I Wish I Knew Sign Language

This is another post from my friend who told the story of the Southwest seating incident. I was again hee hawing at my desk so I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Especially during the summer, it’s always fun to meet up with friends for brunch on Sunday to recap the weekend and catch up on any events and/or shenanigans that may have occurred on our days off. This past weekend was no exception. So as my friend and I were enjoying lunch alfresco, soaking up our share of vitamin D and good ole Chicago people watching, I wasn’t surprised when the conversation turned to Friday night. All I could do was laugh when my friend blurted out,
“How do you always seem to attract the most bizarre characters when we go out?! Remember a couple weeks ago when that guy wouldn’t stop talking to you about his cat, wth?!” (Most people know I’m not a real cat person) “And seriously you have to tell me what happened the other night, because all I remember is looking over and seeing you surrounded by the only deaf guys at the bar. What was going on?”
She was right. I don’t know if it should be considered some sort of talent or what, but I always seem to find myself in the most bizarre situations and conversations whenever we go out. And of course, it’s never usually with Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome.

We had been out for drinks on Friday night and I couldn’t help but notice two guys who were deaf speaking sign language at the bar. (Side note, after watching them I realized that being deaf at a bar wouldn't be half bad. They looked like they were carrying on a much better conversation with their friends than I was trying to scream over the noise at my own friends.) But as I walked up to order a drink, I was really surprised when one of them actually grabbed my attention and started signing. Now I don't know much sign language other than "thank you" and my name, so I found myself just standing there totally confused about how to communicate with this person. Just as I was attempting to shake my head and maneuver a few weird hand gestures, to somehow let this guy know that I can’t understand a lick of sign language, I realized that there was actually a third guy behind me signing back to him. Well now, feeling a bit embarrassed for trying to awkwardly communicate with someone who wasn’t even talking to me, I flashed him an equally awkward grin and started to walk away. As I was attempting to scoot around them with my drink in hand, he shook his head and motioned me to come back.

Stopped in my tracks and now standing in the middle of this apparent three way sign language conversation, I wasn’t sure quite what to expect or do. They seemed super nice, but not a whole lot we can actually talk about right?..haha. Well finally, sensing my awkward and uncomfortable state, the one who was able to speak vocally and obviously read lips, told me they were discussing how they thought I look like Sarah Jessica Parker. As he motioned to my hair and clothes, I couldn’t help but laugh because this was definitely not what I was expecting this whole conversation to be about. Other than the big ole curly-kinky hair I was rocking or my long pointy nose, I in no way what-so-ever resemble Sarah Jessica Parker. But what girl wouldn’t love three best friends who are obviously pretty big fans of “Sex in the City”? I was quickly realizing we had a lot more in common than I thought.
After a few more awkward hand motions and overly exaggerated lip movements, hoping to make it easier for them to read my lips, I remember trying to motion "thank you" (which I think came out more like me trying to blow them a kiss since I couldn’t remember the exact motion) and assure them that my name was definitely not Sarah. I was glad to see that this small attempt at dialogue on my part seemed to be entertaining to them at least.

That was pretty much the extent of our conversation that evening. I talked a little bit more to the guy who was able to read my lips well, but as I walked away I remember thinking “Gosh, I wish I knew sign language.” That would have been fun to have a full conversation with them, they seemed hilarious.