Yep, these things just seem to happen. To me. A lot.
Internet karma has come to bite me on the butt. Mere days after publishing my post about my “Top Ten Most Embarrassing Fitness Moments Ever” I managed to top myself. Yes, even worse than the nose-vomit-headstand incident. And it all started, as things are wont to do these days, with the Internet, an e-mail and a clueless girl. (That girl being me, naturally.)
Here’s my problem: I’ve never seen a porn flick. Heck, I’ve only ever seen one R-Rated movie* in my entire life and that was the original Scream which was a total waste of my one teenage act of rebellion because a) I did it to impress a boy (and he was not impressed) and b) that movie sucks. Who gets killed by a garage door?! I can’t even leave a bike helmet within two feet of mine without it freaking out and flashing lights. And the one time my kids hung from it they pulled it clean off its tracks and we were homebound for an entire day because I couldn’t figure out how to get the car out of the garage with a non-functional door and heaven forbid we walk anywhere. So at least I could have gone for something highbrow like Braveheart or Schindler’s List or Dazed and Confused, right?? ANYHOW. My point is that there is a whole set of, shall we say, nomenclature, than I am not familiar with. (Like how I’m delaying telling you what I actually did? It wasn’t porn. I swear.)
So I’ve long been trying to get a certain fitness picture for a story. It’s a totally innocent picture but the right combination of people, time and place had not yet coincided and it had become a quest of mine. Then the other day my photojournalism intern Brittney managed to get just the right shot! It was perfect! I was so excited I e-mailed it to everyone I work with. EVERYONE. And then I put a subject line on it. The phrase I chose is apparently slang for a particular sex act. And while I have used this phrase quite a few times I had no idea what it meant or where it came from. I certainly didn’t know what it was.
(I know that you are all dying to know what the phrase was but I don’t want it in the body of my post because I don’t need that kind of Google traffic – the #1 search term that lands people on my site is already “fitness porn” after which I’m sure they’re horribly disappointed – but I will write it in the first comment below, along with a link with no pictures explaining what it is just in case you are one of the 10 other people in the world who also doesn’t know what it means. If you don’t want to know it, don’t read the first comment.)
To recap: I sent a professional e-mail with a popular porn sex act as the subject line with a picture attached. Whee.
The reaction was equal parts entertaining and humiliating. The next day one of the recipients (I’m keeping their names out of this – I try to only embarrass myself on this site.) approached me and said, “Well that was a, uh, interesting e-mail you sent out yesterday.” I could tell from his face he was holding back the giggles. “I know, that picture was perfect,” I crowed. “Well I didn’t really want to open it at work…” he answered. Seeing the confusion on my face, he continued, “With that subject line and all.” I repeated the obscene phrase. “That? What’s wrong with that??” He raised an eyebrow. “You really don’t know?” I shook my head. “Really? REALLY?!” I was turning red at this point. Clearly something had gone horribly wrong. Then he did bust out laughing. “It’s probably better that way.”
So I went home and googled it. Word to the wise: do not randomly Google phrases that you have any inkling are dirty. I think I’m scarred for life. I turned 50 shades of red (yeah, I just went there), slammed my laptop shut and then had to run about 5 virus scans. Even then I think I got contact herpes. The only thing to do at that point was send out a sincere apology to everyone who got the e-mail starting with “I truly did not mean to offend anyone. It wasn’t a joke in bad taste, I just really had no clue…” Most of them responded kindly with a mixture of “No worries, I thought your account had been hacked so I didn’t open it” and “Buwhahahhahahahhhh! You are awesome. Best day ever.” (There was one lady who responded with “What was wrong with it? I don’t get it either?!” You know who you are and I love you.) But there was one gentleman who did not respond right away. As 24 hours passed (24 years in Internet time) I grew more horrified. What if he thought I was some kind of perv now? A couple of days later he finally responded (people are busy, who knew?) with probably my most favorite note I’ve ever gotten:
It began: “Please do not worry about it. I don’t think I’ve been offended since I was four…”
I love people who are slow to take offense. And not just because that means we get to stay friends longer (since about 45% of the time I open my mouth, I stick my foot in it). But because he reminded me of something I’ve tried to cultivate in myself: a charitable attitude towards others. For me, taking offense isn’t a state of being but rather a choice we make. We always have the option of assuming the best about people and their intentions. While not everyone has the best intentions, I’d rather think the best of someone and be proven wrong than think the worst and be proven right. And if we’re really lucky, that person may try to live up to our good perception of them, even if that wasn’t where they started.
I learned the value of not being easily offended partly out of gratitude to those whom I’ve wronged and have forgiven me before I’ve even asked it of them but also because how much better I feel when I do it. Awhile ago I parked in a spot in front of the grocery store and was in the process of unloading all my children and herding them through the rain for what would surely be a noisy and frustrating “quick” trip to get chicken when an elderly woman stopped me. She was so irate she could barely get words to form but eventually she started yelling at me. “HOW DARE YOU PARK IN THE HANDICAPPED SPOTS! PEOPLE NEED THESE! AND IT’S ILLEGAL! YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYONE! YOU KIDS JUST THINK YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!” At this point I wanted to stop her and thank her for calling me a kid but I let her continue. “YOU MOVE RIGHT THIS INSTANT OR I’LL CALL THE MANAGER! AND THE POLICE!!” Quietly I smiled at her, thanked her for her concern for those who have special needs and loaded all my kids back in the car (still standing in the rain) and moved to a spot farther back from the doors.
The thing is? The spot I was in wasn’t handicapped. I’ve shopped at that store for years and am well aware of the parking areas and that one was legit for anyone. But what mattered was that she needed to feel heard. Did it feel crappy to get yelled at? Sure. Did I enjoy having to drag my kids farther? Nope. But she was obviously upset about something and I’m guessing that something really wasn’t me. I wanted her to have at least one kind interaction in her day and if that was me then I am grateful for the opportunity. Maybe she was having a bad day. Maybe she had a loved one with special needs who was mistreated. Maybe she had dementia. Or maybe she was just a jerk. It would have been super easy to have been offended. But I chose instead to try and see her in the best light. And regardless of how she felt afterward (although I hope she felt a little better), I felt good about it. I know if I’d argued with her or gotten angry back or cried I would have felt bad about it all day. As it was, I felt peaceful about the whole thing.
None of which is to say I’m perfect. This is definitely one of those things I have to constantly work at but I make a point to tell people “Don’t worry – You’d have to work really hard to offend me” and then try to make that true. It’s been a gift to see how this works on the interwebs as well. I’m constantly amazed at how kindly some of you correct me when I say something particularly idiotic (which, when you write every day like I do, can be fairly frequent) and how willing you are to forgive my faults. And on the other side, I’ve had people leave some really nasty comments on my posts and/or articles. Some have made cry. A lot. But 9 times out of 10 when I respond genuinely, they do as well. (There are the trolls just looking for a fight but I think those people are a lot fewer than we think they are.) I’m always willing to listen to your opinion, even if I don’t ultimately agree with it. And even if it makes me feel sad, I still will choose not to be offended by it. Because I adamantly believe people are more beautiful, more kind, more intelligent and more gracious than we give them credit for or opportunity to be.
Someone (and I’m too lazy to Google it to find out who but rest assured they’re way smarter than I am) said “A fool takes offense where none is meant but it is a greater fool who takes offense where offense was meant.” Because the poisonous feeling of offense lives in the heart of the person taking it, not the one giving it.
Are you good at letting things roll of your back or do you have to work at it, like me? Have you ever been in a situation where you chose not to be offended even though you had every right to be? Anyone else ever sent a horrible e-mail like I did?!?
*It’s a lesser-known part of our religion. Sure you probably know that LDS (or Mormons) don’t drink alcohol, coffee or tea or smoke as part of our religion but we also choose not to watch anything over a PG-13 rating which means about 80% of cultural references are lost on me. I’ve never understood why people keep wanting to put untrue weird stuff like prairie dresses and polygamy on us when there are so many legitimate quirks to work with…
** Also, I don’t want anyone to think that this gives people license to say whatever horrible thing they want and then demand that no one be offended. You shouldn’t say hurtful things. Society runs best with some modicum of social decorum in place. Mouthiness = Anarchy. I learned that from Calvin & Hobbes.
What I wrote was: “Look! I finally got the money shot!!” And for everyone not already smacking their foreheads, here’s what it means courtesy of Urban Dictionary (NO pictures in this link but text probably NSFW) http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=money+shot
I laughed so hard I choked!
You’re welcome – that’s what I’m here for;)
Actually, that isn’t a porn term. It’s a movie/photography term that is also used by people who watch porn.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_shot
The reaction to the term might actually say more about the habits of the recipient. 😉
I wondered about that! I mean it sounds innocuous right? Still not sure if it was a porn term that got broadened to non-porny usage or if it started with movies and got misappropriated by porn. I’m hoping you’re right and it’s the latter! Also: good point about the recipient, lol…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_shot
Cinematography first.
I was about to say the same thing – wedding photographers use the term a lot, usually talking about the shot of the bride tearing up/groom making that “I love you face”/etc that the bride is gonna go nuts over. It’s THE shot (or scene) that you nailed perfectly. (*ahem* yeah didn’t mean “nailed” in a dirty way either…)
Really, wedding photographers can use it with a straight face knowing its other usage? I’m sure I’d giggle.
Actually, inside secrets of wedding photographers would be fascinating to learn– there must ALL kinds of funny stuff behind the scenes of those lovely photo shoots.
I must say, I have no idea what that means (no joke). I’m not Mormon, either; I just don’t get out much 🙂
Love your writing! It always make me smile!
Wendy
Thanks Wendy! Both for the sympathy and the compliment!!
Thanks Wendy! Both for the sympathy and the compliment!!
Oh no. I didn’t know that was a p*rn term either! I don’t think I’ve ever used it, though. Oh, I feel for you!
And I’ve also googled a term I wished I hadn’t. There are some strange, strange people out there!
And they all live on the Internet… 😉
Are you kidding? I use that term all the time during my photo sessions, especially with little kids who finally smile right at me or a realky romantic wedding shot. When did this stop being a basketball term? Sometimes sex ruins everything it touches!
I had no idea it meant that ! I think I’ve used it too – thinking it meant something like “the best shot”
Now I’m embarrassed too !
I’m having a hard time getting over the fact that you’ve never seen Braveheart or Schindler’s List..
Also, I really don’t think money shot is that offensive! I’ve heard people use it many times in semi-polite settings with no gasps or shocked looks.
I know, right?! True story: I went and read the plot descriptions on Wiki just so I’d understand what people were talking about…
And I’m glad you didn’t think it was awful! I probably would have been fine if it wasn’t a business e-mail…
Since you made an exception for Scream, maybe you could make one for Braveheart? It’s really such a good movie. I quote it at least once a week. It feels so satisfying to say “You can take my life, but you’ll never take…MY FREEDOM!” in a fake scottish accent. Just think about it.
Ooh and I love me a fake Scottish accent! Just watched Brave with my kids today and we’re all still saying “Aye, lass!” every 5 seconds… (And my husband feels exactly the same as you about Braveheart!)
Oh, honey. 🙂
*snicker*
I would’ve laughed heartily.
See, I need someone to just come up with a list for me of porn phrases people do not use in polite conversation. I’m not googling that though.
Pearl necklace.
Consider your public service done for the day! (And… no, I don’t know what that is)
I was going to say that! Yeah, ya gotta be careful out there.
(That term was probably the source of one of my most embarrassing moments!)
Pearl jam is related to that one. :-/
I agree with Kati in that I was expecting something MUCH much worse and have heard it used a million times without anyone batting an eye. But then again, it does take a lot to offend me. Weird things offend me and I try to remember that sometimes people just say stupid things or don’t know what they’re saying (me included.) But if they’re knowingly ignorant, I let it fly. 😉
However, I’m also kind of naive and have used certain phrases or been oblivious to certain jokes many times, much to the delight of others…
Yeah people’s reactions to it have been all over the place. Some are dying, some are blase and some are just confused. Like I said to Kati, I probably would have been fine if it wasn’t a business e-mail…
And I’m glad I’m not the only one who does this!
Understood! Business emails are always touchy. With one of my magazines it’s very formal and proper and frou-frou, but another deals with party supplies and sexy costumes, so I get thongs and “smooches” sent to me all the time. Know your audience 😉
You get thongs sent to you all the time?! I am in the wrong biz. Oh sure I get lots of free workout tops but no one EVER sends me undies! That said, I hate working out in thongs…
I’ve never heard that term except in the legit, non-porn sense…I’m about to click on the link, at my peril. And…really, no When Harry Met Sally? (I thought that was R but maybe it’s PG-13, I hope so….)
Nope. R:( But don’t worry I’ve seen the “I’ll have what she’s having” scene re-enacted by various friends so often that I feel like I’m good on that one…
For what it’s worth, I seriously had no idea that the phrase meant that either! Just… eww. I figured it was a photography-type term, meaning a great photo! Honestly, I’m glad I didn’t know what it meant. 🙂
Glad I’m not the only naif 😉 And yes, that’s what I thought it meant too…
I’m with you, Charlotte. I had no idea that could be a less-than-reputable term. That’s why I had to run all my potential costume ideas by various friends in college just to make sure I wasn’t accidentally going out as something more scandalous than I anticipated (I had already planned out an awesome bicycle costume when one of my guy friends finally made a “town bike, eh?” comment and I had to switch gears (ha! gears!)).
Yeah… I don’t get that one. Not going to google it though, lol. Although I do appreciate a good pun:)
the town bicycle is the one everyone get to ride on. A particularly unflattering term for someone of dubious judgement.
urbandictionary.com is usually a pretty safe way to look up phrases you don’t understand because there are no pictures. It’s like the sheltered girl’s guide to the real world.
Yeah, that’s why I used their link in my comment explanation… Unfortch I didn’t think of it before I googled. Sigh.
My mother-in-law has using the term “I’ve shot my wad” as a synonym for “I just spent a lot of money” for years, despite our efforts to enlighten her as to its less savory meaning. We don’t shop with her any more. So I’d encourage you to avoid that phrase too.
By the way, you were super-sweet with the woman haranguing you about the parking spot. I would have been polite, but no way would I have loaded my kids back in the car to move away from a legitimate parking place once I’d found one, and I only have two kids.
Um, I’ve said that one too! Although not frequently. I’ll add it to my “DON’T” list!! And thanks, it was hard in the moment and I don’t know that I’d be that nice all the time but that’s what worked that day.
Actually, “shot my wad” is not an unsavory term. It was from the days when people used muskets. When they ran out of ammunition, they would shoot the wadding out of their gun.
I think it was Bruce Lee’s son who was killed by the wadding of a gun that was shot at him.
For all my years, I had never heard that with a negative connotation… we have a person in common that could elaborate on the other term for you…
Hahah! TRUE.
I was expecting much worse. While I’m familiar with the seedier use of “money shot,” I think it’s a phrase that can still legitimately be used in a PG way. That said, I am super paranoid about computer viruses and probably would not have opened your attachment just in case. 😉
We had the phrase “salad tossing” come up at work (actually, a group of kids trying to name themselves the “Salad Tossers”). Could have been totally innocent, but the slang definition of that term is just too grody to have let it slide.
Don’t know that either but I’ll add it to my do-not-say list! And I’m guessing if the kids were over 10 they probably knew exactly what they were saying. Back when I used to teach high-schoolers I was much more up on slang stuff!
I shouldn’t read your posts at football practice. I am sitting on the grass, holding my phone and suppressing the laughter to the point I have tears running down my face. You can make me #11 of people in the world who haven’t heard that term. I need to get up and walk out of earshot to have an out of control laughing fit now.
Then my work here is done;) Glad you enjoyed it!
I like to consider myself mostly “with it” and I didn’t know that term, either. If I saw that email I wouldn’t have thought twice about the subject!
Thank you Sybil!
I had never heard this phrase used in anything but cinematography, but it’s a tricky world these days (see “salad tossing” above). I work as an editor for a company that publishes nature guides. One of our writers was researching a fish called (no word of a lie) a “black crappie.” She innocently googled the term and apparently got more than she’d bargained for. It took her days to recover 😉
Okay I don’t know that one either but just the possibilities are making me giggle. Good to know!
I wouldn’t have thought twice about the phrase, either. I’ve never watched a porn movie and would consider my pop-cultural knowledge to be way below normal, but after being in the Army for four years and trying hard to prove what a non-girlie girl I was and how nothing could offend me, I’ve pretty much heard everything. But “money shot”? Not all that offensive, really.
On a related note, I did have to snicker at my very sheltered, naive mother when we were touring northern Minnesota with a bird festival, and the group found grisly evidence of beaver-trapping. One of the other festival goers mentioned that beaver used to be consumed by the pioneers. My mother chimed in, without a moment’s hesitation, “I’ve never eaten beaver.” And anyone has to look that one up…then please, just don’t. Corrupting my mom is enough for me! 🙂
OK, and I also have to confess…I just went to Urban Dictionary to look up “salad tossing.” Not sure how it got that meaning!
Finally one I know! And I kind of love your mom now. As for the level of offensiveness I think it is all about your audience – probably would have been fine if it hadn’t been a work e-mail…
Meredith Viera used the SAME PHRASE during the Olympic coverage of the opening ceremony, talking about the Queen of England. I almost lost it when that happened, but it seemed that she didn’t know the background of the phrase either (I hope!?!), so you aren’t alone!
SERIOUSLY?! Then I am totally fine. And yes this makes me feel better!
LOL, too funny. I went to camp one year where there were tshirt printers that would screen print your name or whatever on the official camp shirt. One of my classmates wanted “Muff diver” on his shirt. We all figured it was something dirty (this was before the days of urban dictionary), but the company actually printed it. Now that I’m a little more worldly, it totally makes me crack up. You can google it if you want.
I think I got that one without google, lol! Lady Gaga taught me everything I know about, ahem, muffins… Hilarious that your fellow camper got away with it.
I am frequently a victim of word vomit coming out of my mouth with my brain completely unaware. It’s taught me not to take offence because sometimes people just say really, really (really) stupid things unintentionally.
I didn’t know what it was either. But now that I know I’m scarred for life. Most of the time I’m not offended by things because I usually am oblivious to the meaning of it.
Also, why are all the cliche phrases now sex terms? Gross.
Good to know I’m scarring people left and right today, lol! Misery loves company? And I tot agree about the word vomit. ME TOO.
I have no idea what that means either. And I watch R rated movies.
Thank you so much! This was highly entertaining this morning. Also, I was expecting something much worse. My husband said he was surprised that it wasn’t filtered to spam or flagged as inappropriate (maybe this is why it took the other person awhile to respond). I have to say, if I’d gotten an email from someone I knew didn’t know phrases like that (say my Mom, who once tried to buy my 14 y.o. sister a shirt with 69 on the front), I would just assume they didn’t know. My husband’s co-worker once sent an email to a new guy named Stu, and she just hit ok when spell check came up. It had corrected his name to “Stud”, so her email to the new guy said “Hey Stud”.
I usually don’t find much offensive, but then I wonder if I’m being a doormat or how to handle things that should be offensive. Like when people make jokes about things that should not be joked about or say incredibly insensitive things, how do you handle dealing with that?
FWIW, I usually flatly say ‘that’s not funny’ or ‘that’s not something to joke about’, and then I continue one as if nothing had happened. That seems to me like a good compromise between saying nothing to protect their sensibilities, and saying something to appease mine.
Eeeek. I’ve used that phrase before-had no idea about the background of its meaning either. I wouldn’t have thought twice about your subject line. Good post by the way. Needed some of these reminders.
Ha ha, I had no idea either but now I really want to see your awesome picture!!!
ERMEGERD, I am a lawyer and I am almost certain I have used that phrase in conducting HARASSMENT TRAINING for clients. I didn’t know it was porn-related either (obviously). I’m going to go crawl in a hole and die.
Hi SH – Can you explain how to understand the ERMEGERD phrase you just used? I’ve seen it all over on photos (esp. of cute cats and dogs??) along with other words and I can’t make heads or tails of what it’s supposed to mean. Sorry, totally off topic, but it would be much appreciated!
Imagine you are saying “Oh my god” in such an excited and gravelly voice that it comes out like that.
Um, I’ve used that saying (and heard it used many times) without any of the nasty connotations! I used to work at a newspaper, and it’s often used there, too, without any issues. Count me in as someone who also had to look it up! 🙂 Urban Dictionary is my friend.
I can let minor things roll off my back, but if it’s a bigger situation, I often worry about what *I* did that led to the situation in the first place. There’s a couple people who I know they mean offense when they say certain things (passive aggressive sorts); otherwise, I don’t take offense at all – I’m pretty easy going and can roll with most anything as long as I’m not worrying about the fact I did something wrong.
I knew both sides of your phrase, and I know all the ones I have seen here in the comments, and I know quite a few nasty phrases in Spanish thanks to teaching in majority spanish speaking schools in very poor neighborhoods for years – I remember teaching kids to use “weigh boats” in chemistry one year, half the class fell out laughing, and I couldn’t figure out why until I learned the slang meaning of “heuvos” in spanish … sounds like weigh boats … I will let you figure out why the spanish word for eggs is a naughty slang term! THIS is why you are my FAVORITE blogger ever!
Wow, for once I was more innocent than I thought! I didn’t realize this was a term used in the adult film industry, either. I would have had NO reaction to your email and happily opened it has I received it. Plus, I truly do believe that sometimes ignorance really IS bliss!
That is hilarious. It is a porn term but it is used for other stuff too…he hee. I think I would interpret it differently depending on who it came from. I certainly wouldn’t think you were suddenly sending out porn. 🙂
I NEVER would have linked that phrase with porn… and I used to work for an internet company as their web filter!!! It was my JOB to look for dirty pictures and inappropriate words! So glad I don’t work there anymore, if seemingly innocent phrases like that are dirty.
BTW: Being LDS too, I totally get the “no rated R movies” thing… my rebellion movies were Carrie and The Exorcist (but I only watched them because my older sister wanted to, but was afraid to watch them alone). My hubby, on the other hand, can’t resist certain movies but got them edited to a PG-13 rating to make his “rebellion” acceptable. Hahaha!
“But what mattered was that she needed to feel heard. Did it feel crappy to get yelled at? Sure. Did I enjoy having to drag my kids farther? Nope. But she was obviously upset about something and I’m guessing that something really wasn’t me. I wanted her to have at least one kind interaction in her day and if that was me then I am grateful for the opportunity. Maybe she was having a bad day. Maybe she had a loved one with special needs who was mistreated. Maybe she had dementia. Or maybe she was just a jerk. It would have been super easy to have been offended. But I chose instead to try and see her in the best light. And regardless of how she felt afterward (although I hope she felt a little better), I felt good about it. I know if I’d argued with her or gotten angry back or cried I would have felt bad about it all day. As it was, I felt peaceful about the whole thing.”
I LOVE THIS story!! You are so awesome, Charlotte! I, too, aspire to this every day. I, too, am imperfect and don’t always live up to my own aspirations. But as you wrote, it’s an incredible feeling when I do. Thanks so much for sharing. I really love the way you take moments from your life (like your accidental porn subject line) and find an incredibly powerful, moving insight within. I strive to do more blogging like this in my future!
Recently I was on a plane with a crying baby behind me. The man in my row was obviously very grumpy, and the third time he turned around to shoot the mother a dirty look, I snapped at him “what do you think that’s going to do? it’s a baby, they cry.” I was feeling smug for putting him in his place when the woman across the aisle from me handed me some earplugs to give to the man. He instantly turned into the jolliest Santa-Claus type fellow you’ve ever met on a plane. Her act of kindness completely changed his mood, and as soon as he put the earplugs in, the baby stopped crying. I’m going to try and be more like her (and you, in the parking space example)!
Oh! This gives me a great idea for the name of a quick short term loan service. Thanks Charlotte!
So how did you manage to rank for “fitness porn”? ;P
I’m not sure if I’m oblivious, but I would not have batted an eyelash if I received an e-mail with that subject line, and I was also unaware of all the other “dirty” phrases people are mentioning in the comments. I didn’t think I was that naive, but apparently I was wrong!
I really appreciated this post. As a (highly) sensitive person, I tend to be deeply hurt by people’s words, especially if they are someone close to me. I have been actively trying to let things go and not take offence to things that would normally hurt me, because I think I would be a lot happier and more self assured if I did so.
As a side note, I used to read your blog all the time but I had to unsubscribe last year when I was beginning my ED recovery (I struggle with compulsive exercise and it wasn’t healthy for me to be reading about your fitness adventures at that time, as much as I loved you and all your articles). Anyway, someone sent me a link to you the other day and I’m so happy I found you again. I am a bit further along in my recovery so I’m going to continue reading. You are one of the few bloggers I have come across who I actually find relatable.
This reminds of when I was trying to find a dutch oven in college and all my friends would either giggle or think I was prank calling them. Finally someone had to explain what a dutch oven was and I was annoyed because of course I wasn’t calling them about that!
Also freshman year of college was the best/most aggravating trying to find movies to rent that were pg-13 so my roommate could watch them. It led to some hilarious stories because we ended up watching the cheesiest kids movies ever produced in the late ’90s!
For what it’s worth, I had no idea what that phrase meant either. I had to use your link to find out. I tell my kids that some amount of innocence can be a choice — especially as we get older.
I completely agree with you, too, about letting things roll of your back and not being offended easily. Like you, it’s something I have to really work on, but I do believe it makes the world that much better a place to live. 🙂
Thank you for this article and sharing your experiences and thought. I’m saving this article for days when I feel extra sensitive.
Seriously, the fact you didn’t get upset at the woman in the parking lot means to me that you are doing well in many ways. I’m far too sensitive and hope to be as wise as you.
You just made me feel a little more wholesome, because I have never heard that phrase. And usually I am the one laughing.
I didn’t know either! But I’m glad I do now in case I would ever accidentally use the term. Eek! Nothing is safe.
I love this story because it sounds EXACTLY like something I would do.
Although, I agree with previous comments–I’ve heard this term used in a variety of non-pornographic situations.
hahahahhaahhaahahhaahahahaha!!!!!!
Now this made me laugh! Ahh, I needed it :0)
~Kari
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I have no clue what that means either, and I am 50. Reminds me of the time I googled for plus sized support hose and got a picture of a model wearing a 4x thong. I am totally unable to unsee . Can add this to the time I came home wearing a shirt that proclaimed that “I caught crabs on the Oregon coast”, and the time I went through the store singing, Jenny got a g string (Hey, she was a guitar player)
Thank you for your candid innocence….and sharing new vocab with all of us. You are precious!
I was on vacation when you posted this, so glad I read your old blogs!!!
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I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about
my trouble. You are amazing! Thanks!