Oops! I Did It Again...

Dear Family and Friends,

First of all… I am ok! (uh oh, the fact that I am beginning this update with a need to reassure you of my health… never a good sign! At least you know that you are in for an entertaining story!) A few weeks ago, I missed class due to an illness (fever, dizzy, chills… no good).

Let us time-out for a second in SB history. As many of you know, I am an individual who will continue to work through a great deal of pain/sickness/unfavorable conditions. It is who I am… I suppose that I was just wired to continue challenging myself. Regardless, there have only been three times in my life that I have been so sick that I end up, well… fainting. (hmm, maybe I should listen to my body and not be so extreme sometimes!) Ok, time-out over!

Back to it! I truly had to talk myself into staying at home and recovering, as opposed to going to school and learning! (I really do love LCB that much!!) By that evening, my fever had subsided and I decided to walk to McDonalds (free wifi) to send a few emails/check my mail. As I was writing notes, I truly was feeling so much stronger (young age… bounce back quickly!) However, as I was finishing my email session, I was suddenly overcome with a very dizzy, lethargic feeling which spread throughout my entire body. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow… wow, I really do not feel well at all!! I am getting that dizzy sensation again, but if can make it home, then I will be fine… but I can make it home by myself.” Good thought. Good intentions. Nice try. As I was heading out of McDonalds, I completely bit the dust and fainted on the sidewalk. When I woke up, I found myself surrounded by a plethora of Parisians, all gathered around and asking me questions. I instantly began responding, all in French, and the first thing that came to my mind was, “Oh no! I hope I remember English!” No, I was not concerned about where I was, or what just happened… I was excited that I was speaking French with even more ease!

As I was sitting there, someone asked if they could bring me anything. Someone in the crowd yelled, “Bring her alcohol!” and I started cracking up. Someone returned with bottled water and as I was re-hydrating myself, I responded to the questions. I told one lady that I had had a fever earlier in the day, and that I had been sick. She asked if I had taken any medicine and I explained that I had antibiotics to help alleviate my malady. I remember responding, “Amoxicillin!” and all of the Parisians repeated this foreign word, “Amoxicillin?” They quizzically looked at one another and continued to repeat the name of the antibiotic, hoping that someone understood this foreign medicine. It was precious. Meanwhile, someone had called the firefighters to come to my aid. I said it before, but now I believe it even more, I will always have a special place in my heart for French firefighters! They came and helped me into their van. As I sat, explaining my situation, they took my pulse and executed a quick exam (to verify my health). Their job description requires them to take victims to the hospital, so they offered me this option. Since I was truly feeling much better, and they also said that I was looking better, they gave me a release form to sign. As I was signing my “John Hancock, they were absolutely amazed at my over-the-top signature. They responded that it was the “signature of the century” – complete with a star, exclamation point and underline. I wanted to walk home, but they insisted upon driving me home safely. During the drive, they asked what I was doing in Paris and I explained my entire culinary experience. I promised to bring them some pastries for their kindness. I actually brought them a huge selection of petits-fours de restaurant which I made last week: Chocolate Macaroons, Green Tea Cakes with White Chocolate Cream, Walnut and Chocolate Cookies, Piped Jasmine Shortbread and Chocolate Diamonds. They were absolutely thrilled and grateful that I fulfilled my promise.

Having an ER-nurse as a mother and Nuclear Medicine doctor as a father, we always grew up in a health-conscience environment. Whenever my brother and I would get hit in the head (which, by the way, was not that frequent… but three kids and a plethora of sports equates with multiple injuries) – mom would wake us up in the middle of the night as ask us questions (perform a cranial check). I decided to set my alarm for three in the morning. Upon the sound of the alarm, I repeated my name, where I was, what I was studying, etc. As the information was still in my brain, I was encouraged… apparently not too much damage this time! Success! (However, one has to ask him/herself… who was checking my responses? Where they in English? French? One will never know!) So yes, I did perform my own cran check. Typical Baumert.

One more event before I close. I had asked mom if she would send my antibiotics and a few items which I had accidentally left at home. The best part? I was awakened to the package being delivered at noon on the very day that I missed class!!! Not only was I awakened to what I needed (medicine!) but I would not have received the package had I been at school. I would have had to return to the post office the next week. The package was also sent priority, but actually arrived only TWO DAYS after being sent from the United States… that is unbelievable!! Nothing ever travels that fast!! Not only had it gone through customs, but it also defied the time-difference. Definitely a miracle!

Well my friends… an eventful week thus far, but fret not… the next blog will be soon, as I had many more adventures within the past few days! Stay tuned!

All my love to each and every one of you from Paris!!!
SB =)

Third Time’s the Charm… Come Superior!!

Dear Family and Friends,

~*Happy Happy 2008 to all!!!*~ I hope that everyone had a wonderful 2008 New Year celebration! As I was reflecting on past New Years celebrations in the Baumert household, I realized how many incredible changes in 2007 made for this 2008 celebration to be… well, unique! First of all, mom came to Paris to visit and attend my Intermediate graduation from Le Cordon Bleu in November. We intended to spend a total of two adventurous weeks – exploring and adoring this glorious City of Lights. However, long story short (or you can read about it in my previous blog) mom decided to befriend the floor while walking down the stairs in my flat. Ok, I will just come out and say it… she - thou with grace tumbled down my stairs and broke her ankle. Oops. Thus, her highly-anticipated vacation to Paris was rudely cut short (by one week). However, she definitely received a memorable souvenir from Paris – cast and crutches! (Thankfully she is wearing a smaller brace now because the bones are healing well… stellar job on drinking milk as a child). But I digress – the main purpose of my trip home was to help celebrate my dad’s retirement party! I was then expecting to return to Paris where I would spend both Christmas and the New Year. Oh, but how plans change… Needless to say, I decided to spend additional time at home in order to be with family.

Dad’s retirement party was amazing… thank you to ALL who were able to attend – it truly meant so much to him (as well as our entire family!) Since the entire Baumert clan was home, we decided to celebrate Christmas early. We were able to spend the entire day together on December 9^th … talking, sharing insights, eating, singing Christmas carols (with real candle light – bonus!) and just loving one another! It did not matter that we did not celebrate Christmas on December 25^th; it only mattered that we were able to come together and celebrate the real reason for the season.

Mom and I then spent a few weeks in Arizona… dancing across the desert. Actually, not at all, but we were able to prep the house for Dad to enjoy in retirement!! (They are on their way out West as I am typing this update!) We were able to decorate the Arizona home with candles, plants, pictures… various accessories which transform a house into a home (aka – Elle’s businesses on the rug – though in all fairness, she was in a completely new environment and she has gotten much better on locating (and using) her puppy pads). While enjoying the glorious sunshine and favorable temperatures, we were able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with Michael and Julie (his fiancé!) I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with both of them (including yoga, zoo lights, and a plethora of meals). I really valued our time together!! Although it was difficult to say “good-bye,” it was essential that I return in order to prepare for my trip to Paris.

Last weekend I was able to celebrate the birthday of Dr. McVicker with his entire family! Literally one word to describe the weekend… fantastic! The festivities included pictures with Santa in the men’s bathroom at Brookside (fret not, your eyes did not deceive you… you did in fact read it correctly), wearing the most comfortable slippers ever, celebrating Ry’s surprise birthday party, spending quality time with an amazing family… it definitely got better and better. Definitely. =)

In 2005, my family and I celebrated the New Year dining and dancing at the Greenbrier. In 2006, we dined and danced at the club at Ponte Vedre (while dad was on sabbatical in Florida). In 2007, we brought in the New Year… can you guess? Good job, you deserve a cookie. Dining and dancing at La Scala. If you couldn’t tell… we like to dance! However, this year was well… different! Eh Steve and Suz celebrated together in Washington DC (where they now reside) and Michael and Jules spent the night at the symphony (including listening to Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” – cool beans!). Dad and mom were unable to spend the night dancing (due to mom’s bum ankle) – however, they were able to spend a relaxing evening enjoying a wonderful meal at The Refectory, complete with guitar music and a cozy fire. As for me, well… another set of “goodbyes” which were not easy. I celebrated 2008 in transit… flying somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, gazing at the stars and listening to music. Although my heart was definitely elsewhere, I was able to reflect on so many changes which have recently occurred in my life. I was recently told that the Lord truly does work in the most mysterious of ways, especially when you least expect it. Wise words. Wise words, indeed.

And now… come Superior! Come the last level of my studies at Le Cordon Bleu. Come challenges which lead to growth. I am absolutely ready to welcome my last three months at LCB. I know that every day is going to be a challenge… I am going to make mistakes; I am going to fail miserably. But you know what? I am also going to succeed. I am going to continue to learn and continue to grow. Classes begin tomorrow… great day for a competition! Just prepare to read some entertaining adventures and stories (because let’s face it… I seem to always find myself in the most random/bizarre situations). I hope to send more pictures soon… I am eagerly waiting for my internet and phone line to work at my flat again; as soon as they do, pictures galore (and more updates!) I hope that everyone had a wonderful 2008 celebration – all across the world – with family, friends or in spirit. I love you all!!!

Love from Paris to everyone,

SB =)