Je suis arrivée!! - Paris 1

Well I am finally here. I've wanted to come to Paris for the longest time and now I am living in the cutest apartment in the heart of the city. Today is America's Birthday and I am celebrating it in Europe. Not the best planning on my part. I flew out of Phoenix last night and took a flight to London which would then connect to Paris. I sat next to the most adorable German gentleman and his partner- a British chap- that were so polite. They thought I was British (probably because my traveling outfit resembled a British school girl uniform) and were shocked when I said I was American. One of the men said I was too nice to be American mainly because the girls sitting in front of us were of USA blood and they kept leaning their seats back into our laps BEFORE dinner... very rude. The girls even called the flight attendant over to complain that our knees were digging into their backs. Now I know why a large amount of Europeans can't stand Americans. On another note, I am going to do everything in my power never to fly coach again. There was honestly zero room. On the upside, the on-flight meal actually smelled pretty good.. and then I tasted it. I still do not know what the yellow mush in the middle of the plate was. Maybe Saffron mashed potatoes? Hmmm I think I was just trying to be optimistic and sound like Top Chef. The cheesecake wasn't too bad but that was the only decent thing on the tray. 

After we landed I had to rush to my connecting flight to Paris and barely made it. The flight was very brief and once we had landed I could hardly contain my excitement. I made my way over to customs and the guard looked me up and down and proceeded to speak in rapid french I mumbled that I could only speak a little and he said I was Mignonne... noo idea what that meant. I then gathered my bags, waved goodbye to the friendly custom agents and went upstairs to find my ride into the city. I pushed through a sea of people and was relieved to see my name on a clipboard. I went over and he introduced himself as Vincent and handed me my new cell phone (pre ordered). I couldn't stop smiling. Everything was perfect! 

Instead of taking me straight to my apartment he drove to my school so I could get an idea of it's location and showed me various historical sites while giving me mini lessons on the city's history. We finally arrived at the apartment and met the owner of the school I am attending. His name is Ignacio and he is the nicest person one could ever meet, he was the one who found my apartment for me.

After everyone left I settled in and I am now watching the movie "French Kiss" to get in the Parisian mood. I think I'll attempt to sleep now because tomorrow I am going out with the Sister Missionaries! :)

Travis Alexander "The Great"

Last week I lost a dear friend to a horrible unanswered act of violence. The emotional roller coaster I have been on has been incredibly difficult but I am so very grateful for the wonderful and supportive ward that I am in. 

Travis and I met 4 years ago in the Desert Ridge ward. I still remember the first day I saw him, he was wearing a cream suit, Alligator shoes and gleaming petal pink tie. My first impression was something like "Hellooo Mr. Metro Sexual!". I mean this kid was fully trimmed, tailored and primped all the way to perfectly manicured hands! I guess I was a bit skeptic but as soon as he introduced himself I found him incredibly amusing and we became fast friends. 

Trav and I used to talk about everything. Life, love, fashion, goals and dreams. He inspired me to be a strong, compassionate individual yet was still able to show me what amazing potential I had especially when I constantly doubted myself. We kept in touch when I moved to Connecticut and he helped through the difficult time when my engagement ended. He always reminded me how special I was and that I would get through this rough patch.

This past year Trav and I didn't hang out much but we remained close. The last time I saw him was June 1st after Stake Conference. We started chatting about his plans to go to Argentina so he could properly learn how to dance because he believed you weren't truly a gentleman unless you could Samba. He told me about his book that he had been writing and encouraged me to check out his blog www.travisalexander.net so he could get my opinion. We discussed relationships and how hard they had been for us. He revealed that he had an ex girlfriend who wouldn't leave him alone and was trying to ruin his life and I shared that I was trying to get over a relationship that had left me utterly heartbroken. We decided from that point on we would hang out as much as we could. Trav and I spoke close to 3 hours that day and after we parted ways I received a text message from him stating that he was very grateful for the conversation, it was something he needed and that it had made his week. I returned the sentiment because it was positively refreshing to have spent that time with him. He later texted me saying he had bought an Audrey Hepburn book for me a few days prior to our conversation and wanted to give it to me at FHE on Monday. I was thrilled at the sweet thought he had put in on my behalf and said I looked forward to seeing him soon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to FHE that night but we agreed to meet later in the week. That was the last I heard from my dear friend. He was found the following Monday and the last time he was in contact with someone was Wednesday night. I was devastated beyond belief. How could I have recently reconnected with someone who lifted me and several others up so much only to have him taken so quickly. I then realized what a blessing Heavenly Father gave me by letting me have that last meaningful conversation with Travis. I miss his charming personality, his 1000 watt smile but most of all how he made anyone he came in contact with feel that they were supremely special and important. My thoughts and prayers are with Travis's family and I am truly grateful for my knowledge on the Plan of Salvation because I know I will see him again. You will be missed Travis.

The Cinnamon Dare

So Aubs and I were sitting around about an hour ago and got the bright idea that we should do something absurd instead of finishing our homework. Well I decided to bet Aubrey 20 bucks that she wouldn't be able to eat a tablespoon of cinnamon (I knew better) and Aubs- being the tough girl she is- said "psh, I can do it. It's just cinnamon". Now keep in mind, I fully informed Aubrey of the reactions she would experience (it's pretty much impossible, your mouth is simply too dry and the reaction is not pleasant.. If you're bored, try it) but she failed to heed my warning and poured out the cinnamon. Not 5 seconds after she consumed the "lethal dosage", extreme gagging and coughing ensued. She gripped the sink and stuck her head under the faucet gasping and gulping down water like crazy! We were cracking up for a couple of minutes until cinnamon started coming out of her nose while her ears, eyes and mouth began to itch. The cinnamon had started a full on war with her olfactory region. Aubrey is seriously allergic to EVERYTHING! I guess we had never put cinnamon on the black list of DO NOT EAT foods. Pretty soon we were on WebMD trying to figure out if she would need emergency care. We even called a doctor but he assured us that a Benadryl would do the trick. In my opinion my sister had turned into a Hitch look-a-like. I'm just hoping the Benadryl kicks in soon.

Grrrr

Ok, I should definitely be doing homework right now but I can't stand it anymore!! I just finished watching the Suns and Spurs game and it was complete rubbish! I can't decide if I'm disappointed in the Suns for not kicking the trash out of the Spurs or if I'm mad at the corrupt refs.. hmmm or Popovich and his wretched team! Ugh!.. I REALLY need to calm down or at least not take basketball so seriously. I used to be the biggest Lakers hater ever, they are a cocky team but they at least beat us with their points and talent. The Spurs, on the other hand, beat us because they are dirty players who are RiDiCuLoUsLy over dramatic slime balls... yes, I am bitter. My one wish is to have David Stern come to Phoenix for a game and get an inside look/experience on what the Suns fans really think about him. I personally don't think he'd make it home alive. Well I know this is a bit intense but the Suns have got to step it up!

What's the point??

So it's a Saturday night around 10 pm and I'm sitting on my couch watching a Gary Cooper film and eating a coconut popsicle. Why on earth am I not doing something productive? Or at least mildly entertaining?? Well it just so happens that I did have plans. Plans that I had actually been looking forward to. A certain individual made plans with me on Tuesday to have dinner Saturday night. Well Saturday night is here and I am home. What the heck?? Who asks a girl out and stands her up? I mean, why even make the date if you are just not that interested. Well I realize that this might seem like a pathetic blog but like i said, it's Saturday night and I apparently have nothing better to do. Lame.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I had a pretty exciting night of fencing on thursday. It was like any other fencing practice, bouts, games, bruises etc. Around 10:30 it was about time for Eric and I to take off so we walked out to the parking lot and lingered a bit to discuss the upcoming tournament. At that moment I noticed two guys burst out of our fencing equipment room with two foils (swords) in their hands. They were jumping around in a mock duel fashion making pirate slash karate noises. I knew these two punks weren't fencers so I decided to yell at them.. "Hey!!! Those aren't your foils!!!".. They cursed and took off running through campus. For some reason my attitude got ahead of me and I kept yelling at them instead of actually pursuing the oh so professional foil thieves. Just then we saw security and Eric and I quickly told him that our swords had been stolen. He then radioed the rest of the security team to scour the campus. Eric and and took off to alert the other fencers. I dramatically banged on the door thinking "I can't believe I'm about to release Cliff, Casey, and Sterling on these punks", I actually almost felt bad for them. First of all, these 3 guys are like X-Men, Gladiators and the Knights Templar combined! Still, I informed them of our current situation. I have NEVER seen 3 guys take off so quickly in my life!! Kelsey and I hurried after them running at full speed. I still don't know who in their right mind messes with a team of fencers! Slightly idiotic if you ask me. So picture this, a team of fencers running about campus looking borderline insane. Cliff is decked out in fencing knickers, and full armor including a breast plate (a little extreme) and he runs over to group of artsy kids that had been lingering on campus and exclaims "Hey! Have you seen a couple of guys run through here with swords?!".. The group eyed Cliff and his bizarre ensemble and shook their heads in a confused N O.. Well we sprinted around the campus for a little longer and realized the Cops had showed up. We filled out reports and gave descriptions but never found our foils. Nonetheless, we had a very entertaining evening of fencing.

Life's a dream

I have been blessed to know some of the most amazing people who have enriched my life more than they will ever know. Some are just casual acquaintances who may have lifted me up in my time of need without evening knowing they did anything thing out of the ordinary. I guess I have just never expressed my true gratitude for all of the little things that turn out to be so many somethings in my life. My heart is so full of love right now and even though I've been going through a bit of a rough patch, my friends are always there for me. Thank you Krista for helping me get over my fears and having a shoulder to cry on, thank you Eric for movie nights and smiles that brighten my day more than you know, thank you Aubrey and Ali for being the two coolest sisters anyone could ask for, thank you Cliff for the long talks and educating me on Dungeons and Dragons which never fails to get a giggle out of me :), thank you Ryan for cheering me up whenever I'm down and making fun of my big hair ( I know you love it! haha), thank you Nathan for being such an amazing and considerate friend even though you are all the way out in New Joisey! haha, thank you Katie for always having a strong opinion! I just love you for it and I think you are so incredibly talented in everything thing you do, it definitely makes me smile :), thank you miss Megan Emily for being one of the most amazing girls I know! You are strong, smart, beautiful and such a wonderful friend. Thank you Jen for being my friend even though you are WaY too cool for me! Thank you Curtiss (aka other half) for being my hilarious little asian friend that enjoys bowing frequently! Haha you can ALWAYS make me laugh :), and finally thank you to a secret someone that brought the biggest smile to my face today, you are quite the gem :)... Wheww.. I know all of those thank you's were a bit redundant but I just wanted to..ya know.. SAY THANK YOU!! :)