practical jokes gone wrong {The Heimlich and Oral Hygiene}
There is a time and a place for everything, we are told. That theory also presents the notable truth, that there are times and places that should never intersect.
I do feel I should preface this piece with the following disclaimer: No one was injured in the incident described, though a mess was made which I had to clean up. All marital relations resumed in a loving manner, post Heimlich. Our family often has a slightly offbeat sense of humor. And we like it.
There is a certain element of lightheartedness that accompanies a relationship rooted in the formative years. This, unfortunately, can lead to poor judgment in matters of humor.
We do things to each other we would never, ever consider for any other person.
Go figure.
Such was the case when I saw my husband using mouthwash
Our eyes connected with a smile in the bathroom mirror…
He saw me smile a little too mischievously and his eyes narrowed. The brilliant idea of pretending to do the Heimlich just overtook me.
And I can’t believe it myself, but I acted on it.
My arms wrapped around him and his eyes grew big, I went in for a tiny squeeze, but I did NOT anticipate his reaction time.
He spun around so fast!
By his moving and my gentle squeeze, it turns out that the Heimlich can be done even while someone’s mouth is full of mouthwash.
A projectile stream of sticky, mint-infused liquid went EVERYWHERE.
The whole mirror was splattered, our counters and sinks and even on the cupboards. He takes his mouth washing very seriously.
What did we do next? Laugh
It would be so nice to say that I ran apologetically for a towel right out the gate.
No, first I laughed so hard I was literally lying on the ground. I was choking with laughter because it was so unexpected that what I was just pretending to do would happen.
He was laughing too. We laughed together.
Then I apologetically ran for the towel. We laughed while I cleaned up, with me beginning my desperate pleading for him to forget this ever happened and not plot his next move.
I could see in his eyes it was too late for that.
I don’t remember covering this topic when I used to teach CPR, but perhaps it would make a worthwhile addendum. Gargling and Life Saving Techniques Don’t Mix.
Don’t pity this man
Before you feel too sorry for him, trust me when I tell you I learned everything I know from this prankster.
Remind me to tell you about his extensive prep work to lower a plastic spider over my head while on the toilet. Yeah, don’t feel too bad for him.
If you must extend some pity after reading this story, consider passing it on to me.
The one who lives with this brain of ideas.
I am still that compassionate soul who wants to help make your life better. The one with a sphere of influence and intelligent ideas. It’s just that, well…sometimes I impulsively act on the nutty things that belong only in my brain.
Usually just imagining things I think would be funny are enough. But sometimes…
In all seriousness, my husband’s sense of humor has gotten us through some of our darkest days. Laughing is the blessing that makes things stay in perspective.
It is a great treat to share life together this way, even when it gets messy.
Resources to encourage you
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