Paris, jus t'aime!
A current trend in popular thinking is that Instagram photos are just one big show-off fest, that these curated and staged photos somehow force others, by comparison, to experience dissatisfaction in their own lives. Many of the articles touching on this have been satires (at least I hope?) but part of me suspects an element of truth to it.
I guess I just don't understand it. I live by the rule that when we compare we despair, and the experiences of others should not reflect upon our own. We all have our own path, right?
When I click on that icon, I want to be inspired, I want to see interesting cocktails and dishes, I still want to see the damn Eiffel Tower, and I want to see my friends having amazing experiences. Isn't that a huge part of life? Being happy for others?
This year, IG is offering a fantastic best-off slideshow for users to share with their followers. Because I don't communicate with quite a handful of you on social media, I thought I would bring my favorite moments of 2013 here. Again, these are merely snippets of my year, and the in between photos (if they existed) would be washing dishes, doing laundry, watching Melrose Place (the original series) reruns, and having children cough on me.
2013 for me was about appreciating the little joys in life, here are a few of my favorite moments.
Okay, not exactly a little joy,
but how can I mention 2013 without this?
Speaking of weddings, it only took me four months later to understand all of the Breaking Bad jokes going on at our wedding.
Why Aurelién (a big BB fan) didn't suggest baby blue rock crystal candy as place settings was a bad idea still boggles me. I love the show but blue meth place cards?! Oy.
2013 was the year that I braved these rolling Parisian death traps.
Holding on tight to old friendships with the belief that no one could replace them, I had relinquish that and
finally opened myself up to friends and dear acquaintanceship here.
The result? Why didn't I do it sooner.
These girls are pretty much the most amazing and inspiring people I have ever met.
This year was also about rooting said friends on...
Threw a "Sparkle" party to celebrate Cara Alwill Leyba's first visit to Paris.
Celebrated National Kale Day at Verjus.
Clinked to Juliette Sobanet at words + wine
Caught up with the girls at the Prete-Moi Paris 4 Year Anniversary party.
I also enjoyed being alone.
Despite my big mouth, this is actually one of my pastimes...
I revisited some of my old haunts...
Learned what to do with this little shop of horror!
Enjoyed simple pleasures during my two week stay at my mom's...
Finally obtained my titre de séjour.
Again, not a little joy, but a huge relief.
Freaked out B.J Novak with Jenna
(I think he thought we were hitting on him.)
Did a bunch of entertaining....
The indoor anniversary picnic.
Celebrated a friend getting French nationality!
The Autumn Dinner Party.
The Champagne Social.
The Holidays.
Snowflake Holiday Party.
I also realized that I am not at all funny in French. Cards Against Humanity en français made this pretty clear.
It was a fantastic year of reflection, growing into myself by listening to my gut feelings, and appreciating who and what is around me. Here is to a fantastic 2014.
I wish you all a Happy (and safe!) New Year!
And, I thank you all for your support these past few years.
xo.
