Of Gruel and Goo

Trying out your particular brand of humor on strangers is a risky thing. For example, this past weekend, I took our students to Winter Camp. At the breakfast line, I asked for what I thought was cream of wheat. I was corrected as the cafeteria lady told me what it was. Unfortunately I couldn't understand what she said. Nonetheless, this unknown breakfast substance was very delicious. I quickly consumed my serving and returned for a second helping. The same cafeteria lady asked what I wanted to eat and I responded by asking for "mystery goo." Although she knew what I wanted, her scowl showed that she was not amused by me.

The following morning in the breakfast line, I noticed they were serving what appeared to be oatmeal. Since I was wrong about the cream of wheat the morning prior, I was hesitant to ask for oatmeal. Instead, I used the most generic term I knew for such a substance and I asked for a bowl of gruel. Similarly, this cafeteria worker knew what I was asking for. Unlike the cafeteria lady before him, he chuckled and was amused by my antics.


All this goes to show is that some people get you and appreciate your style. Everyone else? Well they clearly lack culture and sophistication.