i am bad at explaining things, volume two.

today at subway the girl working, the one who referred to me, the second time i ever set foot in the store, as a "regular," was trying to make small talk.

"are you enjoying the weather?" she asked [it was a balmy 68 degrees in sunny austin, TX today]

things i could have said to convey the information i would have liked to:

• "yes, it's beautiful! too bad i have to work!"
• "i wish i could, but i've been inside working on a paper all day"
• [chuckle] "i'll sure enjoy the ten minutes i get to spend outside today between homework and work!"

what i actually said:

"no." [nervous laughter]

 

i think i need to go to charm school so i can learn to walk in heels with books on my head, eat without slurping, enunciate, and respond to people without sounding like i was raised by cro-magnons who beat me enthusiastically with clubs every time i said something friendly or intelligent.

Comments

[this space for rent]

A few weeks ago I was getting coffee before work and the girl made with the usual pleasantries. When she asked how my day was going I absently responded, "Fine..."

Then I had this flash where I was reminded of all the meaningless pleasantries I'd exchanged over the years in my own retail hell environments and I corrected myself, saying, "Well, actually, it sucks. It could be worse though, so at least there's that and tomorrow."

She totally laughed once she got over the shock of someone actually answering the question.

[Osborne Rosa]

[this is good] In my opinion, it is actual, I will take part in discussion. Together we can come to a right answer. I am assured.

[Damian Connor]

[this is good] Many thanks for the information, now I will know.