36 Ums

When I was in sixth grade, my class was given an assignment.  I don't remember what the topic was, but we each had to give some sort of oral presentation.  When it was my turn, I stood up in front of the class and gave my speech.  When I finished, I returned to my seat, proud of how well I had done.  I looked around to see the approval in my classmates' eyes, and one spoke up.  

     "Thirty-six ums," she said.
     "What?" 
     "You said 'um' thirty-six times.  I counted!"

Wow.  That was not exactly the impression I was hoping to make.  But apparently, it was an impression that lasted.  We went to different junior high schools, but met up again in a Spanish class in high school.  

     "Oh my goodness - HI!!!" I called out, excited to see her after all those years (hey, when you're 13 years old, two years is a long time).
     "Thirty-six ums!" she said.  

Again.  

That's it for today, folks.  No big long story of how this moment changed my life (it didn't).  I just thought you could use a laugh this weekend.  Happy Saturday!

If you like what you read, tell a friend!  Actually, tell me too - post a comment below!!  If not, well ... I'm all for honesty, but please be gentle!