Today is the last day of my science vacation, which has been relaxing and extremely productive. I’m glad I took this opportunity to travel alone for a month. I feel like I learned a lot about myself and grew a little as a person. Below, I’ve summarized some things I’ve missed. Hopefully, I’ll appreciate them more when I get home.

First, the mushy stuff. Hey, I have your attention, I might as well take advantage.

1. My husband. Not everyone gets the opportunity to marry their best friend. Jeff is the perfect person for me in every way and I can’t wait get home to him.

2. My family. As Jeff’s dad likes to point out, you can’t pick your family (or your in-laws). I’ve been blessed with a loving, supportive family network who I know I can always count on – both my own and the one I married into. I just want you all to know how lucky I feel to have you.

3. My friends. Unlike family, you can pick your friends and I must say I’ve chosen well! Thank you for being the kind of people I can rely on if I need and for listening when I need to vent. I hope I can be as good a friend in return.

Okay, that’s done. Now for the mundane, materialistic, silly stuff. I miss:
My cozy house and all its’ contents. The many magazines I subscribe to. My three kitties (you can’t be the cat lady if you’re married, right?). My own personal motorized transportation. Sidewalks generally free of dogshit and parked cars. Hot meals cooked by my husband (I might have eaten cereal for dinner a few times). Grapes without seeds. Trident gum. JKD/BJJ classes (I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t covered in bruises). Being able to communicate with anyone. American coffee but only the good stuff. Sliced bread. NO baguette. Peanut butter. TiVO. Television in general (I don’t know who won the Ultimate Fighter or Project Runway). 24 hour access to internet and telephone. Electrical outlets made for my plugs. Way WAY less second hand smoke. Overweight, polluting, money-driven, gum-chewing, flag-waving America. (I had a few conversations about American stereo-types in Europe and believe me they aren't endearing.)

I have one more weekend in Paris before I fly home so I’ll have one more vacation blog to post after this one. Happy Friday the 13th!!!!

Pepinier Park in the morning fog. I rode my bike through this park to Place Stanislas on my home everyday.