My husband is a stamp collector. Over the years, I have learned a lot about stamps but to be honest, talking about stamps is pretty much a snoozer for me.
The terminology is exhaustive and exhausting. Hinged. Not hinged. Fine. Extra fine. Plate blocks. Hidden watermarks. Perforations. The words keep coming at me on a daily basis.
The other day, my husband was talking and I was not listening. I was reading a book and wishing I could stay in my happy place. But being a dutiful wife and not wanting to appear rude, I responded occasionally with a “That’s nice.” or “Uh huh.” or “That’s interesting.”
As his monologue continued, some of his words began to register. “Friend.” “Scantily clad.” “Sushi.”
I thought, “whoa, whoa, whoa!” pay attention! This is not his ordinary postage stamp conversation.
I put my book down and said, “Could you tell me that again?”
Husband: “Sure. Our friend went to that sushi place across from the family restaurant on the west side.”
Me: “That’s nice.”
Husband: “When their food was ready, a woman sat on their table and reclined onto her back.”
Me: “Uh huh.”
Husband: “She was scantily dressed.”
Me: “That’s interesting.”
Husband: “Then the waiter came and placed the sushi on her body. Her bare skin was their platter.”
Me: “Well, I sure hope she exfoliated.”
Prairie Wisdom 