Recovery Tested!

Has 9 months home from Paris been long enough for a full recovery? Gabrielle is back to speaking to me in English 95% of the time, yet Nathalie still talks about going to university in Paris. And I still do occasionally dream of fresh warm baguettes and shopping at the splendid Avenue de Versailles Sunday morning market for our weekly wares.

I have to admit that I still do follow my favorite Paris blogs, perhaps for a little tease and inspiration. David Lebovitz is definitely always good for some food porn and unique delicious places to investigate.
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/

and http://www.paris.fr/ makes me feel like I am still there.

And when I need a quick Parisian fix (not necessarily a good thing) Ce Que Disent les Parisens, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUKTxrLf5b4, is always entertaining!

Now comes the real recovery test: 18 days back in Paris. Paris has always been like a drug for me; I get drawn in, I am addicted and I never have complete control when in her grasp. I have never been able to do anything with moderation in Paris, only to excess. My Paris is an indulgent one. At my doctor's suggestion, I have been trying to live by Harry's Rules in Younger Next Year for Women since our return to Calgary. Will I take these rules with me? Will I consume moderately? Will my semi-regular exercise routine continue? Will I actually want to come home again?

I know visits to our favourite neighbourhood boulangeries will be frequent. And Paris being Paris, wine will be consumed and perhaps even a thin slice of cheese to savour along with the wine. And sleep could possibly be lacking. I will keep Harry's Rules close at hand, although glued to my forehead or tattooed on my forearm is probably a better idea.

We are just thrilled to be returning to solidify the family connections we formed last year and to visit with the good Parisian friends we all made.
Being half French, Paris has always been part of me and is ever present in my veins. So yes, our recovery is as close to complete as it will ever be. But really, one can never fully recover from Paris and Paris is always with me - I just need a less permissive Paris from now on.