Tomorrow is Bastille Day. That means a 4-day vacation for me and I will be taking advantage by heading up to London to participate in a virtual cornucopia of diversions with MizMaya. So today was a little like the day before summer vacation in elementary school.

To make the day go by faster, 3 of my co-workers and I went to have lunch at the little outdoor cafe in the Tuileries garden (think fountains and sculptures). I had a delicious pasta salad with shaved parmesan and pine nuts and finally felt comfortable enough to share a little bit about myself. (Those who know me may be surprised to know that I am quite shy and reserved in France. It takes me a while to really be able to feel people out.) It was about 80 degrees and sunny with one of those divine Parisian breezes that didn't even seem to just be pushing the pollution around. And to top it off, my department boss paid for me. It has been a long time since I have had such a perfect moment. And I needed it today, as AssRay left for New York this morning and I had a mild case of separation anxiety this morning. Tonight is the Fireman's Ball, so I must go get "gussied up" as my mom would say. Those firemen won't know what hit them!