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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The funniest work story EVER

People think I have an interesting job as a sign language interpreter.  Most of the time that’s NOT true.  I interpret people calling to make dr. appointments, calling to change their Sprint phone plan, calling Dell technical support.   However, once in a while I get something really confusing or interesting.   This story is the best.  The other day a deaf woman gives me a phone number and says to call David.  (name has been changed to protect the poor innocent guy)  She doesn’t want me to explain she’s calling through a relay with an interpreter, which is her right. 

She is a frumpy, middle aged woman with 4 kids running around in the background.  Dave has no clue who is calling him, but is pleasant about it and we go through an awkward 8 minutes of conversation before he finally asks, “Oh!  Are you sexy, blonde lady?”  

I think, OMG they must have met through singles match.com.  Now I finally have a little bit of context on where this conversation might go which will help me interpret better.  What will make the conversation even better, is if she mentions that she’s calling through relay and that there is a short delay while the interpreter is signing.  But she doesn’t;  again, it’s her prerogative. 

Eventually she says, “Hey!  I can teach you sign language.  I’m deaf but can read lips very well.”

“Oh that explains it!” He exclaims.  “I was wondering why there was a delay each time I asked you a question.  This explains everything!  You are reading my lips over the phone!”

Huh?   That’s  a new one to me.  Lip reading requires seeing a person’s lips, so it would be completely impossible over a telephone line.  I look at the deaf lady, expecting her to explain about VRS, or an interpreter using sign language or something.  NOPE.  

They agree to meet for diner on Friday night.  But then Dave says, “I have to tell you, I’m totally intrigued by you.  I just love the sound of your voice. There is something about it that is just lovely.  You don’t sound middle aged at all.   You sound like you are just 21.   I’d love to talk to you again before Friday.  Shall I call you later tonight at 11pm?”  She smiles and agrees.

Well, I get off work at 8pm and I’m just tickled pink that the next time they talk he will will definitely get a different interpreter’s voice, quite possibly a male interpreter.

My first thoughts are: 

I sound a full decade younger than I am over the phone?  Awesome!

This relationship is doomed.  Not only is she NOT sexy or blonde but she’s deaf and speaks a different language than he thinks.

Will VRS really be able to facilitate Sexy Blonde Lady to land some dates?

8 comments:

carole said...

He's got your voice down: sexy AND blonde! :) What does Brian think about that one?

Thanks to that deaf lady for perpetuating the myth of deaf people reading lips over the phone. What's up with that?!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Oh, that is too much! How did you not crack a smile or laugh while interpreting?

Neabear said...

Oh my goodness! It seems some people just don't realize what they are doing. That is funny that you sound younger than you thought. Too bad she didn't let him know the call was being interpreted, he might be in for a rude shock.

Anonymous said...

LOL!!!!
-Dana

Ronda said...

OH this is too much. I don't know if I could have held it together! Great job.

Kelly said...

Hey Sexy! ;)

You had me howlin' with laughter. Boy, oh, boy, that Dave will be in a shock of his life. Wish I could be a fly on the wall when they meet...(ooops, did I say that out loud, eh?)

You will have to keep us posted.. :)

Kelly --
(aka-blissfullydeaf)

ookamama said...

How funny !!! What compliment for you huh with the SEXY young voice, man what a funny story , thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the best laugh I've had in such a long time! What a great story!

 

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