Lukey the Wonder Nephew is repeating just about everything he hears these days. He is also able to point out the following automobiles by name, simply by looking at them: Nissan, Honda, Jeep, Subaru, BMW, and his particular favorite, Toyota. "TOYO!!"
He really, really likes cars. My sister writes these names in crayon on a sheet of paper, and Luke reads them. If she writes the president's name down Luke will screech: Bach Bama!
I shit you not. He's still not even two.
Needless to say, Sissy has put a strict ban on swearing in front of her son. I do my best to respect her wishes, but even the best of aunties slip up from time to time. I'm certainly making a concentrated effort, however.
The other day we were headed towards the playground and had the walk sign when a large truck aggressively began taking a turn. The guy behind the wheel was on his cell phone and steering with one hand (a common sight in Boston), and when we gave him a dirty look and continued crossing, he had the nerve to yank on his horn.
Honk, honk.
I instinctively gave him the finger, extending my entire arm upwards in one quick, fluid motion. Very old school and entirely spontaneous, but this new no swear in front of the baby policy doesn't leave me with very much to work with.
My older sister looked at me in disbelief. "Did you really just give that guy the finger?"
Um, yes. I suppose I had. "He wasn't even paying attention! We're walking with a baby!"
"So you gave him the finger? Who are you? Kenickie from Grease?"
I was, a little. There, in the middle of Boylston Street, in my checkered wool Chaps jacket, I was channeling Jeff Conaway circa 1978. We started to giggle and didn't stop for at least two blocks. For a moment I thought I might pee.
Many folks would describe me as a sweet natured, ladylike individual. (Many folks; notice I didn't say all.) I'm honestly not sure what comes over me at times. I know it was protective love for my nephew that prompted my silent show of displeasure, but all the same. Sometimes I think I'm going mental.
Although, the middle finger is an entirely underused gesture nowadays, is it not?
I agree-underused. I think it would be hard for Luke to stick up his middle finger right now anyway, so you probably have a few good months left!
Posted by: Keely | November 20, 2009 at 07:50 AM
hahaha, that post was a riot- I literally laughed out loud when I read "Kenickie from Grease." I can't believe how smart Luke is, such a cutie pie!
Posted by: Tanya | November 20, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Tanya, you wouldn't believe how big he is getting. He's such a funny little guy. Hope you are well!
Posted by: the odd broad | November 20, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Good point, Keel- let the finger giving commence!
Posted by: the odd broad | November 20, 2009 at 09:19 AM
I could pee thinking about it now. Silly girl.
Posted by: Sissy | November 20, 2009 at 09:51 AM
Hysterical! It would have been even funnier if I was there. We'd only then get beat up.
Posted by: Gstar | November 20, 2009 at 05:26 PM
LOL! You and I are double trouble. We'd totally get beaten. xoxo
Posted by: the odd broad | November 20, 2009 at 06:20 PM
i regularly use the middle finger on my way to work - my good nature disappears when i'm behind the wheel!
just the other day i was telling the friend i car share with a fanatastic pasta recipe and half way through i launched into a four letter tirade at another driver - it went "prawns, chilli, $%^& you, mofo-ing £$*$! garlic, oil", waving the middle finger throughout.
Posted by: Steph | November 21, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Steph you are a woman after my own heart! A true kindred! I love it.
PS: the recipe sounds nice, by the way.
Posted by: the odd broad | November 21, 2009 at 09:32 AM