Parisian Adventures: Balancing Busy Life with Fitness, French, and Fun

I could start every blog post with, "Paris is a whirlwind!" but that would be too cliché. I have honestly been on a bit of a pause (ahem, 1 month), and I'm still not quite recovered. Recently, I had a couple health challenges, so I went to the doctor and took a beat. So, right now, I have Cigna private insurance until I can get on the French health insurance system. Even without showing proof of insurance to the doctor, it only costs around 25 euros! Generally, the medication costs me less than 10 euros. Also, here in France, if you know what you may need for more minor issues, you can see the pharmacist (bypassing the doctor), and they'll give you the medication. After 20 years of working in the American healthcare system, I will have to post about my French medical experiences. 

I've also noticed that I always go to bed at midnight or a little later. Midnight is really the goal at this point. So, I've been feeling tired. I'm grateful to my new friends here, who are encouraging and understand the challenges of full-time school/work and integrating into a different society. Yes, plenty of people in Paris refuse to learn French b/c "everyone speaks English," but that is not the experience I want for myself. So, of course, I'm taking the stressful route and trying to integrate. I need to integrate down to Nice for a little vacation soon. 
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Finding Fitness in the City of Lights
Making time for fitness is essential! Last week, I tackled my first gym session! In defiance of French classic style, I wore my Athleta leggings to school. I figured if I was dressed for the gym, I'd go straight there after school. I didn't have a specific plan, I did squats, lunges, arm curls, rowing machine, and some light cardio. Just the basics. 
My right Achilles tendon had been a bit sore, reinforcing my need to focus on strength training. 
Maintaining a Healthy Balance (and Weight)
So I've been weighing myself and recently I weighted in at 147 lbs – the journey to my ultimate goal of 139 lbs is underway. A smaller, more immediate goal of 145 lbs feels achievable and comfortable. My yoga teacher cousin suggested stop eating bread for a month or two - umm have you met France?
My cardio is for my health ... and this Chanel dress that I must show you this fall! It's a stunner! 

I found this Chanel dress at a luxe vintage store in Paris and I cannot wait to wear it. I'm not sure which season it's from. The dress is flawless and I'll be heading back to the store for more finds.

Will having a Chanel dress make me want a handbag? The dress was my first Chanel purchase, outside of makeup. I love the jewelry, so maybe a vintage handbag will be my next choice. Although, honestly, I love luxe prêt a porter.

French Language Journey: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Four months into my Parisian adventure, time flies! Studying has not become a regular habit. I think a lot about studying. There is always some tradeoff - either staying at school or a café and studying longer or skipping my regular walking on my breaks. However, I'm ditching the pressure and embracing a more relaxed approach since language learning takes time. Interestingly, the language seems to be seeping in organically since I started hanging out with French speakers and embracing the "Frenglish" mix.
By the end of the year, I aim to be conversationally fluent and, by next year, proficient enough to consider working here. I am currently focusing on the B1 level of French, building vocabulary and grammar skills.

French Beyond France: Sharing Resources and Goals
French isn't just spoken in France; it's a gateway to the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Imagine exploring the rich Afro-Caribbean cultures of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Senegal – French fluency would unlock these incredible experiences!
Learning another language opens doors and broadens horizons. Let's all embark on this rewarding journey together! Here are some of my favorite language-learning resources! ​

• KWIZIK https://www.francaisfacile.com/
• FRANÇAIS FACILE https://www.francaisfacile.com/
• TV5MONDE https://langue-francaise.tv5monde.com/