Hey, that's my line

It doesn't take very long for someone here to figure out that I'm not French. And they can quickly tell that my native language is English, however it is not always evident that I am an American. I have been asked if I am Canadian or even British. In fact, the kitchen-assembly man who was the most Americanized French person I've met so far thought that I was from England! (I'm still baffled by that one.) And often I have been asked if I, being an American, am married to a Frenchman. The confusion lies with having a husband with a French first name and French last name.

So when I say that I am American, the next logical question is always, "Where in America?" I answer, "Texas" and without exception the response is, "George Bush is from Texas." Not wanting to get into a political discussion about anything (so very American of me - we don't like to discuss politics, religion, or sex, do we?) ... I have learned to steer away from that sort of discussion by following the GW comment with, "Yes, and so is Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong is also from Texas." It always, without fail, brings a smile to the face of a Frenchman. When visiting the country-music festival at the home of French friends, it led to a very long and interesting discussion about Texans, their pride in their state, and the culture of Texas as compared to the south and also compared to the rest of the US.

So last night, as Jeff's stay is coming to an end, Kate and Jeff decided to go out and find some French people their age, meet them, talk with them, and practice their French. They came home in the wee hours of the morning and told me all about their night out. They did in fact meet all of their objectives. Jeff told me the story.... "Where in the US are you from?".... "Texas" ..... "GWB is from Texas" .... "Yes, and so is Lance Armstrong." ......

Hey kid! That's my line!
(It always works!)