BCD

I know it is probably too late, since your girl has already spent her money on clothes, but I think you've made a big mistake. Unless this relatively quick trip would cause you to miss a tryout or something really important to your being drafted, I see no legitimate reason for you to miss out on this opportunity. I think you and Cimmaron should realize that just b/c you take this trip, it does not mean that you will not be drafted. At least you haven't stated any reason why this would be the case.

And I know Cimmaron points out that France will always be there, but what is the likelihood of you getting to go to France this cheap to visit with someone you love? I'm 33 years old and haven't had that chance. My parents who can afford to go haven't found the opportunity in 60 years to go to Europe.

I'm also afraid with this attitude, you will likely find that you'll never have enough money, or enough time, etc., etc., etc., to do a trip to France or other stuff that is exciting as hell but takes you out of your comfort zone. Not to be obnoxiously corny, b/c that's not my style, but you would remember this trip for the rest of your life. Too many times in my life I have been afraid to pull the trigger on stuff like this for "practical" reasons like lack of money. On the rare occasions when I've simply said "fuck it" and got the courage to throw caution to the wind (which, thankfully, I'm forcing myself to do more often as of late), I have had the best times of my life and the money thing ALWAYS freakin' works out.

If it really is not too late, I would talk with the trainer - who I bet knows your situation, is commited to you and your desire to get drafted, and recognizes that you will properly remember his dedication to you when you do get drafted and have some more cash and the notoriety to get him some good PR and more business - and tell him about your issue and see what he says. Hell, I'm not rich, but I'll kick in $50 for the trip. I bet others would do the same.

And BTW, I don't know everything there is to know about chicks (although I've been happily married for seven years and had many healthy relationships before that), but I can tell you that you flying up to greet her at the airport won't mean half as much as you coming over there. It will probably irk her that you could come up with the cash to fly up to visit her in the states, but not to come over to France. It might also confirm in her mind the suspicion I'm sure she has that you really didn't try that hard or really didn't want to come visit her in France. I am now stepping off of my soapbox.