Abounding Awkwardness

Yes, it's true. Awkward situations are a daily occurance for me. And well, another long, awkward moment happened the other day when I was volunteering at the Georgia Aquarium.

I've been volunteering with several actors for a few weeks at the aquarium. My job is to escort the guys around as they perform magic tricks, sing and tell 'fishy' jokes with the guests. It's a fun position and I really enjoy being around people my own age. The guys are part of the new Dolphin show that will be opening in 2011, so getting to know and volunteer with them might help me down the road. I want to get to know the current dolphin trainers and staff, so when a position opens up, I'll have a better shot at landing my dream job! Dolphin program, here I come!

My future job

Anyway, back to the awkward. Part of my job is to help them carry their bag of props when we go on the floor. I hadn't been connecting well with one of the guys though—that is, until the other day. We had a great conversation and I finally felt that we were friends.

Towards the end of the shift, we started walking back to the drop-off point. We got to the door where we part ways, and he paused, turned around and said, "It was really great seeing you." I smiled and replied the same. He then stuck his arm out and drew closer to me for a side hug. I went in for the side hug and my arm just happened to go inside of his large, caped costume. I squeezed him and gave him three gently pats on the back. As I did, I felt a large weight literally lift off my shoulders. Yes, that's right—he had been reaching for the prop bag on my shoulder!! GAHHH!

The awkward side hug

I muttered something like, "Oh, yeah, ummm, cool, see ya," as I tried to survive this really, really uncomfortable moment.

Then, the worst part of it all is that I had to see him again 30 minutes later for another shift. Fortunately he didn't bring up the incident. But still. GAHHH!