Spring Break (Operation Embracing Freedom)

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Now where did I put that juicer? I know it’s here somewhere.

While
it may not seem apparent from some of my more recent posts — which
have dwelled on the darker side of infertility — I have also been in
search of balance. So it’s time, again, to put into practice the adage
that when life hands you lemons you make lemonade.lemons

Sometimes it takes longer for me than I’d like to retrieve the juicer — other times not so much.

For example, after the disbelief dissipated following a single line on
a pee stick or a phone call announcing a negative beta, it was the
equivalent of “Miller Time.” Pregnant women are advised to abstain from
certain beverages. But a “not pregnant woman” can do what she likes. So
I’d mix a strong gin and tonic (with a twist of lime) or pour a glass
(or more) of wine. The next morning I usually followed with a stiff cup
of coffee, also a preggers no-no.

So today I remind myself that
my mommy peers might have achieved one thing I couldn’t but they are
also tied to mind-numbing feeding schedules, potty training, homework
assignments, play dates, soccer schedules and the like.  Me? I wouldn’t
know the right car seat from the wrong car seat if it hit me in the
head. Rather than checking out the latest in kid essentials or doing
another load of laundry I have a different, more appealing assignment
— like wondering what awaits me in Berlin and Paris.

See also  Surviving and Expanding Our Thinking

That’s
right I’m off to pack my bags. Mr. PJ has business that takes him to
Europe. He discovered American Express has a buy one, get one free
airfare offer.  I’ll be riding shotgun.

Passport. check.
Walking maps. check. Stylish shoes. check.  This also means I won’t be
posting again until mid-April. I expect I’ll check in on a few blogs
while I’m killing time in airports, but the rest of the time I’ll be on
the ground exploring the streets, sights and sounds of a world apart.

Yes,
April in Berlin and Paris with the best man on the planet. Hands down,
that’s the most alluring play date I’ve heard of lately…

À bientôt mes amis!

 

37 Responses

  2. loribeth

    April 3, 2008 3:59 pm

    Are you serious?? Wow & woohoo for you!! (I hear Ella Fitzgerald warbling “I love Paris in the springtime” in my head now…!) We’ll miss you, but have a marvellous time!

  3. deanna

    April 3, 2008 4:18 pm

    How wonderful!!!!! I’m trying to be a girl with manners and not drool, but it’s impossible to contain my jealous zeal! Drool, drool, drool…..

    Hope you have an amazing time, sweetie!

  4. Courtney

    April 3, 2008 4:19 pm

    Berlin and Paris???!!! Woohoo! That’s the best playdate EVER!! I’m sure you’ll have an awesome time and I hope you give us some pics too see when you return.

    Be safe while you travel and I hope you have a wonderful experience.

  5. Beth

    April 3, 2008 4:23 pm

    YOU – My Dear – Have a FABULOUS time! Safe travels, and all that jazz, too!

    Aaaaaaaaah, spring in Paris with your honey… now THAT is something those silly Mommy’s should be jealous of!

  6. Anonymous

    April 3, 2008 4:34 pm

    Pamela – Have a wonderful, splendid, spring-filled time of it in Paris – so glad you’re getting this break. Let’s catch up after your return, OK? Thinking of you with love…susan

  8. Mel

    April 3, 2008 5:23 pm

    Oh my G-d! Have an amazing trip 🙂 I love Paris. Josh goes to Berlin every year so if you want any suggestions, he’d be open to writing out a list of favourite places.

  9. Kami

    April 3, 2008 5:34 pm

    Ooooo! I am SO jealous! You recall my trip to Turks and Caicos was essentially canceled. Well, my DH is now going the week after next. Am I going? Nope. DH didn’t want me to travel that far this far along in the pregnancy. I didn’t really relish the idea of the plane ride either.

    You are right to relish these kinds of adventures that would likely not be possible if you were in a different situation in terms of kids.

    You probably also know that all (I think all – at least most)happiness studies. find that people without children are happier than people with children. Go figure why we all want to be so much less happy.

  10. JJ

    April 3, 2008 6:00 pm

    Oh PJ–have a fantastic get-away! How fun! I hope you have a great trip! Can’t wait to hear all about it=)

  14. meghan

    April 3, 2008 11:26 pm

    ohhh….April in Paris. Sounds amazing. Have a fantastic time with your man. Now mine has to go to Buffalo for work, but for some reason I’m not riding shot gun on that trip 😉

    Enjoy all the food, wine, and beer you can consume 😉

  15. Freyja

    April 3, 2008 11:59 pm

    That is so FABULOUS!!! Can’t wait to see the pictures when you get back! 😉

  17. Zee

    April 4, 2008 12:33 am

    Wheeee! Have fun, PJ! Drink wine in Paris and beautiful, beautiful beer in Berlin. If you eat meat, don’t forget to try the currywurst in Germany. It’s a yummy sausage with french fries and curry ketchup. MmmmmMMMMM. I know it sounds gross, but it’s total street food heaven! (Yes, as a matter of fact I AM a total hotdog whore whenever I’m in northern Europe. You got a problem with that?)

  19. Lori

    April 4, 2008 2:05 am

    I can’t decide if I am kelly green with envy or hunter green with envy.

    Maybe lime green. I can make limeade with it.

    Hope to have a gin and tonic with you soon. Have a wonderful trip, my friend!

  21. Deathstar

    April 4, 2008 2:55 am

    You deserve it! I envy you so much. My husband travels quite a fair bit, but I’ve never been able to join him. Take lots of pictures! Get drunk, be silly, be in love! I see a safe journey and a safe return.

  22. Pep

    April 4, 2008 3:18 am

    Oh, that is too fabulous for words! Eat a croissant for me at a lovely little Parisian cafe. I am positively green with envy – and yet so very happy for you too. Have a fantastic time!

  23. luna

    April 4, 2008 3:46 am

    have a wonderful time! I was reminiscing about our trip to paris in my last post. aside from the 2ww and bfn, it really was a fantastic trip! enjoy every moment. bon voyage! ~luna

  25. Iota

    April 4, 2008 3:27 pm

    Good for you! The springtime is the best time of year to see Paris. Have a WONDERFUL time! I’m glad you’re doing Berlin first, as I think you’ll prefer Paris. But let us know, won’t you?

  28. Portia

    April 5, 2008 4:28 pm

    I am SO envious!! Paris is gorgeous – you will eat SO well – and i’ve always wanted to see Berlin. Lucky, lucky lady.

    Mmmmm -i’m drooling just thinking of the gorgeous, wine, pastries, cheese, bread etc etc you’re going to get in Paris.

  32. Andie

    April 6, 2008 6:56 pm

    I’m sure you will have an amazing time! Paris is my favourite city and Berlin is my hubby’s – so this sounds like the perfect holiday to me 🙂

  34. Geohde

    April 7, 2008 6:15 am

    Oh wow! That sounds like it will be a just brilliant trip.

    I’ll miss your postings, but my goodness you’ll have a wonderful time!

    J

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