Language Barriers

Wednesday, May 6, 2009



There is a little Carl's Jr. right across the street from where I work in LA, surrounded by the city, bums and various characters that give me plenty to write about. Today I made my way across the street, ordered a diet coke and a side salad and proceeded to commence my lunch. As I was sitting there I happened to make eye contact with a small Mexican man who standing strait as an arrow might (and I say might) have come up to my belly button. He had to have been as round as he was tall, and he had the biggest lips I have ever seen. Honestly. I couldn't help my mind from conjuring the image of the frog on Thumbelina.

My first mistake was making eye contact, as soon as our eyes connected he stopped mid stride turned around and gave me a full once over, his eyes becoming very swishy. I wanted to laugh at his "suaveness" and in an attempt to hide it I made my second mistake-a half smile out of politeness. Working in the city I should know not to look at people and especially not to smile, but it's against my nature and something that I'm working on. Because of it I have had some awesome conversations and the result of this mistake today made a priceless conversation that I wouldn't have traded for anything.

After grinding to a halt on his way to the soda machine and turning completely around he began to work his magic on me. In a thick spanish accent he began with.

Him: "Hey beautiful lady... I like jor es-smile." He said as his eyebrows wiggling wildly.
Me: laughing, "Um... thanks."
Him: Whas shur name preety lady?"
Me: Now this is where I draw the line, no personal information that could link me to anything. "I'm sorry, I'm married." I say, pointing to my ring. Usually this statement works well enough to shy away any unwanted "suiters."
Him: "Oh, ok, hey Mary." He says with a triumphant smile from gleaning some information.
Me: Well this is awkward. I now have to explain that I didn't in fact give him my name, but that I'm spoken for. "No, my name isn't Mary, I'm married." I say, pointing at my ring again.
Him: Densely, "Oh. Is jor husband coming to mee(t) you?" He asks as though maybe I'll come sit with him if Jarom isn't.
Me: "Um... yeah." I say lying.
Him: "Ok, well, I eh-like jor beautiful es-smile." He tries one more time.
Me: "Thanks." I say as I try to ignore the further conversation he's trying to carry on. Finally, after standing their awkwardly staring at me he walks to the machine and fills his drink. As he walks past me I look at my iPod and try to ignore the smoldering look he is trying to pass over on me.

Sorry Don Juan, no thanks. I am Mary.

15 comments :

Jenn said...

Oh my gosh, I'm sitting here at work laughing my head off. I can totally see this happening to you.

jbiz said...

Add one more to the list. Does anyone know where to find wierd-o-repellant? Holly seems to need it. HAHA. I love how this guy seemed to think that it was his day or something: "Oh, hi Merri!"
Did he trill his r's extra long for you too? LOL Great story!

Anupa Harvey said...

Hilarious!!!

Scott+Kimber+Ruby=Scimby said...

Muahahahaha!!!!! What a smooth cat!!!

Sarah said...

That's hilarious! You just have a way with men;)

Perley Family said...

That is awesome! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in that Carls Jr.

Unknown said...

Oh I am so sorry. SMile
Hey Kris... He would of eaten the fly on the wall. HA HA!!

Julia Holmes said...

Haha, Holly that is too funny! I am laughing to myslef still. You crack me up.

Anonymous said...

He es-sounds a kinda es-sexy.

Megan said...

Anyone who wants to feel the full impact of this story needs to call Holly and have her repeat it on the phone. Its awesome.

I miss you guys. So does Ryan, I'm just not as exciting as Uncle Saymo- was that it? Come back!!

DavidyAshley Bowen said...

haha you are so good at telling stories! love it!

Lindsay RC Wilson said...

Thank you for the much needed laughter today.

Linds and Thad said...

That's hilarious. Your better at witholding information that I am. When people catch me off guard like that I always blurt out things that I regret afterward. Mostly my name. At least I've never given my address!

Kelly said...

L
M
F
A
O
!

Jen Paris said...

hey HOlly, I haven't been on your blog for months and months...look what I've been missing. You make me laugh!!! Hope you're doing well. We are planning a trip to Disneyland in October, do you and your husband go often?