Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Meeting the New Neighbors

As you may recall, back in March I wrote about the incident when I met our new neighbors and how totally cool I was that day. So cool in fact, that they rush straight in their garage everyday, avoiding eye contact at all costs.
Well, we have a new set of neighbors right next door to them. They seem pretty nice. I noticed they work weird hours like 11PM to 4AM or don't go to work for a few days. They have had their carpets cleaned 2 times in about 4 weeks, have no pets and I have never seen them carry in grocery bags. You may be thinking, Sandi, what are you a stalker? Nope, just observant and sometimes I really wish I was a private detective and could spy on people all day, but that is a story for another time.
Anyway, last night they headed out to check the mail together and I thought , perfect, I will go meet them. I rarely see them together, much less in daylight.
I walk up and say, "Hi there. I'm Sandi. I live right there."
They say, "We know. I'm Tina. . . I'm Hugo."
Me: "Wow - Hugo. Awesome name. I totally like it."
Hugo: "Glad to hear that."
Me: "Is that how you really say it in your native language?"
(I am now trying to act nonchalant after I asked this totally inappropriate question.)
Hugo: "Well, actually it is Jugo (sounds like yougo with a little throat action going on). No one here calls me that."
Me: "Oh cool. I will then." *I proceed to say his name a few times the spanish way.*
At this point, Todd who was with me mumbles something and heads back inside. Probably due to extreme embarrassment.
Me: " We have 4 kids."
Tina: "I know. We have heard them."
Me:"Oh, uhh, sorry. They really like playing outside."
I then proceed to tell Hugo about all the hispanic families and 1 columbian family that live on our street and how much I love mexican food and how Todd grew up in El Paso and thinks he's hispanic. I then point out Bella my 1 year old and say she looks hispanic.
(Seriously people. WHAT is the matter with me? I usually have great people skills. Where is all this strangeness coming from? )
Hugo tells me I sure do know what is going on around here. Not sure if it is a compliment.
I tell them bye and I hope to seem them again sometime. Hugo laughs and says, "You are one funny Chica."
I guess I wasn't too offensive after all.

6 comments:

Jenny said...

A total compliment! You are funny. :-)

martha said...

Pmsl at that one. I get all social awkwardness sometimes too. Maybe he is from SPAIN!! We could all be friends!! I need to teach your kids some proper castellano they can holla over the fence now and again!!

robkroese said...

My version of social awkwardness is being like, "Hey. How's it going?" And then smiling nervously while fidgeting with my fingers.

Yours is funnier.

Eric and April Colquett said...

Sandi! I'm soooo glad your're back! I've really been missing my usual dosages of suburban diva life. Yea!

Tinsie said...

At least he didn't say, actually, I'm Russian ;-)

People often assume I'm Spanish and start practising their ¡Hola!'s on me - it can get embarassing when they realise I don't actually speak a word of Spanish, have no Spanish relatives and no connections to Spain whatsoever.

Christian Family said...

OH my gosh!!! I just got your blog address...and am seriously fixing to WET MYSELF!!! Girl, I knew you were funny, but WOW...I will be reading your blog daily(I hope I don't appear "stalkerish"....as I know when I need a good laugh I will be logging onto your awesome blog...and these days...with a 2 year old...I need some good ole' laughs a LOT)!!! Thanks girl!!!