Nervous
Tomorrow, I am meeting two people I only know from the internet. We are going to a casual French bistro in New Orleans for lunch.
Randy will be there, so I will have a real life acquaintance with one of the three other members of the party. I am excited about meeting the other two, because they have been really cool online and they're smart and funny. On the other hand, I'm really, really nervous. People online always say really nice things to me. I come across well in writing. In person, though, I think I won't come across so well. I'm fat and awkward and a bit socially inept. I picture lots of awkward silences, which I will try and fill by babbling.
And here's the other thing: I warn people. I say, "You know, I'm really fat." And they think I'm one of those delusional 150 lb. women who need to lose 10 lbs. so she thinks she's fat. I'm not one of those people. So even though I've warned them, they're shocked. But what can they say? "Gee, I guess you really ARE fat?"
Anyhow, the menu looks good. I don't know if it's current - the web site still refers to five year-old awards and press, but it's been an eventful year this year. A lot of businesses are just glad to be open, and not worried just yet about updating their web sites.
I read an article by Rob Walker in the essay collection "Letters from New Orleans" (a wonderful, wonderful book...I can't recommend it enough) about Luncheon in New Orleans. I don't have a hat. I wonder if I should go buy one?
Randy will be there, so I will have a real life acquaintance with one of the three other members of the party. I am excited about meeting the other two, because they have been really cool online and they're smart and funny. On the other hand, I'm really, really nervous. People online always say really nice things to me. I come across well in writing. In person, though, I think I won't come across so well. I'm fat and awkward and a bit socially inept. I picture lots of awkward silences, which I will try and fill by babbling.
And here's the other thing: I warn people. I say, "You know, I'm really fat." And they think I'm one of those delusional 150 lb. women who need to lose 10 lbs. so she thinks she's fat. I'm not one of those people. So even though I've warned them, they're shocked. But what can they say? "Gee, I guess you really ARE fat?"
Anyhow, the menu looks good. I don't know if it's current - the web site still refers to five year-old awards and press, but it's been an eventful year this year. A lot of businesses are just glad to be open, and not worried just yet about updating their web sites.
I read an article by Rob Walker in the essay collection "Letters from New Orleans" (a wonderful, wonderful book...I can't recommend it enough) about Luncheon in New Orleans. I don't have a hat. I wonder if I should go buy one?
15 Comments:
I always feel like a let down in real life myself. Hold your head up high because you have earned every bit of the respect people pay you. Not one bit of it relates to how you think you look.
I've seen your pictures and I think you look smart, funny, and every inch the wise woman we all love and respect.
(From one fellow babbler to another: learn how to nod and smile. It is a great way to avoid the nervous conversation killing babble. Sometimes, this will be need to accompanied with The Lip Bite of Death.)
Go have fun and return and report.
A red hat. With feathers.
Good Morning Dear:
Are you kidding? The people you're going to meet are priviledged to have the chance to get to know you!!!
You are one of the most eloquent, intelligent, absolutely hilarious, lovely, loving women I've ever met.
That said, you owe me an e-mail. :)
Love You!! Have tons of fun.
Lynda
Talk about socially inept, I know I have you beat. If your going to be in Ohio during Christmas break, I would love to prove it to you :-)
I've seen the picture. You look cute. Nice radiant face. Nice smile. I'm sure you'd have just as interesting conversation in person as you do online. It's always a little scare meeting online people in real-life but it's worked out great everytime I've tried it.
What Miranda said.
Plus, why aren't you naming names? Who's coming to dinner? Anyone I "know" from the boards?
Anne, I hope that your two internet friends enjoyed meeting you as well as I did. I only wish we'd had more time. It was a blast :-) And your son was fun, too!
I know what you mean about the fat thing. I tell people too, but I don't think they get it. What I am I supposed to say - "Listen. I mean it, I'm talking morbidly obese, okay?"
But you wonderful woman you! You're amazing in person as well as on the internet. Maybe when trailseeker comes to Ohio we can try another midwest gathering?
I've met Brian Gibson, SareBear, and Heather Pitts from blgging, in real life. It was sort of scary each time. I was afraid I'd come off stupid.
Heather is very quiet and smart and quietly funny. Sara, extremely articulate and relaxed, Brian and his wife, Shannon, they were like old shoes.
It was scary, though, Ann, I relate.
It went very well the other day, and I don't remember any awkward silences, except for when I farted and tried to blame it on someone else (no, I didn't). I took some pictures and put a couple on my blog.
BTW, Ann is as smart and witty IRL as she is online.
I like how your are wearing your hair short. It looks very nice on you.
I'm glad you guys all had fun.
Hells bells, I think you look FINE. MORE than fine. You look scrunchy.
You saw the Bay Area Twosome?
So, did you talk about me?
Just kidding.
Hope you had fun.
Thanks for writing
Miss-Ann!!
I'm waiting impatiently to hear about your lunch. Went to Randy's blog to see the pics. Sure do miss your lovely face!!!
Love you Dear.
Lynda
Where are you?
I hope things are well and that you write soon!
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