Saturday, March 15, 2008

Fluff

When one gets to certain age, there are particular sorts of situations that amuse one immensely. Last week, I had one such incident. Many of you will remember my story a couple weeks ago about some of my students trying to guess my age. Although I found my students highly entertaining, I didn’t give much credence to the situation. What do twelve, thirteen and fourteen year olds really know about the fine art of determining one’s age? But nonetheless, it made for a humorous anecdote which provided an easy segway into conversation amidst peals of laughter.

Well, in a completely different class, there is a young fellow, R, who I met for the first time a couple weeks ago. He is presently working with one of my students as a TA (teacher’s assistant). Our initial exchange was short, as there’s really not much time to delve into deep conversation in the midst of teaching a class. After that, I didn’t see R for about a week. Then one day, I walked into the staff room during break, and there he was. He looks at me with a big grin and effusively greets me with a robust, “Hi! How are you?” Only, I misheard him. I flash him an equally wide smile and reply back with a cocky, “Hi,” and then continue on, playful lilt in my voice, with, “I’m twenty-eight… how old are you?” (It really was a blonde moment.)

Now before you all go on about what an absolute ditz I am, hear me out. All this put on was not all for R. Two of my friends, T and S were standing there. It just so happened that they had heard the previous story, so I knew they would “get” it immediately. Oh yes, aren’t I clever one? But there stood poor R, somewhat confused by my response. And then it suddenly dawned on me that he hadn’t actually asked me my age. Oh dear, what could he possibly be thinking? Now, totally overcome by giddiness whilst trying to pull my foot out of my mouth, or perhaps shoving it in further, I start explaining to R the story which engendered my bizarre response (all this, while my lovely friends listened with mounting snickers) . The thing is, the more I explained, the more baffled his expression became…it was a sort of, “and why are you telling me this,” sort of look. Finally, he quizzically says, “So you’re not twenty-eight?” I simply reply, “No, not even close.” To which he slowly inquires, “Then how old are you? Because I’m thirty-one, and I was convinced that you were younger than me.” Oh yes, it was a great day.

15 comments:

Pink said...

LoL! Nice photo :)
xx
pinks

Ed & Jeanne said...

Is that Barry White in that picture?

Nice story...always nice to get mistaken for a younger age. Funny how it suddenly swings at some point. When you're really young, you want to be taken for older and then, bang, its the other way around. I got taken for 12 years younger yesterday too so I've got the same "I'm not old or dead yet" smile too.

Carla said...

Pinks, Thanks. Love your photos too.

VE, It feels good, doesn't it. Of course when I was 19 and someone thought I was way too young to be driving, I wasn't so impressed, especially since I'd been driving for 3 years at that point.

Fuser said...

Hello Carla, I like to think he was planning on asking you out on a date. You need to think fast in those moments, it might have been worth simply confirm you are 28...

Good night and good luck.

Carla said...

Fede, Actually, I confused myself so much that when he asked how old I really was, being as flustered as I was, I said 28 a second time.

Fuser said...

OK, you are really ready for a date.
;-)

Carla said...

Fede, Not so sure about that. I couldn't have been sillier had I been drinking.

Anonymous said...

That is pretty funny. Quite embarrassing but it turned out to be a great compliment in the end.

Carla said...

Dawn, the whole situation certainly had me smiling...laughing, in fact.

Rowena said...

Ooooooh... darn foot-in-the-mouth. I've a few of my own blushing moments, but this here episode would have had me sinking into the floor. Ouch!

Steffi said...

your picture is very nice again.And I like to read your story!Very good!

Carla said...

Rowena, I was laughing too hard to sink anywhere. Nothing but a total ditz in this episode.

Steffi, I'm glad you like the photo. Thanks.

pandave said...

what a great way to come back after a week's silence. i love his response. and i am sure you do look as young as he says - positive outlook turn into positive out-looks.

Carla said...

Pandave, Yes, his response won extra brownie points in my book. I was beaming all week.

Pamela said...

My husband has always looked younger -- something that is not in my genes.

Enjoy your blessed youthful look!