Friday, September 26, 2008

What Did You Say?

One of my all-time favorite flicks is Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. And, one of my favorite lines in the movie happens in the opera scene. Gere takes Roberts to her first opera. Roberts is so moved by the experience that tears spring to her lovely hazel eys and she applauds exuberantly at the opera’s curtain call. An elderly lady approaches Roberts and asks, “How did you like the opera, dear?” to which Roberts replies, “I was so excited I almost peed my pants.” The elderly lady looks quite puzzled by Roberts admission, and Gere quickly corrects the situation by saying, “She said it reminded her of the Pirate of Penzance”. (there’s a point to all of this rambling, really)

After picking up Doughboy from the airport tonight, we decided to dine at one of our preferred upscale establishments – The Downtown Grille. It was a spectacular evening –warm and sultry with a softly blowing breeze. We dined outdoors to capture every moment of the magic and took our time catching up on the week’s events. Next to our table was a rather large party and, as evidenced by the increasingly loud voices, they were having a good time. Doughboy and I decided to cap off our wonderful meal by sharing an order of fruit crêpe. Being the perfectionist I am, I pronounce crepes in the French fashion – “krepp” that rhymes with met– rather than the Americanized version “krapes” with a long a.

When our waiter returned to ask us how we enjoyed our meal, I said I had it enjoyed it very much and that we would like an order of crepes. The waiter looked quite puzzled by my statement – even a little embarrassed. He pointed in the direction of the restrooms and hastily disappeared inside the restaurant. A few minutes later, our waiter returned and asked if we wanted any dessert. Didn't he hear me the first time? Or had he forgotten? After requesting an order of crepes again, it dawned on me. In the noise of voices next to us, our waiter thought I had said something about enjoying the meal so much I had to take a CRAP. Oh my gosh! I was so embarrassed! Doughboy burst into tears and didn’t stop laughing for a full five minutes. I felt compelled to explain myself to the waiter, but decided against making an embarrassing moment even worse. This will give him something to talk about with his waiter friends later. “You won’t believe what one of my diners said!” Oh well…it was kind of funny…

Do you have a similar experience when your words were taken out of context or completely misunderstood? If yes, please share. I really need to know I’m not alone in this experience.

I hope ya'll have a great weekend!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually, what Doris said in response to the waiter's quiery "How did you like your meal?" was "It was very good....I think we'll take a 'krepp' now". It was more the Wisconsin pronunciation of the French word crêpe. It could have gone either way at this point....but she did receive clear and concise directions to the bathroom at this juncture. Not willing to let this slide, I recounted the story to the restaurant's owner in my best paraphrasing during which Doris was laughing so hard she had trouble breathing.
We can always find another restaurant next week I guess.....and sit closer to the restrooms.

Deb said...

Oh...my....I spit my coffee into my laptop screen! I think this story takes the cake...or should I say crepe!
Living with my husband, this kind of story happens everyday. He denies, of course, his misunderstandings are related to the fact that he is becoming hard of hearing. Perhaps I should begin writing these misteps down...
I have to agree...try another restaurant!

Jamie Payne said...

The funny thing is that I can totally see that happening to you! Having Peter confirm that you said crepe...pronounced in the "French fashion" but with a Wisconsin accent makes it even more funny. Just stick to the Americanized version from now on...seeing how you're American and all:) Now I know where I get my doofus tendencies!

Country Girl said...

Oh my gosh, I was laughing so hard I nearly krepped myself!

scrappysue said...

crap for dessert - awesome!!! hehe

Pam said...

Oh the shame of it all - I hope this wasn't the waiter who took care of us the previous Wednesday evening. I think he has already determined we are a little off! Oh well - at least you are entertaining!

Roxanne Schwandt said...

LMAO!! TOO FUNNY! I can totally see the misunderstanding and embarassment of both you and the waiter! Thanks for the smile :)

Janette said...

Oh CRAP that is too darn funny. Oh how I wish I was there to hear it first hand. I'm sure the waiter had a great laugh. I sure would not worry about it! Thanks for the laughter. =)