Humor

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I wanted to rent a movie this past weekend, but my husband cast a negative vote toward the idea. I love renting a movie, stretching out comfortably on the sofa with the proper cushions and throws in place, and a diet coke at hand to view the unfolding of a dramatic presentation or a family friendly comedy – depending on my mood. Sometimes he goes along with the idea but not always. I have a sneaking suspicious that his lack of enthusiasm toward movie viewing has more to do with my presence in the room than it does with a distaste for cinematography. You see, I often find him watching a flick when other pursuits have me occupied elsewhere in the house.
It seems his lack of interest for watching movies with me is shared by my children as well. It all has to do with my extremely curious nature that is difficult to subdue, in general, but is especially cumbersome during movie viewing. I’m told I wonder about things that NEVER cross the mind of most people, that most people never give a first thought let alone dwell on to any extent.
For instance, we watched with another couple the movie “Cool Runnings” about the underdog Jamaican bob sled team who surprise the entire world by their competitiveness at the 1988 Olympics. The room is quiet as the story unfolds. Suddenly I blurt out, “But who made the t-shirts?” Three pairs of eyes turn toward me in dismay.
“What??” someone explains.
“The t-shirts – who made them?” I repeat, referring to the customized shirts promoting the Jamaican team now suddenly sported by the sports commentators. More stares, weary head nodding, chuckles of the non-stifled variety precede the conclusive statement, “Who cares?”
Feeling properly chastised, I pipe down and watch on in silence. It seemed a perfectly appropriate question to me, and I continue to justify, without making an audible sound, my interruption of the movie viewing. Review with me, please, for just a moment. The team had little money, certainly no money for custom printed t-shirts. Most of the other participants were less than thrilled with the Jamaican teams’ presence at the competition so it’s doubtful they would have sprung for the shirts. Hence my question – “Who made the t-shirts?”
We’ve viewed many movies in the years since the afore mentioned afternoon. And my questions have continued. By now it’s become normal, common place, almost accepted for my curiosity to cause maddening out bursts that have even on occasion caused us all to miss a pivotal line of dialogue or the momentary glimpse of a necessary clue. On such occasions, I admit, I too am exasperated. I too sometimes wish my over active mind would just take a break and watch without wondering about every detail of every aspect of the presentation before us.
A few other recurring behaviors also produce frustration for my weary house mates. Multi-tasking happens to be a skill of mine. While everyone else is immersed in the unfolding story, my brain pursues the details surrounding the next day’s plans, the remodeling of the kitchen, or the company expected next weekend. When this leads to audible questions such as “So, who’s turn is it to choose where we want to eat tomorrow night?” or “Which floor sample do you guys like the best?” the reaction can be ugly. Someone invariably hisses, “Just BE QUIET!!”
While the ending to our particular movie usually satisfies my family, I am often left still fishing for information, wanting to know more. When I suspect the ending will leave me less than satisfied, I warn everyone in the room NOT to hit the STOP button before any additional information about the movie’s characters might flash on the screen following the final scene. “Ahhh, no words,” my husband will taunt when nothing follows except the credits. That overly curious nature at work again.
It’s not likely these annoying habits will end anytime soon. I am resigned to that fact. And thanks to the rewind button on the DVD player, I can live with it. I do feel badly, though, that my family would rather watch dramatic presentations or family friendly comedies – depending on their mood – without me. Since the entertainment appliances have not disappeared from our home, I’m hoping that means that my family, though hesitant to admit it, have decided they too can live with my extremely curious nature.
Unlike the predictable demise of the curious feline, I don’t expect my life span to be shortened just because I ask questions at inopportune times. But in the unlikely event I drive one or all of them to the edge, I have disposed of any and all untraceable poisons, drugs, or chemicals from our home. Just in case……..

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