After checking into our hotel, we headed out for dinner at a local (to Albany) restaurant recommended by the girl at the front desk. (I suppose it would be more politically correct to say “woman at the front desk”, but seriously, she looked like she was 14!! Way to make me feel old!) The restaurant was terrific - delicious food, wonderful service, great atmosphere and the bar made a rocking Jolly Rancher Martini! No, really, it tasted just like a Jolly Rancher!!
As we were eating our salads, the waiter brought a dessert with a candle in it to the next table, and the diners at the table broke out into a quiet round of happy birthday. Pete and I sang along and clapped for the elderly man who was celebrating his birthday. Then we stopped being noisy and went back to our own meals. But as the “birthday party table” rose to leave, something caught my attention again. One of the men had something in his hand - I couldn’t quite see what, but he extended them toward the Birthday Dude. Instead of taking what was offered, Birthday Dude seemed to misunderstand and just shook Generous Guy’s hand and thanked him for coming to dinner. When the man told Birthday Dude to take whatever was in his hand, Birthday Dude politely declined.
And then, one of the ladies at the table came up to Birthday Dude and Generous Guy and said (quite loudly and rudely) “He can’t have that!!” Pete shot me a quick “stay calm and mind your own business” glance as he saw me cringe upon hearing those words.
We ate the rest of our dinner in peace and I had pretty much forgotten about the rude lady who made me cringe. But then our bill came. And I saw what Generous Guy had been offering to Birthday Dude. Because our bill was presented along with these.
Upon seeing the chocolate dipped mint sticks, I knew Birthday Dude had most likely been scolded by his own personal Diabetes Policewoman. And I really wanted to smack her!! Birthday Dude was a grown man trying to spend a nice evening celebrating his day. He politely turned down the candy sticks, whether he wanted them or not. And D-Police Lady should have minded her own business instead of butting in with such a nasty and condescending tone in her voice. It really made my blood boil. And I certainly hope both Birthday Dude and D-Police Lady were in attendance at TCOYD the next day. I hope Birthday Dude felt inspired and empowered by the lectures given. And I hope D-Police Lady learned some Diabetes Etiquette! Because Lady, # 1 on the Etiquette card was written for you!!
Ug. So annoying. It makes my blood boil a well. >:(
ReplyDeleteSo....I'm thinkin I'll keep a few of the little pamphlets in my purse and when someone does or says a Diabetes no-no...Instead of trying to ignore or speak without anger...I can simply hand them the booklet!! Thanks for a great idea!! (I carry one, and the one for teens one in my purse)
ReplyDeleteUm, a stick of mint chocolate and she fusses? Yikes!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine dealing with that all the time? Ugh! Poor guy!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the suburbs of Albany. The Barnsider was a family favorite. Every time I "go home," I have to go to The Barnsider. :)
Looking forward to reading about the conference.
I just wanted to say that your pajamas are adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteugh, so annoying.
ReplyDeleteRidiculous! I hope he at least got to enjoy some of his birthday cake!!!
ReplyDeleteLove that pamphlet, thanks for sharing!
Great etiquette rules, suggestions. I think they apply to many circumstances. My sister is my father's food policewoman . IM sick of it. He's 80 for goodnesssakes, if he wants to eat , he can eat. He isnt' diabetic, but overweight.
ReplyDeleteLove to KC who NEVER says those things I know it.
Totally want to smack her too! Or throw something at her. Way to maintain composure!
ReplyDeleteUgh! I can't stand the food police! And to think a loud comment and nasty tone of voice all for a tiny little mint chocolate stick...good grief!
ReplyDeleteOY!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad for Birthday Dude. :( I hope this rude lady doesn't live over his shoulder.
ReplyDeleteReyna is right, OY!
My father is my own personal food police AND HE HAS THE SAME THING I HAVE!! I've given up on telling him my blood sugars because sometimes there's just not much I can do about it and he still judges me and gives me "advice" ("it's numbers like that that will put you on insulin"). Maybe I should print one of those cards for him!
ReplyDeleteI wanna smack her too!!! I actually GOT slapped by a D-police person once for eating a candy cane...what is wrong with some people?!?!? Great post Karen, glad you kept your cool.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, these people should learn when to stay put and keep quiet. Diabetics fully understand how to maintain and prevent this disease from getting worse. I think this so-called diabetics police is the one who needs to be educated. Perhaps she could read some of the informative articles on Diabetes Association so that she can better understand how diabetics live.
ReplyDeleteUgh, I hate the food police. I work at a hospital and am around nurses all day. Got scolded by a 250+ lb nurse for eating red beans and a piece of cornbread one day. I'm about 155 lbs and I just wanted to tell her she should follow her own advice.
ReplyDelete