So yesterday I went to a benefit that raised money for orphans in the Sudan. (I’m serious. Jaded New Yorkers can care about orphans in the Sudan as much as they care about other things…we’re not that shallow). Anyway, I was seriously at a benefit that helped orphans in Africa. The organization is called 100cameras and I highly recommended that you check out this link before going any further. Its ok. I’ll wait….
did you see the most adorable picture of the little girl on a pot.(lower left hand corner). precious. It was a fantastic evening and shout out to all those involved/helped!! (sorry, that was inadvertent shout out to myself. awkward. anyway…)
So yes I helped out by “greeting” people. And it was fun. Really, there is nothing better than the terrified look that someone has on their face when you say “welcome” to them. (unfortunately that is a NYC tendency.) But I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hopefully was more welcoming than foreboding. However in one case, of one gentleman, I wish I had been foreboding. In fact I wish I would have been as foreboding as a guy with a rifle but, alas, it was not to be. So this gentleman came up to talk to me. For those who did not get to witness it I will reenact:
Me: “Hi there, welcome to 100cameras.”
Him: [confused look] uh, like, what is this?
Me: (what I wanted to say: ” definitely not something about children in Africa and photography…that’s why all the pictures with African children are up” but that would have been snarky and I didn’t know he was creepy yet)
What I did say, ” well, it is a benefit to support children in Africa. The founder went to Africa last year and gave cameras to orphans and taught them to take pictures so we could see the world from their perspective. etc. etc.”
Him: “huh. so I can just look at these pictures and not have to go to Africa. Cause I don’t really want to go to Africa.”
Me: (thinking: wtf? who is this guy?) “hahahah, well I can promise there is much cleaner in here (no judgment, I was thinking on my feet…) you should go in and check them out” (read: please get a way from me)
Him: “hrumph…” [eyes scanning me] [pause for a half second too long] ” I like your dress.”
[pause]
“and I like that you are tall.”
[pause]
and I like your skin tone.”
Me: [Silence.]
Seriously. Then he just walked away to be Creepy McCreeperton with someone else. I sadly have no witty discourse on it because I didn’t know what to do with that other than avoid him at all possible costs. In hindsight, it was pretty hysterical though, because I mean, I have to give him points for originality. (skin tone, who says that? just as an aside, not a recommended pick up line.)
Anyway, the night continued without a hitch and there was much made for the children and there were no more awkward comments other than being asked if I worked at Samsung and if I knew anything about the ultra slim, mega pixel, eco friendly LED screen TV. (I didn’t). But I totally would have tried to sell one if I did.
All for the good of the cause.
