The other night at Bunco, several women were talking about French Lick, Indiana. (Prior to this conversation they were talking about the security of their wireless Internet and keeping is protected against the eyes of PRYING neighbors. Oops. Thank goodness I don’t live in THAT neighborhood.)
And we’re back from that brief tangent.
One of the women asked me if I’d ever been to French Lick. I shrugged and coyly said that I’d never heard of it. “Oh? You’ve never heard of it,” she questioned. “Well it’s a blah, blah, blah, blah, blah place…” I wasn’t really listening to the last part because I was thinking to myself, “Is it weird that I don’t know about French Lick, Indiana? And I hope they don’t find out that I steal my Internet connection.”
The thing is, though, is that maybe I have heard of it. I mean, I’ve HEARD of Hartford, Connecticut and El Paso, Texas and Istanbul, but they don’t have any special meaning for me. The next day at lunch I asked Tate if he’d ever heard of French Lick, Indiana. I whispered it quietly across the table of the semi-crowded restaurant because I sensed that NOT knowing about this place was like standing up and shouting “I HATE NOTRE DAME, PURDUE, AND the HOOSIERS.” (I don’t, by the way.)
Tate gave me a most exasperated sigh and shook his head. “It’s where Larry Bird was born.” [imagine that he was looking at me like, YOU NUMBNUT] “French Lick, Indiana?,” he said as if repeating the words French Lick, Indiana would now somehow magically make it all click in my brain.
“Why would I care about where Larry Bird was born?” I asked truly wondering why in fact I WOULD care about a 1980′s Boston Celtics, short-shorts wearing basketball player.
“It matters. We live in Indiana now, Jennifer. Basketball MATTERS,” Tate explained. And that was the end of the discussion. At least for he and I anyway. Now I’d like to include all of you in on the talks.
I have since googled French Lick, Indiana and learned that it is a resort area, but it’s also “known” (I use the term verrrrry loosely) for being Larry Bird’s birthplace . However, I’m still befuddled. Is it weird that I don’t know much, okay ANYTHING, about French Lick, Indiana? Did everyone except me take a class titled, “The Low Down On French Lick…Everything You Must Know to Have a Fulfilled Life?”
OK. I’m from Indiana. And the only things I know about French Lick are 1) it’s Larry Bird’s hometown (YES, IT’S IMPORTANT!) and 2) it sounds kinda dirty and so is always said with a bit of a Beevis and Butthead giggle to it (er, at least by my goofy self and high school friends). But I’ve never been there. And never had the desire to go. (And why would you now if the network isn’t protected! Gah!)
Carrie’s last blog post..A Day of Spring
I don’t know why you would be expected to know that since you are not a born Hoosier. My elementary school was bordered by Larry Bird Drive, I watched Eddie Bird play basketball at ISU as a child, and have eaten at Larry Bird’s Boston Connection more times than I care to remember and thus I do know about French Lick but have never been there.
Henny Penny’s last blog post..Honey, I’m hoooome!
I must confess, I have heard of French Lick, IN. However, that’s only because I see the signs when driving to STL. They always make me chuckle. I had no idea there was any significance to the town. I guess you better brush up on your useless b-ball facts now that you’re a Hoosier. Oh, and PS…the folks in IN don’t like the term “hoosier” when referring to a “red neck”. I learned that the hard way.
What’s Bunco?
Teri’s last blog post..Ya-da Ya-da Blah Blah Blah
*snicker*
you said “french lick” …
(oh yeah, i’m such a 10-year-old boy!!!!!)
janet’s last blog post..What was I going to say again?
I’ve heard of French Lick only because I drove through Indiana once to visit a friend and I passed a bunch of signs. Prior to this very minute, I had no idea that Larry Bird was born there. Other than the name, I knew nothing about it until now. So you can consider yourself more well informed on French Lick than me! Which, by the way, does sound totally dirty…or maybe I am just that immature…
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French Lick? You have got to be kidding. That could only be the name of something very dirty, surely not a town!
theotherbear’s last blog post..Lunching with My Classy Cuz
ok, I so agree that french lick sounds nasty. When I moved to Indiana, everyone was talking about it because of the new casino. i still think is sounds like a place where old people go to get their grove on.
and what’s up with you moving to Indiana and instantly getting into a Bunco group. I’ve been here for like 5 years and still have yet to get into it…..
emily’s last blog post..Tackle it Tuesday – the Ipod thingy…
We drive by signs for good ol French Lick each year on our annual trek to Notre Dame. I don’t know a thing about it (Larry Bird? Come on! Who knows that?) except that it exists and it’s got a really funny dirty sort of name that you can get endless “you’re so immature” looks from your husband out of if you play it right.
amy’s last blog post..Spring!
I actually thought that it was like “arm pit” florida or what us folk in Texas would refer to the panhandle, when you started out your post. I just thought it was referring to an area in IN and they just called it that of where it was located. I’m weird I know. I didn’t think it was actually the name of a town. I have never in my life heard of that. Yet I know really nothing about IN except for Notre Dame. You have to use your google skillz and find out why it’s named that..I would but I’ve got 5 minutes left of work and I’ll probably forget by the time I get home.
Jean’s last blog post..A Meme for Me
I must admit when you said you were moving to Indiana my first thought was all about basketball. It was all about Hoosiers and Notre Dame and Larry Bird.
When you said French Lick, my first thought was well….dirty….my second thought was about Larry Bird, not dirty thank god because he’s U-G-L-Y!
Alison’s last blog post..A Break
Yeah, I’m snickering like a 10 year old. French Lick… *giggles*
I’d do very poorly in Indiana. I wasn’t sure who Larry Bird was. And I find baskeball dreadfully boring.
K’s last blog post..Triptych #1
I’ve heard of French Lick (me where the sun don’t shine), but it might be a proximity thing growing up in Chicago and inadvertently overhearing it, or something? I do know that I’ve always know absolutely nothing about it other than that it should only be said in whispers and preferable with someone you love.
(the other) Maggie’s last blog post..Seven More Things
Well, I BORDER Indiana and I have definitely never heard of it. I also don’t know why you would be expected to have picked up this piece of useless information in the two weeks that you have been an official Hoosier. Let’s see: get cable/internet hooked up, unpack, find a grocery and pharmacy, find new doctors and dentists, and… Oh yeah! Learn all the local basketball trivia!
Sarah’s last blog post..Movie Reviews
Never heard of it — and you are right, it sounds kinky, or dirty, or whatever!
Those ladies aren’t on to you, are they?
Carrie’s last blog post..Minding My Own Business
I know, only because I’m from Ohio, and also my dad hsa been there on business.
The Internet thing…ha. My husband (computer geek) checks weekly to see what other wireless connections are out there from our neighbors.
Mommy Daisy’s last blog post..Primaries
Yep. I always thought it sounded dirty, too. Like, what were they thinking at the naming of the town ceremony? “Hmmmm. Interc0urse is already taken….Ball is also. I wonder if Lick is available? ooooh! What about FRENCH Lick? Yah!! Let’s do that one!”‘
And, I’ve lived in or around this area for my entire life, and can’t say as French Lick held any significance for me. Don’t feel bad!!! ha ha!
I’ve heard of French Lick, IN but only know it for it’s name. It’s sooooo dirty, and has got to be the punchline for many jokes. I was a huge Boston Celtics fan when I was a kid, and I can’t believe I didn’t know Larry Bird was from there.
So glad there’s another Bunco player out there!
all things bd’s last blog post..Fashion Tuesday: Nocturnal Accessorization
OMG i love Bunco…
our travel icon is a beanbag with woody woodpecker on it…so you can just imagine all the woody jokes ALL NIGHT LONG.
I’ve never heard of it. I asked my husband, “Have you ever heard of French Lick, IN?” And he replied, “yeah. It’s a town.” And I said, “but how do you know about it?” And he said, “It’s a town, right, in Indiana.” So I’m thinking he hasn’t heard of it, but you know, can’t admit to NOT knowing something.
I swear you were making up the name. French Lick, seriously?
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Do you live under a ROCK, woman? HOW is it at all possible that you don’t know the name of the obscure Indiana town where Larry Freakin’ Bird was born? Come on. Really. EVERYONE knows that. Everyone cool, anyway.
Oh wait. Shoot. I’ve outde myself as uncool again. Damn.
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Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer. Am I going to have to take you to a Pacers game and school you on all things Hoosier? Larry Bird matters, a lot. Pretend you agree, it’ll be easier that way.
Also, you should know that there is a Starbucks IN Conseco Fieldhouse (pretend you knew that’s where the Pacers play), so you can sip you latte while pretending to know what is going on. It’ll be OK.
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..Best Day Ever?
I was born in French Lick and lived there until recently! When I mention where I’m from, people either snicker or ask if I know Larry Bird. Yes, I know my hometown’s name sounds like a low budget porn…
I’ve heard of French Lick, but only because I saw it on a list of dirty city names (along with Bohner’s Lake, WI, Dickey, ND, and Willacoochie, GA, among others). And speaking as a soon-to-be Hoosier, I thank you for this valuable public service announcement!
MollyDoll’s last blog post..First Toofum
I thought those ladies were totally pulling your leg when they asked you about French Lick, Indiana. What a crazy name for a town. I consider myself lucky I even know who Larry Bird is. I have no clue where he was born. Well now I do, thanks to you.
Christine’s last blog post..Cooking with Bean
Never heard of it. Of course we’re more football fans (NFL) than anything.
French Lick…Larry Bird…sounds like the making of a p*rn flick. Tee hee.
Jamie’s last blog post..Queen Bees and Drama Queens
p.s. I AM impressed, however, that you are already in a Bunco group! Way to get around woman!
Jamie’s last blog post..Queen Bees and Drama Queens
HAHA. My husband is the same way about the facts he learns on Sportscenter. As if that were common knowledge!! I think that I have heard of French lick, but I am not sure… Thanks to you, I will never be “unsure” again.
Rachel’s last blog post..The Other Cheek.
I’ve heard of it, but have no idea why I would’ve heard of it. I think it should be a sister city to Climax, MI.
Never heard of it, but can see it being important in Indiana!
Stephanie’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
I thought this was funny, and so I read it out loud to Paul. And he said, “Usually I go months without hearing ANY REFERENCE to Larry Bird, but that’s the second one I’ve heard TODAY.”
Even if we DID care about Larry Bird, why would we care where his hometown was? What does that have to do with ANYTHING? That’s what _I_ want to know, Indiana if that is your real name.
Swistle’s last blog post..My Shift Ends at NEVER O’Clock
I’ve heard the name of the city, but never in reference to Larry Bird. Seems rather unimportant to me!
Jenni’s last blog post..Next Time, I’ll Let Her Finish
French Lick? French Lick? Never heard of it. Why on earth would you name a town French Lick?
Mama DB’s last blog post..Tuesday Tattle
Who the hell named a town French Lick?
So strange…
Mrs. Mustard’s last blog post..At the whim of a benevolent dictator
That’s nothing. Every summer we drive past Big Bone Lick State Park on our way to the family vacation spot.
Rosie’s last blog post..Scott Baio is 46… and PREGNANT episode 7
I think you should go visit French Lick just ot get aquainted with what a real French Lick is….Happy times in Indiana.
tommie’s last blog post..Four things
Hmmmm…. never heard of it either.
At least you didn’t move to OHIO. Cause… there is NOTHING famous in OHIO. I am lucky like that!
OHmommy’s last blog post..Shhhh!!!! I am going on a picnik…
I remember seeing a sign the last time we drove to Notre Dame. I asked Puppy if he knew, & I got the same disdainful Larry Bird comment. Join the club!
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I would have been equally clueless!
Arkie Mama’s last blog post..Bad Mommy Confession No. 243
When I lived in Kentucky, driving by Big Bone Lick State Park ALWAYS gave me the giggles! I don’t think anyone famous was born there.
My class in French Lick took place in the backseat of a car and had NOTHING to do with Larry Bird.
MammaLoves’s last blog post..Tell Me How I Did It
LOL French Lick?!?!
Christy’s last blog post..Sensory Processing disorder
I’ve never heard of it and I do know who Larry Bird is. And it does sound kind of dirty. See, I could never tell someone I was from a place called French Lick.
Bren’s last blog post..Coughing, Peeing, and Sex…One of These Things Is Not Like The Others
Oh my friggin’ CHRIST. I know that Larry Bird was born there because I have a husband who is obsessed with LB and the Celtics. I have a house with thousands of dollars in Celtic memoribilia and a firstborn that was born on 12/8 because when we planned her conception he wanted her born on 12/7 [LB's birthday]. I went into labor that day, but had her the next. *lol*
That’s the only way I know anything about that freaknasty town!!
Maria [Immoral Matriarch]‘s last blog post..I know they love me.
*memorabilia*
I hate that word.
What a horrible name for a town! No one knows French Lick. Don’t believe them if they say they do!
wright’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – Spring is Coming
I don’t live in IN, but I’ve never heard of it. I have heard of Larry Bird, but that’s it…
Devan’s last blog post..I hate you blogger & Not Miserable Monday
I think if you HEARD of it before, you’d remember…
Ha. French Lick.
~JJ!’s last blog post..March (it better be better)
One of the announcers for the Sacramento Kings was born in French Lick Indiana. Since I used to live in Sacramento and watch or go to all the basketball games I have “heard” about French Lick Indiana 385 times.
Now when someone talks about French Lick, you know that Jerry Reynolds and Larry Bird were born there. That will impress all the Basketball loving Indianians
Or not.
Amy’s last blog post..Flu Advisory
That does sound dirty. Nasty, even. My favorite odd place name is Dildo. I kid you not – it’s a town in Newfoundland.
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