Today begins my third week here in the City of Lights. How is that possible?

At home, everyone I know is talking about the Super Bowl. Not a peep here. You wouldn’t know it was happening, and you wouldn’t know it was Valentine’s Day weekend either. Not very much commercialization here, which is nice. Less wasteful.

I’m rooting for the Bengals, btw.

I ventured out this morning to run some errands. First stop, was to return two small items I’d purchased last week, and in the same store, I decided to buy a backpack. Why? Well, I adore my chic DKNY cross-body tote for school, but when I have after school activities and have to cart that around along with my purse, phone, umbrella, managing money, etc., let’s just say I think it would be easier if I had a hands-free option for all the walking/running, and stair climbing. Stay tuned.

Speaking of stairs, which I know I’ve done often here. I checked my phone app, and was surprised, but not surprised at the numbers I saw. I’m averaging 9 flights a day, but last Thursday (10 février 22) was a record.

I feel less bad about not having started my running program here yet. I definitely have a walking program in progress. LOL! I have maintained my « Peloton » streak of 116 consecutive weeks, by doing body weight programs and lightweight arm stuff since I don’t have a Peloton bike here. And I just have to slide my coffee table to the side to make room for me to exercise. Pas de problème!

The third week is about to begin, and today I felt panicky that I’ll never be able to comprehend or speak French fluently. I don’t know why THAT kicked in, but it did. I’m trying to keep it real. I do realize that I’m functioning here pretty well in a foreign country in foreign tongue.

This morning I made purchases, and returns — found out where the return cashier is (the counter marked « Accueil » a word which has a lot of meanings, none of them specifically being about returns). The cashier and I figured it all out between her knowledge of English, and my French. We had some laughs as we both mixed the two languages. Then, she offered a frequent buyers’ card to me so that I could save money, and I accepted, since I’m here for awhile. Pourquoi pas! I thought this was a brave move. Then, she asked me for my email address. More laughter. In French, or English, she asked, because you can imagine the confusion. I sounds like E in French, just for starters. French, I insisted! My email is not short, so it was good practice and I felt like a Kindergartener singing the alphabet song with pride.

After that, I went to the grocery store and managed just fine. Lots of practice at this point, but still, things come up that are new and unexpected. I was thrilled to understand when the cashier told me to take another bag because the one I’d chosen was damaged. Thrilled because I understood her. I guess that counts for something, right? They charge for bags here, so everyone brings their own canvas carts and totes. I had my handy tote from Strand Bookstore in NY – the kind that folds up into a tiny pouch – but it was full with the backpack I’d bought. Irony. I have to remember to use the canvas cart on wheels in my apartment for my next grocery store trip.

I came home to re-wash the clothes I’d laundered in fabric softener, made some coffee, and enjoyed a « pain aux raisins » with French cartoons playing in the background. Work, work, work. Later, I’m meeting a friend for coffee at a nearby café.

A toute à l’heure!