Things I have learned (so far) this week:

1. Don’t ever get too comfortable in ANY situation. It always seems that as soon as you (ok in this case, I) get settled and ready to just move forward with some control, a major curveball is pitched and we have a game changer… This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing but it is something that I need to always keep in the back of my mind. It is the changes and challenges I have faced so far that I have gotten me to the place that I am at. So may as well make the best of the opportunity and spin it to be as positive as possible.


2. Always remember that when exiting the metro in the spring/summer months that your skirt is most likely going to become a victim of the wind tunnel on the escalator – ALWAYS wear adorable underwear when showing some leg during these two seasons, you never know who could be behind you when you experience this Marilyn Monroe type moment…


3. No matter what anyone says chocolate is an instant picker upper. I have leaned on those cocoa scented, steady shoulders a few times this week. Just when my faith in the good world was diminishing a delightful Kinder Schokobon or a square of Lindt can brighten any situation and mood.


4. A person does not always need 7 or 8 hours of sleep in a row. When managed properly, sometimes a little catnap, interrupted with a visit from someone who can always provide a smile then going back to sleep works just fine. This does have some exceptions and probably does not work for everyone BUT in my experience the mood picker upper and smile provided are always worth the interruption of my REM cycle.


5. Springtime in Paris is beautiful BUT my nose is not a fan. Between the leaves budding, the flowers blooming and the pollen making its rounds about the city, I have been experiencing the occasional moment of sounding like a dying carborator when I inhale. This is not cute…

A sea of black...

Ok so for the last, oh I don't know 6 months or so, it has been close to impossible to leave my apartment without a jacket on. Not a huge problem for me I suppose because anyone who knows me knows that I have quite the jacket collection. But the thing here is that people LIVE in black jackets. It's unreal. I have had this thought before but with all the flowers blooming and the trees sprouting pretty green leaves it is seriously depressing. Now I have to admit I did cave slightly to the black jacket thing rotating two (ok maybe three) different black jackets with a gray one thrown in here and there. But enough is enough. It is time to swim away from the dead black jacket sea and onto brighter spring colors. So tonight I ventured out in a beautiful (if I do say so myself) coral/ pink colored rain coat and let me tell you what... I am currently sticking out like a soar thumb as I sit on the metro. No matter though because I know that everyone is looking just wishing they could trade in their blahness for a nice change of pace. So to all you black jacket lovers out there - switch it up - I bet you'll like it ;)

Tis the season

For sitting outside at a cafe with a delicious cappuccino and a wonderful and tasty little treat. There really is nothing to complain about when it comes to Spring time in Paris. Being able to sit outside is not only refreshing but makes for very interesting people watching... and that is always a good time. If you are in the right area at the right time you can see just about everything. Today, while enjoying a Sunday Funday cafe break and a little girl time, we were lucky enough to be serenaded by a lovely marching band. Not a bad setting at all especially when you factor in the amazing new dessert I tried today.  It is called a millefeuille. It has jumped up to the number one spot on my FAVORITE desserts I have had here so far. I think I may be in love...

 

Millefeulle @ Cafe de la Paix

Burning Rubber...

And not because I was driving!! Last night was one of the strangest nights I have experienced here and I am pretty sure that there wasn't even a full moon. Around 130am, after a few good hours of sleep I heard quite the commotion outside of my building. Side note: this was loud and clear because it has been so gorgeous the last few days I had all of my windows open. I went to take a peek and what do i see but a girl in her pajamas wrapped in a blanket screaming at (well what I have to assume is) her boyfriend. While she is yelling and crying he is trying to escape on his scooter. He managed to get on the bike but his sweetheart was not moving out of the way. This played out for about ten minutes and he eventually was able to maneuver around her and take off rather quickly - this being the first time rubber would burn on my street. About 30 mins later I was back at the window trying to see what could have been the cause of a very loud bang. I was looking for a guy with a gun running away or something that exploded. But all was clear. Thinking things were finally going to calm down I settled back in and was almost immediately greeted by the delight aroma of burning rubber. I don't mean a car peeling out, I mean a pile of rubber that someone set fire to. At the window again I start searching and see a firetruck at the end of the street and the pompiers all getting out but nothing on fire... Yet. That is until I look straight down and see a car right below me in flames and smoke pouring out of all the doors. First time for everything I guess. After assessing the situation the pompiers eventually put it out and that was that. The police looked around for a bit, it didn't look like they found much, everyone left and the charred car was left for the poor owner in the morning. Imagine having that to walk out to when ae are ready to leave for work... Oh la la not a delightful way to start the day.

I'll Take It ....

The gorgeous weather that is! The last few days in Paris have been unbelievable (aside from the fact that I can not stop itching my eyes because everything is turning green and blooming and prospering like it should be). But there is no comparison to a gorgeous Spring day here. It is like the entire mood of every Parisian changes ... this morning on my walk to the office I actually saw some people smiling with a slight bit of happiness in their step. Not to elude that all Parisians walk with a frowny face BUT they do tend to be much less expressive then people cruising around the streets of new England! Keep the sunshine and warm weather coming...