Not the kind of heat I’m really hoping for though. Which, to clarify for those of you all, omg packing heat, I’m talking fashion heat.

Nothing like a trip to Paris to make me feel utterly hopeless on the style front. That’s what happens when you go to the fashion capital of z vorld.

And. I need to confess. True confessions, People. Must take five deep breaths. Hold on. Deep breathing being had as I type {and who says I’m not a multitasker?!}.

For the first time ever {bold and italics for extra emphasis}, I am not going to Paris with a pair {or four} of stilettos. I know, I know. Don’t tell me. It will be too much to bear. And I fully understand the horror this is. The crime I’m committing.

I fully blame TC. He threw his 19th tantrum involving Big Blue. Making outrageous claims like I wouldn’t be able to carry it while hauling through the métro. I had to refresh his memory, that not only did I handle Big Blue at one of the worst métro connections {Gare de l’Est}, but I also had to dual carry Maman’s valise, too.

Arm power is not an area I lack. Plus. there’s something called le taxi. You know, it’s a good thing taxi is a Universal word. I mean, I think it is. Isn’t it? Well. If it isn’t, it should be.

So yeah. Here I am. Staring at the smallest suitcase ever that has only one space bag full of clothes {one!} and only one other pair of shoes I’m taking. The kicks Guru got for me that feel like I’m walking on clouds.

At least it’s still kinda winterish over there and I can get away with more boring non sexy cute shoes. If this were a month later, it’d be a whole other shoe story.

Plus, I figured, if I’m having to wear a winter coat, who the hell is even going to see what I’m wearing? It, therefore, becomes such a waste to even have to worry about looking trés chic. Why go to all that effort all for not?

Perhaps I should take more trips in colder temps. Wardrobe decisions are much easier. And we all know from my shameless pics this summer, I wore the same thing all the damn time.

Alright, so it totally looks like I wore the same thing every freaking day, but it really wasn’t that bad. Maybe. What can I say, I’m an over wearer by nature.

And People, I think I might need to consider more real clothes. This all yoga clothes. Yeah. Only gets one so far and I don’t think I’m earning any Paris chic points.

Whateves, Paris will embrace me and my Lulu. It has no choice.

I thoroughly call this a success — 11:30 and I am, for the most part, packed. Things are in order and I’m getting to the point that anything that isn’t in order? F that.

It can wait. Like cleaning the kitchen floor. Why the hell did I think when I woke up that I had to do a massive cleaning? When in less than 48 hours it will look like the place was never even cleaned.

This is precisely why I left a list for The BF. Half the list are things to remember, such as trash day and paying the internet bill. Because, holy hell, what would I do without Time Warner 24/7, right?

The other half of this list are action items : put batteries in smoke detectors – do not want you and Murph to combust, terrible way to go and please clean kitchen and living room floor prior to return – you know I’ll go crazy for no good reason if I think they are dirty.

People, I really need to work on this cleaning thing. I could be way worse, but, I also could be way better. These things are small matters in the big picture.

More big picture, less small stuff. This is what I’m going for. This is what will be such a great aspect to Paris — the break of getting away. Tuning out the “stuff” and tuning into me.

I tend to be an over worker {I prefer that in lieu of workaholic}. While I was very fortunate to spend five weeks this summer with Maman basking in further Parisian glory, I also spent that time working. I didn’t take a day off and I was constantly fielding calls at odd hours and late at night.

It was the same with Douglas Lake — working and working some more. I’m very thankful I have a job where I’m able to work from anywhere, but this means it’s also hard for me to unplug and take time.

I am more than ready for vacay mode! For inspiration and slowing down and to being. The be in what you be.

Sometimes a change of scenery and perspective helps bring that reconnection of being … even sans stilettos.