I had a rough night last night. Mrs. Frinklin and I got into a bit of an argument, and I didn't sleep real well. I woke up this morning with a headache, forgot my lunch, and found out at our morning meeting that our largest client had decided to take their business elsewhere.
Whee...
I'd been justifiably grumpy all day, and I do grumpy very well. My best monotone voice, very clipped speech, stony glares and grunts replacing actual words: I'm an expert. Naturally this drives Mrs. Frinklin nuts. She hates when "Grumpy Frinklin" shows up, and she puts a lot of effort into putting him away. She was leaving her office a little early this afternoon, and she called and did her best to cheer me up. It works too, even (especially) when I don't want it to. She puts on her cutest voice and says things like, "Pease don't be grumpy Frinklin."
"I'm not that grumpy hon, I've been doing better all day."
"You're still grumpy Frinklin, be a happy Frinklin cuz it's Friday!"
"Yes honey", I sigh. "I'm very happy it's Friday."
"I don't think you're a happy Frinklin."
"I am a happy Frinklin, really I am."
"I still don't think your telling the truth, you don't sound like a happy Frinklin."
Again I say it, just a little louder. "I'm a happy Frinklin."
"I just don't belive you."
"I'm a HAPPY Frinklin!" This time I say it loud, yelling it practically. I immediately realize my mistake. Several pairs of eyes swivel and look at me, questioning. I turn beet red, but I can't help but laugh. I'm smiling now, completely embarrassed but over being grumpy.
I don't think about this for the rest of the afternoon. I finish my workweek, and get ready to go. As she's leaving my boss, a tall dignified black woman, turns to me and says, perfectly deadpan, "Are you SURE you're a happy frinklin?"
Damnit....
Posted by Frinklin at April 16, 2004 07:35 PM