Rain rain go away.. PaRiS 5

Ugh, it was raining AgAiN today!.. I feel so unprepared being here! I don't have any cute fall/winter clothes (I'm freezing), my hair is HIDEOUS and my favorite sunglasses just broke today (sorry for the melodramatic "Clueless" monologue. I assure you, I do have a brain and don't JuSt care about fashion. Just needed to vent). I need to always remind myself when I'm in a bit of a sour mood that I'm in PaRiS! No need to complain about anything. Ahh.. that's better.

School went well today. We worked on passé composé. Blah. And then I felt terribly sick and went home during the break to rest for an hour or two. At 1:30 I (pinned the fro back) walked down to the chapel to meet up with Kemp and Kitty. We took the metro all the way down to some ghetto stop just to get some "amazing crepes". I ordered a poulet et fromage crepe and it was... TO DIE FOR! No exaggeration here. I was in heaven! It was incredi

bly filling, I couldn't even finish it. Afterwards we took

the train up to Montmartre and did a little shopping at the coolest boutiques. 62 euros later the K's and I walked up what felt like 20 flights of stairs and arrived in Painters Square. It was ridiculously charming. Artist's were everywhere showing off their best work, competing for the most reasonable price and they were all sheltered by umbrellas preciously guarding their masterpieces from the storm.   I considered getting a portrait by maybe the next Toulouse-Lautrec but then I couldn't figure out why in the world I would want a portrait of myself and where on earth would I put it? Hanging in my room? Hmm.. I think not. We started walking towards Sacré Coeur and it resembled an enormous, decadent wedding cake that over looked the entire city. The view was incredible. All of Paris was laid out before me. I was a bit overwhelmed as to the size of the city but it was beautiful. I was pretty impressed by the 

building until Kemp

 told me it was built in 1895. I was no longer interested

it was practically brand new! A little over the top too. We finally came to the decision to climb to the top of the dome. Oh my.. it took FoRever! If you've ever climbed the bell tower in Florence, this was nearly the same. An extremely small staircase that I expect only the Japanese could fit through complete with never ending steps. My legs

had turned to wobbly jelly when I finally reached the top but I was able to savour the view (and sit down) for a while. We took loads of pictures and finally made our descent ALL THE WAY down. I got soo dizzy just staring at the worn, spiraling steps below me. After what felt like an hour we were in the crypt. Pretty lame. It wasn't worth the extra euros to visit. We left and hung around Painters Square for a bit and stopped in a little café to sample their nutella crepes. Mmmmm... Delicious!! Well we were worn out so we called it a day and I'm home studying, writing in the journal, eating a baguette and watching Sabrina. I couldn't be happier :).

Shopping and Luxembourg Jardin..PaRiS 4

Well today was my first day of school. Class was difficult at first (mainly because it's taught completely in french) but I soon got the hang of it and understood what the teacher was saying. My class is pretty small. There's: Peter from Australia, Allison from New York, Fünda from Turkey, Felix from Spain, Olivia from Seattle and Nicole from North Carolina. It's a really fun group :).  

After school I went home and met up with Kat and Kemp and we all went out to find a place to get lunch. Kat was really craving duck and wanted me to sample it as well. So after checking a few local café menus we found one serving duck with raspberry sauce. I ordered chicken tandoori which looked a little scary but wasn't too bad. We had a great chat about our lives, 

school and such and then they paid for my meal! They were so nice :)

Well the rest of the day we went to various shops on St. Germain des Près and St. Michel. I only bought a few items but it's SOLDES season in Paris right now and I'll definitely be going out to get more! Kitty and I found a little Vintage shop near the 

Hôtel de Ville that had the best stuff for 5-30 euros, I'll be heading back there too. We stopped at an internet café for a bit to catch up on life and then made our way over to Luxembourg gardens. Gorgeous. I was in love and had found my new designated 

"reading place". The sky was partly overcast and the weather was amazing. The lighting was perfect so I was able to snap some sweet shots. We lingered a bit and took the subway back and we separated at different stops. When I went above ground I was completely lost. I knew I wasn't far from home but I was pretty turned around. ( I hadn't figured out that there was a closer metro to my house yet.) I started walking and then the wind picked up and the rain started in on a steady down pour. I opened my obnoxious green umbrella with large brown polka dots to attempt to shield myself from the cold rain. Well, the wind was quite strong and by quite strong I mean I could've been Mary Poppins if my umbrella had been opened for 30 more seconds. The wind sucked my umbrella inside out I began to pull it away from me with an alarming amount of force. So here I am, standing on a corner, lost, and wrestling with my polka dot umbrella while getting drenched. Life was good. I finally found my way back to Rue Montorguiel and stopped into a Boulangerie to get a baguette (of course). I also purchased un éclair chocolat for good measure ( I felt I earned it). After I got home I ate my incredibly rich éclair and nearly ate the WhOLe Baguette!! It was as long as my arm! But skinnier so I don't feel too guilty. Well tomorrow is Montmartre with the K's!.. Oh.. and I'm STILL sporting the fro.. this has got to end.

SuNdAy...Paris 3

Well my attempts to sleep last night were again interrupted by the Karaoke bars and clubs. The last thing I heard before finally downing a sleeping pill was "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Everyone in the street was singing along (just the chorus) in their prominent french accents. It definitely had me laughing because it's one of my favorite songs and I really enjoyed hearing it in that  setting.

This morning I had my first walk to church. I left a little early (pinned the afro back) because I wasn't sure how long it would take me. I ended up getting there 30 min early so I decided to walk a little further and see the Hôtel de Ville and go across the Seine and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was beautiful. I also 

happened to go at the perfect time. Tourists apparently aren't up at 9 on a Sunday morning. I took a few pictures of the Seine and made my way back to church. I met this awesome girl named Kathleen in Relief Society who was on vacation from her home in New Zealand. She is seriously the nicest girl! She introduced me to her brother Kemp after church who is equally as nice. They invited me out for shopping after I get out of school tomorrow and we're going to Montmartre on Tuesday. I can't wait!

After church I went home, changed clothes and decided to navigate my way to school for a test run. It turned out to only be a 15 min walk! Then on my way back I didn't really feel like going home yet so I walked all the way back to the Notre Dame and it was packed with tourists.

I decided to avoid the crowds and went along the little side streets to capture photos of quaint storefronts and the back of Notre Dame. A jazzy band was playing which made the atmosphere all the more enjoyable. I explored a little side path and found a little shaded seating area looking over the Seine and sat there for half an hour just enjoying the warm and cool windy weather.

I decided to end the day because my feet were hurting SO badly. I hate breaking in shoes!I walked home, showered, tried to calm the afro and had some milk and baguette for dinner..mmmm...Well school starts tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but excited to be speaking french!

First Day! Paris 2

Today was my first whole day in Paris. I got an early start waking up at 6:30 am -my body is not yet used to time difference. I was awake until 12 the previous night but was repeatedly woken up by the sound of crazy parties and loud motorbikes going down my street. Apparently people don't go to bed until 5:30 am on the weekends- I should've gone to bed at that time because it was dead quiet. When I woke, I studied french (like a good student) and had my morning tea. After that I was at a loss at what I should do. I mean, this is PARIS!! There should be oodles for me to see! I was hoping for beautiful Parisian sunshine but much to my dismay, threatening storm clouds decided to hover :(. Now my wardrobe consisted of shorts, skirts, dresses, T-shirts, 2 pairs of pants and a light jacket. I opened my window to test the weather and it was FREEEEZING! Yeah, I was unprepared. I threw on my skinny jeans, ballet flats, T and jacket (I was attempting to look Parisian.. You have know idea what they say behind your back if they can tell you're American). I also put in the ipod to appear "occupé" (didn't really want anyone speaking french to me either!). I left my apartment and struggled (no joke) for 5 min tying to lock my stupid door. There isn't a doorknob so you pull on the door knocker thing while pushing at the same time to turn your key which requires more upper body strength than I have. I worked up a little sweat ( OVER LOCKING A DOOR!) and descended down the spiral staircase 3 levels (I don't have a lift in my building.. good work out though) and met the resident cat that apparently loves me and became my first friend in Paris (Patrick, tell Jackie I have the foreign cat gift as well). THEN I couldn't figure out how to get out of the complex!! I was finally in Paris and was locked in my apartment complex. What the heck was I gonna do??.. Well after looking like an idiot (thank goodness no one was around) and feeling the entire door thinking there might be a hidden or secret latch to release me, I turned to my right and saw a glowing button the stated "Porte" above it. Duh! Obviously there was no hidden, secret Indiana Jones way to get out of here.. simply press a button. I pushed it and opened the large blue door and I was out in the chilly rainy weather. I live right off Rue Montorgueil which is a pedestrian street and just the most charming thing I had ever seen. So I decided to take a walk down it and explore. All of the Boulangerie's and Fromage et Vin shops were opening and the air was soon filled with the smell of warm baguettes and croissants. I was instantly famished. I did a little grocery shopping and hurried back to my apartment to get a bite to eat before I met with the Sister Missionaries.

The Sisters arrived at my apartment to show me around a little bit so I wouldn't feel completely lost. One was from California and the other was French. They took me to visit a less active member that lives nearby. She is a middle aged convert, unmarried and the typical "cat lady". She didn't speak any english and my french was pretty poor so Sis. Marshall (CA) translated a lot.  We sang "I love to see the Temple" in french of course. ( I think I prefer hymns and primary songs in french) and taught her a lesson on genealogy. Afterwards the Sisters and I went to the church building (gorgeous, 18th century, right next to Centre Pompidou) to have lunch and to teach an english class. The rain kept most of the students at home but nonetheless we had a good time. The Sisters walked me home because I obviously didn't know where I was going and on the way I witnessed my first demonstration. It was as if every filthy grunge loving teenager in Paris gathered to smoke pot and push a Van down the street that was waving a banner with very colorful words on it. The police were everywhere! It was definitely a new

experience. 

When I got home home I showered, took a nap, and decided to curl my hair when I woke up. Not 3 minutes into curling my afro I heard a "POP!". My converter/adapter had blown. NOW I have this afro hairdo for my first day of church tomorrow! I look RiDiCuLoUs! And yes I like big hair but not when it's frizzy!! It looks like I stuck my finger in the light socket! I think this is my first trial but it's a little funny when I think about it. I can't be mad. I'm in Paris!.. Well it's about 12 am and everyone is out partying! I live on a pretty popular street I guess. I can hear the "bump bump" of The Cardigans "Lovefool" (I can't help but think of "The Office") and "American Boy" being played over and over. We'll see if I can sleep through all this partying tonight.

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.