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a little complicated

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It’s a little complicated - what isn’t? But my plans have changed (again). Under some pressure - but not really - I was able to switch schools. From Johns Hopkins university to the Université Paris Cité. No doubt, the Hopkins acceptance helped. It’s like when you have a boyfriend - how the other boys suddenly find you more attractive? Someone said, “Well, No more early jogs in Baltimore.” As in danger-city. That was a tumbler for me - I started checking and, yeah, Baltimore is very.. Baltimore-ish. And then my little mind started grinding. ‘If I’m already switching schools and since Peter (my bf) is still ‘stuck’ in Geneva.. Isn’t Paris closer? TRIGGER WARNING So, here’s where the 'nepo baby' magic happens. I called my Grandmère. ring.ring “Umm, I’m thinking the Université Paris Cité might be better than Baltimore.. Is that CrAzY?” After a moment's silence, she said, “Can you forward me your Hopkins acceptance letter?” And thirty minutes later (9pm Paris time, mind you), I got a call from Université Paris Cité admissions. I’m in. It starts September 1st. Then François, one of my Grandmère’s corporate minions called - cause I’m moving - again. He said. "Johns Hopkins appreciated the quick notice. The movers will be there, for you and Charles @ 9am tomorrow morning. Your flight (to Paris) leaves @ 9:22pm tomorrow night.. Your TSA PreChecks, and Global Entry passes are complete. I mailed you your flight passes and "Imagine'R" (unlimited Paris travel) cards A car will be waiting when you arrive.” François doesn't mess around. I looked at my watch, it was 2:45 in the afternoon. 'Damn', I thought, 'I need to tell Charles we're moving to Paris tomorrow.' Yes, I exist in a charmed circle - if you discount the contentiousness of the choice - my Mom’s now mad at me and my sister’s not too happy - I’m totes charmed. Of course, the Hopkins acceptance (and the full-ride scholarship I declined) will now pass on to another lucky student. Sometimes what you want is lurking in the shadows just out of reach - do you dare disclose it - risk exposing it, when some might oppose it? The bible says “Ask and you shall receive.” In real life, that may require more than belief, if your secret wishes, you are to achieve. . . Songs for this: Give Paris One More Chance by Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers The Paris Match (feat. Tracey Thorn) by The Style Council Nostalgie Du Voyage by Tape Five . *I was offered full-ride scholarships to Yale, Harvard and Johns Hopkins but I never accept their money - I don’t want it - let someone get it who needs it.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 8/6/2025 2:07:00 PM
Life is so much easier with options Anais; love the analogy, the guys find you more attractive when you have a boyfriend lol! Sounds like Grandmere is eager to get you over there, possibly before you change your mind again, the masterplan is coming together, well done, I’m delighted for you, cheers David
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Anais Vionet
Date: 8/6/2025 6:27:00 PM
Baltimore, is depressing. She jumped right into action - no doubt =]
Date: 8/6/2025 7:13:00 AM
<3 . Initial thoughts, 'My, you’re having an interesting year!’ Immediately followed by, if you’ll excuse the presumption, some degree of comfort that you’d be in safer lands, both locally and nationally speaking, the next few years. - Charles, François, and Grandmère; what an A Team to have in your back pocket! I thought maybe I should feel envious, but honestly, there’s little I would have made good use of them for. I’m pretty satisfied with how my years played out. - Peter going to cancel Princeton?
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Anais Vionet
Date: 8/6/2025 7:38:00 PM
Oooo! Fun fact. Cost is relative. I was prepared to pay for four years at John Hopkins, it was well within my yearly allowance (the amount I can spend each year without touching my principal or yearly distribution). But check this: Med school tuition, 4 years: Johns Hopkins ……………… $266,000 Université Paris Cité ………… $1,400. I am so happy to be here, Cinthia (Mrs. Charles) has always wanted to live in Paris, Charles loves it, Grandmère is very pleased with herself and yes, Peter's now looking for a position in Paris. We've been working on his French and he's making progress. =] He can order dinner and dessert.
Date: 8/6/2025 5:09:00 AM
Can I borrow Gran for a week? Got a lot I need done and I'm a geussin' she cuts thru red tape like a knife thru melted butter.
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Anais Vionet
Date: 8/6/2025 7:40:00 PM
Ha! She doesn't DO anything, but she has minions.
Date: 8/5/2025 9:38:00 PM
Thanks for the exciting update, Anais. Congratulations! It seems like you have all the parts mowing in the right direction. Travel blessings and prayers all continues to go well during your beginning of this new adventure in your life. Keep us posted. A poet in Texas, Bill
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Anais Vionet
Date: 8/5/2025 9:50:00 PM
Thanks Bill. I think I've got it right now. I wasn't excited about Baltimore - I had to try. =]
Date: 8/5/2025 9:02:00 PM
Anais, Perhaps a little surprised at the changes brought to light. Hope you hit the shores like D Day-The Sequel, and never forget to write. PS Don't forget Cherbourg. -Richard
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Anais Vionet
Date: 8/5/2025 9:52:00 PM
What about Cherbourg? It's a big cruise ship spot these days.

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry