Today’s task was to “learn to tell one joke properly.”
The joke: ” -How many elephants does it take to change a light bulb?
-Don’t be silly. Elephants cannot change lightbulbs!”
So, I was practicing on Opee who was turning his head left and right while listening to me enunciate. Then he became disinterested and rolled on his back for me to pet him (or maybe he finally get the joke).
Things I tried:
1. Atmosphere: should be told in a lighthearted situation keeping in mind that under-eights will not get its subtleties. Opee is 12. No problem there.
2. Keywords: I tried to emphasize the words “elephants” and “lightbulb” so that Opee could zero in on the focus of my joke. His gazing into my eyes told me that he might have not zeroed in and the turn of his head told me that he was trying to focus.
3. Then I tried to get him in the mood by saying, “Would you like to hear the joke again?” That’s when he rolled over on his back. I guess he was more in the mood for pets.
4. Punchline: I tried to deliver the killer line with speed and precision and used a lighthearted chuckle at the end. Opee stayed on his back. Hm… Still did not get it. Silly puppy. But I persevered and moved on to item 5.
5. Timing: I paused in between lines for 5 seconds as this joke was “have to think about it” type. Opee turned his head from left to right and it was obvious that he indeed was thinking about it.
I practiced it 3 times to get it right. After the second time, Opee gave up and went to sleep.
That concludes my joke-telling. Someday when I see you in person I will tell you this joke and hopefully, after all my practicing you will laugh.
5.13.23
Haven’t seen you in person in quite awhile. If you and Opee get over to the fields in the near future – tell me the joke and I promise to laugh. (I was tempted to insert a limeric here, but couldn’t come up with one immediately … Petra is pestering me to take her before it gets too hot. ) Did you move ? Buy a house or someting ? I don’t trust me recollections much these days. Anyway, I would be glad to hear news of your life. Opee is 12 … wow! Petra will turn 8 on June 25. I am now about half way through my 80th year. I have my health issues but hope to limp through another decade before I check out ….
Gary (and Petra)
Hi Gary, yes I bought a condo which is far away from the field but I might drive there one day when it gets cooler. Opee sure would love it. I am glad you and Petra are OK. Will keep you in my thoughts about your health. I turned 50 this year and do know all the aches and pains that start with age. Maybe see you soon! Missed our talks.