to put everything into becoming their "older sister" but I am not expecting to make the big bucks.  If I wanted to be over worked and under paid....couldn't I find that here in America?  So-why not immerse myself in this exchange!!!?

Marie-Cesare's mother wrote in an email to me that she loves the fact that I use '!!!' so much.  I told her I feel periods are for boring people and I am definitely not boring!  Everyone knows that I'm a dreamer and an optimist...and I think that it is finally paying off!  ;)

Francais? or Italiana?

WOW.  Never thought that a decision over a European country could be so hard.

I have been speaking with for a couple of weeks now two very amazing families.  One lives off the coast of the Ligurian sea near Milan in Italy, and the other?  2 blocks from the Sacre-Coeur in the heart of the 9th arrondissement in Paris.  What. a. decision.  I feel very strongly about both families and believe I could fit in both places.  The family in Paris has a darling, sweet 3 year old girl who loves princesses, dress up, and lives her life in pink! (Those of you who know me should agree that we would get along just great!) The family in Italy has 2 beautiful boys who seem to be well behaved, yet eager to learn.  Do I have anything in common with boys? No.  Did I grow up around boys? No.  But the mother's values match up very similar to my mothers.

What to do...what to do...

My heart has always been in Paris, ever since I was little reading about Madeline oh Madeline in two straight lines, I have wanted to speak the language fluently, people watch at a corner cafe, picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and indulge myself on creme brulee and French pastries.  Taking a real picture of the Eiffel Tower versus one that has been painted, or mass produced so I could hang it on my wall.  Being with a great French family seems like it would only top off my experience.

Italy is surely running a VERY close second.  I met them today and absolutely fell in love with them.  The kids were fun, I got to meet the best friend and the husband and it seems I would just "fit."  They love to cook and travel, but they live in a small town with not a lot of public transportation.  I realize I can't go wrong....but what is RIGHT?  My stomach is in knots over this and I can't get it off of my mind. Sleep tonight? No way.
I need a sign. An omen. Anyone?

xdilw*@&$emxcvi$nsadflk?As(d.

This is exactly how I feel right now.  I am so confused and anxious and excited!!! I am so confused as to where I should go.  I have narrowed it down to 3 great options:
France-I know the basic language and culture, plus its your typical European experience
Italy-Don't know the language but the food would be absolutely incredible
Denmark-Have no idea about the language, but my friend Katrine is there, other than that...not sure what the country has to offer me except for cold, long winters!

I have met wonderful families from all three, and have decided to not read any more new messages I receive.  If I keep reading them I will never make a decision...such an American, I know!
On the more positive side of things..... I did go get my International Drivers' Permit. Who knew all you had to do was bring a picture and sign a piece of paper and you can drive in about 80 more countries?! They must assume that since we know how to drive in the US, that we can drive just about anywhere.  Sometimes...I think they are probably right.

I have a dear friend that I work with who has been lending an ear and some time, just so I can hear myself talk my thoughts out to myself...and for that, I am forever grateful.  I woke up last night at 3 am having a panic attack.  I was sweating so bad I thought the air conditioner had gone off.  I immediately leaned over to see if I had gotten any emails...none.  I laid there thinking about all kinds of things for about an hour.  About all the things I will miss back home while I'm gone, what if I choose a certain place and I hate it?! I can't imagine hating anything about Europe, but what if one choice is better than the other and I make the wrong one!!?