People watching is the best show on earth...

Apr 29, 2008

Ball Buster

. Apr 29, 2008

Views

I'm having a strawberry shake at Archie's Diner around dinner time. (Yes, I know, it sounds like a joint straight out of the Happy Days TV show). You can't beat the shakes here, or much else, for that matter. It's dusk and unusually warm for a spring evening in Southern California. There are eight tables arranged outside and I grab one of the last two empty ones.


Mostly couples surround me, enjoying their dinners. A small girl has found a beetle of sorts scurrying toward her on the ground. "Daddy!" she shrieks. Her father jumps up and squashes the bug under his big foot to her delight.

Pronounced shuffling drawing near catches my attention. A large white woman wearing a Sponge Bob t-shirt, white sweatpants and flip flops drags her feet. She holds a super-sized soda and claims the last empty table. Her nails are done red and her wedding ring finger sports a big rock. She sits down with a sigh.

Moments later a small white man with thinning brown hair and dark-rimmed glasses joins her. He carries two trays of food and I wonder how he managed to navigate the door to come outside. He gives her a burger and fries combo. She begins eating before he unloads the other tray. He sets a sandwich down for himself. He's about to sit down:

Sponge Bob: Where's my ranch?
Husband: Oh, uh, I thought I asked her for a side.
Sponge Bob: Guess not. Go get me some ranch. Get me two cups.

He goes back inside without taking a bite. She continues eating. She spoke loud enough for two other people to take second glances at her. She doesn't notice. Her husband returns with three cups of ranch.

They barely speak during dinner. Her chair screeches on cement no more than 10 minutes later. Her food is gone. Her husband is just finishing the first half of his sandwich:

Sponge Bob: Come on. Let's go. I'm tired.
Husband: Oh -

He wraps his sandwich in the paper and takes it with him. She has already reached the sidewalk. He skips a few steps to catch up with her, much like a squirrel hopping across the grass holding a little nut.

I look around and notice at least three men staring after them open-mouthed. One of the wives looks at her husband looking at them and laughs.

34 Whispers:

Anonymous said...

I gotta admit I had a hard time getting past the squashed beetle. What an unnecessary show of force :o( Nice contrast, though.

Rene Perez said...

I thought this was going in the direction of Sponge Bob griping at the father for squashing the beetle.. instead, she squashes her husband. :-(

Tony said...

I actually wondered why might she be in a hurry? why is he so subservient? Maybe he's trying to make up for another night of out late drinking? She seemed a little sympathetic to me...

Relax Max said...

At first I wan't sure what you were doing on your blog. Now I think I know, and I think I like it. You seem kind of nosy. I really like that in a girl! :)

Come see us sometime. I'll be peeking through the window here too. Good luck.

PS-consider losing the word verification. You are more daring that that, I'll bet! A little Porn-O-Spam never hurt an adventurous girl like yourself! heh. 'Bye.

Jane Doe said...

This is my kind of blog. I am an avid people watcher and always getting caught for 'dipping'.

My guess is the woman made the bucks in the household.

Anonymous said...

what a b!tch. thinking maybe the other comment above is right that She has the money or something else to hold over him...or maybe he is a masochist?

Laura said...

Hi Vivienne -

Thanks for this - quite a contrast to the 4/17 one.

My sense is that she may, indeed, make more money than her husband. This may entitle her to consider herself the alpha in the relationship which, at least publicly, entitles her to express her alphaness in a humiliating way.

The alpha (or dom) looks like the powerful one, but be careful of those assumptions - betas (or subs) are there generally by choice and, in fact, they are the ones who frequently have the power to say no. They call the shots on how far the humiliation can go - they call out the safe words.

The dynamics of every couple is fascinating. In your role as public eavesdropper you are giving us a little glimpse into a world of complex people.


Laura
zentalfloss.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

what the heck...
seems like a man is totally gone, done too bad for himself in his previous life (peace baby :-) )
That woman needs a good smack on ... (rest omitted for fear of feminist reprisals ;-) ).
On the other hand maybe he deserved it :-(

Anonymous said...

I loved your vivid use of words, however, it took me some time to realize you were outside...you were outside correct? Otherwise kudos!

I feel for the man. Discovering the psychological underpinning to his choice of wife/girlfriend would be fascinating to find out.

Pratibha Hottigimath said...

Hey Girl! You have an interesting blog. And to imagine that a blog could exist on eavesdropping. Am amazed and I congratulate you! :) Would love you to visit mine.
And I'll be coming back here.

NathanKP said...

Wow, Spongebob is a little domineering. Great eavesdrop.

NathanKP - Inkweaver Review

Unknown said...

This is funny, I like the way you sad “He skips a few steps to catch up with her, much like a squirrel hopping across the grass holding a little nut.”
I also love watching people around me or in public places.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha, a poor soul, the husband.
I like your writing style though.

Anonymous said...

This is the first time i have come to your blog, and i really like the way u have written the stuff.I be dropping by frequently

Unknown said...

i found your blog through stumble. i love it. i think your eavesdropping is fascinating lol. i'm glad you share it with us. i read every entry on here. i will definitely be looking for updates!

Anonymous said...

Been very addicted to your blog. Your blog is an example of what blogs are all about, sharing the juicy news..haha..good job.

Anonymous said...

she has to be hurry.. is he subservient? i dont really think of that.

Anonymous said...

That is funny. I wonder how is it back in their home. Woman domineering. I realize your blog are fill of great story to read. I think i want to subscribe your rss

Anonymous said...

Yikes! It's a good thing my husband hasn't read that post, he'd have a fit! Quite frankly his mother used to treat him that way (disgusting I know!!!). I'm all for respect both ways, not one over the other (though my husband is head of the household, but it's not like I have no say).

Anonymous said...

Man... Till death to us part huh? It saddens me to put myself in that guy's shoe. Honestly, i cant imagine being in that kind of marriage.

Anonymous said...

o.0 omg this is so.. insane.. being a guy i cant imagine having a wife like that.. but a songs reminds me. i dont quite remember the lyrics, but is something "like if you staying with me, i must have done something good." guess there is something that keeps the guy with that woman eh.. never know

Anonymous said...

Lol ouch. Interesting story. Hey.. Maybe the husband loves getting tortured like that. ^^ Sadastic?

Anonymous said...

spongebob is the wife? what a weird name that is.

Anonymous said...

Hey i came by again to check for updates, waiting you next post.
You could visit mine at
http://flightsofantasy-enigma.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Strange scene indeed. Sometimes relationships work in different ways, and what may seem domineering to most of us is just plain old submissive loving between them. Maybe? Who knows ...

Anonymous said...

I always find that the way you potray your thoughs is such a visualising and engaging way. Another good writeup! Hopefully that couple is doing fine..

Anonymous said...

I see scenes like that everyday but I think, in a few masterful strokes, you've managed to capture perfectly that glimpse into that couple's relationship. Dismal? Who are we to judge? The squashing of the beetle is a brilliant prelude. I've just stumbled on your blog, and I'm starting to like your style. Great job!

Anonymous said...

Lol, well well, ur stories r always delighting. Spongebob sounds like a really strict wife, her husband can jz take it and swallow it, tht’s amazing… haha

Anonymous said...

I wonder why you call her Spongebob? Sound more like a Squidward to me. But i think Ms Blob would sound better. LoL

Anonymous said...

That's sad. I don't think men should be the "alpha" in the relationship, but I believe that equality is the very foundation of a marriage. It's either you view each other as equals or bust.
Great "spying" and "writing" techniques. :D

Anonymous said...

haha..
nice story u posted, enjoy it.
good day

Vivienne said...

Hello readers! Thanks everyone for commenting on this one. I so enjoy reading your different perspectives and observations. I am still quite curious about this couple. I would have loved to follow them home! (Don't worry, I'm not that out of control...yet). I wonder if they have separate bedrooms, or if they're even married. Maybe he was her brother or ?? They both wore wedding rings, maybe just not each other's.

Anyway, I'm so appreciative at the thoughtful comments you take time to write and hope you'll continue enjoying my eavesdropping. Vivienne ~

Unknown said...

you know, i read a few comments about how she makes more money then him. i guess this gives her the right to be an asshole? come on. what happened to partnerships in marriage? now, i am not completly niave. i realize that each person has a role in marriage. some being more submissive than the other. but my god... i would never put up with that kind of crap and i know my husband wouldn't either.

Vivienne said...

Cheers, Amanda! I'm with you on this one.

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