Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tuesday-8am: U

Uniform
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When I was a young waitress in 1970 working the graveyard shift at McGregor's Truck Stop in Anoka, I couldn't figure out why there was this sudden rash of truckers ordering malts...in the winter...at night?  But I'd dutifully go scoop out the ice cream from those huge round cardboard containers in that deep freezer in the corner, put together the malt ingredients, stick it on the machine, get the glass and tall spoon ready, and deliver it with a smile--proud of the fact that we also gave the customer the rest of the malted that was left in the big silver mixing cup.
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One night when I had all three of the spots full on the mixer I walked over to one of my regular truckers and asked what in the world was the deal with all the malts?  He looked into my eyes and, apparently, couldn't lie to me.  "It's the uniform".  He lowered his head. 
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The light bulb finally went off.  
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Not quite five foot two, short uniform, leaning over the deep freeze...
Goodness!  
I always pulled the back of my uniform down before I started--but I also knew how intensely involved I become in whatever I was doing...OMG!  They might have seen my undies for all I knew!  I'm sure my eyes flew wide open.
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Shame on you! I scolded.  
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There was a clammer of laughter (mine included) and a slew of red faces (mine included).
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I kept a long sweater jacket on top of the freezer and tied it around my waist when I had to lean in deep to scoop.  After a few days (and some good natured whining and complaining from the guys) nobody ordered malts until the heat of summer.  ;)
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I still think about this and giggle.
In honor of my naiveté, 
I have a few quotes today.
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"My life has been one great big joke,
a dance that's walked, a song that's spoke,
I laugh so hard I almost choke
when I think about myself."
Maya Angelou

"If I am not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there."
Martin Luther

"I love people who make me laugh.  I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh.  It cures a multitude of ills.  It's probably the most important thing in a person."
Audrey Hepburn

26 comments:

Furry Bottoms said...

I am giggling along with you :) And I am also wondering what the connection is with the shop being called McGregor.

Intense Guy said...

Well, I guess the guys really liked what they saw...

*giggles*

Us humans are a silly lot sometimes.

TexWisGirl said...

oh, those guys! how smart they thought they were! :)

pauline said...

LOL!! We all have similar stories to share... (hey! i'm about the same height as you!!) :-) Great story, great quotes. I totally agree. If i can't laugh, i'm not playin'. xoxo

Beth said...

This is a treasured memory to be kept in the want to remember part of your brain. I love it!

Jenny Woolf said...

That's so funny! but its true when you are young you don't somehow think of that stuff until someone points it out! :)

betty said...

Too cute! But at least they fessed up when you asked the guy! Now I'm wanting a malt, I bet they were delicious!

betty

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

hahahaaaa...great 'U' memory & story rita!

aaaah the mini skirt days.

Megan Adamson said...

LOL, I'm still giggling at the thought of it!
Actually, I've just thought of all the times that I've done that without giving it a second thought.
Good idea keeping something to cover up your modesty though. :)

Good things come in little packages!

AliceKay said...

I giggled, too. As soon as you said "sudden rash of truckers ordering malts...in the winter...at night", it hit me. LOL I'm glad you were able to laugh about it. LOL

Loved the quotes. After all, laughter IS the best medicine. :)

Toriz said...

I suspected that's where you were going, though I was surprised they admited it; thought you'd have had to learn on your own, LOL!

Cowgirl Red said...

i was a naive girl also. I've always said that if I knew then what I know now about men and what they would do for "that", I would have taken advantage of it and done alot better for myself. (that is a joke). Love you Rita...

ChicagoLady said...

As the saying goes, "laughter is the best medicine." I firmly believe that, and look forward to all opportunities to giggle each day. It makes any of my blue moments go away.

Hilary said...

Oh I could see this coming. I think I know one of those men. Very cute story, Rita. A sense of humour is the one thing common to everyone I love. Thanks for the laughs.

Serena Lewis said...

LOL...funny story/memory from your past, Rita. I enjoyed the quotes too...they do say 'Laughter is the best medicine'.

Dave said...

Ooooh Dear! I can imagine your embarrasment! Glad you found out though - Dave

Zue said...

Very amusing:)
The uniform was designed to bring in the profits:)
xxx

Carolyn Dube said...

That is the best story! Thanks for making me smile this morning!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Well you fixed those guys..LOL..it is good that you can look back and smile:)

Friko said...

That's very funny. How naive we can be when we are young.

Laughter is the very best medicine, there should be more of it around.

Out on the prairie said...

Tats real funny,I used to go to a place on certain days when a good malt maker worked.2 posts ago I posted a trucker cafe pic.

Anonymous said...

Oh how I needed this laugh today.

And I'm so surprised the trucker you asked couldn't lie to you!

You go girl!!
w

Queenie Jeannie said...

Oh that's just precious!!! And laughing IS the most important thing; thanks for the reminder!

Karen Smithey said...

Love your uniform story!

I think laughing is one of those necessities of life. That said, I have a tendency to be kind of serious.

Five years ago when my college roommate was visiting, she told the kids that you could start laughing like crazy if you just, well, started laughing. Eventually it turns real, apparently. We've done that on a regular basis ever since. We start out laughing in a forced way, and all of a sudden it becomes the real breath-stealing, slap-your-leg, roll-on-the-floor thing...

Tracey FK said...

That is just hilarious... it must have been a great view if they kept ordering!!!!

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

At least the trucker was honest with you so you knew why there was a sudden interest in malts during the winter. ;)

The fast-food place where I worked in high school had uniforms that covered the employees. It was just those dark polyster pants I could do without. Not only were they unflattering, but they were itchy. At least the shirts were cotton and comfortable.