a'leau

I was a few minutes early for my chiropractor appointment. While waiting in the reception area for the doctor to see me, my phone rang. Since it was a close friend, I answered the call with a casual "Hello"... which I colloquially pronounce "ah-low" ...at which point my chiropractor (who happens to be French) walks into the reception area with a chuckle. He said he couldn't imagine anyone having a more appropriate pronunciation of "Hello." My colloquial "Hello" sounds exactly like the French "a'leau" (meaning: "in water")!

I guess I've just got water on the brain; it subconsciously influences even my most basic activities. Who would have thought that a simple greeting I use dozens of times every day is actually subtly revealing such an integral part of who I am as a person. So the next time I answer your call with a friendly "a'leau," you'll know that I'm really sharing much more than an obligatory greeting; I'm sharing a part of my world with you.