Before starting this post, I sat here staring at a blank screen for a good five minutes unsure of what to write about the Paris attacks. It’s November 16 — three days after terrorists wreaked havoc on the French capital and took the lives of at least 129 people leaving hundreds more injured. It’s the worst attack France has seen since WW2.
What is going on in the world? I don’t know how France and the world will fight back. I don’t know how long things will take to go back to “normal,” but I know our collective strength will help everyone to heal. My heart goes out to those affected by the Paris attacks as well as those affected by the attacks in Beirut and Baghdad. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Let’s continue on…
Monday Mishmash 11/16/15
Like you, I’m watching the details of the Paris attacks emerge on TV with goosebumps on my arms. People’s stories are haunting and I’ve had to turn the TV off several times. It brings me right back to the worst day of my life. I don’t think I’ve really mentioned it on my blog before and probably won’t go into detail, but I was in NYC the morning of 9/11/01 not far from Ground Zero. I’ll never forget what it was like seeing that morning unfold with my own eyes along with millions of other New Yorkers. It was one of the only times in my life where I felt sheer panic, chaos and disabling fear. I see that same fear and confusion in the eyes of everyone being interviewed in Paris right now and it makes me so sad for what our society has turned into.
I’m going to stop there and continue on with this post since I have nothing of value to add. It feels almost wrong to go back to business as usual. But the terrorists will not win this war.
I was in Paris last week until Wednesday and the city was lively and buzzing with energy as people went out and lived their lives. It saddens me to know the city’s spirit has been dimmed. The holiday decor was just set up on the streets and here’s a shot I took not far from the Tour Montparnasse. Paris will recover. Thank you to everyone who wrote to make sure I was OK.
For the time being, let’s put all of that aside and continue with this Monday Mishmash.
Black Friday
I always get excited about online shopping but for Black Friday as someone living abroad, it really is like an early Christmas. What deals are you looking forward to this year? I’m stocking up on dog food and treats for Dagny, probably some clothes and winter boots. And funnily enough, it seems that some French retailers are following suit with the Black Friday trend and offering deals on Friday and all through the holiday weekend!
Quest Protein Powder
I have a weakness for Quest Protein Bars and finally got my hands on Quest Protein powders that come in a variety of flavors like Chocolate Milkshake, Salted Caramel, Strawberries & Cream and more.
Each packet has 23 grams of protein with barely 1 gram of sugar. You can pour the powder and water in a shaker and have your shake on the go or put it in a blender with ice. Because this is a really thick protein shake, I like the blender and ice method which makes the shake extra cold. I haven’t tried all the flavors yet, but it’s a solid product that you may want to check out if you’re in the market for a tasty shake you can whip up after the gym.
Your input please!
Ladies & gents, if you’re reading this Monday Mishmash, it probably means you’re a regular around here and I’d love to hear from you if you have a minute. You can message me if you don’t want it to be public. Or comment below. I want to know:
1) What type of content do you love reading on Oui In France?
Sometimes I’ll spend hours on a post that gets little to no engagement and then others that come together quickly end up being big hits, so would you weigh in on what types of things you love the best? Get specific!
Do you love picture-heavy posts, graphics, audio, video, posts about French culture, expat topics, a nice mix, what? Are you curious about a topic I haven’t covered? I was going to put together a survey like I’ve seen other bloggers do but my blog is just a hobby and not income for me so I figured I’d just ask you informally here. I have so much fun with Oui In France and would love to get your input!
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As always, thank you for reading and supporting Oui In France. I hope you have a wonderful week. Please keep Paris in your thoughts!!
xx, diane
I don’t post many comments but I enjoy your blog. I read for expat and French culture items. Merci!
My favorite posts are the ex-pat posts because they make me laugh. So many things that you say, I have experienced or still am as an expat. It’s encouraging to read that I’m not the only one! I am also enjoying the French culture items, because you have experiences that I haven’t had (like Corsica) and it’s interesting to know. Merci!
Dear Diane,
I began following you and another expat before going to France a few months ago. I cried for France and all its people whether French or expats because it such a senseless tragedy. I pray for your continued safety and restoration of public safety in Paris and around the world. Your posts have been so important to me because your information is helping me come for a much longer stay next time. It’s also helped me over here because i felt so much better there health wise and learned the food did make a difference! Thank you for your posts. I loved hearing about the veterinarians, the language issues and the public swimming pools! Vive la France!
I always love to hear about your pup and the every day life of your town.
The culural differences are enlightening and can be entertaining. I have traveled and appreciate the your take on living in France. Thank you for writing your blog.
Definitely French culture! I lived in France in 1987 for a year, and I love to hear what’s the same and what has maybe changed. I’m also going back next year for my first time since 1993, and there’s so many things I’ve forgotten how to do like order cheese at a fromagerie, choose bread, shop at the market.
I like reading about how France differs from other countries being an Aussie who may never get to visit France I find it all very interesting.
I also want to add that the terrible happenings in France recently have sadden me
My husband and I spent a month in France two years ago. We went from Paris and Chartres to Dinan, and then further on through to Nice, eventually. Being Aussies and not French speakers, I enjoy an insider’s perspective on all we observed. I.E. Everyday French life.Thankyou!
I love reading about French life and your experiences living there – and of course about Dagny! The photos are great too.
I am a Brit who loves France and tries to visit often. I like to read your blog for the French culture posts….please keep them coming
Thinking of all those affected by the Paris attacks…where will it end?
I find your blog very helpful in understanding french culture and I really wish I would have found it sooner. For the first time, I met a french person (guy) here in the US, and I was unaware of cultural differences when it came to him. For example, the no-hugging greeting, that’s definitely true and other minor stuff. So, yes anything cultural related is good! =)
I like the funny posts comparing the French and Americans, what makes the French tick, or what it SEEMS like what makes the French tick, anything off, fashion, or beauty related. I love your husband’s posts too. As someone who has spent a LOT of time in France, I can relate to your funny and sometimes exasperated stories! France and the U.S. are like a married couple: in love but annoyed at the other’s silly habits sometimes! I also like your youthful take and your writing voice.