Candle light, with my guy by my side. I was hungry and ready to try the best thing on the menu. I did not grow up eating fish, so I couldn't have known any better as I dug into my delicious fillet. Bones! Fishes have them and they don't always get taken out! In my excitement for the flavor on my pallet I swallowed too much, too fast. I asked Arturo if it was bad to swallow bones, and he said yes. I could feel it, but it didn't hurt so I considered eating more to help it go down smoothly. Luckily Arturo knew that those little buggers can be sharp and suggested I go to the ladies room to get it up.
I excused myself and began my novice work on throat manipulation. Then, a little girl knocked on the door. Luckily I could hear her over all my hacking. Her and her daddy had no idea what was going on inside that one-stall bathroom, but as I listened to the candid child I quickly learned that she had pressing needs too. I decided to gather my composure and go back to the table; hoping that if I ignored it, I would be okay. Then I tried to talk and felt the bone pricking me in the throat again. The anticipation grew as I watched for the kid and her dad to finish so I could claim my lot once again. The two young men sitting outside the bathroom must have noticed the drama unfolding before their eyes, but at this point I was on a mission to not let the bone get the best of me. On my return to the wash room I claimed my family's reputation for excellence at innovation, and grabbed the desk lamp (used for atmospheric hue) and pointed it down my throat. I decided if I couldn't see the little jabber I would seek professional help.
Praise God I caught a glips of the tiny bone sticking into my throat wall, but I still I had no luck in getting it out. I walked out to Arturo with one eye on the bathroom door and one eye in deep thought. Then, the chopsticks appeared in all their glory upon the napkin. I grabbed the chop sticks and asked Arturo to accompany me to the ladies room. At this point I believed every eye in the restaurant was watching our inconspicuous steps away from our plates, one meal mostly eaten, the other with only one savored bite gone.
What a relief! Arturo's talent at chopsticks paid off! I have rarely felt so fortunate to swallow, talk, and breath! Please take heed; next time you order fish make sure you get it with sticks! As for the chips? Well, you can taken 'em or leave 'em. -from FALL 2009
Ahh! So glad to hear that Arturo is a master at chopsticks AND that you were okay! :)
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