Sunday's Soiree Dinner

Paris Soiree Dinner - View from Vanessa's Kitchen Window

When working feels like fun and the reward is immediate satisfaction, I know I must be living my dream! Tonight I worked for Patricia at her Paris Soiree Dinner http://www.parissoiree.com/

The food was a wonderful mix of Thai Beef, couscous, mixed rice, vegetable dishes, various wines, and dessert including brownies! Browines in Paris. I could end this blog right here and call it heaven.

The guest speaker was Rebecca who shared about her exciting travels to India.

Rebecca (far left) speaking about India

Along with many distinguished guests, one of the most interesting was Mr Ed Clark, and amazing artist (you can read more about him here): http://www.artistedclark.com/

Patricia, Ed Clark and his assistant who is filming a documentary about his life

So many people to meet, so much to learn...

The more time I spend in Paris, the more I am amazed at the people, places and things I experience and the more I feel like this is where I "belong".

Another Stuck Elevator

Another stuck elevator in different building on a different day...but this time at least I'm on the outside. I had to take a photo, because this is almost the same position the elevator I had my meltdown was in.

It was also a glass elevator...similar to this one. The technician and three men pulled me out of the opening between the floor and the top of the elevator. What an experience.

Apparently stuck elevators are common in Paris. Glass ones are not. I am still working on overcoming my fear. I can almost get inside one now without breaking a sweat!

The top of the elevator is SUPPOSED to stop just a little bit higher!

Nice to be on the outside this time.

Last week I had a bad luck streak. First I broke my key in the lock, then I got stuck in an elevator, oh....and the TEST (remember that?)...Let's just say, my score fit perfectly within my streak of bad luck...things will get better...I know, because they always do.

This week, my luck is already starting to change...I hope. I got a pre-estimate for the broken key. I think the lock and broken key stuck inside will cost 100 euros (I hope not more).

The mean manager is getting a little nicer, he asked Adrian to give me another chance and with a little more training, I should be able to take on the new tasks....(Thank God, because I know I can do the job...if I OPEN my mind to the big picture of the business.) The problem is, not everything is black and white, by the regulations, (like the military). With this business, just like in life, there are exceptions to the rule, there are rules that are followed for one period of time, but does not apply for another period of time. And not all the apartments and assets are treated equally, even though it's inconsistent, it's all correct.

The more I work in this business, the more I see the reflection of life and the more I realize that the rules and regulations I followed in the military are not a reflection of reality. This business and life are fluid, changing, flexible, and is not always cut and dry. The military is in the box, by the rules, no exceptions, rigid, yes sir -yes sir...no questions asked. I like the freedom of life much better, but it's still an adjustment.

Lastly, my luck is changing because today I was stuck on the outside of the broken elevator.

That's life, sometimes we're stuck inside (like I felt in the military) ...and sometimes we have our freedom outside (like I feel in Paris). I prefer to have the freedom of being outside, but I know now that I can survive on either side.

Bastille Day Picnic and Fireworks 14 July 2009

Adrian and me

It's getting more and more difficult to blog every day. Business is picking up, I have more tasks to do for Adrian, there are more parties, and I still have a guest visiting. Where will I find the time to blog?

Life is still wonderful in Paris, and I have no regrets for getting out of the rat race and following my dream to Paris.

The picnic with Adrian Leeds and a few friends and the concert by Johnny Halladay were awesome. The fireworks at the Eiffel towe were the best I have ever seen anywhere in my LIFE!! Absolutely amazing!

Johnny Hallyday 70 yrs old is the Elvis of France...an AMAZING Concert!

One of Johnny Hallyday's Solo singers...Party, Party, Party!

The BEST fireworks show EVER!!

A visiting friend (Chris) and me

Little Kayla (16 yrs old), visiting her Grandmother in Paris

No more photo's please...

Have a great day...where ever your dreams take you....

Bastille Day Parade

Today is the biggest holiday celebration in Paris...Bastille Day....We started by watching the military parade down the Champs Elysees.







This morning was a beautiful day...everyone get the days event newspaper, the moment they step off the metro near the Champs Elysees.

A military parade, with interesting displays of history

Watching the Parade (front row) with Chris, a visiting friend

Military Flight portion of the Bastille Day Parade, down the Champs Elysees


Have I mentioned how much I love Paris?

Picnic, Party, Concert and Fireworks, at the Eiffel Tower tonight....I'll tell you all about it tomorrow....

p.s. Today I got inside 2 small elevators, did not get stuck and was only slightly afraid. I will recover soon from Claustrophobia...I MUST!

Fireman's Ball

On the eve of Bastille Day (Traditionally called "Le 14 juillet"...similar to the US "4th of July") there are plenty of little Balls throughout Paris. Some are organized by city halls, some by the local bars, but the most popular ones in the city are the ones organized by the Pompiers (Firemen).

Here are a few photo's from the parade on Monday night, just before the ball. I am still recovering....

The Beginning of the Fireman's Parade

The Parade turns into one big STREET PARTY!

People and Parties... Another reason to love PARIS!!

Chris Star (A friend of Jamie's) Visiting me in Paris



Little Kayla, 16yrs old visiting her Grandma (Adrian's friend) in Paris. Kayla remindes me of my little 17yr old niece in Vegas

One big street party...all night long!

The Parade ended at the Firehouse

Tuesday, 14 July is Bastille Day...the Party continues.....

My Biggest Fear (Part 4 of 4 – Happy Ending)

My Biggest Fear (Part 4 – Happy Ending)

After the fearful event in the elevator, I decided to leave the party. My elevator hero agreed to walk me to the metro. He suggested we walk until I was completely calm and could breathe freely. So we walked and walked and walked down rue de Rivoli, past the Musee de Louver and then on the the Jardin de Tuileries where the summer carnival was brightly lit and filled with happy people. We walked inside the carnival and through the crowds. The sights, the sounds, the nice breeze and the smell of carnival food…




Ahhh, Paris was beautiful last night! I was alive again.



As we walked past the kabob, hotdog and salad and sandwich “restaurant” set up outside underneath a white tent, just next to the giant ferris wheel, he asked. “Let me by you something to eat?” I said, “Oh, no, I should buy you something to eat, because you helped me.” He said, “Oh, but in France it is not this way. Tell me what you would like to eat. I will buy it.”.




We had a nice carnival dinner, where we talked and laughed more about our cultural differences, similarities, relationships and life in general. It was a nice place to end the carnival evening. Then he walked me not only to the metro station, but directly to my line. He gave me an American hug and we said goodnight.

The End.

My Biggest Fear (Part 3 of 4)

The elevator technician arrived after an hour, maybe longer and a few of the men who were guests of the party helped hand crank the elevator to a midway point where there was just enough room to pull me up half a flight out the top of the elevator door. The man with me climbed out behind me.

My friend Vanessa’s husband, who had stayed outside the whole time waiting for help, was there immediately with a cup of ice water. My friend Antonia had also stayed outside and held my hand through the glass. There was nothing else they could do.

I still don't know or understand why I panicked, so I researched it on the internet.
Claustrophobia. I think now, it comes from the time I was locked in a small garage shed when I was 6 years old? I was terrified back then-I remember now. I don’t think I ever would have thought of that event, ever again, until last night. But if that one experience from years ago when I was a child is where all my fear came from last night, then fear is tricky little SOB that can stay dormant for many years.

Now just the thought of getting into a small Paris elevator, makes my heart start to beat fast and my hands start to sweat. I don’t intend to let this phobia get the best of me, so next week I will go back to the soiree and escort guests in the elevator once more. But until then, I think I will take a break from getting inside any more small boxes the French call ascenseurs.