Seven and Counting

In a far-away land, a long long time ago, my mum and dad introduced me to something they called manners. This notion did not come naturally to me, as it is in fact a concept quite foreign to the uncivilized 4-year old mind. But, like so many things that involve parents, resistance was futile and eventually I became quite the well-mannered, though perhaps slightly sarcastic, girl that you all know and love.

As such a polite young lady, I've attempted to use the proper Scottish terms while residing in Glasgow. Instead of asking where I can buy soccer cleats, I ask about 'boots'. Likewise, 'pitch' instead of field, 'university' rather than college, 'underground" instead of subway, 'half nine' instead of nine-thirty. In fact the only local expression that I actually understand but can't seem to say is 'going to the toilet'... yes, toilet is the operative word out here.

So it is only natural, that I say 'football' when referring to soccer. This is proving to be a bit of a problem. In the past eleven days I've been asked seven different times to clarify whether I was talking about American football or soccer. After time six, I got quite clever and decided to just say 'soccer'. Not surprisingly, I received a charming dressing-down about how the sport is properly and appropriately termed football since it is played with the feet etc etc etc.

I can't put up with another such lecture...I'm up to seven and counting!