Monday, March 3, 2008

My Nervous Smile

Yesterday at church, I was called to be a teacher in the Relief Society. When the bishop called me to the position, he asked me to stand in front of the entire congregation. I was none too pleased about this. I was sitting in the very back row, so once I stood, over fifty people turned their heads and craned their necks to get a good look at me. I panicked. Tried to smile. Didn't quite make it. I unfortunately whipped out my nervous smile, which has been known to injure and/or trauma many. Behold:


Most of them looked at me in horror, as if I were standing in front of them naked. Under flourescent lights. I was trying to make myself stop, I really was. But I couldn't. I've thoroughly humiliated myself, but on the plus side; I now have something new to talk about in therapy.

12 comments:

Shannon said...

Whatever. It's still a beautiful smile. I loved teaching Relief Society! You only have to do anything once a month. Its the best! Much better than teaching primary or something where you have to do it every sunday. blah. Anyway, good luck!
PS-helpful hint: ask people ahead of time to share their experience or something to do with the topic. They always take a ton of time. Less you having to talk time! Bonus.

Laur said...

you dork. You would look good sticking out your tongue with your eyes crossed.

Stacy said...

HA! ok so I know how you feel kinda. I am in the RS presidency. Teaching was nerve racking aqnd I shake the whole time I talk BUT you are a great writer and very comical in person I hear... SO if you need to sit on the verge of irreverence and slide in the spirituality under the door... too often do women leave relief society feeling guilty... we are hard on our selves. Anyway. you will be great and ditto about asking for help. Bring treats too! It makes most women happy and you don't have to eat it (you can if you want) and it takes up time too!!!. Do you teach out of the Joseph Smith Book, Ensign or what?

I can wait to hear stories of your experiences :o)

Jamie said...

You'll do great! I hope that you share your experiences with us! And PS I love the pictures that you keep putting up of your handsome little guy.

Emily said...

Geez, that looks like *my* nervous smile! Always frightening. :)

KC said...

love the new Cade picture. such a perfect creation!

alana.rachelle said...

you'll be great. just remember that you aren't supposed to be teaching as though you were a gen authority. the majority of people don't need or want to hear a lesson presented that way. just be yourself, take a klonopin or something and you'll be fine! totally kidding about the klonopin! haha i'm sure you're ed virgin bish is just excited for people in the ward to get to know the real you because you are fabulous and this is like the only way to make sure that happens! how about this, i'll even come with you to church on the first day you teach. that is, IF the roof doesn't cave in as i walk through the door. the offer stands until i change my mind, so let me know asap! ;) love you!

brie said...

You all are so sweet for your confidence boosters on my behalf. I just hope I don't whip out the nervous smile while I'm teaching my first lesson! AND
Alana, you MUST COME!! I've already decided that I can't do it without you!

alana.rachelle said...

oh geez what have i just done?! okay i'm in. just let me know when you find out the date and time so i can plan accordingly and shop for something to wear! :)

alriggells said...

CONGRATS. I will have to come sit in one day. You'll do great. I have complete faith in you. By the way the picture of your amazingly cute creation...I love...reminds me of home, and he is just too cute to pass up a comment. Well done my friend, well done.

Unknown said...

Okay, so that is hilarious.

Unknown said...

Okay, so that is hilarious.