Sometimes I worry that it's an age thing... but to be honest, I've done it my whole life... but possibly it's getting worse as I age. I'm talking about mixing up words. Actually my daughter does it sometimes too, so maybe it's genetic. Anyhow, it's not like I don't realize the mix-up. Once the word is out of my mouth, I generally correct it. I can't think of any examples at the moment. But when it happened the other evening when DH and I were talking, it took me so by surprise that I couldn't stop laughing with the visualization that popped up into my head.
I realize that telling this story may not be as funny as when it happened, but I swear every time I think about this, I can't stop laughing...
We were cleaning up the kitchen and as usual I was looking out the kitchen window checking for cats, kittens, coons, possums, ... whatever. While doing this, I noticed a patch of yard that had been dug up.
"Did you notice that?" I asked DH. He said "yes". To which (and I'm still laughing as I say this) I said, "Avocados?" (meaning Armadillas!)
DH did look at me funny... and of course as soon as I said it, I corrected it, but 'the vision of avocados digging up our backyard' has never left my head... and it still makes me laugh until tears are running down my face. (Guess it's actually bittersweet - as it's good to laugh,.. but hopefully I'm not losing my mind).
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
Oh that is funny. I have a resident Armadillo and there is good chance now that I will refer to him as an avocado. Thanks.
ReplyDeletePatti, I think we will also refer to all armadillos as avocados from now on. DH now frequently asks me if I've seen any avocados lately. I'm going to have to explain to people that it's a private joke.
DeleteOh, this sure made me laugh, too. Those dreaded avocados are at it again! Thanks for sharing this, Rian, and I really don't think you're losing it. We all do it and it does get more frequent as we age. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan, I'm not sure if it came across in the telling as funny as it was at the time, but to be honest, I still start laughing when I think about it. And I guess it's good to laugh at yourself occasionally.
DeleteMay all your avocados bury their holes.
ReplyDeleteSounds good to me, Joanne... as long as the armadillos stay in the frig.
DeleteI'm giggling at your word swap, and thinking it may be something we are all guilty of....
ReplyDeleteOne of the funniest ones from my mother-in-law had bought her grandson a pair of Crocs shoes. He refused to wear them as he thought they were for for girls. She in turn replied no...they are bisexual....meaning unisex.
We always make fun of that faux paux.
~Jo
Good one, Jo! I'm sure there are lots of those 'word swaps' out there...
DeleteThat is funny! Most of the word swaps that we have are a result of my children's names for things when they were small. A balaclava became a warm-facer when my son was just 3 or 4 years old, and I've never called it anything else since then.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen an armadillo - but they sound like pests. :)
Mae, I had to look up what a balaclava was... I think warm-facer is a good swap.
DeleteNot a bad thing to get a laugh. SOmetimes that is just what we need.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!!
DeleteDear Rian, I so like the "warm-facer" for balaclava that Maebeme shared! What a joy words can be. All of us have heard about them not hurting us--(the sticks and stones adage)--and we know through experience that's not true, but oh, the delight you've shared with the realization of how a slip of the tongue and mind can bring forth laughter. I wish I'd been there to see the avocados digging up the yard and hearing your laughter.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, how are you coming on your sequel? So many of us enjoyed your book, and I know that we all hope you will find the time and the inspiration and the energy to do a sequel. Peace.
Boy! That is so right these days. Words can get you into all kind of trouble today (kind of sad to think about it). But yes, a silly slip of the tongue can bring laughter too. Wish we could all laugh more. I think the world would be a happier place.
DeleteAs for the sequel, it is finished... or at least the storyline is finished. Still needs to be proofed, printed, and re-proofed. My friend who helps me just had surgery, so we are a bit behind in getting things done. But thanks so much for asking.
Dear Rian, what great news! You must have spent the pandemic writing! What an accomplishment. I've tried so hard in the last year-and-a-half to write and just couldn't get a thread going. I'm going to use you for inspiration! Can hardly wait until your friend is better and you can publish. Just know that whenever that happens a lot of us will be clapping our hands in glee! Peace.
Deletehehehe, i love the meme!! i have a lot of trouble coming up with the word i want to say. i can picture it but i can't articulate it!!
ReplyDeletewe need to laugh every day...no matter how we get there!! stay well!!
Yes, Debbie... laughing is good (even if it's at yourself).
DeleteThat's funny. I do it often.
ReplyDeleteGood to know, Anni.
DeleteThat is too funny and you are not alone in verbal oops! Mine is when I was craving microwave popcorn as Hubby and I were driving back to our motel after a day of touristing. What came out was “I’m really craving some automatic popcorn!” And he did go get me some.
ReplyDeleteHe did?? That worked out well...
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