English is my native language, and the only one I speak relatively fluently. One would think that I would be able to keep common phrases straight and use them properly, but this seems to be a virtual impossibility. The other day I was chatting online with a friend and I said I was ‘green with jealousy.’ Somewhere deep in the back of brain there was a little alarm bell that went off (note: a ding, not a gong) because I knew I did not have it right. But did my mind manage to pull up the right phrase? Nope. A couple of hours later it suddenly dawns on me that the phrase is green with envy. 

I have to admit that I was rather impressed with myself the other day in that I realized I said the wrong phrase and later figured out the correct phrase; most of time I remain clueless. The exception to this is when dad is around–he laughs and corrects my mis-phrased phrases. I wonder what goes through everyone else’s mind when they hear ‘Pam phrases.’ 

 And what else is that I do to jumble this language you ask? There are times when I can practically grasp the word I want in my hand, and yet am unable to find it. When I am tired or cold I have to remember to not slur my words together as they remain clear in my head regardless of what comes out of my mouth. When I am excited I talk really really fast. One good friend would point it out every time it happened by sarcastically saying, “Could you talk a little faster?” He eventually got used to the fast talk and gave up his little quest to slow me down.  And so I remain a fast talker, sometimes word-slurrer who regularly says the wrong thing. 

And yet I love to speak. I love to talk with friends for hours, debate odd topics, lecture to a room full of student, and inspire kids through spoken words

Yep, that’s me. And yes, I have red hair, but that’s a topic for another day

Priceless.

Tags: me