Home sweet home, where today's story begins… Note: today's word is more in theme with Part 2 of the following story (I ran out of time and didn't get to finish it. So consider today's word a hint! Will it be definition 1 or definition 2 that defines the end of the story? Stay tuned…)
soûler (soo-lay)
1. (soûler quelqu'un) to get somebody drunk
2. to drive somebody crazy
se soûler = to get drunk
se soûler au pastis = to get drunk on pastis
se soûler la gueule = to get totally wasted
Audio File: Hear Jean-Marc pronounce the following sentence: Download Souler or listen to the Wav file
Ils n'arrêtent pas de claquer les portes et de hurler. Ça me soûle! They don't stop slamming the doors and shouting. It's driving me crazy!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
When we finally agreed to turn over our home to our son for his first all-night party, I had the idea to appoint my husband as chaperone. After all, there would be une trentaine de copains to keep an eye on—not to mention furniture and dogs to protect!
I felt guilty about skipping out on the watchman duty, until I remembered that I’m the one who always stays behind with the kids while Jean-Marc travels for business 4 weeks a year. Dieu le sait I’ve had my share of catastrophes to handle, solo; it was Jean-Marc’s turn to babysit the home—and to chaperone!
Casanière to a fault, it is rare that I venture out on my own. What better time to do so than now, when our quiet haven would be transformed into a thundering all night disco? Besides, there was no use in three of us suffering a sleepless night. (I could steal Jackie away with me, making this a mère-fille getaway!)
To seal the deal, I threw in a bonus: If Jean-Marc would agree to watch the property—and keep 30 teenage revelers in line—I’d make sure his ears were protected from those blaring speakers by buying him a trusty pair of boules Quiès at the pharmacy!
With or without earplugs, Jean-Marc agreed to hold down the fort, and on June 2nd I woke early, made him his tea and set about doing as much of the party preparations as possible before Jackie and I hightailed it off the property after lunch. Only, our mother-daughter departure was delayed when the accidental chaperone began to suffer a sudden case of volunteer’s remorse!
"Do you have to leave already?” Jean-Marc complained. “What's the hurry—the party doesn't start until 8 pm!"
Clearly, Jean-Marc was experiencing the first pangs of resentment. Eh ben, tant pis pour lui! He had already accepted the position of damage controller and agreed to suffer the nightshift duty! Plans were plans, and mine had been made in advance! I jealously went over in my mind my mother-daughter weekend agenda, reinforcing my intentions, lest our getaway plans be further threatened!
If all went well, Jackie and I would check in to the economical IBIS motel by 2 pm. There was a lap pool sur place and a mall within walking distance—we wouldn't spend any more money than necessary, after all there would be the motel to pay for, but we could certainly faire du lèche-vitrines at the various boutiques. Then, we would stroll back to the motel for a swim, this after a nap and before an early dinner (just a few healthy snacks we’d pick-up at the supermarket), after which we'd tuck in early—one of us with a good book and the other with reality TV (an exception could be made!). What a mini-vacation this would be! Only, décidément, some of us were now feeling a little left out, maybe even deceived!
I studied our unenthusiastic chaperone.
"But I have done all I can for the party!" I pointed out. Indeed, there was nothing else to do but fight the urge to control the behavior of the few teens who had already arrived. Ces derniers were busy barbecuing their lunch, shirtless and hatless beneath the burning noonday sun!
“You all need sunscreen and casquettes!” I had already told Max, discreetly calling him away from his circle of copains.
I had hoped to spare the boys—and their two dozen soon-to-arrive friends—of this kind of party-dampering mothering. Jean-Marc was most certainly the man for the job! It is he who would find the good and natural balance between freedom and damage control.
Well, so he wasn’t happy about my early departure. Tough luck! I would just have to stick to my guns, and ignore this unexpected resistance on his part.
My decision was firm. I looked the unwitting chaperone directly in the eyes. Quickly grabbing my overnight bag, I blurted a hasty au revoir.
“See you later!”
I had no idea just how soon that would be….
***
French Vocabulary
une trentaine de copains = around 30 friends
Dieu le sait = God knows
casanier, casanière = homebody
mère-fille = mother-daughter
les boules Quiès (fpl) = earplugs
ben (eh ben) = well, er
eh ben, tant pis pour lui! = well, too bad for him!
sur place = on site
faire du lèche-vitrines = to window-shop
décidément = obviously
ces derniers = these last ones
la casquette = baseball cap
au revoir = goodbye
Chief Grape was away during one of our wine-tastings, so I asked Caroline, friend, vigneronne, and wine-maker, to help host the May 22nd tasting. Caroline is from Perth, Australia, and now lives nearby in Orange.
(Photo by Peter Bissell.) Here is Jacques Morin, who sent the first two photos and who says he uses the book Words in a French Life for his French classes at Blue Ridge Community College, in Flat Rock, North Carolina, and that the book has been a great tool for language learning (hint-hint-hint!). Thanks so much, Jacques! I hope other teachers will consider one of the books for their classes, too (more hints!)!
Name this photo of Smokey. Click here to comment or to add a thought bubble.
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Hi Kristi,
“Ta Place, Smokey” is a suggestion.
Can’t wait to read part 2 — Chief Grape told me about the party last Monday and I realised that les copains et copines would not be drinking the farm products of Domaine-Rouge-Bleu but something much stronger and with less color!
Maybe you could post part 2 already tomorrow!
Now I’m really curious . . . always love a good mystery! Can’t wait to hear what happens. Dad’s always have a different take on what would prompt them to “intervene” as compared to what we Moms would do. This should be a really great story!
Miss you bunches, xx rk
OOh this is a great mystery–can’t wait to hear the rest–but I hope you and Jackie decided to go out for dinner for your celebration together. I also concur on using your 2 books for a fun way to learn some very current French.
“to wet totally wasted” (sic)
Been there, done that…………!!
Wow, 30 young Johnny Hallydays all at once! You’re game! Definitely a male chaperone needed….Were they sleeping over as well? Can’t wait for the sequel! You obviously had to get back tout de suite…….So sorry for your girlie getaway!
Smokey in a very defiant tone says:
“Sorry Mom, I will not obey this time. I am serious – do you see that my tongue is not out and my chin is held high!”
Smokey is the best!
Aaaargh! I hate cliffhangers. See you again on Wednesday for sure.
I heard you fine, and I know what you think, but I still wanna kiss you. Lickety lick, bisou bisou….
Vous me conduissez souler!
you drive me crazy?
Ha! Glad to hear someone else in the world had party night on the 2nd June! It was my son’s 21st birthday and we had 55 family ( my husband is one of 10) and 25 of my son’s nearest and dearest! It rained so the house was very full! We had a very noisy, squashy, fun rabble of ages from 6 months to grandparents…lots of fun!
It was the 12 “little” ones under the age of 10 that made me laugh when they found raspberries in the berry fruit salad (the ones I would not let my daughter sneak earlier on in the day as they were an expensive treat) and they carefully tied them to the ends of the silver string that were attached to 21 helium balloons and, while no one was watching, set them floating off into space…..so watch out for flying raspberries!!! 😉
Smokey thought bubble: “Your point??”
This is a tough on. I want to say that someone got wasted/drunk but I’m betting that J.M. was calling you so often with reports and questions that were driving him crazy that your “mère-fille getaway” was a bust.
My son turned 17 on Saturday and we took him out to dinner with his girlfriend and my daughter. It was a beautiful evening. Serene in not only the clear evening’s beauty but in knowing that he has become such a nice guy. But, the dinner was the calm before the storm.
When we arrived home, I knew some friends would be there waiting for him and they were to my son’s surprise. What i didn’t know was that he would be bombed by dozens of water balloons causing childish mayhem to breakout. (of course – in the dark – we had to hunt for every shred of balloon, lest the dogs find a piece) Oh, boy/s – What an age!?! Caught in the cusp of boyhood and manhood.
That’s why I’m leaning towards J.M. going crazy. I had to fight off “loosing it” myself especially when they came into the house for eggs to throw when the balloons ran out!! I HAD to physically guard the “fridgo” and just try to enjoy the craziness until they exhausted themselves. Can’t wait to hear your ending!!!!!
* The misplaced word “jealousy” appears in the 7th paragraph, Kristin (unless it’s a subliminal message from J.M.).
SMOKE thought bubble: “No, you go get the ball.”
Having chaperoned a couple of high school graduation parties, I’m always amazed at the energy that 18 year olds can have at 4am! I hope J-M’s chaperoning went well – we’ll just have to wait to find out.
@Karen, it says “jealously” not jealousy. Referring to Kristin, jealously guarding her carefully-made plans with Jackie.
Cannot wait for the Wednesday post, to learn how the evening of this grand party went. Starting with lunch around the barbeque.
PS I am so impressed Kristin that you handled a wine tasting when Jean-Marc was away.
Dear Kristin,
I just wanted to tell you that you always look so effortlessly chic and beautiful!
Cassie
I loved the way you ended your blog today…mystery and suspense.
I hope all is well at the Espinasse house.
Yes, mam, I will clean up the yard now!
Great story! Can’t wait to hear the rest. Don’t forget to tell us about the mother-daughter weekend.
@Sarah – you are correct! I read it wrong. Not enough coffee.
‘
‘I had no idea how soon that would be—” Intriguing way to end Part 1 and begin Part 2!!
I have a young son, so can somewhat imagine the nuances of your feelings.
Kristin
Will you offer wine tastings in September?
Will be suggesting your book to the few French teachers I know here in North Carolina.
Have enjoyed all.
Ronni Lester Ebbers
but mom, i thought that pie was for me. or
What bedsheets?, it must have been the wind.
or; jules said we could…..
How fun it is to read your blog a Paris! We just arrived. Looking forward to part two.
Me, too. Eagerly await part two but do hope you got to enjoy a get-away!!
THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT !
I vote for Gus’ bubble! One correction–the spelling of discretely in the paragraph that begins “You all need sunscreen. . .”. There are two spellings for this word and I think the one you mean is “discreetly” meaning “unobtrusively”. I love the picture taken inside your house. I remember the photos from when you first moved in and were remodeling–quite a difference! Would a post-party picture look a lot different???
Thank you all for the funny thought bubbles. Its so amusing to hear Smokey talk through you!
Jan in CO, thanks for the correction. Ill have a look…
Pinman, whoops! Now there was a slip of the keys on my part. Ive changed it to to get wasted.
Maureen, there were more girls than boys at the party!
Gail, I think its tu me soules!
Gretel, those flying raspberries were just delightful! Quelle image!
Karen, you did a good job guarding the frigo and keeping the dogs safe. Happy 17th to your son!
Bill, thanks for confirming that kids in the US stay out all night, too. I was beginning to doubt my memory — come to think of it, prom night was all night.
Sarah, thanks for clearing that up. Re the tasting, Caroline handled it more than I! She can talk wine. I like to talk to all the people!
Cassie, I so appreciate the compliment. If you only knew how I dorky my wardrobe feels on me! I try, though. I try!
Dad, your note makes my day. I love you and miss you!
Ronni, Im not sure about September yet… please check back 😉
Jan, have fun in Paris!
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I think Smkey is wondering why you are pointing behind him when the treats are clearly in the other direction…can’t wait to hear the sequel!
Jo
Hi dear Kristin,
The only thing more wonderful than your story today is how beautiful is your home!
So much love there and we can feel it through your words!
You’ve again graced us with a terrific start to the week!
THANK YOU!!!!
Love, Natalia XO
PS Might Smokey be saying ” I’m a good boy and I love my family!”?
“But Mom, I don’t want to go out and play – it’s too cold.” said Smokey.
Oh boy, I can just see the trouble that someone got into. More girls than boys – I’m not surprised. He really is a catch.
Waiting….for part 2.
Hi Kristin,
Your mother-daughter time sounds fun! I love the phrase “eh ben, tant pis pour lui!” Funny! I have said that in my head before when I have left my husband alone with kids. haha
Smokey bubble: Not today!
Fun reading your blog. Thanks!
Cannot wait for installment two. Thought bubble for this photo with Smokey, “Find Chief Grape, now!”
Wow, you have really left us hanging – can’t wait to read the next installment.
Smokey says “No, Mom, I will not go there.”
My first reaction to today’s blog was from the first photo! I have been wanting to get a postcard stand for my house for a long time and keep looking for one to display all my travel cards I’ve picked up, instead of just having them in boxes or drawers!
I am anxious, like others, to hear the next installment of your story about Chief Grape and his chaperoning of Max’ party! I think that is so great you took Jackie for a girls night/day out – she will remember that for a very, very long time!
Smokey: “Please don’t make me go back out there alone. There are scary critters in those bushes”
Les boules Quies…they are always packed in my dob kit! If Jean Marc uses these,how will he know when the boys “borrow the car”!
Love this story Kristin! As a maman of two boys, I share your sentiments (and am afraid that’s what I’m looking forward to! ;)… Hope all went well. Your home is so charming!
Can’t wait to hear the remainder of the story!!!
DianeDa
Hi Kristin!
I’m currently reading and thoroughly enjoying “Words in a French Life”. So glad to see Jacques Morin’s picture with you in the blog today. My husband Gary Droghini and I had the pleasure of meeting Jacques at Jean Marc’s wine dinner at Bouchon in Asheville a few months ago. My husband and Jacques are fellow French-Canadians!
Kerry Shannon (Asheville, NC)