Cortney

Will signed- check. Living will signed- check. Insurance information- check. Mom, I really was listening to all of your advice... In a moment of weakness and momentary lapse in judgment, I unpacked the dreaded carry-on bag to try to cram my toiletries in there. I packed too much. My bag definitely makes me lean and limp a little. Maybe I'll get stronger from carrying it.... I decided to remove three shirts and three pants to cram more toiletries. I will be reminded of that decision for the next 24 hours as I lug that dang bag up stairs, through terminals, over my head, and through securiity. This is how we learn, right? Yesterday, an awesome friend from work put together a happy hour to celebrate my departure. Secretly, I think they are probably all thrilled that ... read more

I am six weeks out from my culinary adventure through Western Europe. I have been several times before, but for a majority of this trip, I will travel alone. Pitiful, right? Not exactly. Check out this itenerary: 1.) Cooking school at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France and renting an apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower; 2.) driving through Bavaria down the Romantic Road through German castles and amazing countryside; 3.) taking the train through the Swiss Alps from Switzerland to Italy; 4.) riding a gondola in Venice; 5.) Cooking school in Tuscany, Italy; 6.) driving up the French Riviera; and 7.) getting lost in Provence... what a sabbatical! Like pieces of a broken puzzle, I sit here trying to glue together my travel plans into some sort of order. Details, details...lodging, car rentals, train tickets, sights ... read more