Good Things Come in Small Packages...

Dear Family and Friends,

Last week signified my one-year anniversary living in Paris… the time has absolutely been a delightful whirlwind of adventures, challenges and growth. However, I realized that I have not yet shared specific information re: my Paris flat! Bienvenue to my inviting and humble abode! I live in the 15eme on Rue de la Convention. In France, the ‘counting’ of building floors is different from that of the United States. The first floor is known as the rez-de-chaussée. The next level (US level two) begins the counting… France floor one is US floor two, France floor two is US floor three, etc. I live on the top floor of my building – number eight! Yes, there is a small elevator located in my building; however, I usually run/skip the nine flights of stairs for a small cardio challenge/burst of endorphins… I literally jump-start my day! But the best part about running up my stairs? The rewarding view upon entering my flat…

After carefully aligning my durable key into the lock and pushing the large, wooden door, one enters into a small, but quant living/sleeping/dining/all encompassing room (how practical!) One single word describes the scene: micro. Directly placed to the left is a large, fire-engine red sofa. It has served as a bed for me when mom came to visit in November. Granted, I have been known as one who can curl up and sleep practically anywhere, but trust me when I say that it is comfortable. In the winter, I would wind-down my day by encompassing myself into a sea of pillows on my large sofa. After changing into large sweats, sipping on green tea and reviewing my notes/reading my cooking books, I would be well on my way to snooze-land. Granted, my flat is small, but there is a trundle bed as well (two for the price of one… bonus!) I usually roll the bottom bed along my wooden floor at night and park my body at this location. I have no idea why… yes, it would be much simpler to sleep on the top bed, but I appreciate the novelty of the bed… when I was younger, I remember attending a sleep-over where my friend had a trundle bed. Although we slept on the floor in our Disney-character sleeping bags, (does one actually sleep at a sleep-over?) I remember thinking how exciting it would be to sleep in a trundle bed. Well my friends, I have finally achieved my dream of sleeping in a trundle bed and I will let you in on a little secret… not so different from any type of other bed. In fact, I think I have spent entirely two much time on this subject and the words ‘trundle bed’ occur way too frequently in this update. Next!

Directly across from my sofa is a bureau with a drop down desk top which is home to my computer, internet box, tv, telephone, stereo and books. Pictures of friends, French castles, ticket-stubs and other memorabilia of places visited align the doors of the bureau. Two Bonsai trees rest on the top, as well as a plethora of candles and other green plants. Lining the entire side of the room are three sliding glass doors which reach from floor to ceiling. The doors lead onto my favorite aspect of my flat… the balcony. I spend most of my time on the balcony… reading, writing, gazing at the Eiffel Tower and watching the neighborhood action from a birds-eye view (in a non-creepy way… don’t worry!) The balcony is home to two small sets of tables and chairs, as well as bird baths, flowers, garden statues and a hanging lantern. Whenever I write my blog, I equate myself with the character Christian in the film Moulin Rouge… although another apartment building is not quite as ‘colorful’ as having the Moulin Rouge directly across the street. My French neighbors spend time on their balconies… enjoying the sunshine and city-sounds as well.

My bathroom is also, well… tiny! BUT, I am very grateful that I have a private bathroom (as dad says, it is a must). Pictures of ‘soap advertisements’ line the walls and the bath tub and toilet work very well (not too much about a typical bathroom – although it does overlook the Eiffel Tower as well!) The kitchen has a microwave-oven and two burners. Although I do not have an oven, I manage to cook at home very often. I enjoy dining in cafes and small restaurants in order to experience true French cuisine. I enjoy tasting a plethora of foods in order to pique my palate and experiment with flavors. Upon returning home, I often challenge myself to recreate the dishes/experiment with other flavors and textures. Cuisine is a constant leaning experience. If one is not willing to take chances, then true growth can never be achieved. Sure, failures will occur, but we must learn to pick ourselves up and never, never, never give up. Tomorrow is a new, brand new day!! Besides, did you know that brownies were invented by a mistake? A hurried cook forgot to add baking powder in a chocolate cake recipe equation and voila... a modern-day miracle. So those who are aging and say that the ‘mind is the first thing to go,’ well… maybe so, but it’s not so bad… you could end up with the next brownie!

Next week I work nights again at Le Meurice… I ADORE my work and the daily challenges to improve and learn. My French continues to improve daily, but I must thank my Miami University French professor Michel, for giving me the gift of the French language. During my senior year at Miami, Michel spent additional time during his office hours every week teaching me French customs, mannerisms, and pronunciation, pronunciation, pronunciation (almost a real-life My Fair Lady). It is because of him that I have been able to survive and thrive at school, work, and in this City of Light! Michel, thank you for your gift of time. Because you took time from your schedule to help me, I have been able to continue to live my dream of truly experiencing Paris. (picture from graduation May 2007)

I love you all so very much and I hope that everything is going well States-side. Thank you again for sending kind words… they always brighten my day!! Also, if you have specific that you would like for me to visit/photograph, please let me know and I shall see what I can do! All my love from Paris, SB =)