The U3A French class is helping me to be less self-conscious about speaking aloud in French. The tutor's approach to teaching enables everyone in the class to practise listening carefully to the spoken word, compared with the written language that was emphasised during my schooling. Excursions into cultural habits, and history, etc. also add to the experience and understanding of the language.  All that's needed is self-discipline in practising more often, and using what resources are available.  The Yabla website is great, as well as About.com French Language.  Life just seems to get in the way.  This weekend it is a family funeral, which involves a long road trip and buying appropriate clothes, not to speak of dealing with the emotional stress on family members.  What will next week bring?  Whatever it is, I know I'll learn something new about Life.
One of the good things about being a grandparent is watching the growth of grandchildren.  Why is it that we generally don't give our children the same attention?  Again, Life.  Work. Housework. Study. Shopping. Relishing that tiny amount of time after the kids go to bed.