|
December 24, 2004 - Friday | 1:13 AM, CST
Suzanne left the following message on my website late last night:
Name: Suzanne
Date: Thursday, Dec 23rd 2004, 9:17 PM
Now that I have informed the necessary people by word of mouth and some I have attempted to contact I can post this. Jeremy asked me to marry him on thursday :) ... Sorry I couldn't just call everyone but I figured Matthew's site would work just as well...
For this I am glad, because I have always felt that being a good obedient wife is Suzanne's calling. Although her message leaves unanswered whether or not she agreed to his proposal.
I can see myself sitting at their house, with Suzanne in the next room telling all her girl buddies about the ring and showing it off. I'd lean over to Jeremy and whisper "Its a cubic zirconia, right?"
He'd nod solemnly as confirmation.
I'd nod my approval.
I made the mistake a few days ago of wanting Chinese food takeout a few minutes before they closed. I walked in to the empty restaurant, and smiled at the man behind the counter (as he was hurriedly counting money).
Chinese Man: You want carry-out from buffet?
Me: No, thanks, I'll just have...
Chinese Man: No carry-out from buffet?!?!
Me: Speaking more calmly No, I'd like a medium order of sweet and sour chicken.
He points to a box
Chinese Man: (voice escalating in volume and excitement) This medium?!?!
I could tell at this point that his lack of English was frustrating him, so I began to speak more soothingly - pronouncing each syllable as clearly and accurately as I could. By then, I was surrounded by two more Chinese employees.
Me: Ok, and I'd also like some vegetable fried rice.
Chinese Man: Hebubal fwied wice?!?! He pulled out a menu and pointed to the entry 'Vegetable Fried Rice'
I nodded, but this only excited him more...
Chinese Man: You want (the rest of the sentence became intelligible, as he broke from english into Chinese)
The three of them began speaking very quickly and loudly to me in a mixture of broken English and angry-sounding Chinese, resulting in what I imagine was a very confused and frightened expression on my face. Finally at this point, a fourth employee came out and saw my dilema. The others motioned to him, and he walked to me with a smile.
English-speaking Chinese Man: Why don't you go ahead and repeat your order.
I did so, and was promptly served with my correct order, glad to be done with this battle of linguistics. One of these days, I will learn Chinese and use it for just such occasions. I'd also like to learn Spanish, to relay my Mexican food orders in their mother tongues.
|