Well...

I promised exciting events...

I'm Engaged!

So fun to say, yet sort of strange. Here's the proposal story for anyone interested.

Mike invited Mindy over for a candle-light dinner at his apartment on Friday before Valentine’s Day. As he drove her back to her apartment later that evening, Mike mentioned that he’d call her the next day. Then he stayed up till 3:00am anxious for the morrow to come! Saturday, Mike called her at 7:30am to tell her to be ready by 9:00am. They had plans and somewhere to be. Mindy got ready, but stressed about what to wear since Mike had provided approximately zero details. They drove north to Carlsbad, CA to check out some flower fields (as Mike expected, they were not in bloom). Buuut, the Carlsbad airport was right nearby! They hopped on a small plane and flew to LAX. Mindy really wanted to know whether or not LA would be their final destination but Mike was not telling! Austin Flack (the best man) was waiting at the airport in a tuxedo, ready to whisk the couple away to The Stinking Rose in Beverly Hills. It's a nice garlic restaurant, so it stunk in the best way! After a long lunch, Mike & Mindy walked outside where Mike handed a ticket to the valet (how did that car get here!?!?), jumped in a car, and drove down the coast to Newport Beach. They pulled in to the Shake Shack - a soda and ice cream shop overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean at Crystal Cove. They had been there two years ago on Mindy's birthday, so it was a fun return trip. After a vanilla cherry coke, they walked along the beach for a little while. As the sun set, Mike pulled out a sheet of paper because he “wrote [her] something for Valentine's Day." He said some kind words, bent down on one knee, pulled out the ring, and asked. She said... "Seriously?" And then she said, "Yes!" They drove back to Mike's parents' home where Mindy found another surprise: her parents had flown in for the occasion! It was a great rest of the weekend with Mike’s parents, his brothers, and Mindy’s parents in town.

Present

I've lived in San Diego for one month now. It often feels like I went from one country (France) to another country (Mexico) with a little stop-over in America. (Not really, but depending on the traffic I am 16 minutes from The Border.) In the last 4 weeks I discovered that skiing might be like riding a bike and I actually enjoy it...as long as I am dry and warm. I have also learned that I can manage in big city traffic (you may not want to come visit until I've had a little more practice). I also learned that your car can be totalled while it sits parked in front of your house and you are sleeping. (Happy Two Weeks in SD!) But, the insurance company was great and I have a new car out of the deal. On Monday (Feb 2), I start my job as an admissions coordinator for an online university. Everything has come together...some things even better than I planned!

I am a worrier and can get so anxious about so many things. Now, I feel a bit like a clown as I look at all the ways God has provided while remembering how stressed I let myself get. We are foolish, foolish children to ever doubt the hand of God. He is good and his ways are much higher than mine.

Anyway, I probably won't post too often anymore (not that I really did before ;)). I still love Paris and think of that amazing adventure often. Usually it's to say, "Did that really happen?!" Now, I'm learning to love San Diego...might take a little more time, but it is beautiful out here. Blue skies and palm trees...while all of you were covered in ice and snow! While I loved it, I must admit a little jealousy at the seasonal drama and the somewhat carefree-ness that comes when the world is covered and (without power!) has stopped for a bit.

Thanks for being my friends! Check back every once in a while...While I'm not traveling the world, there still might be some interesting events!

New Nephew

Sweet Bigger Sister



Happy Birthday Big Brother



Proud Biggest Sister

Mike + Arkansas = Fun!

Pumpkin carving...obviously, mine is winking. We're not sure what his is...and why is he always holding up the peace sign? ;)



My Great-Great-Aunt Jane came to town and took us to Rivertowne BBQ. You might recognize her from AETN. She's famous.




I tossed out a bunch of junk while I was there...these (plastic) trophies (that were falling a part) made the cut. Mike insisted that, since I was tossing them, I take a photo of them to remember...they are from my Sr. year of high school...for something like Outstanding Sr. girl and I'm not sure about the other. (I graduated w/ 25 other people...)



We went up for the Ole Miss game...and I finally saw my name on the walk!

A Video...

My roommate in Paris made this for my going away...Enjoy!

How He Loves

Hello, my name is Mindy and I am a blog-stalker. There, I admit it. It's how I combat boredom or just a need to catch up on American culture and the lives of old friends. Sometimes I find things of great interest and encouragement.

Wow, how He loves us...

KEG EGK GEK KGE GKE

...EKG...

I went to the doc yesterday and had one. Now, don't freak out...I'm fine, I guess. I occasionally have this strange feeling and I finally decided to get checked out. As I suspected it was nothing, well the urgent care doctor didn't diagnose me with anything and recommended that I go to a family doctor. I'm diagnosing myself with either a little anxiety or a little indigestion. Let's hope that's all it is.

Anyway, it wasn't a big deal and I was sortof cracking jokes during it (after a semi meltdown when they told me they were going to do one...there were tears.). You see, they put two of the little stickers on your ankles...as the nurse went to roll up my pants and down my socks all I could do was giggle with embarassment ...ahh...it has been WWAAYY TOO LONG since my legs have seen a razor. I remind you, I have lived in France (even though I'm not sure that's a legit stereotype). She reassured me that she had seen worse. I said, "Yeah, on a boy."

(Yikes, I cannot believe I am writing about either of these things on here...)

But, I'm ok. Just readjusting to the American way. It is quite different. Maybe I just need a KEG...wait, what?!? I don't think I'm allowed by my contract I am still under to make such jokes...

Today

Last night I ate at Red Robin. I looked up on the wall and there was a poster of the Eiffel Tower. As I looked at it, I remembered that I lived there once...

I am currently in Ohio. Even though it is a deep, dark, blue state right now, it is a great place! I still only have six nieces and nephews but any day the number will increase!

The Republic of Bananas

Yesterday, Mike flew into Tulsa so I went over a bit early and hit up the mall. I strolled into BR and just like I used to before France, I walked right past all the not-on-sale items to the sale wall! I found this interesting sweater that looked a smidge too large. But, at $6.99 the price was right. As I was purchasing the item, the man behind the counter said, "Oh, this is marked wrong." It was supposed to be $46.99 but he said he couldn't do that to me so it was mine for $6.99 (plus tax, of course, because there is tax in America).

My weekend was spent watching Houston defeat the Razorbacks. Surprisingly so, he didn't run it up the middle too much.

Welp, big gulps eh, see ya later...

Jet Lag...

The world around me is quite and dark. The bed is not a crib in the ceiling. Why can I not sleep?! Oh, right, this crazy thing called jet lag. (And, Mike arrives today!) It really only hits me around 4:30am. Last night I was really grumpy around 8pm. I'm blaming it on JL. :)

What I've been doing in the 24+ hours since I've been home:

-Hanging out with my parents.
-Saw some aunts and cousins at the airport when I arrived.
-Cleaning out my junk that seems to accumulate at my parents'.
-Watching TLC...I think I could spend entire weeks in front of this channel. Last night they had a John and Kate Plus 8 marathon. I just realized I missed it and am kinda bummed about that.
-I drove. I sort of felt like I was 16 and it was my first time behind the wheel, but we made it.
-I voted.
-SONIC!
-My car has a license plate.
-TJ Maxx...I've missed this place! I found two pair of jeans that fit and I didn't have to sell an organ to purchase them. Only in America...:)
-Target...Fort Smith has a Target. Target is close to magical.
-Old Navy.
-Olive Garden. Boy, was it yummy!

The funny story was this... Background: My mom thinks who you voted for is a personal and private matter. I think people should be proud and open about who they voted for and if they are asked why they voted for the person they should share those reasons. Different strokes for different folks... Plot: We sat down in the Garden where I guess they grow the Olives wearing our cool "I voted" stickers and our waiter said, "Oh, you voted early, cool. I won't ask you who you voted for because that's private, like asking someone their age." My mom says, "Thank you, it is personal. I'll tell you my age though, I'm 56." As she cuts me this glance that says, you need to learn a few things, missy. (She's reading this, and might not think it was as funny as I thought...love you, mom!) Anyway, I said, "Well, I am 26 and a Republican. Don't spit in my food." He said he wouldn't, (but I'll never know that will I?) and that he'll "vote for the man or woman who will do the best job." *To which I said, "Well, let me tell you why you should vote for John McCain." My mom kicked me from across the table.

*Did not actually happen. :)

But, here's why I colored in the circle next to John McCain and Sarah Palin.
-Smaller Government.
-Military expertise.
-He sticks to his statements and beliefs...is not fickle, doesn't change is mind like the wind.
-He values life and many of the other things that I also value.

May the best man win and may all be able to follow the advice my mom gave long ago, "You give the President the respect due the office." Regardless of if you voted for him or agree with his decisions.

Now, I'm going back to sleep...

So...

I don't ever post b/c I don't think anyone really ever reads. :) But, a lot has been going on here in Paris. My time here is so close to finished...I leave Tuesday morning...it is currently Saturday morning.

Crazy.

Stay tuned for some processing and back updates. I might even keep the blog going when I'm in America, for a while.

I think I will probably always love Paris...

Thank You, God, for Switzerland...

Yes, yes, I know there are many mountains in Switzerland...but there is also CHOCOLATE in Switzerland...





Chocolate molds

Unsupervised tasting room...






Nestle-Cailler Chocolate Factory

Mr. Grill


Try this:
Burger + onions + chili sauce + pineapple = yummy Hawaii Burger

Ready or not...

As I wandered around one of my favorite parts of Paris with a friend last night, I couldn't help but just take it all in. She is leaving the same time as I am and we just strolled, watched people and stared at our favorite sights...like the beautiful sun set over the Seine and the diverse rooftops. There have been days during this journey when I never thought departure day would be fast approaching. With just a tad over a month remaining, I now have days when I think...slow down...I'm not quite ready...

Prague

It really is a beautiful city...







This clock might be my favorite thing in Prague.





Proof that I actually was there.

The "Creepy Baby Tower"



A TV tower that existed during Communism.



Said TV tower at night.



And, the "babies" that were placed all over the tower to "soften" it post-Communism. (WHAT?!?! I know...)

1/2 way around the world...

I celebrated Labor Day on American soil...after about 20 hours traveling. It was a quick trip even if the travel seemed to take FOREVER!

A major concern was FOOD! There are many items I have missed over the last several months. Here is a list of the restaurants I enjoyed:

Chick-fil-A
In-n-out Burger
Miguel's
Hash House
Einstein's Bagels
Chili's
Phil's BBQ

Another thing I wanted to do while in America, GO TO WAL-MART! I was highly disappointed in San Diego's so called Supercenter. It is not at all close to Arkansas' or any other supercenters I've visited.

I also had a pedicure that delighted my soul!

It was a great weekend and jet lag didn't hit until I returned to Paris...

Here are some photos...



I borrowed this shirt from a friend hoping for a dramatic reaction upon arriving...I didn't get one...



No words necessary...



At a wedding reception...

Excuses....excuses...

For anyone who still checks up on me, I am still alive and still in France...for a mere 36 days. (A friend who will be staying in France counted it up for me.) I've been all around the world, literally, and trying to recover and work in the meantime. Until Oct 21, I am staying put in my little French appartment and will be trying to soak in everything I will miss. So, here is a little update: After tours of San Diego, Prague and Switzerland I am home. Yikes! Where have the past two years fled to? I can tell you where some of them are, but for the most part they are a blur. I find myself thinking of life in the States as it was when I left in 2006. Then, I remember that two years have gone by there also. I sort of feel like because I wasn't there to experience the changes nothing has changed.

Anyway, photos and more regular updates are on their way...

North Sea

The Sea



With my friends at the Sea



The wind was blowing something fierce...causing the sand to blow...it was quite painful!



Bike sculpture in Belgium



This is the man who helped us find our way...



During the return trip that took us three hours more than the trip there...who knew my camera had all these settings?!

Olympic Watch Party

We enjoyed Chinese food while celebrating the opening ceremonies. Go USA and Puerto Rico!



These socks were purchased in China! (In case you can't tell, they are Olympic socks. :))

David + Rugby

I just found these videos and they made me laugh out loud. You might not think they are too funny...I think you maybe just had to be there...



These were from Sept 2007 when Paris was hosting the Rugby Word Cup. The tower was decorated for the occasion. Green on bottom with a blow up rugby ball under. I think you can tell from these videos...



I love my little brother...he makes me laugh even when he's far away.