After several recent and not so recent conversations with certain Frenchies (i.e. the H and his family) I have realized that quite a few people really believe that our American government is super smart and are experts at not only world domination, but at covering-up major conspiracy theories.
As my American friends point out, though, people give our government way too much credit.
French people, in my opinion, are just bitter about the fact that they are not really the number one superpower and are always convinced that our American government is evil, evil, evil. I think we are just stupid, stupid, stupid.
Being a major WWII history buff, I must point out Pearl Harbor. I know lots of people say that the US government totally knew about Pearl Harbor in advance and let it happen, but I really don't think we knew that much about it. I think that the U.S. government intercepted SOME Japanese documents - but that not all of them were code-broken in time to prevent Pearl Harbor. Plus, if you think about it, Pearl Harbor was not considered to be a target because the waters there are quite shallow, so people figured that even if bombs were dropped, nothing would really happen - they would just kind of plop into the mud underwater and not really do much damage. Also, the government probably just figured that the Japanese would attack the US military bases on those teeny islands in the South Pacific - which I guess would make a lot more sense. Anyway, I mention all this because the H recently accused the U.S. of entering WWII with a fierce plan for world domination - whereas I really think we entered because we were provoked. I honestly don't think there was a whole backplan to install the Marshall Plan before we even entered the war - first of all, the U.S. was still into its isolation policy where we didn't want to be involved in international affairs - not to mention the U.S. did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles after WWI, nor did we join the League of Nations. The U.S. was also still coming out of the Great Depression, and I highly doubt Major World Domination was on the To-Do list. I mean, frankly, we could have just stayed neutral, which was what the US government was totally planning to do - not only were we on the verge of signing a neutrality pact with Hitler back in the early 1940's, but the U.S. also installed the Lend-Lease Act in 1941 where we provided money to the UK and the USSR so that we wouldn't have to get involved by sending troops.
I guess that what I am trying to say is that it really bothers me when French people talk shiz about the US, especially in matters of WWII. Yes, we do lots of stupid things now, but this does not mean one can overlook the fact that the U.S. took some of the biggest losses (in terms of military deaths) during the war (around 22,000 deaths and 106,000 wounded on D-Day alone) - and that we did not HAVE to get involved - we could have let Europe stay Nazi forever - it's not like Hitler was ever going to be able to attack the East Coast of the U.S. (despite numerous plans to do so, they were all deemed too expensive and unfeasible). Let's not forget that thanks to U.S. involvement (not only sending our troops in, but also thanks to the Marshall Plan), Europe is where it is today.
As for certain theories by my Frenchies re: 9/11 (the U.S. knew about it in advance; the CIA planted bombs in the basement of the WTC and exploded them; it wasn't al-Qaeda who was responsible; and United 93 was a fake flight), all I have to say are the following: 1) I'm pretty sure the CIA messed up - they failed to recognize the imminent threat - and I'm pretty sure Bush didn't tell them to go ahead and let the WTC be destroyed - does Bush really seem like that kind of super smart guy who keeps up to date on current affairs???; 2) I'm pretty sure al-Qaeda is responsible, considering the fact that they CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY; and 3) it seems like an awful lot of trouble to go to to make up a fake flight with a fake passenger manifest and fake conversations (not to mention that one of the people on this flight was the brother of a girl I once knew); and 4) I happened to be in NYC at the time of 9/11 so I do not need French people who were in France telling me what it was like.
Sometimes things really ARE that simple.
Okay. Rant over.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Migration and fishing
I just read this interesting article in the New York Times this morning about migrant workers.
Well, it's actually about rich migrant workers - they mostly interview professors who teach at a university in the United Arab Emirates.
The article makes some interesting points about what appeals to those who move overseas to work.
I'm not really sure I agree with everything some of the interviewees say though.
It's really only a sweet deal to live overseas when you get transferred by your home company or if you get all your expenses paid.
Otherwise, it's pretty hard on anyone to have to move abroad and integrate into a foreign culture.
Here's another interesting article about the "fishing war" between France and Spain.
Hmmmph. All I can say is that it is typically French to go around blaming other countries and other people. It is NEVER the fault of the French. They're always mad about something - I personally think they are just still really mad that they haven't been a world power since, like, the 1400's.
Then again, I suppose I would be pretty bitter too - a few months ago, I had read several articles about when the UK opened up some of its archives and among the secret papers in there were proposals by the French to join the United Kingdom! (They were completely and totally rejected). Anyway, here is one of the articles about it. Oh, yeah, and not surprisingly, none of this happens to be in the French archives.
Well, it's actually about rich migrant workers - they mostly interview professors who teach at a university in the United Arab Emirates.
The article makes some interesting points about what appeals to those who move overseas to work.
I'm not really sure I agree with everything some of the interviewees say though.
It's really only a sweet deal to live overseas when you get transferred by your home company or if you get all your expenses paid.
Otherwise, it's pretty hard on anyone to have to move abroad and integrate into a foreign culture.
Here's another interesting article about the "fishing war" between France and Spain.
Hmmmph. All I can say is that it is typically French to go around blaming other countries and other people. It is NEVER the fault of the French. They're always mad about something - I personally think they are just still really mad that they haven't been a world power since, like, the 1400's.
Then again, I suppose I would be pretty bitter too - a few months ago, I had read several articles about when the UK opened up some of its archives and among the secret papers in there were proposals by the French to join the United Kingdom! (They were completely and totally rejected). Anyway, here is one of the articles about it. Oh, yeah, and not surprisingly, none of this happens to be in the French archives.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
L'île de la tentation!
I have never seen the American version of Temptation Island, but here in France they have their own version called "L'île de la tentation" (which literally means "Temptation Island".
I have to admit, I find the French one to be lots of fun. Granted, every season is the same (although this is the first time that I will have watched the entire season), but it's still lots of fun.
The H and I sit and watch it every Tuesday evening and make snarky remarks about all the contestants. But it's also kind of painful the way they try to break up all the couples. On the other hand, all the contestants are kind of stupid, especially the guys. As the H pointed out, every season there are like 2 or 3 guys (out of the 4 couples) that crack within the first day by making out with one of hottie single girls, and then there is always that one guy that manages to not make out with anyone, but spends all his time complaining about being on the island. The girls always tend to stick together and spend the first few episodes being all glum and sad while the guys, as soon as they get to their island with the hotties, are totally into partying all night and engaging in some hardcore flirting.
Also, most of the girl contestants are there because "I still have doubts about my man, and I want to put our couple through this experience before I commit any further to our relationship." But the girls who say that are usually the ones with the creepy, cheating boyfriends, and I'm pretty sure that all these ladies already know it deep down, but need to be humiliated on TV in front of the entire country as confirmation.
After all, as I pointed out to the H, who agreed with me, if you need to go on "Temptation Island" to test your relationship, then there is already a huge problem going on.
Nevertheless, it's still lots of fun to watch.
I have to admit, I find the French one to be lots of fun. Granted, every season is the same (although this is the first time that I will have watched the entire season), but it's still lots of fun.
The H and I sit and watch it every Tuesday evening and make snarky remarks about all the contestants. But it's also kind of painful the way they try to break up all the couples. On the other hand, all the contestants are kind of stupid, especially the guys. As the H pointed out, every season there are like 2 or 3 guys (out of the 4 couples) that crack within the first day by making out with one of hottie single girls, and then there is always that one guy that manages to not make out with anyone, but spends all his time complaining about being on the island. The girls always tend to stick together and spend the first few episodes being all glum and sad while the guys, as soon as they get to their island with the hotties, are totally into partying all night and engaging in some hardcore flirting.
Also, most of the girl contestants are there because "I still have doubts about my man, and I want to put our couple through this experience before I commit any further to our relationship." But the girls who say that are usually the ones with the creepy, cheating boyfriends, and I'm pretty sure that all these ladies already know it deep down, but need to be humiliated on TV in front of the entire country as confirmation.
After all, as I pointed out to the H, who agreed with me, if you need to go on "Temptation Island" to test your relationship, then there is already a huge problem going on.
Nevertheless, it's still lots of fun to watch.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Velib
Here in Paris, the city has started a new initiative, called the "Velib", which I assume is "vélo liberté" or whatever.
Basically, there are a bunch of Velib stations all over Paris, and you can rent a bike for a small price. You're supposed to sign up for a 1 year subscription for 29 euros, and then every time you take a bike, it's free. Rather, the first 30 minutes are free, and then if you go over that time, you pay 1 euro. Then the euros double up for each 30 minutes extra you take. You can also just pay for a 1 day subscription, and the first 30 minutes are free.
So I tried out the Velib a few weeks ago, with a 1 day subscription. I actually went a really short distance (like 5 minutes) on the bike and it was okay.
See, the thing is, I am not very talented with a bike. I got to borrow a bike when I lived in Vienna for 2 months, where it is very bike-friendly. I noticed that a) I am a very very slow biker (people in the bike lanes kept clanging their bells at me when they couldn't pass because I was taking up all the space); b) I am very clumsy with a bike - if I'm just walking the bike down the street, I will most likely trip over it; and c) I'm never really 100% sure of all the traffic laws.
I think Velib is a nice idea, but Paris is actually not at all bike friendly. (Well, compared to NYC or London, it is VERY bike friendly, but compared to Vienna, it is not at all). The bike lanes are usually the same lanes as the bus lanes! How can one expect ME, the ultimate clumsy biker, to bike in the same lane as a bus?! And how on earth will I be able to get anywhere if only the first 30 minutes are free? I mean, to go from my place to, say, Le Bon Marché, it will surely take me 45 minutes by bike! And what is the deal with the weird pricing? In Vienna, the Vienna Bike system was completely free - you put in a 1 euro piece like for those supermarket caddies and then when you're done with the bike, you get your money back.
Plus, the Velib is really heavy - I had a really hard time putting it back at one of the stations, since you have to line up the bike with the notch and everything. I quickly realized that lifting the bike so it is in line is out of the question - instead, I had to keep trying to steer the bike into the exact position.
Basically, there are a bunch of Velib stations all over Paris, and you can rent a bike for a small price. You're supposed to sign up for a 1 year subscription for 29 euros, and then every time you take a bike, it's free. Rather, the first 30 minutes are free, and then if you go over that time, you pay 1 euro. Then the euros double up for each 30 minutes extra you take. You can also just pay for a 1 day subscription, and the first 30 minutes are free.
So I tried out the Velib a few weeks ago, with a 1 day subscription. I actually went a really short distance (like 5 minutes) on the bike and it was okay.
See, the thing is, I am not very talented with a bike. I got to borrow a bike when I lived in Vienna for 2 months, where it is very bike-friendly. I noticed that a) I am a very very slow biker (people in the bike lanes kept clanging their bells at me when they couldn't pass because I was taking up all the space); b) I am very clumsy with a bike - if I'm just walking the bike down the street, I will most likely trip over it; and c) I'm never really 100% sure of all the traffic laws.
I think Velib is a nice idea, but Paris is actually not at all bike friendly. (Well, compared to NYC or London, it is VERY bike friendly, but compared to Vienna, it is not at all). The bike lanes are usually the same lanes as the bus lanes! How can one expect ME, the ultimate clumsy biker, to bike in the same lane as a bus?! And how on earth will I be able to get anywhere if only the first 30 minutes are free? I mean, to go from my place to, say, Le Bon Marché, it will surely take me 45 minutes by bike! And what is the deal with the weird pricing? In Vienna, the Vienna Bike system was completely free - you put in a 1 euro piece like for those supermarket caddies and then when you're done with the bike, you get your money back.
Plus, the Velib is really heavy - I had a really hard time putting it back at one of the stations, since you have to line up the bike with the notch and everything. I quickly realized that lifting the bike so it is in line is out of the question - instead, I had to keep trying to steer the bike into the exact position.
Friday, August 10, 2007
What They Really Mean
As everyone undoubtedly knows, Nicolas Sarkozy has been vacationing in the U.S., in a frenzy of media attention (that has been cunningly planned on the part of Sarkozy).
A few news bytes, along with the true meaning behind the words:
"The French president, looking tan and relaxed in a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, said he jogs each morning and goes fishing every afternoon. He said he was enjoying the region's forests, lakes and small-town atmosphere. "I must say, I'm not disappointed," he said...Sarkozy, who has pledged to warm up French-U.S. relations since his election in May, said his choice of vacation spots had no political significance. "There are 900,000 French people who go to the United States every year, and I'm one of the 900,000," he said."
Link to article
Meaning: "Yes, I'm one of the 900,000 French people who come to America, but I am the President of France as well - I must continue the French tradition of kissing ass to powerful world leaders...and I picked Wolfeboro for its close proximity to Kennebunkport."
"Sarkozy, who skipped French vacation spots for a break on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, hinted at, but declined to confirm, a possible side trip to meet U.S. President George W. Bush. "The White House and the Elysee (the French presidential palace) will give an update of a possible meeting between president Bush and myself," Sarkozy told reporters. "Now is not the time to say anything." Wolfeboro, about 100 miles north of Boston, is just 50 miles from Kennebunkport, Maine, where the Bush family has an estate. President Bush is expected to visit Kennebunkport next weekend. A White House staff member in Washington also said that there was no announcement of a meeting."
Link to article
Meaning: Sarkozy: "Well, technically, Mr. Bush hasn't invited me yet, but I'm hoping he will. I mean, he's already invited Mr. Putin and Mr. Brown, but not MOI! Ah, yes, but I am quite clever - he can't not invite me now, since I am so conveniently close by to his summer home, AND he'll be here this coming weekend! I mean, you can't NOT invite a head of state who just so HAPPENS to be vacationing right nearby - it's all international protocol. (insert evil laugh) I am just way too smart!!!" Bush: "Dammit, I just can't catch a break, can I? That guy has been calling up my people for the last 6 months now for an official meeting! I have way more important things going on! Ugh, is there anyway I can get out of having to invite him to my personal vacation home? Can someone please do some research on international protocol and find a loophole? Like, maybe it says somewhere that when the President of the U.S. is on vacation, he can sort of ignore vacationing heads of state? I mean, I really NEED a vacation, what with the whole country hating me, and this mess in Iraq, and my immigration plan failed....(breaks down weeping)"
On Sarko freaking out on the photographers:
"The skirmish that ensued was brief but brusque. The Sarkozy vessel made a bee-line for the photographers. Once alongside, the scantily-dressed President leapt on to their boat, briefly seized the camera of DeWitt, and indulged in a lot of full-lung shouting. "The President was very agitated, speaking French at a loud volume very rapidly," was how DeWitt put it. The pair repeatedly tried to explain that neither of them understood M. Sarkozy. They asked for help with translation from someone else on his boat. At first, no one in the President's party seemed willing to assist."
Link to article
What was most likely the actual conversation:
Sarkozy: "Mais MERDE!!! PUTAIN! Mais ça va pas, non? Eh, franchement, je viens tout juste de faire une conférence de presse et maintenant vous voulez me prendre en photo ENCORE! Je vous ai pas donné la permission de venir ici! Oh, les sales Anglo-Saxons, franchement, je peux pas les blairer - ils se croient tous permis! Je DETESTE les américains!"
Photographer 1: "What? What's he saying?"
Photographer 2: "Dude, I don't know, I don't speak French. But I think he's mad - look, he's waving his arms around and his face is all red. (pause) He kinda looks like a bulldog..."
Photographer 1: "Uh, Mr. Sarkozy, we have official permission to be here..."
Sarkozy: "Oh! En plus, ces sales américains, ils parlent pas un mot de français! Ils sont pas civilisés! En même temps, remarque, maintenant Bush est carrément obligé de me voir..."
Photographers: "Uh, anyone speak French?"
Cecilia Sarkozy: "Ee zay zat you stop takeen zee photo. Ee zay ee don't wont photo. Ee just to geeve already conférence presse et ee zay no more photo, now ee relaxe eez vacazhon."
Photographer 1: "What?"
Photographer 2: "I think she said he doesn't want us to take pictures anymore."
Photographer 1: "Oh. Why not? I mean, he's like, the president of France. I thought he liked having his picture taken."
Photographer 2: "Dunno. Maybe it's 'cause he's short and doesn't look so hot in a bathing suit."
"The president believes in building personal relationships with other heads of state," he said of Bush. "This fits into that pattern. I'm sure they'll talk about some international matters. But this is not a summit, this is not something with an agenda. The agenda is 'Come by and let's visit.'"
Link to article
Meaning: Bush: "Dang! No loophole! Ugh, fine, invite the little son of a bitch, but make sure everyone knows that it's not an OFFICIAL INVITE. Try to word it so people get the gist that he invited himself."
In other news, here is an interesting article in the IHT about the whole integration process when you get your carte de séjour.
A few news bytes, along with the true meaning behind the words:
"The French president, looking tan and relaxed in a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, said he jogs each morning and goes fishing every afternoon. He said he was enjoying the region's forests, lakes and small-town atmosphere. "I must say, I'm not disappointed," he said...Sarkozy, who has pledged to warm up French-U.S. relations since his election in May, said his choice of vacation spots had no political significance. "There are 900,000 French people who go to the United States every year, and I'm one of the 900,000," he said."
Link to article
Meaning: "Yes, I'm one of the 900,000 French people who come to America, but I am the President of France as well - I must continue the French tradition of kissing ass to powerful world leaders...and I picked Wolfeboro for its close proximity to Kennebunkport."
"Sarkozy, who skipped French vacation spots for a break on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, hinted at, but declined to confirm, a possible side trip to meet U.S. President George W. Bush. "The White House and the Elysee (the French presidential palace) will give an update of a possible meeting between president Bush and myself," Sarkozy told reporters. "Now is not the time to say anything." Wolfeboro, about 100 miles north of Boston, is just 50 miles from Kennebunkport, Maine, where the Bush family has an estate. President Bush is expected to visit Kennebunkport next weekend. A White House staff member in Washington also said that there was no announcement of a meeting."
Link to article
Meaning: Sarkozy: "Well, technically, Mr. Bush hasn't invited me yet, but I'm hoping he will. I mean, he's already invited Mr. Putin and Mr. Brown, but not MOI! Ah, yes, but I am quite clever - he can't not invite me now, since I am so conveniently close by to his summer home, AND he'll be here this coming weekend! I mean, you can't NOT invite a head of state who just so HAPPENS to be vacationing right nearby - it's all international protocol. (insert evil laugh) I am just way too smart!!!" Bush: "Dammit, I just can't catch a break, can I? That guy has been calling up my people for the last 6 months now for an official meeting! I have way more important things going on! Ugh, is there anyway I can get out of having to invite him to my personal vacation home? Can someone please do some research on international protocol and find a loophole? Like, maybe it says somewhere that when the President of the U.S. is on vacation, he can sort of ignore vacationing heads of state? I mean, I really NEED a vacation, what with the whole country hating me, and this mess in Iraq, and my immigration plan failed....(breaks down weeping)"
On Sarko freaking out on the photographers:
"The skirmish that ensued was brief but brusque. The Sarkozy vessel made a bee-line for the photographers. Once alongside, the scantily-dressed President leapt on to their boat, briefly seized the camera of DeWitt, and indulged in a lot of full-lung shouting. "The President was very agitated, speaking French at a loud volume very rapidly," was how DeWitt put it. The pair repeatedly tried to explain that neither of them understood M. Sarkozy. They asked for help with translation from someone else on his boat. At first, no one in the President's party seemed willing to assist."
Link to article
What was most likely the actual conversation:
Sarkozy: "Mais MERDE!!! PUTAIN! Mais ça va pas, non? Eh, franchement, je viens tout juste de faire une conférence de presse et maintenant vous voulez me prendre en photo ENCORE! Je vous ai pas donné la permission de venir ici! Oh, les sales Anglo-Saxons, franchement, je peux pas les blairer - ils se croient tous permis! Je DETESTE les américains!"
Photographer 1: "What? What's he saying?"
Photographer 2: "Dude, I don't know, I don't speak French. But I think he's mad - look, he's waving his arms around and his face is all red. (pause) He kinda looks like a bulldog..."
Photographer 1: "Uh, Mr. Sarkozy, we have official permission to be here..."
Sarkozy: "Oh! En plus, ces sales américains, ils parlent pas un mot de français! Ils sont pas civilisés! En même temps, remarque, maintenant Bush est carrément obligé de me voir..."
Photographers: "Uh, anyone speak French?"
Cecilia Sarkozy: "Ee zay zat you stop takeen zee photo. Ee zay ee don't wont photo. Ee just to geeve already conférence presse et ee zay no more photo, now ee relaxe eez vacazhon."
Photographer 1: "What?"
Photographer 2: "I think she said he doesn't want us to take pictures anymore."
Photographer 1: "Oh. Why not? I mean, he's like, the president of France. I thought he liked having his picture taken."
Photographer 2: "Dunno. Maybe it's 'cause he's short and doesn't look so hot in a bathing suit."
"The president believes in building personal relationships with other heads of state," he said of Bush. "This fits into that pattern. I'm sure they'll talk about some international matters. But this is not a summit, this is not something with an agenda. The agenda is 'Come by and let's visit.'"
Link to article
Meaning: Bush: "Dang! No loophole! Ugh, fine, invite the little son of a bitch, but make sure everyone knows that it's not an OFFICIAL INVITE. Try to word it so people get the gist that he invited himself."
In other news, here is an interesting article in the IHT about the whole integration process when you get your carte de séjour.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Mrs.
When The H (husband) and I were discussing getting married, the topic of me taking his last name came up.
He made it very clear that though he would respect any choice I made, he would really prefer it if I took his last name.
As for myself, I didn't really care one way or another - there didn't seem to be any real advantage or disadvantage involved, though I did think it would be fun to try out a new signature (should I take the H's last name).
Finally, I figured, "why not?" and I ended up taking his last name.
But when the H and I went into the Préfecture for my carte de séjour renewal, he was disappointed to discover that I would still have my maiden name on the carte. He made it a point to ask the young fonctionnaire (her cubicle was decorated with heavy metal band stickers and empty cigarette boxes) about this. "Ah," she said. "Well, the thing is, for the French government, you will always be listed under your maiden name. But we can put on your carte de séjour "nom de mariée" (married name) under your maiden name." The H was not very happy about it, but there wasn't much he could do.
Last week, I headed out to the sécu (healthcare office). It says on the official website that you are supposed to notify them when you change your marital status. So I went over, armed with copies of my passport page, my récipissé (a large, unwieldly temporary carte de séjour that one uses while waiting for the actual one to arrive), the H's national ID card, and my all-important Carte Vitale (a green credit card-like thing that has all your info on it, and that you hand over to the doctor and/or the pharmacist) as well as photocopies of our marriage certificate and the all-important "Livret de famille" (an official booklet that is impossible to modify; it is given to all people who get married, with all your official info in there, plus you are supposed to write in the names of your children when you have them).
I went up to the male receptionist/fonctionnaire and explained my situation: "I'm covered by my partner, with whom I was pacsed, but now we are married!" The receptionist stared at me. "Yeah, and...?" "Oh, well, isn't there anything I need to update? Like, the fact that we're not pacsed, but married?" The receptionist looked very bored and said, "Well, I guess, but only if you change your last name." "Oh, well, yes, in fact, I am changing my last name." "Okay, so you'll need a copy of your livret de famille..." he started. "Oh, I have all that with me," I said. "Okay, well, then here's your number and you can speak with someone in the back".
I took my number and waited about 5 minutes before I was called to one of the fonctionnaire's desk, a nice middle-aged man. "Yes, how can I help you?" he asked. So I started my whole spiel again: "Well, I was pacsed, but now I'm married..." "Yeah, and....?" said the fonctionnaire. "And, I thought I would update our records?" I asked. "Oh, well, only if you plan on changing your last name." said the fonctionnaire. "Ah, yes, well, here are all the photocopies of the necessary documents," I said, pulling out a giant envelope. "Uh, I just need the photocopy of the livret de famille, please," he replied. After handing over the copy, he clicked around on his computer, and changed my last name. "That's it," he said. "Anything else?" "Um. No, I guess not," I answered, and left.
I told the H that I had been to the sécu that evening, and he was all, "Oh, good, so now they know we are married and they will update everything?" "Um, actually, they just updated my last name. They didn't really care about it. They said the last name was the only thing I needed to update, that is, if I planned on taking yours."
The H has since been annoyed about the whole thing, saying "You know, it's not marked ANYWHERE that you officially have MY last name now! When people get married, the wife takes the husband's last name! You're not supposed to be marked everywhere under your maiden name, and then with a separate line "married name"!" he huffed.
The only consolation I can think of for the H is that with my passport, I imagine they will put me under my new married name, but first I have to figure out how to get it done from here. I have been to the US Embassy website and looked it up, but it just seems quite confusing - I even called the embassy, only to find out that they don't answer calls from US citizens before 3 p.m. in the afternoon. It says that I am supposed to do it all by mail, but that I have to send in only original documents, and that it will be done at the Passport Center in New Hampshire. However, the H and I are thinking seriously of taking a mini-vacation in the next few weeks (my heart is set on the Baltic countries) so I guess we'll have to wait and see afterwards.
He made it very clear that though he would respect any choice I made, he would really prefer it if I took his last name.
As for myself, I didn't really care one way or another - there didn't seem to be any real advantage or disadvantage involved, though I did think it would be fun to try out a new signature (should I take the H's last name).
Finally, I figured, "why not?" and I ended up taking his last name.
But when the H and I went into the Préfecture for my carte de séjour renewal, he was disappointed to discover that I would still have my maiden name on the carte. He made it a point to ask the young fonctionnaire (her cubicle was decorated with heavy metal band stickers and empty cigarette boxes) about this. "Ah," she said. "Well, the thing is, for the French government, you will always be listed under your maiden name. But we can put on your carte de séjour "nom de mariée" (married name) under your maiden name." The H was not very happy about it, but there wasn't much he could do.
Last week, I headed out to the sécu (healthcare office). It says on the official website that you are supposed to notify them when you change your marital status. So I went over, armed with copies of my passport page, my récipissé (a large, unwieldly temporary carte de séjour that one uses while waiting for the actual one to arrive), the H's national ID card, and my all-important Carte Vitale (a green credit card-like thing that has all your info on it, and that you hand over to the doctor and/or the pharmacist) as well as photocopies of our marriage certificate and the all-important "Livret de famille" (an official booklet that is impossible to modify; it is given to all people who get married, with all your official info in there, plus you are supposed to write in the names of your children when you have them).
I went up to the male receptionist/fonctionnaire and explained my situation: "I'm covered by my partner, with whom I was pacsed, but now we are married!" The receptionist stared at me. "Yeah, and...?" "Oh, well, isn't there anything I need to update? Like, the fact that we're not pacsed, but married?" The receptionist looked very bored and said, "Well, I guess, but only if you change your last name." "Oh, well, yes, in fact, I am changing my last name." "Okay, so you'll need a copy of your livret de famille..." he started. "Oh, I have all that with me," I said. "Okay, well, then here's your number and you can speak with someone in the back".
I took my number and waited about 5 minutes before I was called to one of the fonctionnaire's desk, a nice middle-aged man. "Yes, how can I help you?" he asked. So I started my whole spiel again: "Well, I was pacsed, but now I'm married..." "Yeah, and....?" said the fonctionnaire. "And, I thought I would update our records?" I asked. "Oh, well, only if you plan on changing your last name." said the fonctionnaire. "Ah, yes, well, here are all the photocopies of the necessary documents," I said, pulling out a giant envelope. "Uh, I just need the photocopy of the livret de famille, please," he replied. After handing over the copy, he clicked around on his computer, and changed my last name. "That's it," he said. "Anything else?" "Um. No, I guess not," I answered, and left.
I told the H that I had been to the sécu that evening, and he was all, "Oh, good, so now they know we are married and they will update everything?" "Um, actually, they just updated my last name. They didn't really care about it. They said the last name was the only thing I needed to update, that is, if I planned on taking yours."
The H has since been annoyed about the whole thing, saying "You know, it's not marked ANYWHERE that you officially have MY last name now! When people get married, the wife takes the husband's last name! You're not supposed to be marked everywhere under your maiden name, and then with a separate line "married name"!" he huffed.
The only consolation I can think of for the H is that with my passport, I imagine they will put me under my new married name, but first I have to figure out how to get it done from here. I have been to the US Embassy website and looked it up, but it just seems quite confusing - I even called the embassy, only to find out that they don't answer calls from US citizens before 3 p.m. in the afternoon. It says that I am supposed to do it all by mail, but that I have to send in only original documents, and that it will be done at the Passport Center in New Hampshire. However, the H and I are thinking seriously of taking a mini-vacation in the next few weeks (my heart is set on the Baltic countries) so I guess we'll have to wait and see afterwards.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
No longer a bride...
Things have been pretty crazy lately, mostly with post-wedding stuff.
Plus, the high moment of being a bride has worn off (way to quickly) and now I am just a "wife" and no longer a "bride".
Anyway, the party part of the wedding was actually quite nice. We had been worried about the weather, as there were several conflicting reports - some said it would rain and some said it would be sunny.
We arrived at the in-laws house around 1 p.m., where we were greeted by people throwing rose petals at us in the walkway to the back garden - it was fun but a little freaky as the rose petals somehow made their way inside my dress too, and our friends were having way too much fun throwing the rose petals violently into our faces. We had a brunch with champagne, smoked salmon, and various terrines made by the MIL, then we all changed into casual wear and soaked up the sun - the weather turned out to be quite sunny, and warm - but not too hot, so it was perfect!
Not much to report on the party - everyone just sort of lazed around the back garden. Some people took naps, and some of us played ping-ping or badminton. Around 4 p.m. we had a goûter - some ice cream, along with some pastries. Then we all lazed around the garden again, and I played tarot - an old French card game (not the fortune-telling kind!) that has its own special deck of cards.
At around 7 pm we all changed back into our formalwear and posed for pictures with everyone in the garden, then the in-laws set up the apéritif - various finger foods with champagne. Unfortunately, the clouds that had been gathering became quite menacing, and it grew all dark and windy - we were all freezing cold! All of a sudden, it started to pour rain violently, so we all ran around bringing all the stuff from the garden inside - all the bouquets of flowers, the ice buckets, the napkins, candles, tablecloths, food, and champagne. We managed to squeeze all 19 people into the dining room (it was quite crowded!) while the parents served the food. We then had wedding cake - it turned out beautifully! - although not what we had imagined when we met with the baker. We had also asked for a cake for 30, but our cake ended up being for about 50! After the cake, the rain stopped so we all went outside on the terrace and danced for about 15 minutes before everyone went inside (it was too cold and wet outside!). Everyone just sat around chatting and then people started leaving around 2 a.m. The BF (although I suppose now he is The Hubby) and I went to bed around 3 a.m.
The next morning was the brunch/BBQ part of the day but we were all so exhausted from the previous night that it was a bit uneventful - my mom made hamburgers and potato salad, so it was like an American BBQ. Everyone then went to take a nap right afterwards. It was funny how fast the previous day went - the hubby and I felt as though we barely talked to anyone at all!
Now there are a zillion things to be done, post-wedding - I had no idea that there would be so many things to do! We have just finished writing thank-you cards, and today I am off to print a few wedding pictures - we thought we would include photos of us with our guests as part of the thank you cards.
Oh, yes, and this past Monday I had to go to the Préfecture to finish the renewal process for my carte de séjour - the Hubby's presence was required, so he had to take the afternoon off to come with me. The appointment time was at 3 p.m., but the time they called us, it was already 4:30 p.m. (and the Hubby pointed out that they started rushing around that time, as it was close to 5 p.m. and thus time for all fonctionnaires to go home). It wasn't much of a process - all that happened was that I handed over a copy of our marriage certificate and various other papers (proof of joint bank account, proof of health insurance, and some of our bills). We were required to sign some affidavit in front of the fonctionnaire that we lived together, then she handed over a document telling me to pick up my new carte de séjour on August 30th, along with 70 euros. (Hubby suspects that the pick up date is Aug 30th only because everyone is on vacation).
Plus, the high moment of being a bride has worn off (way to quickly) and now I am just a "wife" and no longer a "bride".
Anyway, the party part of the wedding was actually quite nice. We had been worried about the weather, as there were several conflicting reports - some said it would rain and some said it would be sunny.
We arrived at the in-laws house around 1 p.m., where we were greeted by people throwing rose petals at us in the walkway to the back garden - it was fun but a little freaky as the rose petals somehow made their way inside my dress too, and our friends were having way too much fun throwing the rose petals violently into our faces. We had a brunch with champagne, smoked salmon, and various terrines made by the MIL, then we all changed into casual wear and soaked up the sun - the weather turned out to be quite sunny, and warm - but not too hot, so it was perfect!
Not much to report on the party - everyone just sort of lazed around the back garden. Some people took naps, and some of us played ping-ping or badminton. Around 4 p.m. we had a goûter - some ice cream, along with some pastries. Then we all lazed around the garden again, and I played tarot - an old French card game (not the fortune-telling kind!) that has its own special deck of cards.
At around 7 pm we all changed back into our formalwear and posed for pictures with everyone in the garden, then the in-laws set up the apéritif - various finger foods with champagne. Unfortunately, the clouds that had been gathering became quite menacing, and it grew all dark and windy - we were all freezing cold! All of a sudden, it started to pour rain violently, so we all ran around bringing all the stuff from the garden inside - all the bouquets of flowers, the ice buckets, the napkins, candles, tablecloths, food, and champagne. We managed to squeeze all 19 people into the dining room (it was quite crowded!) while the parents served the food. We then had wedding cake - it turned out beautifully! - although not what we had imagined when we met with the baker. We had also asked for a cake for 30, but our cake ended up being for about 50! After the cake, the rain stopped so we all went outside on the terrace and danced for about 15 minutes before everyone went inside (it was too cold and wet outside!). Everyone just sat around chatting and then people started leaving around 2 a.m. The BF (although I suppose now he is The Hubby) and I went to bed around 3 a.m.
The next morning was the brunch/BBQ part of the day but we were all so exhausted from the previous night that it was a bit uneventful - my mom made hamburgers and potato salad, so it was like an American BBQ. Everyone then went to take a nap right afterwards. It was funny how fast the previous day went - the hubby and I felt as though we barely talked to anyone at all!
Now there are a zillion things to be done, post-wedding - I had no idea that there would be so many things to do! We have just finished writing thank-you cards, and today I am off to print a few wedding pictures - we thought we would include photos of us with our guests as part of the thank you cards.
Oh, yes, and this past Monday I had to go to the Préfecture to finish the renewal process for my carte de séjour - the Hubby's presence was required, so he had to take the afternoon off to come with me. The appointment time was at 3 p.m., but the time they called us, it was already 4:30 p.m. (and the Hubby pointed out that they started rushing around that time, as it was close to 5 p.m. and thus time for all fonctionnaires to go home). It wasn't much of a process - all that happened was that I handed over a copy of our marriage certificate and various other papers (proof of joint bank account, proof of health insurance, and some of our bills). We were required to sign some affidavit in front of the fonctionnaire that we lived together, then she handed over a document telling me to pick up my new carte de séjour on August 30th, along with 70 euros. (Hubby suspects that the pick up date is Aug 30th only because everyone is on vacation).
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