With perhaps one exception some of our best “going out” memories have involved the perils and misfortunes of others. Beth and I have witnessed many dining disturbances and have been the cause of one - what can I say we were young and in love.
We’ve been in nice restaurants, at least twice, seated next to couples breaking up. For the life of me I can’t figure out why you would break up in a nice restaurant.
Once the table to the left of us was a couple breaking up and the table to the right of us was a lively party of four vigorously insulting religion, churches and ministers.
Our favorite, and first such experience, was the couple obviously on their first date and she rambled on and on and on and on and on and on (get the picture) about buying a polo pony. She explained how she was uniquely qualified for the task because she had read a book about poly ponies. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that she could read.
We‚Äôve watched as some brave soul proposed to the love of his life. We‚Äôve seen large parties order every conceivable thing on the menu and had fun guessing at the total bill. We‚Äôve even been in dining situations and been called upon to perform life-saving medical procedures — maybe my friend Tim will weigh in on that one!
But there was that time when we were the cause of the dining disturbance.
Our dining disturbance revolves around Madison when she was 1 month and 1 day old. Valentine’s day 1994, Beth and I (and Madison) went to our favorite Italian deli for a nice meal. Madison was all dressed up in red which matched perfectly the red face she achieved from screaming the whole time.
Here we were trying to have a nice sweetheart’s supper and Madison was auditioning for American Idol. If I could capture, with words, the glares and stares of the other patrons in the pasta parlor you’d think you were reading some sailors blog by mistake.
Yesterday, during our sweetheart lunch, it seemed as if we would hit the trifecta. One couple appeared to be breaking up – though unfortunately it didn’t work out and it looked like the two stayed together.
One couple came into the restaurant with their two kids and sat down at the table two down from us. Immediately one of the children deposited the contents of breakfast on the table (from her stomach). I tell you these couples who bring their children out to eat on valentine’s day . . .
We ordered another round of iced teas and waited for news of the inevitable kitchen fire!
7 Responses to “114001415728667594”
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February 15th, 2006 at 10:23 am
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Madison cry. I think you’re making that story up!
February 15th, 2006 at 10:42 am
That’s hilarious. Makes me want to go out and stir things up. Too bad the break-up didn’t take. Maybe things got worse later, who knows.
It is entirely possible, given the contents of your blogs and your comments on mine, that neither you nor Brady have a romantic bone in your bodies.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
February 15th, 2006 at 11:29 am
When you come out in April, we’ll avoid all nice dining establishments … stick w/ In and Out and Krispy Kreme. Wait a minute, Krispy Kreme IS a nice dining establishment! What was I thinking???
February 15th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
Are you doing work on the side for the NSA with all that listening in on other peoples’ dinner conversations? You may be on to something here.
To celebrate the big day yesterday we had nine 7-year old girl scouts at our house for pizza. Nothing quite captures romance like having three boys under the age of 12, who shall remain nameless, chasing them through the house & antagonizing them on this special day. Come to think of it, perhaps even in adulthood we guys haven’t changed much in our ability to grasp the “specialness” of this day.
February 15th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
The advice I would give young women as the key to making it through “special” days (without breaking up - a common occurance for Allan and I in the dating years), is to give up your expectations! That way, if anything happens - even last minute flowers or a card from 7-11, it is precious. Yesterday, we enjoyed a nice outing to the library and took in Curious George as a family. It was a great day! And it is so much easier than being all put out and disappointed. When hubby ran out to Safeway for milk late last night, he came home with some flowers, as well. Precious!
February 15th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
We had a similar experience. Seated behind us was a couple, 2 kiddos – an infant and toddler, and Grandma. Baby started crying. Dad took crying baby outside. Wife ordered for hubby, ordering a “Ruben sandwich.”
Husband returns.
Meal arrives.
Husband wanted a Cuban sandwich. Received Ruben instead.
Wife freaked out and started dropping F-bombs left and right.
Owner tried to appease F-bombing wife. More F-bombs.
Police called.
Police arrive.
F-bombing family leaves. Wife is heard telling officers that she works for our local School Board.
I’m sitting there with my “Teacher of the Year” shirt on.
February 15th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Yes, Sue and I went out to the (give first and and eat) Resturant for dinner last night. as for listining to others conversations. It seems most people spoke some Asian Dilect or Spanish so we were left out of the loop. (no life saving was needed).We had maybe for the first time in 33yrs dinner with just ourselves.