Where There's a Will

Several times in my life, I have discovered significant gaps in my common knowledge. These blips have provided embarrassment for me, and enjoyment for my family members. The first that I recall, although I am sure there were earlier incidents, was during my senior year of high school. My AP English teacher told me he had put a book on hold for me at the local bookstore. I just needed to speak with Will Call. "Great. Is this Will guy expecting me?" At first, Mr. Dolan laughed as if he were in on my joke, and then his expression changed to chagrin as he realized I was being serious. "No, will call. Will call."

Then, a few years back, I decided to make Elizabeth a robe for Christmas, an undertaking I never would have attempted without knowing I had my mom for backup. And by backup, I mean that my mom would pretty much be charged with all technical aspects of the project. I strolled through the local B.I. fabric shop, doing my best to look like a seasoned seamstress. I ordered the amount of fabric my mom and I had rehearsed, and the women helping me asked if I had any other notions. "Um, well. No...this is my only idea for a project right now. I'm pretty new." She said, "No, notions. Anything extra you need for this project?" My face felt hot. "No, really. I'm just sticking to the pattern for this first one." I detailed my shopping experience with the pushy saleslady to my mom later, who found the whole episode hilarious. "Notions" apparently are the extra items aside from just fabric that a pattern might call for (buttons, etc.). I had no IDEA.

I have done my best to shore up any holes in my own children's knowledge base--but we've already experienced confusion regarding another famous Will:

E: We know two Will's--the guy in my class, and the nice guy with the truck that has all the stuff, right Mommy?

J: Um? I know Will in your class, but who is the other guy?

E: You know Mom. The nice Will. The Good Will.

These types of conversations have become some of my favorite, and it has me wondering if my parents kept me in the dark on some things purposefully just for their own amusement.