Random Esquire

QTMama’s recent entry about mis-hearing things reminded me of an incident from law school.  I had been participating in a mock appellate hearing regarding disability law and had traveled to Milwaukee with my ‘co-counsel’ to argue in front of some judges.  Our mentor throughout this journey was a very intelligent attorney who was in a wheelchair; he provided incredible insight and clarity into disability law.

Following a rather stressful day of arguing, my team sat around in a local bar in Milwaukee discussing how we would thank our mentor.  We had all had a few to drink.  Someone suggested something from Milwaukee’s art museum or an engraved gavel.  The conversation went something like this:

A female teammate said, “Let’s get him a pap smear.”

This caught my attention.

I said, “What?”

She said, “You know…a pap smear.”  The rest of the team nodded, thinking this was a good idea.

I said, “Are you kidding?  That’s a lousy gift!”

She looked offended.  “It’s not a serious gift…just something small along with his real gift…to remember our trip.”

I said, “What the heck is wrong with you people? First of all, that’s a lousy fucking gift.  Second, he’s a man!  How the hell is he doing to get a pap smear?!”

They all burst out laughing.  My female teammate said, “I said a Pabst Beer!”

oh.

I get it now.