Paris Life

Paris and sore legs do not go well together.  Walking.  Lots of walking.  I didn’t realize that after my Body Pump class at the gym, I would be this sore.  I am sore.  I woke up at 8am this morning thinking, "Ouch.  I am sore." So, my Body Pump class.  In case you don’t know what that is, it is basically a class full of squats, lunges, things with a bar bell and weights on it working every muscle in my arms, legs, butt, stomach, and any other body part that has a muscle.  Half way through the class, my legs started to shake and feel like jello.  Toward the end of the bicep curls I thought I couldn’t go on, but I did!  None of the little French women were going to outdo me!  Especially since I was bigger than most of the girls in there AND had less…

Only in Paris.  That is the thought that comes to mind when I reflect on my day at the gym yesterday.  First of all, congratulations to me for finally getting a gym membership!  And not to mention I did  it all by myself!  I stumbled my way through, but eventually ended up with the student rate (200 euros less!) gym membership.  I met with my trainer (everyone gets one) and stumbled through that as well.   He was super patient with me.  He asked what I wanted done and he somehow came up with an exercise program for me.  I started on the step machine (as if i don’t already climb enough in this city of no elevators).  He made me increase a level every three minutes.  Luckily I was only on it for fifteen minutes before he had me switch to the treadmill.  He set me to a level ten. …

Thought I would update on my wonderful "I love Paris" day yesterday. I would have to say that it was pretty much my favorite day here so far (minus the times that family has visited). First of all, I successfully traveled to a new destination on the metro all by myself! On the way to meet my friend, Sherilynn, I got hit on. That can always boost your spirits! I met Sherilynn at a hotel by the U.S. embassy (you can’t stand in front of the embassy). We went to the embassy because her husband works there. Yes, I stood on American soil and it was wonderful! We could even walk on the grass! France doesn’t let you walk on grass. It is strange. Then we went to the embassy grocery store, which is pretty much a small grocery store full of American products. I hate to say this, but…

Today I love Paris. It is freezing and I still love it! It is so beautiful! Even though it is only 37 degrees, I am really enjoying the weather. If you know me at all, this is so unlike me. It has been super fun to just bundle up and continue our lives exactly like in the summer! We still walk to school. We walk to the grocery store. We walk to our friends. If it rains we just take our umbrella! Sometimes I have to wrap my scarf around my face to where I can barely see in order to stay warm! It is so fun though! Everyone wears black here. I didn’t notice as much in the summer, but now that it is winter it is as though people are mourning not having warm weather. All the clothes in the windows of shops are all black. Even at…

I am excited! I just got back from one of the most beautiful places ever! The mall. Galleries Lafayette! Right next to the opera! It is gorgeous! It really is an amazing place. Not only is the building stunning (inside and out), it is OH SO classy! Decorated to make you feel like you’re in a movie. I love feeling like I am in a movie! The decorations were amazing and I am bummed I didn’t take pictures. There is a huge Christmas tree right in the center of the mall. Christmas lights everywhere! I will definitely go back and take a picture so that you can all see how gorgeous it is. Today made me LOVE living in Paris! One of the best things about this visit to the mall was I got new cute boots. I know it is pretty dumb to write about something new that I…