The Deaf Fudger's Guild Award

       Sometimes, a sentence will just be cursed. Destined to fail no matter how many times it is repeated. And it will be repeated. Several times. It's embarrassing how your hearing will randomly just go. Somebody will say something that you should understand. You SHOULD hear them. You really want to. SO you say, "pardon me?" (or if you are rude "huh"). And they repeat themselves. But you still didn't catch it. So a little embarrassed you say, "Sorry, I didn't catch that..." Usually they will look a little put out but will say it one last time.
       And you don't hear them.
       At this point you really only have 3 options. You can be really stupid and actually ask them to repeat themselves one last time. But most likely they feel like a broken record by now so you'd probably get an eye roll and a "never miiiiiiiiiind..." And a reputation as a deaf person.
       Or you can spill something on them and apologize profusely for ruining the conversation, say, "You probably don't want to talk to me now," and run away. I find syrup and lukewarm coffee work well for this method.
       Lastly, and most likely, you will say, "Oh, yeah, for sure. Fo shizzle dawg. I agree. Wholeheartedly," and continue digging yourself into a hole with, "Yeppers, definitely. You have my agreeance! Right on. Right on..." etc. until they cut you off with "Ok, I'll pick you up at 4. Make sure you wear your costume. And bring the glue!" You will be left wondering what you've gotten yourself into and then your options are very limited from here on out.