Nearing nine months in France . . .
Time rages by these days. My moments measured out in different doses:
The new view out my window.
- 9 months without working or driving.
- 8.5 months: living in France
- 6 months blogging
- 3 months separated from my husband (because he’s been hospitalized).
- 1 month living with my in-laws
And for your consideration, my very first post to this blog:
What Have I Done?
I’ve never set out on an adventure of consequence and not asked myself that question at some point.
My first solo camping trip seemed a major misstep when I awoke to the sound of footsteps circling my tent at 2 AM. I caught not one, but several, tropical diseases studying in Africa. Alone and sick in a village without power, roads or transportation, oh, I questioned my choices.
But now I’m in my thirties. Sleeping on the floor, selling everything I own, leaving the stable job behind–all actions that fall well outside my comfort zone. The stakes seem higher.
I’ve given up one career (my degrees aren’t valid in France). In this economy, starting out in a new sector is an unpredictable journey. In any case, for a workaholic, leaving a career behind is, in itself, an adventure. The safety net of the second stable salary is gone–we need to get by on DH’s income alone for an undetermined amount of time.
None of this surprised us; we planned, prepared, budgeted, saved. But until you’re actually in your new situation, you never know what’s going to keep you up at night.
I’ve had my moments of fear and trembling since moving to France in July. I’ve spent the last weeks since DH went back to work in the “What have I done?” mode.
Now I’m ready to accept the full extent of this adventure. I look forward to moments of extreme discomfort, sleepless nights and plenty of soul-searching. I am thrilled and thankful to have this opportunity to question everything.
I invite you to join me–both when I know I’ve made the right decision and when I stay up all night wondering.
Note: Today I’m meeting DH at his rehabilitation center. We will be walking to a restaurant for lunch–DH without his crutches!
Jennifer–thanks, we are all so excited. He’s progressing ridiculously fast. (I hope he’ll be home soon . . .)
I’m a little confused. I thought you had the new blog going for a few days already with several posts under your belt. Or am I losing my mind, lol. I’d love to hear about your adventures in Africa as my heart is there. I’m also delighted to hear how well your husband is recovering. That is wonderful news. You have a marvellous view btw. Final comment. I’ve posted about my debt situation in great detail at my latest post as I think I may have given you the wrong impression in my comments earlier. I am not in any desperate need to sell the condo 
Great news! Hope everything will go smoothly and you will be back with a lovley positive story.
Every day is an adventure. You gave up your career to move to France. I gave up my career to be a stay-at-home mom. I don’t regret my decision. We are still on our way to achieving our goals.
Perhaps you can volunteer in an area you’d like to get involved in. You can always add volunteer positions & experiences into your resume.
What a great recap, especially for a relatively new reader! Several tropical diseases… yum!
Looking forward to joining your cadre of fans.
Joyful–no worries about the debt comments . . .I just get concerned easily . As for your question about the old blog/new blog, I’m not totally surprised the whole thing causes confusion–I have been working on the Simple Life in France since October, but moved it to a new URL (this one) about a week ago. Does that answer the question? Anyway, I promise not to move it again .
As for Africa (well, more precisely Madagascar–shall we count that?) I’ve only posted one article on my time there so far: Work and Leisure in African Villages.
Maria–thanks! And we had a wonderful lunch . . . it was the closest life has felt to normal in three months. Also, more good news, the doctors think he’ll be out soon!
Jersey Mom–volunteering sounds really rewarding. I think that as soon as DH and I finally get more settled I’ll start with a little work/volunteering etc. Until then all the movement keeps me plenty busy
By the way, I think that it must be an equally weird feeling at first giving up a career to stay at home with kids. There’s that “uh-oh” feeling about it, I suppose. No matter how happy you are with the decision later.
Jay–glad you liked it. I’ve never thought of tropical diseases as “yum,” but I do remember once someone said to me, “Tourists talk about the food they ate; travelers talk about the diseases they caught.” I thought it was spot on.
I really need to read through all your entries on this beauty. I feel like I’m missing some great tales! Courage is a strange creature and shows up in the most surprising ways. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We do not have to be defined by our careers!
I am so, so happy to hear that your beloved is off crutches. Health, healing and onward!
wow, I’m a newish reader, so I didn’t know all that was going on in your life. You seem so calm and mature about it – good for you! I most definitely do not like change, so what you are saying is a good reminder to me. . .to view change differently.
Looking forward to reading more!
Your life sounds like an adventure. Thanks so much for sharing, not only your happiness, but also your fears. You’ll get through this, and end up stronger
Consciously Frugal-thanks so much for reading and commenting. And yes (as you often say on your own blog as well) we do not have to be defined by our careers!
Margo, hah! I’m mostly calm and mature about it. I like to say that I’m calm and mature 22/24 hours a day. And the other two hours, I feel like whining about it, or feeling sorry for myself . . .or eating chocolate 
And I hear you on change–it is uncomfortable and takes more energy than routine. I can’t say that either one is better–they just both are a part of life. You can’t avoid change (growth) but if you never stop and get into a routine (to rest!) you’ll get worn out. . .at least that’s how I feel.
Aspiring Minimalist–thanks for your kind words. It’s funny because it’s easy on a blog to pretend that you’re some kind of super-human that never gets worried or upset or what not. . .Without complaining (I hope), I thought I’d share with others that sometimes my life has a little struggle in it too. If it didn’t, I would have nothing to think about!
[...] Simple in France tells us how it has been living in France for nearly nine months in Nearing Nine Months in France. [...]
Thanks for linking up and your comments at my blog. I am off to read your older posts to get more of your story. I want to move to France!!
Emily–welcome! I look forward to seeing you around and hope you enjoy the blog.
Congratulations on DH losing the crutches!