caught off guard

As I stood there I was pondering why this lady refused to answer me, and just stared at me...




For extra cash I work on the side at a little bakery, and I was assisting the company by passing out samples of a delicious dish. This particular assignment gets very boring compared to my every day job, so I love to entertain clients. I engage clients (customers, sorry) in conversation and try to build rapport. As I was working my part time boss comes to chat with me and keep me company. I would love to own a franchise when this company decides to sell, so I decide to make the best of my relationship with the company and try to impress the general manager.

As customers approach I greet them in a very enthusiastic way and with a smile. One particular customer approaches that I recognize, and I excitedly state, Where do I know you from? My mind was wondering where do I know this lady from with a small blond child tagging behind her. The lady's husband was standing near by listening (which whom I did not recognize).
Denounced to me she was deaf and her husband answer for her, "She is deaf and can't hear you." (stupid me) Then every so ignorantly I announced "Oh.. that is where I know you from!" It still did not click in my mind that this happening, and I could practice my sign language and I continued to talk. I explained to her husband that I had seen her last Monday at the deaf meeting I attended.

Let me remind you, all this is happening with my part time boss standing there watching. :) I attempted to make use of the little American Sign Language I knew. I was so excited I mixed up my thoughts and signs. Her husband said don't worry about it, and signed to her what I was trying to say. I wanted her to know I was a student and had seen her at a deaf meeting. The conversation ended very quickly. I made things very awkward for every individual involved.

All in all my boss was impressed, and curious to know more which filled up the last hour of my shift. Embarrassing and yet very worthwhile. I am a very nervous, jittery, and over exaggerate person so with this experience I plan to take with me the reminder to calm myself down!