A Quick Errand

I am not a scientist. I do not play a scientist on TV. I am a meeting planner who is frequently panicked about running out of time to do all the things on my list on any given day. So when I try to run a quick errand and it turns into the biggest nightmare of my day, my face turns red.

When I recently went to our vendor to pick up linens, I was near red faced at my arrival. It was no fault of the vendor - I forgot to tell them that we were going to be closed on Friday and that they would not be able to deliver. So first thing Monday morning I called to explain what had happened and begged for their mercy to allow me to come pick up enough linen to get me through until the next delivery. All I wanted was linens. All I came for was linens. I did not stop by for a science lesson.

Upon entering the office, I was greeted by a nice lady who initially seemed like most any other receptionist I have ever met. Then she became talkative and inquisitive.

"How do you feel about the tsunami and all of the recent tornadoes?" she asked.

I paused for a moment and cautiously replied, "I think all the devastation is very sad." I realize it's not an award winning answer, but how was I supposed to respond? "I think it's GREAT!"

She then began to share with me her thoughts on Pangaea and that all of these weather fronts are the continents trying to move back together. See Pangaea Info for the whole history (because to be honest, I had forgotten about that part of science class). I left with a feeling of amazement that she pointed out that she thought the recent warnings of the end of the world was crazy but she so steadfastly held to this idea and was so serious.

Serious or not, and no matter what theory you believe or don't - all I wanted were some napkins and table cloths. Instead, I turned red faced, my head almost exploded and an errand that should have taken 15 minutes turned into 45.