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 =)