HR in Paris vs. US

Hey folks - A quick question for you - Jano said she has posted comments but I never got them. Is anyone else having the same problem? I got Janet's post - but not Jannette's. Odd....

So let me tell you about the French lesson I had the other day at lunch. I have a very wonderful colleague who sits right behind me at work. She is probably my closest friend here. So - she asked me to lunch the other day and I was delighted to join her. (In my office, there is a huge restaurant and it's the only place you can eat during the day. There are no other break rooms or places to warm up food - so you really MUST go to lunch every single day with people - not just a quick bite alone at your desk).

So - my friend (who wishes to remain anonymous...so I will call her Sophie) and I join some other HR people and get down to our usual girl gossip. Sophie is busy describing the situation faced by a girl that she knows at work. This girl's boss makes her do lots and lots of work, but never gives her any credit - unless it fails. You know the type. So as Sophie was describing this horrible situation she said "You know - it's just like she is his <>" At this point, I almost spit my food into her face. I am sure that I misunderstood. Everyone stopped to see if I was okay because my face turned red and my eyes were watering. I choked out - "what did you say she was?" And Sophie said "I said she is his His <>" OMG - WTF - I can't believe my ears. I am sitting at a table full of HR people and they are casually using the N word? Is it normal? Is this an acceptable word in France???? HOLY CRAP!!!!!! I know - Lee you must be imagining my face and spitting your coffee onto your computer right now! LOL!!!! My other friend tried to explain... "No Lorraine it's not the same as in the US - it means that she is his slave" OMG - REALLY - THAT IS THE SAME THING! I mean you just can't imagine my reaction. They kept explaining and it kept getting worse. It was probably the funniest cultural moment to watch as an observer. WOW - I think that's all I can say about that. Sophie is an amazing HR person - it's just different!

So to change the subject to a more P.C. one - I have been re-familiarizing myself with my guitar since we have been here. I have learned how to play: Breakdown (Tom Petty); Some of Stairway to Heaven (Led); Creep (Radiohead); Doll Parts (Hole); Travelling Soldier (Dixie Chicks); Patients (GNR). Thanks for that present mom - it's the gift that has kept giving for the last 16 years! If any of you have a suggested song - please send it to me - I am really loving it and didn't realize how much I missed it. Louellen - I know you must have some ideas!

Well that will sum it up for tonight - we are about to go out and get some hot chocolate from the tabac! :-) I just wanted to write a quick note because I was thinking about how much I miss you. Today is Ashaley's birthday and in a week it will be Lee's. I hope you guys are having a good time and livin it up Texas style! Happy birthday Ash - I hope you see this message and that you are doing okay! I look forward to hearing from you all and please do let me know if you are sending comments through the post function and it's not working.

Love you!