side note

All of a sudden a couple days ago, all of the cable channels started coming in on our TV, I think because a neighbor got cable and the cable guy turned us on by mistake. Anyway I was so excited (yes, this qualifies as excitement in my life). It's only taken me about 3 days to become a total addict. I LOOOOVE Run's House and I'm fascinated by Project Runway and I'm totally looking forward to Tin Man on SciFi channel (weird, i know).

Side note to a side note: for my birthday my mom gave me her her very expensive and awesome sewing machine which I have no idea how to use. it arrived yesterday and now I'm watching project runway trying to figure out what else i need in order to become a world famous fashion designer. anyone know where i can buy some creativity and a sense of style?

confused drivers

Oops, i missed yesterday. too busy partying and celebrating my exciting birthday, I guess. Thanks for all the birthday wishes. 32 kicks ass. So much cooler than 31.
I'm sure I've complained on this blog in the past about St. Louis drivers but seriously-they're unbelievable. They can't be trusted. They're SO SLOOOWWWW, can NOT merge to save their lives, are clueless about what solid and double solid lines mean, and don't even THINK about asking them to use their blinker. Blinkers are for people who are actually thinking about where they want to end up--St. Louisans are just making it up as they go along.
For the rest of my life, where ever I go, I'll always rate drivers on a scale of how they compare St. Louis. If for instance Missouri drivers are a 1 and Danika Patrick is a 10, then I'm a 9.5 (just kidding--but I'm at least an 8).
So anyway, i've had frequent conversations about why it is that everyone is such a terrible driver and--SHOCKER!!--drivers ed is not required here. as long as you can pass the driving test, the license is yours.

a church on every corner

I used to think that Utah had a church on every corner, but St. Louis puts Utah to shame with the number of churches around here. I took all of these pic this morning (except the Hanley & Davis one, which i took on my cell phone a few months ago).

Balloon Glow

Balloon Glow

In the fall, St. Louis hosts a Hot Air Ballon Race. They send the Energizer Bunny balloon off as the "hare" and then 15 minutes later the "hound" balloons--about 70 of them--take off after it. Winner is the first balloon to catches the 'hare.' The night before the race they put on an event called the Balloon Glow. They light up all the balloons with their burners so you can see them up close. Aerial pics are from the website.

I'm trying out this slide.com thing so we'll see if it works...

Starting with the Obvious

Probably the first thing most people think of when they hear St. Louis is the Arch. So here it is--in all it's stainless steel glory.


For those who hear St. Louis and immediately think "BEER!" this one's for you:

These are the (enormous) Mash Tanks at the Anheuser Busch brewery. You can go on a tour and get free beer, in case you're interested (people frequently suggest this as a "tourist attractions"). You can also see the Clydesdales which are very cool. St. Louisans are very enthusiastic about beer and there are many local breweries with their own unique beers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

on this Thanksgiving Day, let's all remember the real reason for this holiday--a day that remembers a pivotal moment in American history. Namely that different cultures can get along and live together, as long as one side has guns. High five!

Where am I?

This is going to be my last one because we are leaving for Thanksgiving.

Where am I? At least one of you should know.

Don't worry....I'm not a stalker, this is where I live!

Where am I?

This one might be to easy especially if you look real close through the hole.

winter

it's been so nice here....until today. b-u-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!

how would i look in this?

Where am I?

I love this old little structure.

Where am I?

So, everyone knows where I live & what it looks like. I'm gonna take pictures & you have to guess where I am.

I cheated on this one because I took it earlier this year but it is where I live!

Parc Blossac

Parc Blossac is my very favorite place to hang out. From our house it's about 150 steps, 52 of those are our apartment stairs. Not only is the landscaping near perfect but there is also a small zoo and children's playgrounds. This is a park for strolling with all people regardless of wealth, age, or status intermingling here. It is one of my favorite characteristics of the French.

This picture ends my week of photos. I now hand the baton off to Erica.

Flight of the Conchords Ep 12 Bret's Angry Dance

These guys are totally sweet and hilarious. They are from New Zealand and they have a unique brand of humor. I thought you could appreciate it. Here's their take on Footloose. It would be worth your time to check out the other clips as well, like "Albi, the Racist Dragon" or any of their Bowie impressions. Jemaine is my favorite.

This Little Piggy Went to Market...

Every Saturday morning Poitiers has an open air market. All the locals have their cute little French market bags to fill them with lovely items. The smells are so intense, which is awesome when you are right by the fruit or flowers, but not so awesome in the seafood booths. In the background is the Notre Dame La Grande where amazing organ concerts are performed. This is Wellz' favorite place to buy cheese. FYI: France has 365 different types. One cheese is aged for 25 years and then infested with little bugs which is supposed to compliment the flavor.

Pretty Patisseries

Here's the street side window of the pastry shop near our apartment. Amazingly, these taste even better than they look. Maybe the picture doesn't show it, but each one of these are meticulously and carefully put together to look perfect. When you buy them, they wrap each one like a present and tie it off with a bow. One thing I love about Poitiers, and France for that matter, is all the specialty shops. Next door is the baker, the fishmonger, the butcher, and the shoemaker; each with their own special little shops.

String of Nine Missed Periods Ends Spectacularly

Another funny thing on the Onion.

I've heard of many stories upon the same line. I once read that a woman went into the doctor because of "cramps" and was actually in labor. Seriously...what the crap?

Looks like a size 9.

In AD 587 Christ supposedly appeared on this spot to a nun named Radegonde as the statues depict. When Christ left all that remained was the story and his footprint, which you can see in between the bars close to her feet. This picture was taken inside the Cathedral that was built on this spot to commemorate her vision. The city of Poitiers is well known for all it's Cathedrals. Seriously, they are everywhere; which is why it is so ironic that 40% of French are atheist. I guess seeing isn't believing in France.

Flower Power

Right off the cobblestone town square are always beautiful displays of flowers. The city has just changed the flowers for the winter season. All throughout Poitiers are amazing arrangements. I love how much integrity the people have to keep the city pretty. Behind the flowers there are city workers putting up Christmas lights. Since there is no Thanksgiving here the Christmas season starts a lot sooner.

Campus housing, anyone?

I read that the double helix staircase is the mark of French Royalty. I haven't found out what this building used to be but for now it is used as a college dormitory.

Daily photos

So, here's the deal. I'll take the first week and post random pictures of the city that I live in. I'll post one picture each day of the week. Next week one of you will take a turn doing the same thing with your city. No rules, just thought it'd be cool. I love the tall trees. They are all over in France.

.LOVELIFE.

Hey girls! Check out this new online magazine. It's really sweet. There are all different columns written by girls around the country. It's not an LDS magazine but it does have LDS values.

It's got FHE lessons, fashion tips, photography, recipes, crafts for kids, etc.

P.S. I head up the music column. I feel honored that I was asked to be a part of something so uplifting!