This month in Book Club we read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine.
How often in passing if we recognize the person behind the mask do we ask "How are you?" I usually say "just fine as frogs hair." Most people don't get the point that frogs do not have hair therefore their question is stupid as is my answer. Oh yes there is the rare day that I might be almost fine, had enough sleep and pain in the old arthritic joints is less...so I might be "fine."
It was a depressing read, but funny in parts. I give it a 6 out of 10.
I finally got the stitches out of my hand, they removed them reluctantly...she said "I want to keep some in there a few more days" I said "I will take them out myself." She said "I suppose we can take them out and put some seri strips on for a couple of weeks." Fine.
Far Side
22 comments:
Ahhhh, the old 'Fine' when of course it isn't quite 'fine' but it is sometimes as good as can be expected.
My mom was one you never wanted to ask how she was. She could impress you with a litany of complaints that could go on for hours if you let it.
Generally people who ask in passing don't really want to know how you are but just do it because that is what people ask as a greeting?
I love Fine as Frog's Hair. That is perfect.
Now are you going to behave with Steri strips?
Glad you got your stitches out...one more thing you can cross off your list! I hope your hand heals perfectly so you can get back to your "hand work"....like crochet and card making etc.
I come from a long line of stoics who never complained or whined about anything and didn't allow me to do it either. I'm glad as it has helped me get through life with a better than average attitude. I have been very blessed. I agree with Val, don't ask a question you don't want an answer to, LOL!
I hope the steri strips stay on and do their job.
Jenny and I were just talking about that question. She said one day she definitely wasn't fine and told people at church that. She said something like "not very well." and most people just said "That's great" and kept going, obviously not listening. Only one man looked her in the eye and said, "We'll talk". She figured he forgot, but he called her that afternoon and said, "I was expected elsewhere so I couldn't talk at the time, but now I want to hear what's wrong."
That impressed me. At least someone was listening.
Hope your day is a wonderful one. We have some blue skies today so that's a great start.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
I’ve decided not to read or watch what’s too depressing. I can get depressed enough on my own. Hope your fingers starting clicking again soon.
One of my favorite teaching colleagues always said that frog's hair thing! The students always got a kick out of it. Last time I ran into him in the grocery store I asked him how he was doing - and he said "fine as frog's hair". Brought an immediate smile to my face behind the mask. Hopefully you will get along fine as frog's hair with those Steri strips.
I didn’t care for that book and didn’t even finish it. Take good care of your hand.
Fine. A very Minnesota response! I'm listening to a book recommended by a blogger, Shiner. I have to take it in small doses because it depresses me. That said, it is a good book. Hopefully the steri strips won't bother you as much. It's a beautiful sunny day down here, I hope you are also getting sun.
I don't think many people really hear an answer when they ask how you are. It's a throwaway question - for something to say. I've never heard the saying fine as a frog's hair and it made me chuckle.
Hope your hand heals up quickly.
I can echo "Betsy" comment: Conversation I overheard in the back shop of the newspaper we owned. Girl walks in. Coworker says "how are you today." She replies "Terrible." Coworker says "that's nice." These responses and the replies can be so automatic that sometimes they aren't even really heard. I used to clean house for an lovely old man who would either respond to "How are you" with "Fine as frog's hair" or "I am upright and taking nourishment."
Since moving into this senior apartment complex it felt appropriate to switch from a fine answer to "hanging in there"...especially since covid--LOL! ;)
Hope the hand heals well. Stay safe and well. :) :)
When someone I know well askes me how I am, I give a somewhat honest answer. I don't like it when people I don't know just automatically ask. Since I am not fine now, I usually say, "Oh, Ok."
Thank you for the review on Eleanor Oliphant. I've heard such mixed opinions on it but overall it didn't sound like something I would like. It's good to have those stitches out. I hope your hand improves quickly! I hope Far Guy is feeling better too!
I'm glad your stiches are out---I hope your hand heals very fast now.
Like many I say I am fine when I am really not
The question "How are you?, is one that makes me stop and thing. How close to correct is it?
I have never heard "Fine as a Frogs Hair" lol. I may have to try that response some time, just to see...
Hope your hand feels better and not pulling/itchy as much as stitches can be. I hope it is fine soon, for real.
Fine fine, totally fine. I had a splint on my arm for three months! I don't know if the arm took that long to heal or the Doc was just messing with me. But the Splint pretty much disintegrated by the time they got to removing it.
Glad to hear you've got those stitches out. And I usually say "fine" if someone asks how I am, because I know they don't really care. It's sad when people don't even listen to the response.
We say Fine as frogs hair too- but I add, "so fine that you can't see it!"
Hope you heal up well and quickly.
Hope your hand is all better soon. I remember liking Eleanor, but I don't remember anything about the book. If I ask someone how they are I try very hard to concentrate on their answer, and I really want to know. Maybe there is a better question to ask. Will ponder on it.
No wonder we get along so well, Connie! You and I are the same regarding medical stuff. I have no patience and it sounds like you don't either. I always take the "Give it here... I'll do it myself!" attitude as well. ~Andrea xoxo
I always say, "fine," or "OK," - especially when I know people are asking just to be polite. Some people I'll tell how I really feel, but mostly people don't want to hear about what hurts today, etc. Besides, it's depressing talking about it too often, so "Fine" will do.
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