My life is the stuff of bestsellers.

Wednesday's concert was Schubert, Rachmaninov and Strauss. I decided I really like Strauss during the Chevalier à la rose (no clue by what name we know that in English) suite for orchestra, when I got that feeling that only classical music gives me ; The one where the whole universe comes together for just a second.

But first, I should say that yesterday (Wednesday) it snowed like I've never seen it snow in Paris. Ever. It snowed giant flakes from 11am until 6pm. I didn't take it that seriously until we went out again at 3pm, since I presumed that it wouldn't stick. FALSE. This is near the kids' art class ... I MAY have instigated a snowball fight. We had a blast, but we were soaked ... My poor suede boots weren't made for this. Totally worth it, especially with the victory hot chocolate post-battle.

Had to snap a picture of the motorcycles. It made me laugh (I'd like to say on the inside, but I seem to remember a maniacal giggle finding voice just the same).

And finally, street view of Rue des Belles Feuilles as I left at 7pm. I didn't see a single shovel or plow until this morning, when the street cleaners that usually hose the sidewalks were out with small shovels and salt looking rather baffled by the turn of events. I guess a culture that can't handle picking up dog poop is probably not prepared to deal with snow. At any rate, this made for some impressive slush-ice (the WORST) on the sidewalks and in the streets.

A certain someone you know may POSSIBLY have slipped and fallen while attempting to Tweet (I've become one of them, God help us) and walk. Oops. Nothing hurt except my pride. On the other hand, given the quality of the roads and the fact that I didn't come to Paris outfitted for any real winter, I can HARDLY be held responsible. I have instituted a no-phone-while-walking rule though. At least until the sidewalks are more walkable.

Happened to walk by this during my waiting-for-the-laundry-to-finish stroll. Entrance clearly marked for Douches. I know a few, I'll send them along ...

(Public showers. Not nearly as fun as my alternate interpretation, I know.)

Cool gun-dragon-snake graffiti, near the douche entrance.

This morning I did a load of laundry, grocery-shopped (both of those for the first time in almost three weeks, OOPS) and even turned in all of my visa paperwork to the agency I'm paying to handle my Chinese stuff.

Cross your fingers.

As of now I have the afternoon wide open. I'd love to go wander the streets since it's sunny and nice out, but with the sidewalks being icy deathtraps, I probably won't. I'm not ready to meet such an inglorious end. For the time being I'll stay in with coffee and books, WHICH REMINDS ME: What mystery person has had 'The Crimes of Paris' mailed to me from Amazon.fr via a London-based bookstore?!

Baffled. Today has been thoroughly epic.