An American Biddy in Paris: An Introduction: Still in the Midwest! AHHHHH!!

Hello all:
     I wanted to begin my postings and get this blog a rollin'. Can you tell that two weeks away from Seattle and in the snowy Midwest has already lead me to some major cabin fever as well as BOREDOM! No, not entirely true :) I have been spending a lot of time with my mom and Toddler (my big brother.. okay his actual name is Todd-but apparently I have a thing for nicknames!) and old friends which has been really great. I already miss my friends from Seattle so very much and if any of you are reading this: I MISS YOU!!!
      I leave for Paris in officially one week (Thursday, January 13th) which according to my older sis Tiffany is an amazing lucky day to leave (it's her birthday). The excitement is building, but so is the fear of how I am possibly going to fit all of my things into two suitcases and carry-ons! This will most likely require some sitting on the luggage while locking (sorry Stu I cannot be a minimalist like you- I tried but I am in fashion.. come on!). Not to mention the fear of moving to another country where I do not speak the language.. oh how I hope French will come easily to me, goodness knows I already have my snobby French-English accent down pat!
     To any that read this, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and got to spend good times with family and/or friends. My Christmas Eve was happily spent with my mom, brother, aunt, and uncle while Christmas Day was spent with my other adopted family, the Gilberts (Julia, Juddy, Harry, Patty, and Liz via phone) and my mother as well. We had great times opening presents, drinking some yummy Blue Moon and playing board games (which "the kids" one ... take that "adults"! As a disclaimer, yes I do realize that at the age of 26 I AM actually an adult... but in this situation, "the kids" was only too appropriate!). Posted below are a few of the pictures from the day- I hope you enjoy.. more to come once Paris life actually begins, but for now au revoir!