Getting settled in our new home

So we have been in Paris for 5 weeks now.  It's been a huge whirlwind over the past couple of months, to say the least.  Phew.  We still have loads of organizing to do since we basically unpacked everything since they only pick up the boxes once.  So we have crap everywhere that needs to find a home.  I've tried to make myself just chill over it all but dang it's tough!  I hate having clutter everywhere.  Seriously annoys me sooo bad.

So what's life in Paris like?  Hmm, it depends on the day :-).  Language barrier has been really hard.  Not having any friends has been even more difficult.  Most days go by quickly since we have our stuff to keep us busy, but it's very lonely.  The days that go by really slowly are the worst, obviously.  And trips to the Supermarché are usually the worst because trecking 1km to the store by foot with a 3 year old is slow going.  Then it takes me forever to figure out where the items on my list are.  And of course I have to double check everything because even though the picture might make it look like I know what I am buying doesn't always mean that's the case.  And getting it home is fun.  So far I have only bought enough to fit into the basket of our stroller.  I actually just need to start doing the home delivery option (it's free after 50 euro...not bad).  But trying to get the delivery has been a task I don't want to complete since English is just not spoken much here at all!  And it's not them being rude; a lot of people just DO NOT speak English.  So most times I feel worried about looking like a total ass in front of all these people who I know are snickering about the "dumb American" under their smiles :-).  

I have yet to get into a routine (hence the last post).  It's really tough!  The hubby is home in the mornings, though, so I just need to get up at an early time and get out and get 'er done.  I'm still a little scared, though, to be running in the dark around here since I don't know my way around just yet.

But even more challenging is trying to work in the breastfeeding.  El-Kat is usually on a pretty good "schedule" but some mornings she's just totally off. I can't figure out if I should just wake her up at 5, feed her and then pump what's left...then hope she sleeps until about 8 so I have time to get it all done and not have to worry about either one of us getting our workouts or getting ready for the day routines interrupted.

Running.  I met a fellow runner chica who just ran the Paris Marathon last weekend.  She did an awesome job and if I can get back into shape I think we'll be good running partners because she seems to have the same times as me (well, when I was in shape anyway!).  I just need to get back into a routine and get my ass out there.  The Paris Marathon starts about 500m from where we live and ends pretty much right outside my doorstep so I am planning on running it next year.  Looking forward to that!  Now I just need to find something in the Fall.

I'm hoping to start writing on here again but time has been short.  Once we get our apartment in order hopefully I'll have more time!   Thanks to all those who are actually still reading this thing!

Yum Yum!

I am sooo going to make these in the next few days.  I am pretty sure I can find all of the ingredients here somewhere :-).  I actually did find a healthfood store.  I still have to make my way there.  Hoping to do that this weekend!

But anyway, here's the recipe I found that sounds yummy and fun to make with Jackson.  By the way, her food looks soo yummy and I have been trying to only eat one meat dish a day.  I honestly don't even love meat, but I feel it's really hard to get in all of the protein I need.  I'll let you know how I like the recipe.

http://catesworldkitchen.com/2010/12/carrot-cake-cookies-raw-and-vegan/

Daily routines

I am so needing help on how to get my crap together on the daily routines.  How do you guys do it all?  Since having the baby it seems like I am running around like a wild, crazy woman all day long.  Would love to hear how you fit it all in, i.e. exercise, cleaning everything, making dinner, running errands, and keeping the kids entertained all day long.  Please, please, please....I need your advice and help.