#7 - Panda Express Saga

For some reason dad can never remember the name of the fast food restaurant Panda Express.
It's one of his favorite places to eat. He goes maybe three to four times a month.

I first became aware of this particular memory issue a couple months ago when he came to tell me he was going to get something to eat.

Dad: What's the name of that fast food place I like?
Me: {blank stare} - I don't know. What fast food place?
Dad: {stares at ceiling, trying to remember} - That Chinese place.

I immediately know what he's talking about, but I like to give him memory exercises so I start to question him.

Me: That place has an animal associated with it.
Dad: Uh-huh. {squints, trying to remember}
Me: What is China's national animal, Dad?
Dad: {the light bulb goes off, excitement ensues} The panda!!! Panda Express!!!

A month later...

He walks over to me with a twinkle in his eye. I think, "Oh, God. What now?"
Dad: I'm going to that place I like. {twisty face trying to remember the name}
Me: {Amused} Uh-huh. What's the name of it?
Dad: Uhhh. The place with the fuzzy bear on the door.

I busted up laughing.

Me: Really?! Really? You're ridiculous.
Dad: I'm just kidding. It's Panda Express. But I couldn't remember it earlier...

Then tonight:

With that same mischevious, goofy, twinkle all over his face,
Dad: I'm going out to eat!
Me: {Smiling, playing along, wondering what ridiculousness is coming next} Where to?
Dad: The kay-oh-la bear restaurant!
Me: {Laughing} Oh. My. Gosh.
Dad: No, I remember. But I couldn't earlier, all I could think of was kay-oh-la bear.

The gold in this exchange is that he was pronouncing koala bear, "kay-oh-la".

I didn't correct him. Didn't want to overload his poor brain. Not really. I'm just hoping he uses it in public elsewhere. :)