Hello from Houston, my friends. It has felt strange not blogging for such a long time, but life has been a whirlwind since I stumbled off the plane from Paris and stepped into the Christmas frenzy that was Houston on December 21. I must confess to having felt totally overwhelmed by the crowds and the traffic and the fact that I was woefully unprepared for the holiday that was looming like a dark cloud on the horizon. I knew there was a small mountain of assorted boxes that had been arriving at Mark’s office for several months, but I had no recollection of what I had bought for whom. When we unloaded them at our townhouse, I had fun opening them all up and realizing I was in better shape for gifts than I realized. It was also fun that several of the packages were to me from me with great affection. I love those gifts. Don’t you? Anyway, by managing my family’s and my own expectations of Christmas 2012, and by giving myself frequent reminders that having the family together was better than decorations and food and a mountain of gifts, I was able to enjoy the holiday and (more importantly) avoid a melt-down.
After an extended and wonderfully relaxing stay at our Austin house (formerly known as “our lake house”) I have returned to Houston and begun making lists of all that I need to do in order to re-establish some order and prepare to live here for the next several months. It is quite a change from the life of leisure and few responsibilities that I was living in Paris, but it feels good to have a bit more purpose in my days. It also feels good to resume a workout regimen that will help to undo some of the damage wrought by French salted butter and other sins.
My goals for 2013 include eating more plants and less meat and getting more cardio in my workout. What about you? Anything more original to offer?
Cheers to a new year of living each day fully, and finding lots of reason to drink champagne, even if we are not in Paris!
Mais Oui Paris 
I believe Ina Garten in Paris – I know she’ll miss seeing : )
I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Happy New Year Jane Nilsson
p.s. I stopped by Blue Willow yesterday (secretly) hoping I might see you shopping there, too.
Sent from my iPhone
I know she is there and I”m sick about it! Maybe she will still be there at the end of the month when I go back for a visit?
Unfortunately, the link said page not found. Happy new year to you Kate! My daughter is a fellow blogger, just moved from NYC to LA, via Berlin, where she met her Greek BF. http://www.rachelupshaw.com.
Glad you survived Christmas, now get out and get back into your Parisian mindset:)
Caren Upshaw, Cynthia Kuhns sister.
Sent from my iPad
Sorry- I don’t know what happened with that link- hope you eventually find the post!
Happy New Year, Kate! If the skies are sunny in TX, that’s a really good reason to drink champagne. Guess what kind of weather we’re having in Paris? I’ll give you a hint – it’s grey outside…and has been for days!
Happy New Year to you, MK! Actually the weather in Texas has been rather Paris-ish since I arrived, which is OK because rain in Texas is always a good thing.
Happy New Year Kate and Mark! Kate maybe we will get a chance to see you soon. Right now I am under the weather with the flu so I won’t be out and about! Take care Sylvia
Hi Kate. Welcome back to Texas. Glad to see your blogging again!
THanks, Jan! Is Brooke still in Houston?
Welcome Home Kate — eat lots of yummy texmex and peruse large grocery stores just because you can! 🙂
Thanks, Carrie! I have been good about not over-indulging in the Tex-Mex, but I have made many a happy trip to HEB!