The Lobster and the Crab

(First things first: It seemed like many of you felt frustrated with the no comment thing last week because it prevented you from having the opportunity to comment. I also missed hearing what you had to say about the things I posted! I was definitely interested in the feedback, and I won't be doing that again soon. Also, for those of you interested in the "numbers," yes, my stats did go down, but just a bit. I usually get around 100 visits per day, on average. Last week I got 89 per day. I figured it was because people could read my entire post in Google Reader, so they just didn't bother to click over. Anyway, thanks for asking!)

Arnold Lobel wrote a book called Fables that Ethan read for school. It's a really cool book (it won the Caldecott Medal) and one of the fables describes how I am feeling right now.

The Lobster and the Crab

On a stormy day, the Crab went strolling along the beach. He was surprised to see the Lobster preparing to set sail in his boat.
"Lobster," said the Crab, "it is foolhardy to venture out on a day like this."
"Perhaps so," said the Lobster, "but I love a squall at sea!"
"I will come with you," said the Crab. "I will not let you face such danger alone."
The Lobster and the Crab began their voyage. Soon they found themselves far from shore. Their boat was tossed and buffeted by the turbulent waters.
"Crab!" shouted the Lobster above the roar of the wind. "For me, the splashing of the salt spray is thrilling! The crashing of every wave takes my breath away!"
"Lobster, I think we are sinking!" cried the Crab.
"Yes, of course, we are sinking," said the Lobster. "This old boat is full of holes. Have courage, my friend. Remember, we are both creatures of the sea."
The little boat capsized and sank.
"Horrors!" cried the Crab.
"Down we go!" shouted the Lobster.
The Crab was shaken and upset. The Lobster took him for a relaxing walk along the ocean floor.
"How brave we are," said the Lobster. "What a wonderful adventure we have had!"
The Crab began to feel somewhat better. Although he usually enjoyed a quieter existence, he had to admit that the day had been pleasantly out of the ordinary.

The moral, as written by Arnold Lobel: Even the taking of small risks will add excitement to life.

I am the Crab, and France is my sea. I am so excited for this opportunity, and I'm a little scared! My anxieties are a little high while preparing for this trip (especially leaving my family for a week to be overseas), but I'm sure once I am there and have a baguette in one hand and a block of camembert cheese in the other, all of my worries will melt away.

I probably won't blog while I am in France. But - I reserve the right to do so if I want to!

(Oh, and I have a post scheduled for tomorrow too. But I might be too busy packing to be seen around the blogosphere. I will miss you all!!)