Mornin’… coming at ya from my couch! It’s Monday and that means my birthday is in two days and that 2015 is right around the corner. I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and that you’re looking forward to the new year ahead.

I don’t have anything monumental to tell you today. Just a random post to kick off the week, hence the title Monday Mishmash.

GO!

Monday mishmash

First up, when I told you about my blog’s shift in focus, part of my goal with that was to infuse more of me, the gal behind the blog, into my writing. I thought for so long that readers just want to read the useful information on life in France and not hear about me. I’m not that interesting and do I have anything to say, I wondered. But as time has gone on, I’ve realized that people do find my life interesting and I have lots to say. I think of myself as pretty normal but living abroad, being married to a French dude and having a life that’s maybe not so typical is actually pretty interesting to people. So maybe you’ll see the occasional weekend wrap-up post, a video (cool post in the works with my first ever video) or another Monday Mishmash in addition to my regular content. As Tom put it, “So you’ll do posts that are more like reality TV?” Not exactly, Tom. But hey, you never know! Some of my favorite posts from other bloggers are their Friday Favorites or Weekend Wrap-ups so let’s see how it goes…

So for the mishmash. Here are some things I want to share with you:

 

• If you’re new here, I added a start here page that has some of the most popular posts on my site organized by category. Check it out!

• The first annual Holiday Expat Exchange was a hit! I had over 30 people participate and exchange packages from the USA, France, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Beligum, Turkey, Poland and Germany. There will be a wrap up post complete with pics on what people received in late January. Pictured above is a glimpse of what arrived at my door from my match Melissa in NY.

• People’s generosity never ceases to amaze me. For all the crappy things people do out there, there are always wonderfully positive things that make the negativity fade away. Case in point: An old friend of mine sent me something of hers that she no longer needed that is pretty expensive and didn’t ask me for a single penny. Her generosity truly warmed my heart and reminded me that even if you don’t talk to someone all the time, that a friendship can stand the test of time. It reminded me that kind-hearted people are everywhere. And that we owe it to those we love to be kind.

• French people like to eat turkey at Christmas, so despite not being able to find a turkey at Thanksgiving (I made a chicken), I found this beauty at Intermarche yesterday and proudly made it last night. Surprisingly, turkey is cheaper than chicken and only cost 4.60 euros/kg. Go figure.
• My butt is sore from the Bar Method DVD I did yesterday. I love switching it up and hadn’t done a barre workout in over a month so my muscles are thanking me now.
• I’ve been up since 5:55 a.m. Thanks Dagny. Why’d she get up at 5:55 a.m.? I don’t know. Ask her. No, I know why. Her stomach was bothering her but it quickly passed and she’s snoring next to me. Phew. Didn’t feel like going to the ER vet today.
• Finally, a link to put things in perspective if you find yourself panicking. 29 Signs you’re doing just fine even if it doesn’t feel like it. And 89 simple swaps that could change your life. Loved that one too.
• Here’s how to piss off French people.

Happy Monday!