Stories from my life in Paris as well as observations from life in general
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Photos of Horror
Published on 2009-11-29 18:43:00
Why is it that every passport photo I take is succeedingly more horrific than the last?I have always considered myself (maybe a little vainly) to be a rather photogenic person. My school photos were adequate, my drivers license photo is above average, and my senior photos were great... even my drunk pics are kinda fun! Sure my eyes may be a little blood-shot, my hair is usually a mess, and my smile is kinda crooked... but I always look like I'm having a good time!Normal photo of moi. Well...
Café Culture
Published on 2009-11-24 13:41:00
One of my favorite things about living in Europe is going to cafés. Everywhere you look there are cafés with wonderful food right on the sidewalks. Not only do you have a view of your favorite Parisian monument, but you are right out there among the people. You get to eat, chain smoke, drink a glass of wine and most importantly - judge people.This is the national Parisian past time. It is so ingrained in their culture that at these cafés you don't face your friends while you talk - you si
Vampires - Real and Imaginary
Published on 2009-11-14 19:31:00
...or 2 rants about random and unrelated things.So for the past few weeks, I've been jogging around my neighborhood after I get home from work a few times a week. (Self-high-five!) I have not been known for my dedication to working out, and I am frequently rather vocal about how much I hate running (separate rant). But sitting at a desk all day is pretty boring after being active (either walking or biking) for 10 to 12 hours everyday. The most exercise I get is walking to my car. So I decide
Happy Fall of the Berlin Wall
Published on 2009-11-09 20:42:00
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Berlin wall... and to celebrate that, a few videos for your viewing pleasure.David Hasselhoff on the Berlin wall on Dec 31, 1989And if that wasn't enough Hasselhoff... here is my favorite video
Organizational Skills
Published on 2009-11-08 20:48:00
For the most part, I am a very organized person... my affinity for Excel spreadsheets and Google calendars should be more than enough proof of that. But... even though I've been home for almost a month, I still have not unpacked.In my defense, I didn't think that I would be living at home for more than 2 weeks - so why get organized when this was not a permanent arrangement. (Excuse #1)Excuse #2: I lived in 25 square meters in Paris!!!! Do you know how big that is? Ok - here's a visual. Go
A Breath of Air
Published on 2009-11-03 19:18:00
There is something to be said about coming back to the states. As I was leaving Paris, every bone in my body was screaming, "DON'T GO!!! YOU'RE GOING TO MISS EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS!!!! The scenery, the energy, the adventure! What are you going to do in Houston? Been there, done that. Go somewhere else." And of course a certain part of me does miss all of that. But until I got here, I didn't realize that for 8 months, I have been living with this constant... pressure. ---I just finished r
The Expat Life
Published on 2009-10-12 14:24:00
Almost 8 months ago, I moved to Paris. I had a unique job which presented unique challenges. I had a boyfriend. I had a plan.8 months later: I am officially retired from tourism. I don't have a boyfriend. I also don't have a plan.But I also have realized a few things about what I want my life to look like. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, in all different professions, in all different walks of life and places in their life and each person has impacted me by givi
Slowing Down
Published on 2009-08-29 17:15:00
I just watched a TED talk on slowing down... how ironic that I got this from my boss...Tonight marks my 31st triple tour since April here at Fat Tire. And once again, I am almost to the point I was at last year where I just want to cry. Burn out is here. It sucks.Is it worth it? I'm not sure. People ask me about living here in Paris all the time... all I can tell them is, I don't live in Paris. I live in the Fat Tire world. We work ridiculous hours that no one in France can possibl
Raw Berlin
Published on 2009-08-22 18:16:00
I just need more time. That's all I can say about this city, and the staff here in Berlin. I need more time. Like a year.At least.First, let me introduce you to the cast of characters.Blakley: whatever you need - he's you guy! Party? Call Blakley. Life advice? Definitely Blakley. Paris, Berlin... wherever... ride bikes with Blakley.Ingo: our fearless host. What else can you say about this lovable German? Kylie: the New Yorker. No, we don't really speak the same language, but
Random Thoughts: TED Talks
Published on 2009-08-18 17:40:00
For everyone who already knows about TED... awesome, I realize I'm a little behind on the times. For anyone who DOESN'T know about TED... I am so glad that I get to be the person to enlighten you. My boss (and others) are constantly talking about this guy "ted," who apparently gives these great talks on all these different subjects. Only recently did I actually google "ted talks" to figure out what was going on."TED" is not a guy. It stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. Idea