It's official!

No, your eyes have not deceived you; the visa is here! I saw the postal worker walking up the drive way and I literally ran outside to get it from her. I'm sure I scared the lady, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Getting the passport photo taken for this was quite an ordeal. I had to go change and come back because you can't wear white for an official photo, and then I was told to have a neutral expression on my face. I don't know about anybody else, but when someone tells me not to smile I can't help but do it, so it took 3 or 4 tries before one was deemed acceptable.

Despite all this, the bags are packed, I have beautiful feet thanks to my personal spa specialist (you're the best Mom!) and there are 4 crossword puzzle books in my carry-on ready for my 12 hour layover (still painful to think about).

Here's the picture of my family that they sent me.

Chi-town

I dropped off my visa application at the consulate in Chicago and am now waiting to have it sent back to me in Michigan. If I don't get it by the 22nd, I don't fly to France on my original flight, so cross your fingers! Thanks to the Bairds for letting me stay with you in Chicago-you were lifesavers!

So much to do, so little time

Lots to report. I have my flight! I'm set to leave the 23rd of August, arriving on the 24th. I have a really long layover in London, but knowing how often flights are delayed, I don't have a problem with it. I am still in the process of getting a visa. It is much more complicated than I thought and I have to fly to Chicago for an interview. I am crossing my fingers that the paperwork will be done in time because they recommend a longer period for it to be processed than I have before my flight. I also know what family I will be staying with. There are 7 children in the family, 6 of whom are around my age.