Cutty

I know that this round-up is a week late.  How can I let it pass when it has brought me countless memories? It was a year of trials.  There were times when our household had to survive with one house-help.  It was in Q3 when I found out that the my most-trusted store supervisor was stealing from me.  Business was unstable.  Kids getting sick at the same time, specially when I couldn't be there to care for them.  Javi was physically abused by newly-hired nanny.  There were lots of late night meetings.   Monthly budgets barely covering expenses.  Lessons were learned, tears were shed BUT I have moved on.  I never realized I could overcome all those despite the judgement and opinion of envious individuals (wink, wink). It was a year of travel.  A summer trip to our favorite shopping destination during summer.  A trip to the World's Cultural Capital and it neighboring countries spear-headed by the ACS took place in Q3.  It...

After 10 years, I was able to go back to  witness this light up and sparkle before my eyes. On the first day, I reacquainted myself with the tourist attractions, the Metro and the language.  We got to try out new stuff and to window-shop for a bit.  I can't help it.  We arrived at the tail-end of sale season. I happened to pass by Rue de Cambon and Rue de Saint Honore on our way from the Louvre.  It was a good long walk and all the aching muscles went away when I entered my wonderland.  I am looking forward to knowing this city more intimately. I'm now in the middle of Provence, the land of lush lavender fields for the main excuse of our trip.... It is Day 4 of traveling with friends.   We're still getting used to each person's quirks.  Hopefully, we're still friends by the end of this trip =D *photos grabbed from jonelski and pkf.