Thing 1, Thing 2, And More

            Not much to blog about the office today, but I just had an interesting conversation with Mrs. Boss.  It was one we’d come close to having before, as she initiated it each day on her way to the parking lot: “I couldn’t stop myself from parking all the way on the East side of the building today.  But it was the only area where I could find a front-row spot.”  I had previously held my tongue, but on that particular day I got resist no longer.  The habit seemed unjustified by either time- or footstep-saving considerations, and I prodded for explanation: “I’m just a parking space person.”  An unsatisfying response, but one that really got me thinking. 

            The suggestion that such a mild compulsion is commonplace, in my opinion, is absolutely valid.  For her, it’s not a question of saving time; the sensation of “scoring” a good spot takes a front seat to pragmatism.  A more efficient approach to parking may involve traveling directly to a spot that has guaranteed availability, while settling for a longer, more direct route from the third tier. But even if panning for the competitive spots doesn’t really pay off, it’s the way it feels that should count.  My boss’s “thing” doesn’t alter her day by more than a minute, so I say let her inject some inefficiency into the day.  Fine, she doesn’t have to do it intravenously. 

            That being said, I ask all of you to take a minute to share your various “things”.  What counter-intuitive part of your routine do you keep around just because it makes you feel good? 

            Later on, Mrs. Boss asked if I had any similar habits.  The first thing that came to mind was my movie theater's concession stand.  I’m obsessed with the theory that there will always be a short/empty food line that people neglect because it doesn’t look active.  I always approach the sheepish cashiers behind such questionable counters, but am generally disappointed to find that they are, in fact, closed.  It usually takes them five or eight minutes to admit this—a bonus for my eagerness. 

            Otherwise, my life is pretty thing-free.  My only priority in a parking lot is to find a car that matches my make, model, and color.  I always park next to such automobiles, because it’s just so cute.  Let that thought warm you throughout the already-hot weekend.

Peace, Love, and Personalized Media.

-John the Intern                          

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