Monday, March 15, 2010
This story is for Andrea, who helps me remember to embrace awkwardness and the difference between a double step and a fancy double.
About once a month or so, the Appalachian clogging class I attend performs at nursing homes, assisted living centers and the like. Tonight we clogged at an Alzheimer's facility. It was a pretty typical performance with the audience ranging from unaware to enthusiastic. Though no one's enthusiasm matched the lady at the Christmas performance, who requested Rocky Top again and again. And again. Even after the fourth round of Rocky Top, her Tennessee slippers were still tapping.
Anyway, the program was nice and we have done enough of them that my stomach doesn't get twisted in knots like it used to. Amanda and Krista came to support (thanks, guys) and that always makes it more fun. Teacher Hilda kept picking random songs that we have not gone over in a long time which was challenging. At the end of the show I was waiting to get the nurse's attention to open the door when a man approached me.
"I have a question for you," he said.
"What's that?" I replied.
His thin hand reached for my shoulder as he said, "I have been trying to figure out who is taller, me or you." He slowly moved in closer to me until we were standing inches apart.
"Oh, I would say we are about the same height,"I replied backing up. His distant eyes questioned me and he pulled in closer.
"Oh, I don't know," he replied, stepping forward even closer. "Are you 5' 11''?" he asked as he brought his face against mine. Our noses now pressed together, I tried to pull my head back but he kept moving forward his hand resting atop our heads.
"I am 5'9''," I replied with our noses still touching. I swiveled my head away and tried to tell him that he was taller although despite the slumped posture and silver wisps of hair on top of his head, I was clearly taller. He moved slowly, but it all happened so suddenly. I would have been really weirded out but he was so serious about solving the mystery of who was taller and to him there was nothing humorous about having a conversation with our faces smashed together. But it was definitely weird and super awkward.
He was not satisfied with any of my answers or his research and tried to move in again before someone pulled him away. As he turned to walk away he said, "Well our noses are at the same height." I bid him good night and fled for the door where Amanda and Krista stood wide eyed.
Talk about embracing awkwardness, Andrea. I think I almost kissed it.
11 comments:
oh my word. you definitely had me giggling out loud tonight when reading this. I am so proud that I got to witness this event. so funny!!! and i love your last line. priceless. utterly priceless.
ELISA! This was HYSTERICAL! I can vouch for Krista...I was sitting right next to her as she read this, and then was inspired to read it as well. You should know that I too, laughed out loud.
True dat! I was snikering here in my office, then I had to share it with Laura (an american).
The last line is my favorite too.
Awesome story Elisa. I wish I could have been there. But this blog--I almost feel I was there. (Does that make sense? Maybe I should wait to comment on a blog till after I sleep...zzzz)
I thought for sure he was going for the gold. In fact, I still think he might have been.
I feel like I have some authority as a judge of awkward situations. I'd rate this a 9.8.
Even after hearing the story a few times I still laugh. That says something.
You don't know me, but this story made me laugh out loud, as in a real, honest to goodness chortle. Smack dab in the middle of my Issues class. Thank you. :D
Elisa! What a good writer! More, please! :)
HAHAHAHA! Thank you SO much for telling me to check your blog because now I can go to bed and dream about your incredibly awkward moment. I am so glad you get to join the awkward club--congratulations! I am proud of you. And hahahaha.... This is still making me laugh. I just wish I could have seen it.
From the Andrea of Embracing Awkwardness.
hot! this old man is clever...we for sure have to give him that don't we :)
What?? Why have I not been following this blog? This blog is like a ginormious treazure chest.
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