I have returned. Did you miss me? The question is rhetorical but I’ve missed you! It has been one day short of two weeks since my last blog post. I took a trip to London and Paris deciding to take my own mindfulness post to heart by really being in the moment; with the day, the town, and the people. No telephone, text messaging, or blogging. I have all intentions of telling you about my experiences and the fantastic sights I saw in each of these historically laden cities – but today I am going to keep it short.

There are mounds of mail to get through, bills to pay, a house to clean – to say nothing of getting into the swing of life back home. I’m feeling a wee bit tired and overwhelmed, but taking one task on at a time, reminding myself (often) that what needs to get done, will. A step at a time. And today, my first full day home, I wanted to reach out, tell you I’m back, and work my way into a life style I have been away from for 11 days.

The time difference has left me jet lagged, as 4am U.S time, feels like 10am Paris time. I suspect it will take a few days to readjust because there is one thing I can assure you of, I have never before written a blog post at 5am! A lot of firsts which at this point in my life is pretty refreshing. It’s easy to get into comfortable and familiar routines which can be efficient but less useful and even dangerous if we cannot remain conscious during them.

The last (and only other) time I was in Paris – I was 19 years old. I traveled during the summer break with a backpack and two girlfriends. This recent experience was no less awe inspiring, albeit for a lesser period of time and with no youth hostiles in sight. The days have been filled with city sights, indigenous people, a dinner with friends, and the living of life outside my usual parameters. I intend to download and share my pictures and get myself reunited with the ordinary life I know and love. The journey beckons, but the every day sustains.