Improve my French

This is probably the goal I’ve been working hardest at.

I read between one and two hours every day (lots of commuting!) and I can really see the difference. I’m a voracious reader in English too, so that probably helps.

Yesterday, I read an excerpt from a Balzac essay and was insanely pleased with myself.

I really need to speak more, though. That’s the hard part. Too bad my job’s all in English.

• emergencies (kittens on rooftops, people not looking when they are crossing the street and almost getting run over)

• getting pissed off (pigeon pooping on my head, France Telecom not fixing my voicemail after 2 months)

• things that I care very strongly about (the waiter forgetting my little dish of whipped cream that goes with my hot chocolate, talking to the vet about the cats)

• when people joke around with me (I’m all eager to get inventive and make them laugh too)

Because I mostly just read and listen to French these days, and don’t get anywhere near enough speaking practice, my accent is now officially appalling. Enter Mr. Pimsleur. Four billion CD’s of the most repetitive and inane conversations that have ever been unleashed on the unsuspecting public.

But, my accent is getting better again. (Où est la rue St. Michel?)

On Saturday, I spent five hours working on my French.

While drinking wine…

and eating cheese…

and laughing…

Okay, fine—I went to a party. But 80% of it was in French! I was stunned to find myself understanding everything (except for a handful of words – all evening) and got into some great conversations (in French, of course) and everyone was so encouraging. I still have a long, long way to go, but at least I can get by!

Now, if the occasion should arise, I am able to say: “Excuse me sir, I seem to have shattered my:

cheville (ankle)
coude (elbow)
poignet (wrist)
sourcil (eyebrow) – [this one is unlikely]

Today my accent was so strong everyone was grinning and all the men were flirting like crazy. I shouldn’t complain. (Who complains about Frenchmen flirting with you?) But really, all I wanted was to buy some vegetables.

I should just be happy that my accent (anglo-Canadian) is considered “cute” to “unbearably sexy”. What if it gave people migraines?

Okay, I’ll stop complaining, but I really have to start with a French tutor again. As soon as I save up enough for a winter coat – my jean jacket is feeling a little thin these days. (Yikes, I sound like a character in a Dickens novel!)

I had a ten minute conversation with one of the ladies at the boulangerie today! I was so proud. We talked about everything from chocolate to working too much, to the weather in Canada. Voilà!