As the green light showed, she demanded again:
Damn it! Go on! Hurry up! Weve not got all day! If we are late, Ill die. I cant wait.
Just belt up, will you! he shouted and revved up the engine. When the well-known huge logotype showed up at the end of the street, she bit her lip trembling with impatience:
Come on! Come on! and jumped out of the car as it drew up to the kerb in front of the luxury glass doors.
Take your time! Mind out! Watch your step! Oh, please, go easy on them! he was begging, trying to keep up with her.
Come along! she said over her shoulder while walking. Excuse me, where is the make-up department? she asked the first shop assistant she ran into. I heard that theres a Christmas sale.
Oh, Im sorry, maam, there must be some mistake, the girl replied. We have no make-up department. This is a computer electronics store. We sell mobile phones, tablet PCs and other IT gadgets.
Oh my God! What a bummer! Jennifer said Forget it! Let it go. Thank you for your help! she turned round to her husband who shook his head and sighed.
Calm down! Take it easy! Better luck next time, I hope, he said and wandered slowly past.
* KEEP IT UP
I want to take part in the final heat. Itll be a real challenge to me.
Dontworry! Youre at your best! Hang in there!
Youve run the first half. Youre doing very well! Keep it up!
* UNLUCKY ROBBERS
Hey! Look out! The steps are crumbling and rotten. Youd be better off not going upstairs!
Oh my god! It hurts! You were right! I seem to have twisted my ankle. I can barely walk on it!
You, dimwit! Bite the bullet! Im not carrying you.
I saw a bike by the fence. Maybe I could take it and ride off?
Sure, go ahead!
* COGNITION COMES THROUGH COMPARISON
All they concentrate on in the day-centre, is saying Eat up! or Drink up! or What am I going to do with the leftovers? Nightmare. Mustnt grumble! Get it out of your head! The nanny is awful but the autumn is awesome. Lighten up!
I cant. Its terrible. When I sneeze, no one says Bless you! I heard her complaining yesterday They pissed me off! She called us Old farts.
Thats what we are, old chap. Never mind! The worst is yet to come. So take your pills and a well-earned rest. Unlike me, at least you can walk out of here. Enjoy yourself!
* HILARIOUS
Singer: Take it away, maestro! One, two, three!
A pianist starts playing. As the song comes to the chorus, the singer encourages the audience: Come on everyone sing together!
* SEARCH ME
Mother: Sonny, where are my keys?
Her son: Search me! Im going out now.
Mother: Wait! Have you done your homework for tomorrow?
He son: Youre like a broken record. Quit nagging me! Ill do it later. Get over it!
Mother: You, stupid kid! Ill sort you out when you get back!
* DREAMS AND REALITY
Brian: Its already April. Roll on July! Cant wait for it to get here. We are going to spend our holiday on Bali.
Jennifer: Dream on! It costs a fortune. Where will you get that kind of money?
Brian: Youve got to be joking? I work hard and save every month.
Jennifer: Really? Thats laugh! A dollar a month? Your paintings dont pay the bills. Talent never pays the bills. Its me who does! So grow up! Straighten up and fly right! You are not a student anymore. Find a better job and start earning some money.
Brian: Hold on! I could borrow it from the Stevensons
Jennifer: Cut it out! You are talking crap. Wholl pay it back then? My mother was right youre nothing but a lazy bastard and I shouldnt have married you.
Brian: Cut it out, will you! You and your mother are always having a go at me and my patience is wearing thin.
Jennifer: Bollocks! Dont tell me Ive insulted you? Go on! Dont tell me youre insulted.
Brian: Shut up! Im off to paint another picture. Leave me alone!
Jennifer: Thick as two short planks. Dont worry, genius, Ill leave you in peace. After all, someones got to do the shopping and cooking, havent they?
* HANDS OFF!
Boy: Give me the lollypop! I want it!
Girl: Its mine! Dont touch it! Get off!
Boy: Easy, easy! You might rip my t-shirt.
Girl: Hands off!
Teacher: Hey, kids! Keep it down!
I cant hear what the bus drivers saying.
Boy: Did you hear her? Shut up!
Girl: You, loony, belt up and push off! Its my candy!
Teacher: Calm down, kids! We are getting on the bus. Come along!
5. FOOD AND DRINK
* TIMES CHANGE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY FOR THE BETTER
My granny used to tell me she had to go to the market every day to buy fresh meat and vegetables for dinner. It was before the refrigerator was invented. Traditionally, eating was something that all family members did together because there was no chance to grab a bite or have a snack on the go like nowadays. In the past, most parents insisted that the whole family sat around the dining table at a certain time. They prayed and tried to act politely while eating. Even my mother used to tell me, When my lunch is at its peak, Im deaf and mute, so please dont speak. I cant hear it today among my friends and it is most unlikely that I will say it to my kids.
Technical inventions have dramatically changed our habits and behavior. Usually we watch TV, smartphones or tablet PCs while we eat; we dont share breakfast and lunch with our family and eat at different times. Microwaves have changed the way we cook and today its easy to do it in seconds without having to wait until your parents come back home from work. I know that its very rare for a lot of my friends families to sit at the table together and share their news over a good meal. Moreover, the thought of cooking for someone at home makes them nervous and anxious, for guests in particular. If it happens, the day turns into a nightmare and the hosts dont feel happy at all. So, most prefer having snacks and lunch outside and ordering pizza or other convenience food has become quite natural. Thats why, times change, but not necessarily for the better.