Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Punchline Failed......

I received a text message from Pippin during the night. Their plane is currently broke down in Amsterdam. The airlines gave them food and hotel vouchers and told them to try again tomorrow. While I am bummed not to be on my way to the airport in a couple of hours to pick her up, I am trying to see things a bit more positive.

*They found a problem with the plane BEFORE it was in the sky.
*She gets another stamp in her passport.
*Maybe the team will use the opportunity to tour a bit of the amazing city and culture.


So, while I can't give you any great details about Uganda yet, I can share on life here.
I haven't done a "Out of the corner of my eye" piece in quite a while and I was encouraged to write about this recent episode that happened. Hopefully you will enjoy.

I love to watch people. It is amazing the things you can see when the time is taken to watch. At times it is inspiring and at other times....humorous beyond belief. Sunday evening was one of those times.

I was at the crowded grocery store picking up a few items for school lunches. In front of me I saw a family of 5 picking out apples to enjoy. There was the mom who was doing the picking, 2 young boys trying to help with the task, and the dad standing behind her with his preschool daughter sitting on the top of his shaved head. This dad had a boisterous voice and a sparkle in his eye. Holding his daughter's hands so she wouldn't fall while balancing her little tush on the top of his head, he laughed and loudly said, "Hey Honey. Look at me. I am a butt-head." Then he made upward eye motions pointing to the fact of his daughter's seat position.

The young brothers giggled and pushed one another around while the mom looked at her husband with disdain. Everyone in the produce department had heard his loud proclamation and had turned to view the spectacle.

Now, I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life when I have tried to deliver a punchline joke and people haven't laughed. During those times, I have been slow to get the concept that it was not funny. Instead I will repeat the punchline thinking that if it is heard again then people will get it.

Apparently that is what the dad experienced because he didn't let go of the joke. Instead his voice became more loud as he jumped and danced down the isle holding his daughter in place. He said, "Her butt is sitting on my head. Get it? Butt-head! I am a butt-head...... I am a butt-head....."

Oh my goodness. The onlookers just looked.....not knowing how to respond. The wife quickly drove her cart down a different isle wanting to put distance between herself and the situation. I personally felt embarrassed for him....and his wife. But at the same time I wanted to laugh at the irony of the whole picture. I could just imagine the thoughts of the onlookers while on the other hand the dad was happy with himself, his joke, and spending time with his daughter.

What do you see out of the corner of your eye?

10 comments:

  1. Now you time on your hand waiting for Pippin here is a joke..The Manager


    The manager of a large office noticed a new man one day and told
    him to come into his office. "What is your name?" was the first
    thing the manager asked the new guy.

    "John," the new guy replied.

    The manager scowled, "Look, I don't know what kind of a
    mamby-pamby place you worked at before, but I don't call
    anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads
    to a breakdown in authority. I refer to my employees by their last
    name only - Smith, Jones, Baker - that's all. I am to be referred
    to only as Mr. Robertson. Now that we got that straight, what is
    your last name?"

    The new guy sighed and said, "Darling. My name is John Darling."

    "Okay, John, the next thing I want to tell you is..."

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  2. Dont worry Jules, I am sure Pippin will be just fine. I love to look at people and that butt-head story is just cool :)

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  3. I think I would have said something even more inappropriate, like: "Hey, aren't you Bart Simpson's cousin?"

    A day in Amsterdam Could be cool -- unless they have to spend it in the airport. Bummer, that.

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  4. That guy was funny. Perhaps not the most tactful... but funny.

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  5. Alan...that is a cute joke. Actually it made me thing of a cartoon. Was it Lady and the Tramp or 101 Dalmations that were the Darling family?

    M.Kate...glad you liked the story.
    And She is home now sleeping in her own bed nice and safe.

    Quilly...She said they were in this super posh type of hotel that would cost about $1,000 per night per person. Everything was super fancy. Heated floors and mirrors, special everything. Nice after being covered in the red dirt of Uganda.

    Carver...I thought it was funny too. Not the brightest star of the evening but I know some zingers have crossed my lips before too.

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  6. Lisa would be the first one to tell you, I'd probably pull a bone headed stunt like that poor guy. I tend to laugh at life (my own included) whether others care to join in or not.

    By the number of eye rolls and head shakes I've received through the years, I know this to be true.

    Your perspective on Pippins situation is spot on. Perhaps God has someone in mind that needs to interact with one of the group before they return home.

    I'll be sure to lift her and the others up in prayer for a safe return.

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  7. the best things in life are seen when we slow down and take time to notice them....whatever generates a smile is worth it (but secretly I'd be so embarrassed!)

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  8. Okay, now that was funny! But I'd have been with the wife, going down another aisle, pretending I didn't know the goon squad!
    Another thing that you and Pippin can be thankful for...hopefully the airline didn't charge her an arm and a leg for a cracker and cheese!
    hugs
    Sandi

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  9. Just checking in to see if Pippin made it home safely.

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I love to hear from other. Your opinions and viewpoints are always a blessing and encourage other readers as well.