As the wheels turn...

While planning to move to Paris I've also kept a backup plan in the works. I had been looking at other jobs in the US and also a promotion in my current job was highly possible. As much as I want to move to Paris, the right job offer with the right salary could tempt me to postpone my move.

Well, much to my surprise and disappointment it looks like the promotion is not going to happen, which means I have no room for growth in my current job (there's a back story there). So, that pretty much seals my decision to make the move. Hopefully the offer to allow me to work remotely will remain and I will still have the option of being able to continue teaching my classes since I teach them online anyway.

We live and learn.

So, what can I say? Well, I'm disappointed but life goes on. I'm also feeling good about 2 possible jobs in Paris. I need ya'll to pray for me that one of them works out.

Anyway, I'm still waiting to hear from the French Consulate on what visas we will need and I'm looking at apartments to try to be prepared.

Until next week.... au revoir... mwah!

Staying motivated

Since making up my mind to make the move, one thing that I've noticed is that people are starting to irritate me more easily than before.

For things that I've previously shown patience, I now think "I don't even care, I'm moving to Paris anyway!"

I smile a little at the thought, but I have to remind myself that I will be working for my current job, at least for a while when I move to Paris.

I am still waiting to hear back from the French Consulate regarding the type of visa we will require, from Century 21 in Paris regarding an apartment and my friend in Paris regarding possible job opportunities in my field.

I'm staying motivated and on task because I know these things take time...I've got time.

I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.

Until next time...au revoir!

Eiffel Tower at night!

Preparations continue

Now that I have made a decision to move forward, several things have occurred.

I am making sure that my current job will be established for me to work remotely. So far that is turning out fine.

Because I will be working for my current employer, I was unsure as to what type of visa I would actually need. I started by checking the Consulate website (www.travel.state.gov/visa). There is a section for Americans traveling abroad, which had specific requirements by country.

It also recommended that whether planning to visit, work or live abroad that Americans register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which in case of emergency the US Consulate will know you are there and how to get in touch with you and/or evacuate you in case of an emergency. You can also supply information for an emergency contact back in the States; which I think it is a great idea, so I took care of that.

There was information on contacting your local French Embassy to start the visa process. In Texas, the French Embassy is in Houston. I sent them an email explaining my situation to find out what type of visa I would actually need since I will technically still be working in the U.S. I also inquired on the types of visas I would need for my kids.

I've also been doing apartment hunting research, because at some point I am going to need to supply a Paris address in the visa process.

So, things are moving forward. More soon to come.