Yes, I'm Sure

A funny thing happened to me at a recent doctor's appointment.  In fact, this wasn't the first time I have experienced this little conversation/interaction.  Since I thought it very humorous, I thought that just maybe you would too.

I had to fill out some new paperwork, as they were updating their information.  No problem I said and sat down to fill out some patient forms.  As I handed in my paperwork our conversation began.
It went something like this--
Are you Hispanic?
No
Ummmmmmm, are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure
Sooooooooooo, you're non-Hispanic?
Correct, I am not Hispanic.

She sat there looking at me as though I were outright lying to her.  Guess what I did?  I laughed out loud.  I would think that I, more than anyone in that room, would know my ethnic make-up.  I assured her once again that I was not Latina, and that I had checked the correct box.  The poor lady didn't know how to respond, so she just looked at me and said--OOOOOKKKKK.

I'm still a little stunned over this event.  True, I am olive complected, I have dark brown eyes and brown hair, but there are many of us who fit that description and aren't Latina.  Not that I'd mind it, but it just isn't true.

There was also another incident that happened a few years ago while I was still living in California.  I went into a new hair salon for a hair cut and this is what transpired--
The hair stylist asked me a question in Spanish.
I said I don't speak Spanish.
What?  Your parents didn't teach you Spanish.  That's terrible!
I just laughed--I'm not Mexican.
Ohhhhhhh--I thought you were.  You look Mexican.  Are you sure you're not Mexican?
Yes, I'm sure.

Believe it or not, this happens to me about once per year.  Sometimes more, sometimes less.  I've even been asked if I was half Asian.  I must just have one of those faces.  I can pass for a lot of things.  Which is actually kind of fun.  Think about it--when I'm in Italy, any Eastern European country, Central or South America, Mexico.  I'm in like Flint!  I love it.  My only regret is that I didn't take Spanish as a foreign language in school.  No, I wasn't that smart--instead, I opted for 7 years of French!

So, just what is my ethnic background?  Cherokee Indian, Scottish, English and French.  I like that combination. I feel very well-rounded for traveling the world.  And yes, yes, I'm sure.  I don't speak Spanish.

I enjoy things that make me laugh, that make me smile, that brings me joy.  And for some silly reason, this did.  I'm actually looking forward to the next encounter.  Yes, I'm sure.