An apple a day...

Nevermind an apple a day keeps the doctor away... I'm a firm believer that any form of physical activity (running, playing a sport, lifting weights, yoga, etc.) can not only keep the doctor away but give you a healthy state of mind as well. I've been way to nervous to venture out alone, not to mention this weather is no California sunshine... but today I gathered up the courage to do so. The rain finally stopped last night and the sun was finally out! After taking several pictures of maps on my iPhone in the (not so) rare occasion I get lost, I headed out eager to finally get a good sweat and some endorphines flowing. My town, Surenes, neighbors another town called Saint Cloud (pronounced Clue). In Saint Cloud is a gorgeous Country Club and "hippodrome" which means racetrack (for horses). About 20 minutes into my run, to my surprised I realized I had a fair idea of where I was and how to get back. It also hit me then that I need to take more PICTURES and blog about my first outing solo... Here are some pictures all taken during my morning run :)

Map of Saint Cloud/West Surenes (I live in that red boxed area) 

Saint Cloud Hippodrome

Country Club

Hard to see but that sign says PARIS and under was just the route to Surenes

Side trail of the Hippodrome

Took a little detour to the town center of Surenes... lots of specialty food shops

As mentioned before... CHEESE shop. I'm still shocked there's this many different types! 

This area is interesting.. it's what we would consider soft of the "projects." They were made for families with low income. Who knows what the inside is like but from the outside, not too shabby

This building is getting boarded up and will be demoed in the next few months. Below is the only pastry shop in the town... (that is a joke.)

Another pastry shop... almost right next door!

It's 12:30 in the afternoon here. Thom is home for lunch and going to take me out to lunch and to get a cell phone. Tomorrow night Thom and Sadia are going out to the Theatre so I have to stay in and watch the kids but that's alright because I already have a few skype dates set up :) Saturday I have plans to hang out with Leslie and hopefully go out for the first time Saturday night to a pub or bar. I found an American church inside Paris so on Sunday I'm looking forward to attending their "contemporary service." Before I left, one of our family friends Becky gave me a great book called "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen. It's been a great resource to keep everything in perspective, maintain strength, and know that God is always there.
Until next time...

Cheers!

Aubree