Island of Misfits

Alright, so friends of mine have nicknames.  They stretch the scope of ridiculousness and applicability but they exist and I am grateful for them as it give me that extra edge in ‘I know them better because I created a fun and LASTING nickname for them, you did not’ ~ yes, I’m a slightly possessive friend and competitive human.

People in my ward have nicknames as well.  These nicknames are quick, first time judgments that I created in my mind to sort through the masses who I did not know.  Ace and I were able to refer to folks that we had never spoken with by using these catchy, clever and what seems founded names. These past few weeks have proven hilarious, if only in my mind as I’m trying to curb my ‘speak first, apologize later’ method, as I’ve attempted to make friends with new people ~ namely the ones who have been dubbed with a cheeky nickname.  As I’ve made these new friends we’ve discovered that our labels or nicknames match! DELIGHTFUL! These nicknames are now oober helpful as we have covert conversations in the backseat or on the back row.

Basically the ward, as is any single’s ward, is an Island of Misfit Toys.  We’ve all been ‘rejected’ in one way or another and are thrown to this island to meet someone to help us get back to the mainland.  The characters span the scope of uniqueness.  

We’ve got Cute Glasses ~ he sat with me my first Sunday in church as Ace was somewhere other than next to me and I was attempting to be brave.  He made conversation but I was so focused on watching the clock get to 10:05 {as I was doing vacation Church with Ace being absent} that I paid little attention to him.  All I remember is that he had cute glasses.  So upon Ace’s arrival at home that night I brought up Cute Glasses … it stuck.

We’ve got Black Dress ~ she comes to Church, that is what matters.  What doesn’t matter is the length of her dress … more power to her!  She’s got some rockin’ legs!

We’ve got Voice of Big Guy ~ when he prays I’m more reverent and focused.  His voice is one of the most soothing and articulate I’ve ever heard.  When he is sitting in the front of the room, I get a little bit giddy as I know that I will listen a bit closer and take things a bit more seriously.

We’ve got Cousin Weasly ~ it’s true.  He’s the cousin that you love but you’re never certain how to interact with.  He’s the one with the interesting and conversation provoking wardrobe and accessories.  Thinking of him now just makes me smile.

We’ve got Cute Boy ~ who has, in recent days been dubbed, Cute Man.  That’s fairly self explanatory I think.  But just to stop thoughts of “Boy, this girl is only focused on looks” … he’s got a cute personality as well, it’s a double edged-sword with this one.

We’ve got Smiles ~ I need a pocket version of Smiles, she is ALWAYS smiling.  She loses her job, she smiles.  She has a run in her tights, she smiles.  She sings, she smiles. She gets up to share what she knows to be true, she glows.  She is a constant reminder that there is nothing in this life that should make us forget how truly blessed we are. 

We’ve got Seminary Man ~ He may or may not be going into neurosurgery but this guy bleeds the Good Word.  As Ace and I sat in his class for the first time we both came to the conclusion that he was working through the CES program, he’s just a John Bytheway in training.  Does he sometimes drive you bonkers as he can tell you what page a specific thought is on in the manual?  Yes!  And don’t worry that he doesn’t have a photogenic memory.  I’m just glad to have learned in recent moments that he’s taking girls to dinner.

We’ve got Return Sister Missionary ~ She’s delightful.  She hits all the marks for return sisters.  The wardrobe, check.  She’s got the click down and the necessary pauses to make you feel something between ‘she’s made a very poignant point’ and downright awkward.  Speaking with her makes you want to be a better person as her ambition and drive spill over to you.

We’ve got Tall One ~ I have yet to figure him out.  But Tall not only describes his actual person but his personality as well.

We’ve got Rugged Pete ~  He’s got that unquestionable attractive factor that Pete holds claim to but  he’s somehow added this rugged element that is … can I say it? I'm pretty sure I could have babysat him, he's like Landon's age … downright HOT!

We’ve got Garcia ~ Seriously folks, do you watch Criminal Minds?  No, too scary? I get that.  I can only watch it in the company of others as on my own my mind jumps to the conclusion that the ‘unsub’ is right outside and the minute I turn off the lights, he’s coming for me.  But if you have a minute, go ahead and IMDB the show and find Penelope Garcia.  Her twin is in my ward.  She’s got the sassy shoes and funky glasses to boot!

Oh sweet island of Misfits!  How you make me smile!!