Nathan

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Daniel

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Origins and Legacies

My friend Colleen once asked what "my left nerve" meant. I couldn't just give her a short "oh you know, it's a play on words..." answer. I had to give her the whole background. And, of course, you're getting it too. Muhaha!

Anyone have one of those slightly off-kilter relatives who would be considered eccentric if he was rich? Well, that's how my uncle, Wolfy, is. He's always got some random declaration or some turn of phrase that catches you so off guard you feel the need to snatch it up and keep it forever. I remember when I was a little kid, the grandest compliment he would give was "Smart as a whip!" Sometimes, he'd mix it up and say "Smart as a tack!" I liked that one.

Someone - and really, he's that crotchety that it could have been anyone - was totally annoying him. He turned to whomever and said "You're getting on my left nerve!" Of course, we all exploded! "What about your right one, Wolfy?" Chortle, snort!

It just stuck. The whole family uses it. I plan on passing it down to my children.

Sadly, I just discovered this wasn't as witty or novel as I had hoped. Don't worry! I won't tell Wolfy!

2 comments:

the lizness said...

I love the "My Left Nerve" title - I had a friend that would shriek "My NARVES!!" whenever something struck her as funny, and that's what I think of when I see your posties on my Bloglines. :)

Marianne said...

Liz - Do they have Menards where you are? When I was in college, one of my girlfriends would say "ARGH! ME-NARDS!" like a pirate. I don't know why, but it would crack us all up. It's still with me. Every time I see one of those commercials, I laugh out loud thinking of her.

Ahhh--good times.