In case y’all are held captive by the idea that my writings are the work of pure, unadulterated, blindingly incisive genius…well, as much as I hate to disabuse you of that notion, let me tell you what sort of “genius” you’re dealing with here.
When I got into downtown Tampa last night, I found a parking lot near the St. Pete Times Forum. I pulled into a parking space, turned off the engine…and then discovered I couldn’t get the key out of the ignition cylinder. To make matters worse, I also discovered that the engine wouldn’t start. I found this rather alarming, but being the composed individual I am, I didn’t panic. I made certain there was no kill switch on the steering column or the remote, and went through every button and knob anywhere within arms reach of the driver’s seat. After about 10 minutes of this, I became sufficiently alarmed to called Budget Rental’s customer service line. The conversation went something like this:
Rep: I’m sorry that you’re having trouble with one of our rentals. How about we start with something you’ve no doubt already checked. Is the vehicle in Park?
Me: Uh….
Me: Not exactly. Permission to feel phenomenally, unbelievably stupid??
Yes, that’s right, kids. Your humble servant forgot to put the &^(!@#$ car in Park. DUH….
So, the next time you begin to think I’m some sort of &^(!@#$ genius, try keeping this little parable in mind. Sometimes, I’m not sure that my IQ ever left double digits.
