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midlife crisis mobile blunder

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Today I managed to wedge my foot well into my mouth.

We'd been at a kid's play (the Ugly Duckling), in which my cousin Kate the actress had a part. Kenny paid attention throughout the whole thing, and has since made reference to the theme of the play, which means that it a worthwhile event for the kid.

But as we emerged from the theatre into an alley, I spotted one of those three wheel motorbikes that seem to be popular these days. It was parked in a deserted street, and I told Kenny, "Hey look, it's one of those midlife-crisis-mobiles!"

midlife crisis mobile

Sadly, the alley wasn't quite as deserted as I'd thought. A fellow in his mid fifties in weekend warrior motorcycle regalia was sitting on a concrete tree planter where he'd been out of sight but well within earshot.

Now, one of my favourite things about travelling with small kids is that they make great props. I picked Kenny up and slung him onto my shoulder to hide my face from Mr. MCM and kept up a stream of inane chatter about the bike as we passed.

The recriminations began before we'd even got out of the alley. "Your mother is right, she always warns you about people hearing you!"