Weepy Cheeks

I LOVE to laugh!  It’s my favorite thing to do and I make a point to do it often - sometimes at very inappropriate moments: when I’m in trouble with someone and should be sincere in my remorse but something has hit my funny bone; in church, while singing sacred hymns I am often reminded of hearing someone sing the same hymn in a strong vibrato or worse, they were tone deaf and I can’t stop myself from doing my best impression; or at the movies or theater when the scene is building up to something comedic.  I often anticipate where the scene is heading and begin to laugh when I appreciate the humor…  a moment or two early.  Or worse - I think it’s going to be funny and am then horribly surprised when it takes a different direction and I am the only one who has laughed at all.

The flip side of this manic disorder of mine is that I HATE to cry.  It’s not because I think crying is a sign of weakness, because I have learned to appreciate the strength it takes to offer tears of compassion or the healing affect crying has on the body.  Why I hate to cry and will fight it with every fiber of my being is because I am an ugly cryer (I know spell check says it’s to be spelled c-r-i-e-r but I would read that and pronounce it “creer” and I don’t like the sound of that, so poo on you spell checker!)

I have several friends who are wonderful cry-ers.  They don’t fight their emotions and try to keep them to themselves.  They also have the ability to listen to someone in pain and express compassion back to them through their own tears.  These friends are beautiful cry-ers and weep silent, gentle tears of empathy, sharing the moment with a wounded soul.

One friend I have in particular, I will call her “Erin,” is someone who I have come to appreciate very much for her crying ability.  I have seen Erin console many people as she sheds her beautiful tears right along with them and tenderly pats them on the back or offers a needed hug.  Then, just minutes later, Erin’s face shows no signs of the tears.  After wiping them dry Erin can return to her normal activities, with no one seeing the evidence of her sympathy.

I am not at all like Erin.  When I cry, those few situations where I succumb to the emotions that provoke the action, there is nothing beautiful about it.  First of all, once I get started I have a difficult time stopping.  The harder I try, the worse it gets.  Next, I am a loud cry-er.  I sniffle like crazy, I often blubber like an idiot or sob, emitting unrecognizable sounds with either.  Finally, my face turns a shade of red Crayola should add to their assortment.  They could call it “Weepy Cheeks” or something like that.

It is not a pretty sight!  Plus - the effects linger.  I cannot get the red out of my eyes or cheeks for hours.  Usually, only after a full night’s sleep is the evidence gone.  So, you can see why I fight the tears.  Unfortunately, fighting the tears is probably what causes the effects to be so severe.  Even when I am doing my best to defend against them breaking the barrier it is evident in my face.  It must be a frightening transformation to witness.

I certainly believe that the shedding of tears is healthy but I do my best to reserve crying for appropriate occasions.  The following are times I have not been ashamed to shed tears:

1. A funeral or event surrounding such
2. The receipt of bad news
3. Comforting a friend who was hurting
4. The death of a beloved pet
5. While watching a sad movie or television program, or reading an emotional story
6. As a result of hysterical laughter

On the flip side, the following are not what I would consider appropriate reasons for crying but have lost the battle with my tears in them anyway:

1. When singing a song, any song.  I’m not sure why but whenever I sing I begin to cry.  It’s a weird thing that I can’t explain but it makes church, birthday celebrations, karaoke, a ride in the car with music playing and even cleaning my house an awkward experience.
2. Tripping on the sidewalk.
3. Being told by a telephone operator, “Your call did not go through.  Please hang up and dial again.”
4. Opening the dryer and realizing my clothes are still damp and have a mildew smell to them - and I really wanted a shirt from the batch.
5. Unloading an entire cart of groceries onto the cashier’s counter, having them rung up and bagged while several customers wait behind - only to find out I forgot to transfer my wallet back to the purse I am using.
6. Forgetting to check the bathroom stall in the busy public restroom for toilet paper and have learned, at the moment I really need it, there is none.
7. Ordering a “Pepsi” at a restaurant while out with friends, and being asked if “Coke” was okay.  I said “Yes” but everyone knew my true feelings when the tears sprinted down my cheeks.

So… you see my dilemma and why I seek laughter in times of difficulty.  I am both an ugly cry-er and an inappropriate cry-er.  Oooh… and I now have one to add to the list of ridiculous reasons to cry:

#8- Reading and reliving the pitiful moments my tears kicked my butt.

I think I’ll call Erin and see if she can come over and help me through it.  Maybe I’ll get her to take a picture of my face and then I’ll contact Crayola with the suggestion and example for a potential addition to their line.  

Seriously Silly

I once received a fortune in the ingenious delivery system the Chinese use in all of their restaurants - the cookie.  This fortune was so fitting for me and caused me to have a much greater appreciation for the little treats which carry a simple message.

The fortune said:  "You have a knack for always finding the silly in the serious."

It was as though the cookie knew me!

Just like everyone else has, I have faced challenging, difficult and even unfair situations... some of which left me heartbroken or with an unbearable emptiness.  Looking back, one of the things that has always helped me through the hardships and not left me stuck in them was the ability to find something to smile or laugh about in it.  

It seems I have developed an incredible defense against sorrow through seeking the silliness.  It isn't always easy and can require a lengthy search, but I have always found something.  Even when my Mother's life was being claimed by a devastating disease she found laughter in it and encouraged me to as well.  I was able to laugh with her at how silly she looked in the ridiculous wig she wore to cover the lack of hair from chemotherapy.  Her mistakingly putting the wig on backwards before attending my Basketball game was a blessing I will cherish all my days.  What an incredible gift she gave me.

That gift has become a big part of me.  It is my signature in dealing with difficult situations.  A little chuckle is fun.  A genuine giggle can be contagious.  And a hearty "Belly Laugh", the kind that knocks the wind out of you and, once recovered, you want to do it all over again, can be some of the best medicine.

Over the years I have had multiple experiences where I was sought out by someone who was hurting.  My time wasn't requested to offer sympathy or to lend a listening ear.  I was the "Go-to" person for a silly time of laughing and enjoying the lighter things in life - a gift I know is God-given and one I have come to truly appreciate in myself. 

On one particular occasion a friend was struggling with the wait she had to endure for some medical test results.  She was facing the possibility of a bleak diagnosis and a grueling treatment but the uncertainty was what was most agonizing.  So... out we went!  

Through a series of hilarious events that evening we laughed so hard the tears were pouring out of our eyes.  We joked with our waiter - something I always enjoy doing (though some accuse me of flirting - the jury is still out on that one) - and the giggles spilled out of us.  We received excellent service too and a "Thank You" from the server who looked forward to every stop at our table.  

Sometime... just for the fun of it... tell your waiter "I'd like my steak so rare that it could possibly recover before I begin eating it" or, "I'll have the Assorted Pies."  You could also treat the "Walk" sign at a busy intersection as an urgent warning.  Sure, you'll have people look at you like you're a complete idiot when you run across the street with your arms flailing wildly and then reach the other side with great relief, but that's the fun of it. 

As it was with that friend, finding laughter where there is pain, anxiety or great sorrow, is good for the soul.  It takes the pressure off and, at least with that dear friend, offered a solace from the seriousness.  We did talk about her situation after she received the results of her tests.  She was not given the diagnosis she feared and was relieved.  I was blessed when she expressed her appreciation for our evening together.  She confessed that when she crawled into bed that night her jaw and sides hurt from laughing so much but she recounted the events of the evening and giggled some more and fell asleep from the exhaustion from our silliness instead of her worry.

I now challenge you to do the same and seek out laughter in difficult experiences - not to make light of your situation but to promote the healing in it.  Laughter can make a huge difference!

I also have a request of you:  Please share with me a difficult situation you have faced or are in the midst of, where finding something in it to laugh at, whether small or large, was or is a significant part of the healing.  You can offer me as much or as little detail as you'd like but, at the very least, please tell me the situation and the thing you found to laugh at.  

It can be as simple as:  "My mother and best friend was dying but her backwards wig made her look like a goofball as she sat on the bleachers of my 8th grade basketball game.  We laughed when I tried to fix it and saw the tag sticking out at her eyebrow.  It was the last time she wore the ridiculous thing but the image was burned into my memory and made me laugh every time I thought about it.  It still does to this day - over 26 years later."

Here's the catch (there's always one of these):  I would love to read about your experience and be encouraged or offer encouragement to you.  I would also love to have permission to use the experiences in a book I am writing about this.  It is entitled "Seriously Funny" and will be a fiction book (at least it is at this point but could change direction and become more of an inspirational non-fiction) so I won't use your name - unless it's okay with you.

Please add your experience as a comment to this post or, if you'd prefer, you can e-mail me with it at:  sheeladaley@comcast.net.  If you e-mail it please use "Seriously Silly" as the subject.  If you want to share it with me but you don't want it shared with the world, please make a note of that for me.  Otherwise, if you share it please understand I would like permission to use it.  I won't set a deadline yet but will later, when I'm ready to wind down the book.

I look forward to crying and laughing with you. 

Wardrobe Dysfunction! (Part One)

Well... we've all been in a situation where an article of clothing didn't quite do it's job.  Sadly, I have had this happen many times - thus, the need for more than one part with this title.

When you are the only one who knows of your dilemma it's not too bad, just disappointing.  When others are involved it can be embarrassing... but is also hilarious.  Learning to laugh is the key.

On one particular occasion I joined some good friends in New York City - a place that holds my heart.  It also holds my pride after this incident.

I packed for an overnight excursion, focusing on only the clothing I would really need.  One item was a pair of nice, comfortable dress pants.  I knew we'd be going out for a nice dinner and jeans wouldn't be appropriate.  I chose my favorite black pants.

They are my favorite black pants of all time!  The material is light and moves just right with my body.  The pants fit exactly how I like them and because the waist is elastic there is never a concern on the zipper status. They are machine washable so no investment with the dry cleaner was necessary.  They are dressy, comfortable and best of all, I feel good when I am wearing them.

I have had these pants for many years and they are always my first choice for an occasion that calls for them.  Have you figured out the problem?  The age of the pants is the clue.

Well... we arrived in NYC, checked into the hotel and planned to change and meet for our dinner reservations after 20 minutes of freshening up from the drive.  I plucked the pants from my suitcase and put them on.  "Ahhh..." they felt good.

Then, the sound I heard was deafening!  It was as though a bomb exploded in my ears and I knew the attack on my pants was swift, leaving me in a situation no woman wants to find herself.  Had the Governor been alerted he would have declared a "State of Emergency" on my pants.

The elastic waistband had given in to old age.  "Time of Death... 10 minutes prior to meeting my friends for dinner."

I'm sure you know, but just in case you don't, when you hear that sound... which is identical to the noise made when velcro is separated... there is no return for the elastic.   It was devastating.

The pants I had just pulled on had no chance of staying put around my waist - even with the sizable backside I sport.  All combined, my "back shelf," "side handles," and "front rolls" would not be sufficient to hold the pants up.  I let go of the waist band and immediately the pants were in a heap around my ankles.  Given the abundance of equipment I just mentioned my midsection boasts, you can imagine how attractive I was standing there.

The guys reading this may not be able to relate to my situation.  "Just put a belt on," I can hear them saying.  Alas, this pair of pants had no belt loops.

I scrambled for safety pins but found none in my suitcase, toiletries bag or hotel desk drawers.  My last resort was to check the hanger with my blouse.  It was fresh from the dry cleaner and still on the hanger he used.  I was in luck!  There were two safety pins in the paper.  However, they were ridiculously tiny. They may have belonged to the people of "Whoville" in the classic tale, Horton Hears a Who.

It was a challenge just to open the pins, let alone use them as fasteners for my alterations, but I was desperate.  I went to work on my project and I'm sure it would have been a great sight for an audience.

I pulled the pants back up, gathered the fabric on the left side and worked at getting a pin in place.  Then, the right side.  For some reason this process causes one to do a rather odd thing.  Pulling the waistband together on my right hip, reaching around the front and holding it tight with my left hand while trying to pin it with the microscopic fastener in my right fingers, caused my legs to want to aid in the process.  Apparently my legs are not all that bright but they meant well.

In an instant I was running around in a circle, turning to the right.  I guess my legs felt I just needed to get closer to the situation.

Within moments I was dizzy.  My awkward position caused me to fall onto the bed.  Of course, that was when I discovered that the point of the tiniest safety pin in the world is among the sharpest things ever made.  I jumped back up onto my feet as quickly as I had fallen and made a noise I don't believe I have ever heard in my life.  I also bit my tongue in the process.  I was officially a casualty of the war with my pants.

I met up with my friends at the appointed time, having done the best I could with what I had.  I kept my situation a secret, kept my hands in my pockets when walking and kept up to the best of my ability.  I was relieved I made it to the restaurant without much incident... though I must have looked ridiculous to any passers-by.

During dinner both safety pins popped open, each one expressing it's anger with me for having such high expectations for its performance.  When one of my friends noticed I jumped a little with the second "pop" I confessed my dilemma.  Oh, the hilarity they found in my situation!  The gentleman in our party who was ordering the wine asked the waiter to bring a pair of suspenders for his "Friend with the clown pants on."

It was pretty funny, I admit.  It was also funny walking around NYC after dinner and holding my pants up until we found suitable safety pins.  That takes a surprisingly long time when in this situation.  When I finally found what I needed I had a choice between pink or blue diaper pins or a 12-pack of assorted safety pins, the largest ones being 3 inches long.  I opted for the 12-pack even though the diaper pins looked safer.

I popped my pins two more times that night but I had thought ahead.  Along with my pin purchase was a small pack of band-aids, which I did, in fact, need by the time I got back to the hotel.  Why they call them "Safety Pins" is beyond me.  I had several puncture wounds and scratches to prove otherwise.

My suitcase was lighter the next day since I left the pants in the trash.  So was my ego.  My friends thought they were hilarious when I joined them for breakfast.  There, at my place setting, was a napkin that was pinned closed with no less than six safety pins.  There was also a nice little gift next to my plate.  Inside was a mini stapler, a roll of tape, some push pins and even some binder clips - the kind where you squeeze the metal arms together to open the heavier-duty metal clip.

"Thanks guys!  Now I'm set for my next emergency.  Last night I really could have used whatever office supply store you ventured out to in search of these treasures."

"These aren't from any store.  I had them in my briefcase," my one friend shared and we all laughed hysterically over the irony of the situation.

I learned three things that weekend:  1- Test your clothing prior to packing it if you don't have a backup plan; 2 - Share your dilemmas with your friends.  While they will keep you humble they may actually have a solution before you spend the evening getting wounded from your own "fix" and then proceeding on a "wild goose chase" to get you through; 3 - I am someone who needs an "Emergency Kit" in my overnight bag.

There's another thing, which I already knew but it was a good reminder:  The sooner you learn to lighten up, the better.  If you can't laugh at yourself in these situations you'll be the only one in the group who is silent.

Attention All Shoppers...

I was in the store the other day and, I guess I was feeling pretty nixie.  I pushed my cart down an aisle, past another lady shopping.  I wasn’t moving particularly fast… those of you who know me have no problem believing that.  A few moments later she came up along side me with her cart.

I moved ahead a bit, but not because I needed to.  My competitive side kicked in and I had to stay ahead of her.

She moved ahead also and it was on!

Every step I took, she matched.  If I stopped, so did she.

I looked over at her as I began to push my cart away.  She mirrored my move.

“Are you challenging me to a race, lady?  I asked in a silly tone.

She laughed, but didn’t take the bait.  We parted ways and I have to admit, I was disappointed.  I think I could have taken her.

I met up with another lady.  This one I knew personally.  She was on a mission and almost didn’t stop to say hello… but I insisted.

“Hi Donna.  How are you today?” I asked.

“Oh… hi Dale.  I almost didn’t see you there.”

“I know.  You were about to walk right past me, just focused on your shopping,” I stated.

“Well… it’s Tuesday.  I don’t usually shop here on Tuesday because it’s Senior Citizen day.  The place really fills up but the shoppers move pretty slow and it takes longer, unless you zip around them.”  Which is what she was doing.

“I didn’t know that.  I haven’t seen many shoppers today though.”

“Well, it’s early enough to get around still.  In a half hour the buses from the retirement homes arrive and it changes drastically.  I’m trying to beat that rush… well; you know what I mean by “rush.”

I smiled at the mental picture of everyone rushing around slowly.

“Well… I won’t keep you from your shopping then,” I said.

After a few minutes I came across a lady in the dairy aisle (I almost said “Dairy Area” but I am doing my best to keep this blog family-friendly). She was one of the Senior Citizens Donna mentioned but I’m not sure she cared much about shopping.  I will call her Mabel.

Mabel was riding around on one of the store’s electric scooters and had only a few items in its basket.  I think she just wanted to chat with someone.  Mabel struck up a conversation and I joined her in it enthusiastically.

“Have you tried this margarine?” Mabel asked me, holding up a tub.

“Yes, I have and I must disagree.  I can believe it’s not butter,” I said with a sly grin.

She giggled which made me realize I had a good audience and I became more invested in our conversation than I was before.  Mabel shared a few of her opinions on dairy items and I was pleased to learn that the older you get the more cost effective pre-shredded cheese becomes. 

“I can’t shred it myself for that price,” Mabel informed me, then compared the prices of non-shredded and shredded mozzarella.  “It would take me 20 minutes to shred this chunk of cheese and I think I’m worth the extra 40 cents to spend that 20 minutes my way.”

Mabel followed that comment up with another about how she would most likely spend that bonus time but it involved her reviews on the Epsom salt and milk bubble bath in her cart and I don’t need to leave you with the mental picture it took me far too long to get out of my head.  Suffice to say, when used in combination, Mabel can sit in the tub for a surprisingly long time.  “Add five more minutes and stir young lady, and you could have a lovely soup to serve 100 guests.”

A word to the wise:  Don’t ever eat any soup at a retirement home that looks like it was made with coconut milk.  You’re welcome for that advice.

Anyway, I picked up two-dozen eggs and put them safely in my cart - after opening each carton and checking for breaks first, of course…  I’m not a complete idiot.  This interested her and she asked if I planned to do some baking, while checking the contents of my cart for other baking items.  

Is it a violation of privacy to look in someone’s cart while shopping?  What if I had personal things I was purchasing?  Maybe it’s just me, but I was a bit uncomfortable when she picked up a few of my items and checked them out.

“Ooooh… are you a fan of this brand of tissues?” she asked, holding up my choice.

“I like the patterns on their boxes,” I replied.  “It’s not necessarily about the tissue, it’s what will look good on my end table and nightstand.”

Knowing I had just been down the personal hygiene aisle I quickly tried to divert her attention.  I had no desire to offer my opinion on the more personal products I was purchasing that day.

“I’m not planning on baking with these eggs,” I stated and motioned for Mabel to look back at the cartons.  “I am going to a picnic this weekend and taking deviled eggs to share.”

“Oh my goodness sweetie, you should have purchased your eggs two weeks ago for that purpose.  Don’t you know you shouldn’t use new eggs for hard-boiling?  The shells will stick somethin’ fierce!”

Now, I was aware of that fact but felt I would be scolded severely for knowing it and not acting on it.  I didn’t think it would matter either if I told her I didn’t know I’d be making so many deviled eggs two weeks ago.  I opted to seek her wisdom in the situation.

“Hmmm…” I offered and rubbed my chin in a perplexed manner.  “Do you have any ideas of what I could do to prevent that and still use these eggs?” I asked.

I have heard many things on this situation:  put some vinegar in the water while boiling; add salt to the water or oil.  Somebody once told me to boil them in coffee instead of water but I think he was pulling my leg.  Mabel shared a hint that I had never heard before and gave me an explanation that actually made me want to try it.

“Well… you can never go wrong if you toss two lit matches in the water just as it starts to boil.  The sulfur used in the match will react with the eggs and loosen the membrane between the shell and the whites.  You have to toss them in just as you light them, though, because that’s when the match’s sulfur is at its peak.”

“Hmmmph” I responded in a tone that showed I was impressed and intrigued with the idea.  “I have never heard that one before.  I’ll have to put that suggestion to the test today.”

“It has never failed me in all my 75 years of cooking,” Mabel boasted.  Seeing that I was trying to assess her age she followed her comment up with, “That’s right.  I started cooking when I was just 5 years old.”

“Well that settles it.  I will trust your 75 years of experience and use the match trick.”

“Good for you,” Mabel squealed.

Then I was overcome with the need to shock her.  I know it’s wrong to tease the elderly and we should offer them our utmost respect.  But I am who I am and I couldn’t help myself even if I tried.

“I do have one question about this,” I began.  I put on my best puzzled expression, tilted my head to the right slightly and asked her in the most serious voice I could muster, “How do I keep the matches lit?”

She looked at me with concern.  I allowed her to think I was a complete idiot for a moment before I flashed a grin that let her know I was just playin’.

“Ohhh you!” she scolded and slapped the edge of my cart playfully.  Then she stuck her tongue out at me as she drove her motorized cart away.  I’m not sure if that meant she enjoyed our little chat or if she hoped she’d never see me again.

When I finally completed my shopping and made my way to the checkout area there were three open registers.  I was hoping to reach one without a line but just steps away I was beaten out by, none other than, the lady who I accused of challenging me to a race.

“I guess I won this one!” she said with a smile.

I was pleased with her joke and giggled.  Not to be outdone though, a family trait that is strong in my bloodline, I quickly joined in.  I raised my fist in defiance and exclaimed, “No fair!  The sun was in my eyes.”

While I patiently waited for my turn I looked over to the next open register.  My friend, Donna, who was clearly a “Power shopper” was just finishing her transaction.  She had two full carts of groceries, which put my ¾-full cart to shame.  She obviously had brought her A-game and I would not have been a worthy opponent had we raced in our shopping.

“I wonder if she has ever been stopped to learn the match trick for eggs,” I said to myself. 

Well, I did try that match trick.  I burned my finger when I lit the two matches at the same time.  It caused me to overthrow the pot with them.  When I tried to blow the matches out I leaned in too close to the pot of eggs and singed the hair on my arms with the flame of the burner.  The smell was horrible.  On my second attempt I successfully got the matches into the water but knocked over my glass of iced tea with the follow-through from my arm.  I was cursing my dear 80-year old new friend. 

The eggs pealed rather nicely but I still had a few on which the shell “stuck somethin’ fierce!”  Those eggs became “Stealers” - what my Mom called treats that were not fit for presentation but as delicious as all the rest as she let us kids dive into them.  Ugly or not, “Stealers” are awesome.

As for the hard-boiled egg tricks I have tried, none have been foolproof and I have shown that I am a worthy candidate for the title “Fool” in my attempts with them.  If anyone has another to suggest I will certainly try it out.  Perhaps they should all be used in combination.  Or, maybe… just maybe… a little Epsom salt and Milk bubble bath.  At the very least I would have a delicious soup to serve or share at the next picnic.

"Please to Have... 3 Dee-gee-dow"

Strange title huh?  Believe me - I found it strange too.

I went into a Vietnamese bakery yesterday, looking forward to getting my very first "Banh Mi" sandwich.  I keep hearing about these things on Food Network shows and was determined to find out what the hype was over them.  What an experience!

It never ceases to amaze me that it doesn't take traveling a long distance to step into a completely different culture.  There in Philadelphia, just a few blocks from the Italian Market which boasts the famous Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak eateries, is a strong presence of Vietnamese culture.  We had no less than a dozen places to choose from to obtain the foodie treasure we sought.

"How did you choose?" you ask.

"With the help of an on-line search, of course," I answer respectfully.  "You can always find what you're looking for on Google."

I typed the simple phrase, "Banh M" and "Banh Mi, Philadelphia" came up as one of the choices on Google.  A listing of the top 5 Banh Mi was offered and we chose number three on the list.  We would have rather chosen #1 of course, but #3 was in the area where we were headed.

Anyway - the sandwich was good.  I'd definitely have one again but I will seek out the #1 place for the next. What was better was the time I spent in the bakery - or rather, the little piece of Vietnam I visited.

I stepped into the bakery and felt I should have had my passport stamped.  I also would have liked my English to Vietnamese dictionary or, at the very least, my computer to allow me a Google search for translation purposes.

I stepped up to order and said, with a sweet smile, "Banh Mi" please.  I'm fairly certain I said it correctly but, as with Pat's and Geno's, there is a particular way to order - and I did it wrong.

I was directed to the big board with numbers accompanying the pictures of sandwiches.  Everything else was in Vietnamese.  With 8 choices and little clue as to what meat was in the picture I chose what seemed recognizable as pork.  While they worked on preparing my Banh Mi I proceeded to pick up bottled water and then went about searching for what to spend more money on since I needed a minimum of $15 to use a credit card.

Here is where it got tricky.  I don't speak Vietnamese and none of them spoke English.  There were a few cafeteria style dishes and I wanted to try some authentic sticky rice.  I asked for the best one they had and, after the confused woman snagged another worker who spoke the best English, I selected 2 different ones.  I think one had "jack fruit" in it and the other, seemingly plain one, had some unrecognizable ingredient that filled the center.  It was completely hidden until diving in with a fork.  I still don't know what it was.

Anyway - it was truly a cultural experience.  I had not expected it to be difficult to communicate and found it very comical that I, a person who seems to have no problem voicing my opinion, fumbled through the situation and ended up with things that surprised me.  It was great fun though and I would do it all over again.

It reminded me of a time when I was working at Auntie Anne's and had a very similar experience.  That time I was the server trying to understand the sweet, quiet girl who wanted some pretzels for her and her two friends.

It was a slow weekday afternoon.  I was working the counter while the General Manager took care of rolling the pretzels.  A college-age girl of Asian ethnicity approached the counter and her friends stood a few feet behind her.  I am not sure exactly what country they were from and it didn't matter at the moment.  What mattered is that, despite her best attempts, I could not understand her.  The following is not an exaggeration of the conversation, it is verbatim:

Me:  Hello.  What can I get for you?

Her:  <swallow, look up at cashier lady, smile sweetly>  Yes... pleece to have... 3 Dee-gee-dow.  <smile sweetly, proud to have stated your order clearly>

Me:  <crickets chirping in my head.  Smile sweetly to match hers, try hard to hide complete confusion>  I'm sorry.  What was that you wanted?

I lean in closer and try to block out the sounds around me.

Her:  <look back at friends for help.  Friends look down at floor dramatically, offering no assistance.  Swallow, look at cashier lady, smile sweetly>  Yes... pleece to have... 3 Dee-gee-dow.<smile sweetly, proud to have stated your order clearly>

Me:  <maintain smile.  Maintain smile, whatever you do, maintain smile.  Look to Joanne, GM who is rolling pretzels.  Through smile, talk without moving lips>  Joanne... a little help here?  What is Dee-gee-dow?

Joanne:  <smiling at me and talking through her teeth>  I don't know.  I'm just rolling my pretzels.

I turned back to the sweet and gentle girl who just wanted a snack for her and her friends.  The last thing I wanted was to increase her discomfort.

Me:  <smiling>  I'm sorry.  Could I ask you to repeat it, one more time, but slower this time?  It's hard to hear you.

Her:  <swallow, look up at cashier lady, smile sweetly, talk much more slowly this time>  Yes...... pleece..... to..... have..... 3.....   <say last word as fast as possible>    Deegeedow.  <smile sweetly, proud to have stated your order clearly>

Me:  <louder crickets! Smiling sweetly, not believing I am no further ahead.  Try not to laugh at situation, assuming you are on candid camera>  Thank you.

In my head I kept chanting, "Deegeedow... Deegeedow... What could possibly sound like Deegeedow to her?"

I turned and looked up at the menu, hoping something would jump out at me.  Out of desperation I simply began to recite the types of pretzels, hoping something would make sense when I heard it.

Me:  Okay... we have Regular... sour crea...

Her:  Yes!  Yes!  Deegeedow.  Deegeedow.

Me:  <crickets again.  What did I say? "say them again, slowly" I tell myself>  Reg...u...lar?  (I asked, turning my head slightly to the left.)

She jumped up and down and clapped her hands.  I finally understood her.

Me:  3 Regular pretzels?

Her:  Yes!  3 Deegeedow!  3 Deegeedow!

I got the pretzels and handed them to her.  Then she got a look on her face and my heart sank.  She wanted drinks too.  I looked at her and encouraged her with my smile.

Me:  Drinks?

Her:  Yes...  please to have...

I braced myself for the ensuing struggle to comprehend her order.

Her:  2 le-mone-ade and 1 rut beer... made-eee-yum.

Me:  (excited to have clearly understood but suppressing my utter surprise since those words seemed far more difficult than "regular") 2 lemonade and 1 root beer, all medium? (I held up the cup to make sure)

Her:  <clapping her hands>  Yes...  yes... yes...

After they walked away I looked at Joanne and we both laughed heartily over the experience.  To this day I love telling that story and doing my best impression of the sweet and gentle Asian girl.

I looked up "Dee-gee-dow translation" on Google.  It asked me if I meant "Deegee Dow translation" then gave me some choices, none of which was "Regular."  I guess you can't always find exactly what you are looking for on Google.

The Theatre (said in a snobby voice with upturned nose)

I am a theatre junkie and cannot wait for my next fix.  I had my first "hit" back in 1997 and was instantly addicted.  All told I have seen over 70 shows and see no end in sight.  Perhaps you will see me on an upcoming episode of "Intervention" but I can tell you right now, I WILL NOT go for treatment.

My love of theatre is really a love of all performing arts and includes, but is certainly not limited to Broadway, off-Broadway, touring shows, concerts and Cirque du Soleil - if you have never experienced one of these shows I urge you to get your hands on a DVD or check it out on-line... it is amazing!  I even enjoy High School productions though I often am left with a desire to attend a professional performance afterward and enjoy the experience with seasoned performers.

Because of my experiences I, along with a dear friend, am often asked for recommendations of what to see.  I am always excited by this question, not simply because I LOVE to share my opinion but because I really enjoy suggesting something that another person will enjoy or steering them away from something that will leave them disappointed... and yes, sadly I have been left disappointed by more professional performances that I would like to count.

Here are my personal recommendations for anyone who is looking to do something special or wonders if they should spend the money on that show coming to their area.

Top Musicals I will attend over and over if given the opportunity:
1.  Les Miserables -- if you are possibly only going to see one show in your life this is the one I'd recommend. There may be another that would better suit your interests but this classic is the perfect example of all that is great about theatre.
2.  Wicked - it is definitely worth all the hype!
3.  Aida (Elton John & Time Rice's version)
4.  Mama Mia - the live version is WAY better than the movie
5.  Phantom of the Opera - very romantic and the effects in the live show are pretty amazing
6.  Rent - prepare yourself to be shocked and even offended in many ways, but that's the whole point
7.  The Lion King - you will be amazed

Best Play - The Screwtape Letters

Best Variety Shows
1.  Cirque du Soleil - you can't go wrong with any of them.  I refer to them as "Theatrical Circus."  They appeal to everyone with the amazing live music and unbelievable acrobatic/strength/gravity defying acts.
2.  Stomp - this show travels so GO SEE IT when it comes to a location near you!

Comedy - I would love to see Paula Poundstone.  Do you have tickets to share?

So... would you like to be an "Enabler" and go see a show with me?

Blurry Vision

So... I have been lacking focus lately.  I have begun writing my next book, and my next after that, and the next after that.  All in all, I have started five books and taken them to varying degrees of completion, anywhere from half a page to six chapters.  I am excited about each one when I start and then, when I least expect it, I get what I believe is a brilliant idea and must give it the attention it deserves.

This is not a new problem for me.  In fact, it is part of my personality make-up.  I am an "ENFP" if I take the Myers-Briggs or Kiersey tests, or a "High I" in another test, or a "Sanguine" in another.  Regardless of the specific test I still score the same way.  In one particular test I was off the charts in the extroverted category.  I always agree with the test results and, in general, I like how I am wired.  But then, there are those pesky negatives that I must own in my make-up and I would really love to separate myself from them.

If you have ever taken a personality test to see how you are wired then you can appreciate the positive and try to understand the negative characteristics of what makes you "tick."  If you have never taken one of these tests I urge you to do so... it is very encouraging to know who you are and also know you are not abnormal.  It can also be discouraging to know that those things you are annoyed with in yourself may not be things you can easily change.

If I read the best parts of my personality description I think I am wonderful.   I wish it ended with the good stuff.  Sadly, there are the negatives and they are just as bold as the positives.  I look over the list and realize I have each weakness within me and some are quite dominant.

Lack of focus is a very strong one for me.  It applies to my professional life as well as personal relationships.  I love people and thoroughly enjoy spending time with others.  However, I tend to be one of those annoying friends who lack follow-through.

"We need to get together soon," I often say.  Or, "I should really call <insert name of friend or family member here> and let him/her know I am thinking about him/her."  Or, and this one happens very frequently, "It would be great fun to do <insert fun activity with specific person>.  I know he/she would just love that!"

And that's typically as far as it gets.  I am the master of good intentions with zero follow-through.

Interestingly (to me anyway), writing is a perfect career path for someone with my personality make-up.  It allows me to have an abundance of experiences, keeps my attention and also draws out my intuitive/perceptive strengths.  The only problem, for someone who lacks focus and follow-through, I need to constantly work at my self-discipline or be left with a slew of incomplete books.

A good friend who shares my personality type shared this typical prayer style for the ENFP:
Lord, help me to keep my mind on one thing at a time.  And help me to... oooh Look,  a bird... focus on what's... hello little bird... important.

Alas, it is very true.  I am easily distracted.  While writing this blog post I took no less than four breaks because something caught my attention.  I better close it now since something exciting is taking place outside my window.