Learning French

Have you ever met someone who likes to make completely unrealistic goals and really believes they'll attain them? Well, now you have. Yes, it's me. Your good friend, the optimistic. My latest pronouncement to the world? I'm going to try and learn French!

I should probably back up a little. For the past year and an half (actually, probably closer to two years), my husband and I have been planning a trip to Paris for our fifth wedding anniversary, which is this July. And as with most things, I let my procrastination get the better of me. I've left it until now to try and learn some French, with just four months to go. Yes, I realize I have absolutely no chance of being fluent or even remotely fluent by then, but dammit! I'm going to try. I know I won't be able to converse, but I'd like to maybe be able to read a menu, or possibly ask where the bathroom is.

So now I have half a dozen language apps on my phone, as I attempt to fit tiny French lessons into my very busy life. Oh yes, I'm going self taught. No time for real, classroom lessons for this girl. I'm going to wing it! (Are you nauseated by the unrealistic expectations yet? Don't worry, you will be soon.) Of course, I should also note that I'm terrible at this sort of thing. I took six years of German in my youth and all I have are an assortment of phrases. But I'm still going to try.

I guess I'm just that kind of girl.

While I'm on the subject of learning French, I really must insist that you read the personal essay, "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris. So hilarious. In fact, do it right now. You'll thank me for brightening your day. As for me, it's back to my French lessons, so I too can "talk pretty one day". Wish me luck.

A Treasure Trove of Procrastination

One of the things I love most about Twitter and Facebook are the links people post to various articles and news items. They spark debates, make me laugh and fill countless hours I would have otherwise spent writing or cleaning my house. That's right. I particularly love them for procrastination. Which is what I'm doing right now.

I'm behind on my submissions, so naturally I decided to peruse the internet before getting started. You know, just to get my brain going. And what delightful, tantalizing items have I found? Well, first of all, it appears the publishing world just got a little sexier. It seems that Johnny Depp is starting a book imprint. Yes, the Captain of Quirky is dipping his toe into the world of publishing. I know I wouldn't mind if he was my publisher. Personally, I'd love the chance to pick his brain. If you'd like to read the article, just click here.

And what else did I find? Well, a visit to the internet just isn't complete without a visit to Writer's Digest. With Halloween coming up fast, you might be interested in reading their article, Top 5 Books for Halloween, And What They Can Teach You About Writing. I kind of wish I'd done my own reading list for Halloween this year. It would have been nice to burrow into some horror and get in the spirit. But time is not yet up, so if you'd like to find a creepy read, just check out the article.

I know what you're thinking. Do I realize I'm just instigating more procrastination from all of you? Yes. Yes I do. Misery loves company and so does procrastination. If I'm not going to get anything done, than neither are you! Enjoy!

(Evil laughter)