Here’s a representative snippet of the running commentary from our couch last night as we watched the Oscars red carpet: Me: “Holy Nick Nolte!” Husband: “Whoa. Is he drunk?” Me: “Probably.” Me: “Oh Penelope, that hairdo is no bueno.” Husband: “I bet that guy freebased cocaine on the way in.” Me: “Um, that’s Jason Segel. From…
It’s a good thing my French teacher spent part of Tuesday discussing les interjections. You know, the French equivalent of those little exclamations and phrases you shout when you’re stuck in traffic or stub your toe or step in dog poo. Because when in France, you should be able to say WTF?! or UGH! or…
Husband (after watching Tom Brady break into tears talking about almost not getting drafted): Do you think Tom Brady could be our baby’s godfather? Me: Um… Husband: I mean, I wouldn’t be asking in a weird, serial killer stalker kind of way. I could write him a nice letter. Do you think he’d say yes?…
Walk down any Paris street and you will be sure to stumble upon at least 3 couples engaged in long, passionate, movie-star kisses that never seem to end. Old and young alike, these people certainly aren’t shy about making out in public like the world’s about to end. And apparently everyone else who’s not busy…
So a classmate of mine (a crazy Duke fan, no less) suggested that we engage in a bit of cross-cultural exchange this spring by initiating our French teacher (and one poor British student) into the wonders of Bracketology. Simple enough, right? I mean, it’s just 64 American college teams with 4 extra play-in teams playing…
The fancy French fashion house Lanvin always has the best window displays at the store on Rue Saint-Honoré. So I had to stop and marvel at their latest offering, featuring several mannequin couples caught up in racy embraces. At first glance I thought, awww, they’re kissing! And then I saw this one: And, oh my…this…
Being someone who likes to call herself a “writer” and also someone who lives in Paris, I thought I’d go ahead and make my cliché status official by signing up for a writing workshop at a coffee place right around the corner from Hemingway’s house. And not just any coffee place– the carrot cake from…
If you live in Paris and like eating out, follow the restaurant scene or, god forbid, call yourself a foodie (please don’t), then you’ve probably heard of Iñaki Aizpitarte’s super popular Le Chateaubriand over in the boho 11th. You’ve probably also tried to get a reservation. And failed. That’s because this place is so hot right…
Me: My belly is starting to stick out, huh? Husband: Yep, totally. Me: It’s so weird! Husband: Yeah! (pause) So do you feel like your butt is getting bigger too? Me: WHAT?!? I actually liked my butt until you said that?! What the….!(&&#!*$ Husband: (looking at me honestly) No, I mean, do you feel like…
Sometimes the French language is hard to understand. But do you know what’s even harder? French menus that have been translated into English. I’m telling you: Don’t ever ask for the English menu. You’d have better luck pointing randomly at the French one and just hoping for the best. I’m not sure if it’s the…
Unlikely Diplomat 