Ms. Malaprop, Thy Name is (Sometimes) Judi

To err is human. To laugh about it is divine. --- Judi McLaughlin

In keeping with my Malaprop Monday series, I'm going to share one of my more memorable Malaprop Moments. Yes, I make them too!

The story (and there is always a story, isn't there?) begins with a conversation I had with my friend, Diane, about ten years ago, when we, as The Real Housewives of Middlesex County, were in the height of our Zumba phase.

I wish I could say we were at Zumba for the physical health benefits. In truth, we were motivated more by having an hour away from our husbands and kids.

Diane upped the ante by also attending Pilates at the same studio. As a doctor, she is more virtuous than me. Or maybe she needed more time away from the fam. Potato, potahto.

Anyway, Diane called me to report that she injured herself at Pilates.

"I hurt my cervical spine," she explained.

"Oh my goodness! That sounds awful!" as I winced and instinctively tensed up my body.

"Well, it's always something, but I think I'll be okay."

Diane and I met for a drink a few nights later. When she arrived, she was in a neck brace, which somehow surprised me.

"What's with the neck brace?" I asked.

"I hurt my cervical spine, remember?" she replied.

That's when it hit me.

"Ooohhhh! You know when you hear one word, and you think of another? When you said 'cervical spine,' I thought 'cervix,' and I've been wondering how the hell you did that," I said casually.

"WHAT?"

"I know, right? I mean, they are VERY different parts of the body!"

"How can you be so smart and mix up those two things?" Diane asked.

"I have no idea. I'm talented, I guess."

Diane and I still laugh about the "cervical spine," and even though I am clear on the difference, I've sworn off Pilates.

You may have noticed in the first paragraph I said “one of my more memorable Malaprop Moments.” Yes, there are more! Stay tuned!