Getting French Citizenship

Four out of five ain't bad!

Next week I will post my tips on how to give a presentation that will have people saying, “you’re such a natural!” Or maybe I’ll finish the post I started writing about how I consider my kids as clients, or the other one I started about French baby pajamas as a spiritual practice. Stuff like that…

I don’t know if it’s a postpartum need to have a creative outlet since I’m no longer creating something in my body or the fact that it’s been a long time since I’ve written or spoken on things that swirl around in this head of mine, but I’ve got a surge of energy and this is my raceway.

Part of this project is dedicated to giving a peek into our life here in France, so it felt only right to make another video with Matt and share what happened last night. The culimation of two years of paperwork and waiting, paperwork and waiting felt like a milestone to celebrate.

French citizenship! Last night we attended the naturalization ceremony for Matt and the kids now being official French citizens and thus becoming dual citizens of two countries we love.

Why not you, Joy?

You have to pass a language test to get citizenship and there isn’t enough deodorant in the world that would help me not melt into a puddle of liquid language shame.

You haven’t learned French yet?

No.

Are you embarrassed?

Please read previous sentence about what happens to my glands when I try.

What is your excuse?

I work in English, I’ve been growing and birthing three babies the past six years, I know enough to be culturally polite about how bad my french is…in French. Miming has gotten me farther than I ever imagined.

The self-soothing practice I use to tend my wounds on this language journey (which is more of a long-term parking situation vs. journey) is a phrase everyone says to children in France when they are getting worked up, running too fast or attempting something that is beyond their age appropriate level, “doucement, Joy. doucement.”

Perhaps my pyschological and emotional issues around not learning a language in the seven years we’ve lived here can be disected another time, but until then here are some pictures and a video capturing the mile-marker and emotions of getting citizenship for (most of) the Reeds.

Video diary April 2, 2024

The Mairie of the 17th Arrondisement. Essentially our town hall.

Geoffroy BOULARD, who I refer to as “the president of our neighborhood”.

Wanting to get on stage and do ballet but restraining herself.

Get yourself a second citizenship in a country that has goverment spending allocated to champagne.

Tax dollars at work.

Up way past their bedtime with memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.

What is your vote for my next post?

1. Tips for speaking naturally

2. Kids as clients

3. French baby pajamas as a spiritual practice

Until then, Viva la France!

-Joy