I have been training four interns since the fall of last year. Two guys: Fratboy and Beachboy. Two Girls: Debbie (the Debutante) and Nina (the Latina from the city).
They're pretty smart and hard workers, once I give them a task and train them on how to get things done. But I also forget that they're really young people. The first day, they kept calling me "Sir," and I had to look around and see which older man they were addressing. Then it hit me, 'Aw, crap... They're talking to me...I'm the older man they are addressing!'
And I felt old every time they called me "Sir". So after the first ten minutes, I had them address me by my first name or "Chief", because I'll be damned if I have some young punks remind me everyday that I'm old and ancient in their eyes!
Today, I was reminded of our age differences once again, when one of my coworkers, a normally skinny woman, was telling us about how she was gaining so much pregnancy weight, that she was getting a big butt, big enough to shake it in a hip hop video.
I couldn't resist but joke, "Oh my gawd, Becky. Look at her butt..."
The rest of my coworkers laughter. Then Fratboy chimed, "Hey, you're singing Nicki Minaj's Anaconda."
And I replied, "Um, no...it's Sir Mix-A-Lot."
Looking confused, he asked, "Who?"
And I felt old again when I saw the other three interns share that same look of confusion, too. Oy.
And now, for what's apparently become an Oldie but Goodie: Baby Got Back...
I prefer this version...
ReplyDeleteJx
PS We have apprentices, too. Try explaining what the New Romantics were - to someone born in the last year of the 20th century...
Jon, Ha! That's a brilliant creation! Thanks for sharing that!
DeleteI had to pause once and raise an eyebrow when I had to explain to a Millennial that the Walkman from The Guardians of the Galaxy movie is a real thing, and that I actually owned one! Even more astounding, I had to explain the significance of making a "mixed tape"! This emoji generation gives me lots of pauses...
I'm positively ancient, dears! When I as working with 9 year olds, we agreed they could call me Di or Miss Di.
ReplyDeleteDinahmow, What a fantastic way to connect to little children, by being approachable and letting them know how to address you if they need help.
DeleteYou're not ancient. You are a priceless treasure, a fine painting and rare gemstone that only gets more valuable with age!
I think them calling you sir is refreshingly respectful. Have you seen the video for the country version of this song. Joe Nichols sings it, and it is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI'm at the age where ma'am doesn't bother me anymore. You know, the age where I call everybody sweetie and honey and no one thinks I'm flirting.
Deedles, Thank you for the awesome heads up on the hilarious Joe Nichols' take on Baby Got Back. It is fantastic!
DeleteYou're a beloved treasure that only gets better and more valuable with age! Timeless and classic!
I am impressed that my interns use "Sir", as it is a very courteous and respectful way to address an elder or someone with seniority...I am just flummoxed that I'm seen an elder and a seniority figure!
These kids are my older nieces and nephews' age...and I remember feeding and burping my nieces and nephews, rocking them to sleep, changing their diapers, and bathing them. The fact that I don't have to do this to my interns is a big plus. But boy, does time fly!
Hilarious! I haven't heard Sir Mix-A-Lot in ages!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSavannah, What's amazing to me is that Baby Got Back is now a classic! Often sampled and covered!
DeleteWhether I like it or not, all my fave songs are now on retro radio stations...and I like it, because I know where to find them!
It's lovely getting old isn't it? I just posted this song yesterday too in ode to the Lad, my "other" half if one can call it that. He got back alright.
ReplyDeleteMaddie, I'm still looking around for an older gentleman every time someone says, "Sir."
DeleteA good back is a great find!
I'll never forget my horror when some whippersnapper called me 'Madam'. Awful, and cruel, as only the young can be.
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