Je fais ce que je veux.

This came across my timeline twice early in the day. First en français et puis, en anglais.

Translation, if you haven’t looked it up already: I do what I want, or I am doing what I want. In French, it means both. Present participle included or not.

Wondering why the Universe is sending me this message. I’m here in Paris, after all, doing just that. And feeling fortunate.

I just returned from a lovely run. It’s 46 degrees Fahrenheit here, and rainy. (Must be January in Paris!) At first, I felt a little foolish as I headed to le Jardin du Luxembourg, but that feeling passed once I started to run. It was heavenly! Perfect running conditions!

I’m sure some Parisians thought I was out of my mind, running and smiling as I listened to some great music. I couldn’t stop smiling as I ran. There weren’t many, but I saw a few other crazy runners in the parc.

After a couple of miles, I tried to orient myself as to where exactly in the park I had ended up. I wasn’t worried, just curious. I spotted a small concession stand, and was happy to see it occupied by a vendeuse. I approached with a greeting, Bonjour (always), and then asked, « Avez-vous du café? » Oui, she replied. Très bien. And, I could pay by card, too (on my phone – which is common here for EVERYTHING.) Better still! As I waited for my Nespresso to finish brewing, I asked her, « Savez-vous où est l’église Saint-Sulpice? » She pointed the way and I thanked her. I added, « J’habit là-bas maintenant… mais je me suis un peu perdu pendant ma course dans le parc. » She proceeded to ask me where I was from.

I have to pause here to note that THAT is my all-time favorite question here in Paris. It means they cannot tell that I am American, meaning my French is on point.

Already euphoric from the run, I was beaming inside. I told her « Je viens des États-Unis, » and she was clearly surprised. « Vous parlez français tres bien. » « Ah, merci bien. » I don’t even blush any more, I just ride that compliment whenever it comes. I thanked her profusely and told her I had studied French in the United States, and also here at in Paris at Alliance Française. We had a lovely conversation, and I enjoyed my café allongé as I walked home smiling in the rain.

Tomorrow, school begins. I’ll be put back in my place, language-wise, but I welcome it because I know I’ll only improve in the long-run, and for me, it’s the long run that counts, because je suis en train de faire ce que je veux.