Might embarrass my son now
My son recently completed his PhD and secured a job at CERN. A couple of months ago, we popped over there for a few days to find him a flat, open a bank account, etc.

He wanted me there to help as his French wasn't too hot. I hadn't spoken French since I was at school either, nearly 40 years ago, so I didn't expect to do much good.

However, it all came flooding back. I negotiated expertly with French estate agents and bankers and we found him a perfect flat and bank account.

He did well too, driving the hire car and navigating the many roundabouts like someone born there.

The magic moment came when I was busily interpreting between Sonny and a bank manager, and out of the corner of my eye caught his astonished expression - he was gaping at my brilliant command of French.

Nice to know I can still surprise him!
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 15:10, 5 replies)

Pffft. QOTW lies.
I bet you were just standing there speaking LOUDER AND LOUDER and SLOWER AND SLOWER and he was cringing at his appalling and humiliating ancestor.
(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 15:24, closed)

And just adding '-o' to the end of every word.

(Reverend Fister "a disciplined fuckwit", Fri 6 Aug 2010, 15:27, closed)

Well to be fair that is the correct way to speak French.

( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 16:10, closed)

And waving the hands and shrugging too, of course.
And the eye-rolling and saying 'pffft' a lot.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 21:39, closed)

wow, you are the uberMutter!
glad to hear that you can amaze your offspring, I am impressed also.

By the way, well on the PhD and new job to your little boy!

Clicky for cool story and for being the sort of mum who can inspire her kids to learn.
( Rev. Jayneflakes Buy my book, I need the cash for drugs and hookers, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 15:36, closed)

Awww, thank you!
Nobody's more stunned than I was, though!

Hoping to visit again soon when he's settled in a bit.
Before that he has a physics conference in Beijing, which I'm hoping to tag along on!
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 21:46, closed)

The only time I have EVER impressed my daughter
..was when I asked the hotel maintenance man in Brussels how to make the safe work ALL IN FRENCH. She was 13 at the time and nothing I have ever done since has raised the slightest impress!
( seeballs Doo da da doo da da doo da da doo, da da doo da do, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 21:02, closed)

See, it's not just me!
We're brilliant, we are!
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 6 Aug 2010, 21:50, closed)

That's awe inspiring, that is.
I love it when that happens. I recently picked up my viola and played Purcell's "Rondeau" from Abdelazer (quite well, I might add) and my 15 year old's mouth fell open.
Well done!
(TDub Nunc id vides, nunc ne vides on, Sat 7 Aug 2010, 22:18, closed)

Fantastic teen-shocking work there!
They need reminding now and then that we're not just taxis and food dispensers!
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Sun 8 Aug 2010, 9:16, closed)