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It's cold tonight in Southern Cal and I follow my nose to a nice little place for a hot dinner after work. The large tropical fish tank glows in the entry way. Customers are lined up to order about seven deep. I fall in line behind a white couple. The man is mid-40s with thinning brown hair but a very full, dark beard. His lady companion wears a tight ponytail that brushes her waist. Both are heavy-set and wear track suits slightly modified for his and hers.
Happy music plays on the stereo speakers. Diners chatter and a few small children cavort near tables. There is some confusion with a customer's order. A cashier turns to the cook staff behind her and yells orders through the opening above the counter. One cook returns fire and they joke for a few seconds, talking loudly above the din. The customer joins in the banter.
The couple before me shifts in place. The woman sighs. The man looks at the ceiling. The woman tightens her ponytail. The man puts his wallet back in his pocket. The woman nudges him, turns toward him and talks under her breath:
Woman: (sucks her teeth) These Mexicans. They're so damn loud.
Man: Humph.
Woman: Look at this. We're all waitin' here while they have a good old time. I'm tired of these people. They're nothin' but trouble. Look at the border. Look at all our stuff translated into Es-pan-ol.
Man: Uh huh. Well. I'm just hungry. That's all.
Woman: Well that's what I'm sayin'. Look at this. We're all waitin' on them and they're messin' around. They're no good (sighs). I don't like anything about 'em.
The joking ends. The line advances. The cashier smiles warmly. The couple orders lobster tacos and an enchilada combo. I am at Rubio's Baja Grill, enjoying Mexican food.
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21 Whispers:
Wow. She's not exactly the brightest crayon in the box, now is she?
She's not even in the box...!
Vienne:
What the heck is she doing out of the box? Is there any way we can stuff her back in so the populace doesn't have to deal with that class act?
oh, the irony.
@AntiBarbie - Let me think about that. I'll take a step back from the rogue crayon and think outside the box...solution forthcoming.
@Alan - I was deciding between A Hypocritical Combo and An Ironic Meal to go, or a An Angry Bowl with a side of jerk. So many choices!
not gonna say it!!!! nope!
I have noticed that if you are in a mexican or chinese or asian restaurant, the slogan is the noisier the more merrier! I never had a problem with it
It's worse when they're ugly in the outside AND the inside.
I want to eat your food but don't even think of having any fun while cooking it. Ridiculous. I think it shows how much they like their job, I encourage my employees to have fun. Life's too short.
Hi Rudy, inner beauty is always so much more obvious to those who listen, instead of just look, isn't it?
You sound like a fun boss, Writing Nag! I am lucky to work for a very fun-loving boss and he always gets 110% from us as a result.
Darn, so now it's a sin to have fun at work now. That's gonna ruin my day. ;)
Hi Mikster, you know what they say about all work and no play...
Maybe they really aren't insensitive obnoxious racists. Maybe they just really, really like irony.
So sad! I know we all have our issues and hangups, but I just don't understand it. I don't think I ever will!
Debbie aka The Real World Martha(S)
http://realworldmartha.wordpress.com
Hi RW Martha, yeah, this is certainly an issue. Bashing Mexicans in a Mexican restaurant. Real life sure is stranger than fiction, as they say.
Wow.
On an off topic note, I love this blog. I eavesdrop and write about it all the time. Not on my blog though.
Many thanks, Elisabeth! I'm pleased to meet a fellow eavesdropper. I find a never-ending flow of creativity through it, don't you?
Love the irony.
I love eavesdropping. I'm glad I found your blog (through Entrecard)
Welcome, Erica. Nice to meet a fellow eavesdropper! Hope to hear from you again, Vivienne.
Wow... Great eavesdropping story again.... I enjoyed reading it.
Hye
Sounds like the man has had his share of listening to the woman's complaints... I also eavesdrop but don't write about it often, but sometimes get inspiration for writing from it. I love your blog!
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