Thankful for a Carte de Sejour (Resident Permit) in Paris!

The morning started with a taxi ride to the local "Prefecture" (local authorities) where the last process of "Renewal of authorisation to stay" in France began.

Taxi Ride to renew Visa

almost there...

Although I had an appointed time of 12 noon, arriving 45 minutes early was enough extra time to calm my nerves and realize that my French was "good enough" to get through the reception and sign-in process.

Twenty-five minutes after signing in and sitting in the large modern waiting room, the announcement: "Mademoiselle Florence, guichet dix (window 10)." was understood perfectly.

At window 10 I presented the following 5 Items: Copies of my Passport Photo and Visa pages, 4 Black and White head shot photos, a copy of my electric bill, a bank statement, birth certificate and translation.

In just under 2 hours, the process was successfully completed with the woman at window 10 explaining in broken English, the actual resident permit card would be ready for pick up near the end of January 2012.
Voila! Success!

Temporary French Resident Permit

"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas"

To make the afternoon even better, more signs of Christmas was a nice surprise at the end of my walk to La Defense. I will be sure to return when this Christmas village open! I can hardly wait. 

To top it all off, it was nice to take a break and make a toast with a friend among swanky Parisian surroundings.

A Wonderful Day!

Ah, a new life begins again in Paris...

Can you guess what I'll be thankful for on Thanksgiving, next week?

A Random Night Connecting in Paris

"This better be worth missing a Bikram Yoga session." I think to myself as I head out the door to meet my French friend Florence, for an International networking session hosted by Alicia Summer of Let's Connect in Paris.

Le Optician

The venue was at an Obstetrician (yes!), with eye glasses and frames everywhere.
Thanks to Alica's effortless ability to successfully make connections and generate a crowd mix from age "24 to 60" (per her invitation), the night was more than worth missing one Bikram Yoga session.

Connecting in Paris

Networking...

Mixing...

The atmosphere was perfect for professional networking while there were also several opportunities for personal networking for singles with the availability of single men...for rent! (Networking with a twist).

"Rent a Man" a difficult choice.

Music was provided by a "real cutie-pie" (as described by a woman attending), LiPO. Watch 1 minute video below.

LiPO

 

Watch one random minute with Florence, LiPO, and Florence

Although this was a typical random night in Paris, my BFF-NYC reminded me, that these are events that others want to read about.

Networking amongst a moose in Paris.

The Music Man LiPO

Ballet

Lastly, the comfy sofa was moved away, and the night was topped off with a ballet performance. Let's Connect in Paris didn't leave anything out this night. Get on the guest list to attend the next event if you're in Paris.

Random night outs are easy to create, just select a local event or accept any invitation to one, call a local BFF (1 or 2 day last-minuteish) and GO!

Share your random night out with others in a comment or link below.

Looking Like Christmas.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas on this 11-11-11 day, although this was the only light on the street so far.

ah Christmas!

The song below keep playing in my mind as all the holiday lights are starting to glow!
I love this time of year. I love the lights, the fresh chilly air, the Christmas trees, chestnuts roasting on the street vendors grills, and everything in the video.

Bikram Yoga in Paris--Awesome!

My younger sister swears by Bikram Yoga in Las Vegas, my friend Kristen is a Hot Yoga instructor, and Roger has been praising Bikram Yoga since I met him 2 years ago.

Just before his last day in Paris, I joined him for my first ever Bikram yoga session. Now I understand what all the praise is about. Everything I read about Bikram yoga on the internet totally turned me against it. I had images of stinky, sweaty people in a crowded dark, damp, steamy room. No Thanks!



Those horrible images actually made my first experience that much better, since the room was indeed hot, but it was neither stinky, dark, damp nor crowded. The studio was actually very clean and brightly lit. (it's dark only in the beginning to relax before the session begins, then in the end to relax once more).

I only have two words for Bikram Yoga in Paris: "I'm Addicted!"

My 10 days unlimited session ended yesterday and I just purchased my first month membership. I would have gladly bought the 3 month session, but I will be in Las Vegas for the holidays.

Hopefully Holiday photos will show a more healthy physique.
I'm already slightly more flexible and I've skipped a few days of taking multivitamins and don't miss them at all! So far-so good.

Lunch with Author Genevieve Paulson and Friends

Although Ana's friend and author Genevieve was only in Paris for a whirlwind week, while Sharon and Roger were in Paris for a whirlwind 2 weeks, we were all literally blessed to have shared an afternoon of conversation and insights with Genevieve at La Gazzetta Restaurant.

Sharon, Genevieve, Ana and Roger

Roger, me and "Belle mom".

For a taste of our conversation, check out Books by Genevieve!

Midnight in Paris Location at Noon

"Are you two going to wait there until midnight?" a couple from South Carolina asked Roger and I as we sat on the church steps discussing the Woody Allen film, 'Midnight in Paris'.

We were trying to capture just the right angle for a photo where "Gil" (the movie character waited till midnight).


"No, just until we get the right photo." Roger replied as he snapped my picture.

Noon in Paris

Scene from Midnight in Paris, When the "magic" happens. 

Waiting for the magic.

One of many beautiful locations of the movie.

Midnight in Paris Movie Trailer 

Midnight in Paris: One of my favorite movies of the year!

Roger's Birthday(s) in Paris.

"Where shall we meet?", I asked Roger who has returned to Paris with his mother and sister in tow, to help celebrate his 50th birthday.

"Pont Nuef." he replied confidently, as if he knew the most beautiful sunset would be waiting to backdrop our nearly 1 year reunion. (Has it been that long?)

"Okay, I'll be there. I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful mom again and meeting your sister." I said at the end of dinner planning conversation.

Sunset View from Pont Neuf

(This view has motivated me to purchase a new camera to fully capture the true beauty of Paris.)

Christie, Roger, Belle mom (Sharon) and me.

Christie and Sharon

 

mmm...Roger's post Birthday dinner. Mexican in Paris!

 Roger's birthday was actually on the 20th (two days ago), but I have a feeling he will be celebrating it every day for the next week they will be in Paris. Why not?