Rubbin' Off

Admittance: this blog entry has absolutely no value in an academic or travel sense. It barely has any value at all, honestly. It just the silly substance currently running through my mind.

I was fixing myself a cup of tea this morning (very important to do every few hours) and got to thinking about how the people around me are rubbing off on me. Well, rather, their habits and communcation styles are rubbing off. And it struck me that it was high time I listed some of the new habits I've developed due to these people's mischievous influence. Granted, the ones I list here are mainly the sillier ones (though some are significant). I feel no shame for any of my new habits. But I thought perhaps I should make you all aware of how (strangely) I may act when I return to your part of the world... tee hee.

1) I reply to about every other statement with "Indeed." Offender: BETH.
2) I motion forcefully with the first two fingers of both hands whenever I'm speaking with determination, emphasis, or attitude (this is quite safe, don't worry). Offender: BONNIE.
3) If we're hoping for something but not sure we'll get it (e.g. trying to get a door open that doesn't want to open), I tend to say in a strained, squeaky voice (that always makes people laugh), "Bitte, bitte?!?" (Please, please?!?) Offender: BRIAN.
4) I react more strongly than is absolutely necessary to potentially ridiculous situations. Usually these reactions involve shaking my head whilst putting my hands up in despair/disbelief (which I don't technically feel). Offender: BETH.
5) I am apt to break out into quotes or song lines from "You've Got Mail" at almost any moment. (Three of us usually unite to quote whole scenes or sing the songs in harmony.) Offenders: BONNIE and HANNAH.
6) When I or someone in my party sees something cute or delightful, I have a penchant for saying in a childishly throaty, almost Gollum-ish voice, "Puppies!" (This is not to say that I am always seeing puppies, but rather that my reaction to whatever I'm seeing reminds me of someone else's reaction to seeing puppies.) Offender: TIM.
7) I listen to Van Morrison, Harry Connick, Jr., and Dean Martin (to mention just a few) with some regularity. Also, I tend to connect anything that is said with a song (of any style or era) and then I sing a line of said song (in acceptable moments). Offender: BETH.
8) I tend to "talk" with my face and eyebrows. Offenders: BONNIE, TIM, and ANGELA.
9) If a hallway collision is imminent, my reaction is raised eyebrows and an oh-so-calm "Woah." Offender: HANNAH.
10) Perhaps the most egregious fault: I drink my tea with sugar. Offender: BETH.

That's all. Just thought I'd let you all know.