Throw Down

Okay, so sadly this is a very true story. Even more sadly it didn't involve any of my kids - it involved their mommie.

The kids' school had a nice assembly in honor of Veteran's Day yesterday. Cora was thrilled I was going so I could see her and Mason performing their two songs that they learned.

Perry and I filed into a row of chairs, followed by a friend from church, her son, and Luli. Behind us was another mom with two very young children. I'm sure she was there for older children participating. Next to her.... was the mega-beaver.

This lady was about mid-50. Honestly, I noticed her sour face before the program started but didn't think anything of it. She sat directly behind me. The program started.

So, the two young kids behind me were talkative. And my friend next to me has a rambunctious little boy. Both moms were doing their best to busy their kids and keep them quiet. All through the assembly, or at least the 20 minutes I was there for it, Miss Sour Grapes kept commenting on the noise. And she wasn't subtle - at all. Honestly, about every 90 seconds she'd say something under her breath. (I HATE it when people do this, just politely turn to the mom and ask her to quiet down!) But no, she kept making very rude comments out loud without speaking directly. She even sharply reprimanded my friend's son.

So this goes on. She's saying things like, "I can't believe how disrespectful everyone is being. This is ridiculous, I can't even hear what is being said. People need to take their kids out of here." Seriously, she was annoying me, shifting around in her seat, huffing and puffing, and talking all through the assembly.

About two minutes before the thrown down, the man sitting next to her said something to the effect of "calm down" or "relax". Evidently he was her father as she snipped, "I will NOT be quiet dad. This is ridiculous!"

My blood was beginning to boil. I knew I was going to confront her. I had to leave early to teach Perry's preschool class so I kept eyeing the clock to "see" as much of the assembly as possible before I gave her my two cents and had to leave. Finally, it was time.

I turned around and said, "You do realize that you are at an elementary school program right?"

MB (Mega Beast): "I'm not talking to you so you can turn yourself around."
J: "You aren't talking to me but everyone can sure hear you. You are at an elementary school which involves young kids."
MB: "You can just shut your mouth and turn yourself around."
J: "Do you realize how rude and disrespectful you are being to everyone? You made the lady next to you leave with your comments."
MB: "You are probably just saying that because she is your friend or something."
J: "No, I have no idea who that lady is, but I am sure she is here to watch her child in the program."
MB: "I am done talking to you so you can turn yourself around now."
J: "If the noise is bothering you why don't you go sit somewhere else?"
MB: "I have a seat right here. I'm not moving anywhere."
J: "Look lady, its obvious to me that your are an irritable, bitter person..."
MB: "Yeah, well you're fat."
J: "Well, I'll get right on that for ya. But I got to tell you, when I'm skinny you'll still be a bitch! Have a nice day!"
MB: "And you look butch."
J: "Whatever."

I laughed to myself down the corridor. I couldn't believe she pulled the fat/butch card. I felt like I was arguing with a 10-year old.

I'm proud of myself, whether or not I should be, of letting her have it. She reminds me of our neighbor. She also is a very bitter, negative, crabby person. I've never heard a nice or even neutral word from her mouth. She makes me look like an optimist.

It's sad to think there are people that just hate themselves that much. It was like this woman just hated people, despised humanity. She was rotten through and through. I thought it interesting that her dad never said a word during the exchange. And more interesting that the row of people behind her were smiling while we argued.

So that's my first thrown down. My only regret is that I think she thought she got me to leave. Dang it, it weighs out as a victory for her. Oh well, I still feel real good.