Random thoughts on yoga, kids, and manly men.

*I bought a yoga mat today. I have officially converted to yoga, though I still do other work-outs too. This transition began with the fitness channel and morning yoga with Bethany. But I was scared off by a hardcore asian dude who was way too bendy. However my yoga-ness has been fortified recently thanks to the great Bob Harper - no relation:)

In my little shoebox apartment, I have just enough room for an on-the-spot work-out. Thanks to the genius people who created the Biggest Loser, I have 2 dvds that kick my trash and help me melt off the pastries - all within the constraints of my little french haven. And the best part is that Bob Harper is so good at what he does, that I really do feel like he is talking to me, and encouraging me through the work-outs. Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it! I have already noticed improvements in my flexibility, core strength, and balance with each time I do the yoga dvd. Between all the standing at work and walking in between, yoga is saving my back! Thank heaven for yoga, and Bob Harper. Love that man.

*I love kids! I love the simplicity of their joys and the innocence of their little worlds. And I love the genius things they come up with. We don't give kids enough credit. The other day, a little boy walked right up to the reception with his dad and stood on his tip toes, peeking over the counter while I checked them in. He introduced himself to me, told me about family, and even invited me to his birthday party. His name was Lenny. A stellar young man of 7 years.

Later that day, a father sat his son on the counter. The little boy instantly started talking to me, "Bonjour, ca va?" He was so sweet and confident! When I asked how old he was, he said, "2 and a half" and showed me the half with squinty eys behind his pinched thumb and forefinger. I said, "2 and a half? So almost 3 huh?" "Buh, oauh!" Which would be the english equivalent of "Yeah, of course!" Such a wit! And sooo cute!

I have similar experiences every week at church. Like the 6 yr old twins I knew before, but of course don't remember me. One of them was like, "Marie is scared of you but I'm not. Aunty knows you so it's no big deal. I'm not scared!"

The best part is that all of this took place in French. Kids are even more adorable in a foreign language. Another of my favorite things at work:)

The other things I love to watch at church are the parents. They are such wonderful people, and work so hard to teach their children what's right. They are so full of love, yet so strong! I want to be that kind of parent. I want a husband as supportive and wonderful as those men.

*And on that note, I have gained a new appreciation for manly men while living in France. Like, the kind of men that lift weights and play sports involving more than just your legs. Men who could actually defend you if necessary, instead of the other way around. Men who recognize and find fulfillment in their responsibilities as leaders, providers, and protectors without disrepecting or controlling the women in their lives. I know a lot of really awesome, manly men. They are inspiring. I hope and pray I will be worthy to marry one someday.

The crazy things I do in Paris

After a month in France, I decided I needed to see the Eiffel tower. And I wanted to wander around Notre Dame and get ice cream from this great place on Ile St. Louis. But everyone I knew was busy so I went by myself. In the metro I saw a group of guys speaking Dutch, and I got gutsy. I asked if they spoke english and if they were going to the Eiffel tower. They answered yes to both, and invited me to tag along. I spent the afternoon wandering around Paris with 5 strangers from Belgium. It was so fun! And I got my ice cream, too.

I love Paris:)

The way work should be

I once heard that a happy man is one who finds out what he loves then finds someone who will pay him to do it. Well I think I'm almost there.
I really like my current job. I work at the reception of the 2nd largest hotel in Europe: Disney's Newport Bay Club Hotel. Front desk may not seem like anything special, but I really enjoy it. My days consist of check-ins, check-outs, taking payments, exchanging foreign currency,
canceling mixed-up minibar bills, inspecting rooms, showing off our suites to potential guests, answering questions about the Disney parks, restaurants, area transportation, and giving directions for anything from the nearest bathroom to Paris tourist spots like the Moulin Rouge. All that makes for a job full of variety in spite of the repetitive nature of working in a hotel.
But the best part is the people. I work with a great team of people from Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, and Africa. Plus, just this week I helped guests from Spain, Portugal,
Italy, all over France, Canada, Hungary, Russia, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, Moldovia, England, Norway, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. So interesting...
I LOVE people. I love learning their stories, and how they came to be here, now. I LOVE culture. It's so much more than language, dress or music, it is in the way we behave towards others, our simple customs and habits. And I LOVE to laugh!! My favorite guests and fellow cast members are the ones who laugh with me. French people can be very serious and impersonal, especially parisiens, so it's always refreshing to meet someone who is relaxed and open enough to just laugh at life.

A few of my favorite experiences at work so far:
3 italian families spent a few days in our hotel. I checked them in, and somehow managed to be there when they returned with other questions 2 or 3 times throughout their stay. The trick is that it was all done in a mix of english, french, and italian to be able to understand eachother. The 3 dads were the ones who did the communicating, and it was hilarious! The best was when the 3 dads showed up at the reception the last night of their stay, saw me and were instantly laughing. "Amanda! 3 problem!" It took only a few seconds to realize what the problem was. They had been out drinkning, had no room keys, and their wives and kids were already sleeping. All this from my limited comprehension of italian, and their few words of french and english. It was awesome:)
About a week ago, a little Irish man came to the counter in search of cardboard. My french colleagues couldn't understand his thick accent, so I stepped in. Turned out that he wanted to make a sign for his granddaughter to hold up at the parade. She loved Snow White, but the only time they had found her was in the parade. So they thought if they made her a sign she might come over for a picture. We weren't busy so I cut up a box and wrote in both french and english: I love Snow White, with a big red heart. I didn't make any promises, but it was a fun project. The next evening, the grandpa - Johnny - came back with a big red kiss mark on his forehead, and a story. Snow White had come down off her float, taken a picture with the family, kissed the little girl on the cheek, and the grandad on his bald head - just like Dopey:) They were thrilled! Johnny even said he loved me, and came back the next night to introduce me to his grandbaby and say goodbye. Magical:)
This week I checked in a Canadian guy and his Hungarian fiancee. He's from Vancouver Island, but currently working with a fishfarm in Scotland. Yeah, crazy. Anyway, he kept coming back to me with his questions, etc. cuz of our common roots, so I got to chat with them everyday. They were so cute and adorably in love! It made me miss North American men and the feeling of being in love. But at the very least, I got to help make their holiday a little happier.

I forgot how it felt to really enjoy your job. I go home each night mentally and physically exhausted, yet completely content. It is challenging, yet fulfilling. I have been blessed to have a number of very diverse work experiences. None that specifically require my formal education, but in all of which I have used my training and knowledge. I would love to be able to take all that education and experience home to just being a mom, but for now I must keep working to provide for myself and progressing as an individual. But as long as I must work, I want to enjoy it. I realize now more than ever what I need in a job. I need human interaction, I need variety, and I need to be on the move. And for now, I have all three. I feel so blessed!

As for the personal side of my life... nothing to report. I guess I only get one aspect at a time:)

Sunday Sunshine... on Tuesday

In the style of the other Amy, I am dedicating this entry to all the wonderful things in my life that have been brought very directly to my attention today.

“Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light." -- Marvin J. Ashton, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 1986, 66

I love taking the sacrament. Today I got to take it twice when I visited another ward after my own, and I was reminded what a precious ordinance it is. Every week we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives, recognize our mistakes and weaknesses and commit anew to be better and stronger and happier the next week. We get a fresh start plus a little extra reminder to help us keep the promises we made when we were baptized.

I love people! And I saw so many that I love at church today. It is amazing to me how you just connect with some people and even though you may not see them for years, you love them more than ever and talk like you were never apart. I love that. Another side of that is how you can connect so quickly with some people that it feels like you’ve known each other for years. I’m telling you, the pre-existence must have been such a party!

Sunshine. Real actual rays from the sun that pushed through even the thickest grey, French clouds, to warm both body and spirit.

Missionary work rocks. How amazing it is that I am a member of the true church of Jesus Christ where every person who has or ever will live has their own opportunity to partake of the blessings of His great plan and atoning sacrifice? Awesome! And there are so many people from so many different places here that have no idea; they are seeking fulfillment in their lives but don’t know where to look. Civilian missionary work is so cool. I have so much more freedom to go wherever and built relationships to help people learn of the gospel truths. And there’s no fear or obligation involved, it’s just part of who I am, and I get to share it: )

Flirting with boys makes me happy. Most of that has been done at long distance since I got here (which is ok cuz he’s worth it!). Though I’ve met a few decent guys, generally speaking, people are very distant here. But I already have common ground with the boys at church. It really does me so much good to flirt! I’m sure most of you are rolling your eyes and shaking your heads, but seriously, I think it is really emotionally healthy to flirt with the opposite sex every so often. It makes you feel confident and pretty. It gives you an opportunity to laugh and smile, and make another person smile too. Girls need to feel pretty. Guys need to feel confident. A little innocent flirtation accomplishes that. I think even marriages would be happier if you just flirted a little more with your spouse. As for follow-through… I leave that to personal discretion. I won’t be doing much since they’re all so young, but I’ll keep flirting:)

Families are the heart and soul of everything good in this world, and the greatest witness to the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have re-found so many wonderful families here. The kids have grown, and a few more have joined the troupe. Others have grown up and left to start their own families. I know they all have their struggles and frustrations, but they are coming to church and teaching their children to love God and each other, and they show it in their every action. And on top of all that, they love and include me, so that even a million miles from home, I am with family.

Plants are fascinating to me. There is something about seeing something grow, expand and change that gives me so much hope for each day. I love ma petite plante. (Shout out to my weed babysitter in Florida: thank you Hannah for keeping my plants alive. Someday that dang orchid will bloom again!)

Sleep is a beautiful thing. I used to get away with 4-6 hours in Florida. There was just so much to do, I just kept going! (Mind you, that’s also how I ended up miserably sick in bed for a week…) Anyway, here, my body simply won’t let me do that. If I get less than 8 hours a might, my body will crash. Example: I worked early every day this week. I also went out with friends 3 times (a new record). Well, Friday night I had three different invitations and had every intention to go out. I sat down on my bed for a few minutes to relax before, and the next thing I know, it was 2 am. I passed out cold, fully dressed, with the lights on and Jason Mraz crooning from my laptop. Apparently I was tired! I also took a 3-hour nap today, so my body is much happier with me now. Yay for Sunday naps :)

A good haircut can change the world! I have a great haircut, thanks to a great stylist back in Orlando (woohoo Emily!). In fact, I have had many great haircuts over the past year, mostly because when I need a change, I get a haircut! But haircuts are expensive here, and I want to grow my hair out a little. Sadly, the wind and humidity here have not been kind to my hair, and I haven’t really felt pretty – at all – since I got here. I know, lame. Anyway, last night I cut myself some bangs. It may seem like a simple thing, but it changed things just enough to help me feel downright sassy today. I’m telling you, the right haircut can make a world of difference, and even a little change is a great thing.

I am not alone. Isn’t it strange how one can feel so alone in a city of millions? I have a wonderful family I still talk to regularly. I have so many awesome friends who write me notes and keep me going. And even here, I am reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. But in the midst of all that, I am alone a lot more than I ever have been before. I am starved for in-depth, personal, long conversation – one of my favorite things ever. I am worn down from trying to communicate in several different languages, deciphering the bizarre realm that is working in France, and trying to please everyone. It’s exhausting! And at the end of the day I find myself on my own with my Grey’s Anatomy men, and my daydreams of home. But today at church I felt so much love I couldn’t stop smiling! And as I listened to my Sunday songs while preparing dinner, a song spoke the simplest words, but they seemed to step straight into my heart and radiate from the inside out. I stopped where I was, just listened and cried. He loves me, He knows me, and I am where I am supposed to be. I have so much light in my life. I will receive the blessings he has promised me, and I will be able to share these lessons with my own companion and children someday. I’m not alone. My prayers are always heard. I just have to hold on, the light will come.

Yay for Sundays! They are always great, but especially here and now, today was a beautiful blessing. Sunday was made to power you up for the rest of the week. Mission accomplished :)