bonjour paris
I spent the weekend tracking down the following:
For Ali: a 10-pack of undershirts, 12 pairs of socks, and a travel-sized everything – from Scope to shaving gel to 2 tubes of Crest Complete.
For Maya: an endless supply of travel-sized carbs, a new (presentable) wardrobe, a DVD-player and matching earphones, and several non-TSA-approved Ziplocks to catch the inevitable vomit that will result from motion sickness and/or too many carbs.
And seeing as I’m about to face a 10-hour journey to London/Paris and 11 nights in close quarters with the two messiest people on the planet, I tracked down my acupuncturist to get a little something for myself.
“I’m getting on a long flight tomorrow and my kid won’t stop asking me questions like ‘Do leprechauns know how to spell?’ Can you stick an extra pin in me to help me out in the patience department?”
“Yes, yes, yes,” he nodded. “Of course I can.”
8 needles (including one especially painful one in my right ear) and 45 minutes later my patience level hasn’t increased one iota. So either Dr. Lu is the best salesman in the world or one must be patient when it comes to seeing results from acupuncture.
Am I the only one who sees the irony here?
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Have a ton of fun! Maybe figure out a way to temporarily ‘lose’ Maya and Ali so you can relax at some point and take in the city on your own? 😉
Even with all that’s going on, the destination will be great. Enjoy.
So on ‘pins and needles’ to subside that travel anxiety while Chinese continue to make bugs all the way!
Safe journey and have craziest of fun ‘with the two messiest people on the planet’.
Easily, one of the BEST blogs I’ve stumbled upon.
GREAT work. Keep it up 🙂
Have a great trip. London and Paris are fantastic with kids (even in small spaces). If acupuncture made you patient, I’d do it every day. I do think of you/your blog when my kids annoy me and I don’t feel as bad about it. Not sure that’s the purpose of your blog but I feel liberated.
My daughter’s name is Maya too 🙂 Have plenty of fun. I can’t wait to see pictures.
Have a great time in Paris! And good luck on the long flight- maybe the effects will kick in mid-flight? If not, there’s always wine…
EEEEE! Ok, you have to tell me when you get in! We need to meet up!
This post is so funny! I laughed about her questions that she will ask on the plane 🙂
TOO CUTE ! I hope the trip goes well 🙂
Haha great post! Enoy your… Vacation??
have the best time! I went to London and Paris a few years ago – such an amazing trip!
she is so cute!!! have fun in Paris!
You guys are such the jetsetters. Skiing now Paris?! #iwantyourlife
LOL! Have fun! Maybe a little European retail therapy will help you regain your patience!
Daaaaahlingh, wishing you a safe and uneventful flight, no barf bags included. You’ve got to invest in Bose noise cancelling headphones. They are great for flights and when you want to lower the volume on the world around you… and yes, i’ve used it on Mr P. I wish it totally silenced everything, but it just makes things a lot quieter. When they invent those I’ll be first on line.
Dont worry, you r going to have a marvellous time in London, and Paris? Awesome :D. They’ve definitely got some gluten rich treats worth getting sick over LOL. I’ll tell you all about my favorties.
Hope you packed some fat pants!!!
*kisses* HH
p.s. Love maya’s travel outfit, so cute! Totally a diva in the making, are those little Tory Burch flats she’s wearing?
I have my fat pants packed! And the BOSE headphones (stolen from Ali). And Maya’s and my Tory Burch shoes. What else could we need???
Have a great trip, Ameena! Maybe you’ll need to find an acupuncturist in Paris to give you the patience and calm you need. Sounds like you’ll need it!
Ha, have fun!! Can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures!
Firstly, I’m so jealous of you guys going to PARIS! I was there for 7 days on my honeymoon and it was amazing. Eat at Le Paradis du Fruits, it’s amazing for smoothies and fresh dishes.
Secondly, is Mayab wearing Tory Burch’s?
Thank you for the recommendation! And yes, I am slightly embarassed to admit that Maya is wearing Tory Burch shoes…
SO JEALOUS! i went to paris when i was in high school and i’m dying to go back. adopt me? please? or replace ali with me. i promise i’m not as needy 😉
I am so jealous of all your travels!! I’m also jealous of Maya’s Tory Burch flats. lucky kid.
Next time have him stick a valium in your ear and a few in your purse. Either that or maybe a few needles to stick in someone else’s ear, which you’d only use when certain personages were excessively annoying, because there’s no call to stab anyone unless it was really necessary…or helpful.
I have nothing to say except that I’ve flown to London almost every year in my life x3 and in economy class and somehow, I’m still somewhat functioning. Oh, and that you shouldn’t talk about carbs like that, they help ease motion sickness and should be cherished.
I hope you were able to pick up everything in one place! I’m picturing your running around Target with a shopping cart. I guess they don’t have acupuncturists at Target, but the world is still young…
Safe travels! I hope you have an eye mask and ear plugs for the plane!
I’m so jealous that you guys get to go to London. I’ve never been and am dying to go. Don’t forget to take lotsa pics so I can live life vicariously through your fun travels again. Have a great time and a safe trip. Love Maya’s cute outfit! Take care, dear!
OK. It’s official, amnesia has set in. I so thought I’d wished you a great trip Ameena, but apparently I didn’t. So, happy flight, hope your trip to the home of fine food is super dooper wonderful…., can’t wait to hear all about it.
I heart acupuncture – so relaxing! Have fun in Paris!!
If you survive the plane ride, you’ll have a blast! Paris is so beautiful in the spring. I’m definitely jealous!
Hmm, I wonder if I can self-acupuncture to release stress?
Sticking pins in OTHER people is great stress relief! Errr, so I hear…
Have fun in London/Paris! Europe is one of my most wanted place to travel. I’ve never had acupuncture before…did you actually feel hurt????
Normally I don’t really feel any pain from the needles but that particular one really hurt! Not sure why?
sqqqqqqqueal! paris!!!! have fun. jealous beyond belief.
Looks like Maya is totally prepared to have fun.
Hve a great trip.
I hope your patience is not put to test or shall I say hopefully the pain from that extra needle was worth.
paris! have fun. i envy you, except for the whole being trapped with the messiest people on the planet.
maya has some serious style going on.
I hear the shopping in Paris cures most problems, so just head for the nearest Chanel store and things will magically be right again 🙂
You’re going to Paris?!? I hope you take lots of fabulous pictures so I can at least enjoy them while sitting at my desk. Oh, and you have to eat lots of desserts for the sake of our friendship (or bring back some macarons from Laduree and mail them to me) 🙂
Have Fun!!!!! Shop your heart out! ❤ and g/l with the motion sickness! I grew out of mine so I hope Maya does too!!!!! One time everyone on the plane offered up their little baggies to me. Oh man… it was a loooong flight! haha
MWAH!
Wow, she is a super hip traveler!! Have a great time…If a sweet tooth strikes, check out Christian Constant…Amazing:)
Hang in there and have a great trip.
Don’t worry about the little green people… I’ve been told if you stare at them they just go away. Maybe Maya will develop a staring habit {Alexa has!}
And, you know what always helps my patience… knowing that I’m going to be bringing home a wonderful Parisian purse or dress. Indulge! You deserve it!
those pants maya has are super cute! i love kid clothes.
everyone i know who has gotten acupuncture gives it mixed reviews. i think i want a massage every other day for my patience levels…
I wish you as much fun as my mother and I had! Though I must say I shopped for no one else but myself and didn’t have to deal with any barf. Hmm… I’ll be sending patient vibes your way.
Let me know if you happen to eat at any of the restaurants I reviewed during my recent trip. The vegan brownie is reason enough! A treat for you… bribe for Maya??
Fly safe!
Have a safe flight and vacation!
I love Maya’s outfit and suitcase!!
Still, you’re going to have so much fun!!!
Oh, and I want Maya’s shoes. They’re adorable.
I’m loving Maya’s luggage!! And her tory burch shoes!!! What a little diva. Enjoy your trip. Lots of great food & shopping in London & Paris…am so jealous!
So lucky you are going to Europe! I’ve never been but would love to. Have a safe and fun trip.
Have fun in Paris! Everyone must have pain au chocolat and hot chocolate for breakfast. Trust me, it’ll make your day brighter. Can’t wait to hear about it. 🙂
I loved Paris so much, I wish I could go back. I’ve never been to London, but would love to go…
I hate flying though, especially those long flights. I’m so claustrophobic. And impatient. I can’t imagine what its like to travel with children…when I’m stuck on a plane with screaming babies I get beyond irritated. I guess I should stop finding things to complain about.
In the spirit of being positive, Maya looks really cute in that outfit, and you never know, maybe she’ll get through the trip without getting sick. And also, you’re going to Paris and London- I’m jealous- try to enjoy it for me!
Have a blast in London and Paris!! It’s so beautiful over there. I’m heading to London in late July, and I can’t wait.
And… I love Maya’s shoes. 🙂
Yay for Paris and London! I love both of those cities!
Thanks for checking out my blog! I will keep you posted about the Chia seeds:) B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L family! P.S. I am also in the L.A. area:)
Paris is always fun, there’s always something new that you can learn about the beautiful city no matter how many times you visit it.
I love Maya’s pink & green polka bag a lot..so cute 🙂 Have a enjoyable & safe trip!
You guys are going to have a great time regardless.
I still find Ali’s need for all these travel sized bottles hilarious.
I see the irony. I hope he gave you time released patience that will kick in when the plane takes off!
Oh holy night, I hope at the very least, you and Maya will be sporting your matching Revas on the streets of Paris.
And please tell me that in the middle of your buying spree for Maya’s new (acceptable) wardrobe, you got yourself something nice!
Have such a lovely trip – I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Oh wow! I hope that you can have a fabulous time!
Just close your eyes and think, Paris (pronounced the francais way). Have fun and take pictures Ameena!
Ahhh have so much fun! Please still post while your there – I need your humor 🙂
Ameena, have a WONDERFUL time! Enjoy your gorgeous family, and make sure to allow yourself to have fun! You deserve it! Make this the time to enjoy your vacations and let the mess go. It’s a vacation! AKA Ameena pampering time! I figure that between all of Ali’s gadgets, and Maya’s dvds and headsets, they shouldn’t notice if you take off for a day of shopping/spa-ing! As much as I curse lack of family time and the perils of technology…. it does have it’s advantages in turning people into mindless zombies- and works to your advantage when you want to disappear for some alone time!
Barbara
XOXOXOXO
have a wonderful time!!!
Oh wait you going to Paris and you are whining? Just get those ear buds out and enjoy okay?! By the way every time I see Maya’s picture it grows on me how much she looks like you and she’s got the pose thing just like you. But I know how painful it can be when the interior of your child is like your better half. Not because I have a child but my imagination is good (or so I believe)
acupuncture looks painful :S …. eurotrip hmmmm
Hey, look on the bright side. At least you won’t run out of toothpaste…
WOW….have a great time Ameena 🙂 I am so behind on your blog, am off to read what I’ve missed .
How in the world do you plan on coping with being in the air for so long? I’m stressed to the max at an hour much less 10…holy moly. More power to ya!
Maybe you should have asked him for something less alternative and gone straight for the valium. If not for your use, you could always spike Maya’s juice with it!
Have an awesome trip – and good luck traveling with your companions!
Maya looks like a world traveler already! Bon Voyage darling- have a wonderful time!
Loooook how travel savy Maya is!!!!!
LONDON????
So jealous. I was jealous at Tahoe but LONDON!!!!
Have a great trip. Patience comes when you least expect it (because if we lose it on a plane people look at us wierd)
hehe
xoxoxox
enjoy this trip!! At the end of the day, enjoy a glass of alky so you can pass out!
Have an awesome trip! I can’t wait to see pictures.
Love the irony! Totally describes my life. 😉 Also, I want to have a suitcase like Maya’s!
Bon voyage mon amie!
Have a great trip, Ameena! I hope Maya acts like the doll she is and Ali…well, hope he gets off his computer for a few minutes to enjoy the time with you! 🙂
Have fun… try to upgrade with to first class and keep Maya and Ali in couch, how is that for extra sleep.
Maya’s shoes look so sophisticated! I don’t even have shoes that nice.
Have fun in Europe! I am predicting that it will be a good vacation because, assuming you stay in a hotel, you WON’T HAVE TO CLEAN UP AFTER MAYA AND ALI!!!
Safe travels, my friend! I hope you have a wonderful time. I love vacations, but I also hate them. The packing, the airplanes, the airports, the company (just kidding, I love you Ryan!) Thank you for sharing with me tonight, my sweet friend. I hope that you have a wonderful trip full of laughter, love and good food. As always, I’m leaving tonight feeling inspired by your creativity and kindness.
When you are in Paris, find SPRING
It has the most amazing food ever and is such a treat. Their boutique is amazing too (it’s by the Louvre)
Hey at least you were “patient” for 45 minutes… 😉
11 days in Paris! You lucky lady… Have a wonderful time and buy lots of croissants and crepes for me will you? 🙂
You are going to have such a great time in Paris!!! I miss my time there already. 🙂 Take tons of pictures.
Aarrhhh! I want to go to Paris. Take me please?? 😀
oh you lucky lucky lady 🙂 Have tons of fun and click tons of pic and stay in touch babe 🙂
I hope you guys are having a blast! Maya is such a well dressed young lady! Kudos to you Mom!
Acupuncture really creeps me out… but then again, hot yoga did too and now I’m in love with it. Hope you’re having fun!!
Ha ha , hope you have a fun time, and your little girl looks very hip, cute, fashionista now she can do the catwalks in Europe.
I did not realize that acupuncture can give one more patience. Now pardon me if you see walking around like Pinhead from Hellraiser…
No posts from Paris? Miss your humor.
Ha ha – love the Tory Burch Reva Kid flats! Adorbs.
Oh how wonderful…Paris! Hope your having an amazing time…Take loads of photos 🙂