Strange happenings at Borders
This does not rival Bil's mind-blowing bookstore tale, but I found it rather odd...
Heather was off from work today, so I took the opportunity to emerge from my cave and regain contact with the outside world. After an hour or so on the driving range (Damn little white ball. Why won't you fly straight?), I headed for Borders. I never seem to buy anything when I go there. Why is that? Oh yeah...I'm "thrifty." Where was I? Right, Borders. So I'm perusing the bargain bin for good buys, and lo and behold, I actually found something. "Baby's First Animal Book" for some $3. Hey, I'm a dad, what can I say? This kind of buy excites me. Other things still do, but contributing to my son's education is time & money well spent. But I digress. After reading a rousing Far Side compilation, I began making my way to the register when out of nowhere this guy accosts me. He said I looked familiar and asked if I went to some college around these parts. At first I thought he was hitting on me so I casually raised my left hand with my wedding band in plain sight. I became apparent right away that he was not trying to pick me up. I would have been flattered, I think. I told him that I didn't attend school, but rather I was a stay-at-home dad. After several more questions, this mystery man asked my name. I offered it to him. To my surprise, the nameless man of my Border's inquisition who was approximately my age had a name, Scott. Come to find out, "Scott" owns his own business - a marketing firm. Apparently I looked like someone in need of employment. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. He asked me if I had any experience in marketing, and naturally I told him I used to be a youth pastor. Youth ministry is nothing if not a Christian version of marketing and sales. Think about it for a moment. Youth pastors have to make their ministries interesting and attractive to "put asses in the seats" (to keep their jobs in some if not most cases - not that I speak from experience or anything...wink, wink). Pardon my cynical tone. Back to the story at hand..."Scott" inquired if I was ever interested in making some extra $ to give him a call. After giving me his card and a brief interchange of pleasantries (Minnesota nice, stuff), we parted ways. Thus ending my strangest encounter at Borders to date. Stay tuned for further Borders adventures. Same Phil channel, same Phil time or whatever.
Heather was off from work today, so I took the opportunity to emerge from my cave and regain contact with the outside world. After an hour or so on the driving range (Damn little white ball. Why won't you fly straight?), I headed for Borders. I never seem to buy anything when I go there. Why is that? Oh yeah...I'm "thrifty." Where was I? Right, Borders. So I'm perusing the bargain bin for good buys, and lo and behold, I actually found something. "Baby's First Animal Book" for some $3. Hey, I'm a dad, what can I say? This kind of buy excites me. Other things still do, but contributing to my son's education is time & money well spent. But I digress. After reading a rousing Far Side compilation, I began making my way to the register when out of nowhere this guy accosts me. He said I looked familiar and asked if I went to some college around these parts. At first I thought he was hitting on me so I casually raised my left hand with my wedding band in plain sight. I became apparent right away that he was not trying to pick me up. I would have been flattered, I think. I told him that I didn't attend school, but rather I was a stay-at-home dad. After several more questions, this mystery man asked my name. I offered it to him. To my surprise, the nameless man of my Border's inquisition who was approximately my age had a name, Scott. Come to find out, "Scott" owns his own business - a marketing firm. Apparently I looked like someone in need of employment. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. He asked me if I had any experience in marketing, and naturally I told him I used to be a youth pastor. Youth ministry is nothing if not a Christian version of marketing and sales. Think about it for a moment. Youth pastors have to make their ministries interesting and attractive to "put asses in the seats" (to keep their jobs in some if not most cases - not that I speak from experience or anything...wink, wink). Pardon my cynical tone. Back to the story at hand..."Scott" inquired if I was ever interested in making some extra $ to give him a call. After giving me his card and a brief interchange of pleasantries (Minnesota nice, stuff), we parted ways. Thus ending my strangest encounter at Borders to date. Stay tuned for further Borders adventures. Same Phil channel, same Phil time or whatever.
posted by Philip at
9:06 PM
2 Comments:
Philip-
Thanks for adding levity to my morning blog reading ritual. Have you ever considered writing comedy? You obviously have a knack for it.
Me, not being from MN or subscribing to "MN Nice" would have gave the guy my best "angry black man look" and been done with it. I've learned that if you look mentally unstable and potentially violent at the same time, people usually back off no matter how bad they want to harass you.
For you, I would suggest the "diaper shield" to create space. When someone has to watch you check bodily fluids on Titus BEFORE they can talk with you, they usually find that you are a "hardend target" and not worth the effort. Just a thought...
Vic
By
A Viewpoint From Victor, at 10:32 AM
I think Ida just hit him. Odd that you mentioned my bookstore experience. For the first 3 times I read it, I could not remember what you were talking about. The sickness is attacking my mind but Im fighting it off with TV.
By
Bil, at 9:43 PM
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