I came home tonight, exasperated. My fiance, clever woman that she is, had already determined the solution to her own day of drudgery; a beer, a smoke, and
Airplane. I thought "how fitting" as i meandered through the door and on my way to the bedroom to off-load my basket of laundry, that is of course as i gave her a kiss hello in the midst of my trip. As i put away my laundry she said, "something wrong?" to which i replied, "yes, i'm too nice." there was a pause, and then she said, "since when did
that happen?" So, i went on to explain about how i was trying to write a paper, but kept being interupted at the local 24hr dining establishment because certain people insisted upon joining me to BS. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but i have a deadline coming up soon, and i didn't have time for it tonight. so, i smiled and nodded as various acquaintances rattled off whatever inane topic happened to flutter through their minds, and all the while i deliberately kept looking at my watch, hoping to send a hint. after a while, i just wanted to tell them that if they don't go away, i'm going to get mean. but no, i was patient and just let them prattle on. Meanwhile, that second hand seemed to get louder and louder.
After explaining my ordeal of frustration, i asked her how to tell someone that i'd love to BS, but don't have the time for it right now. I knew that this was an appropriate question for her, she is much better at these things than i am. "You just have to be direct and explain your situation to them" she said. "of course" i thought, "be tactful, yet direct." The
direct part i've never had much trouble with, but when it comes to being nice about it, well...lets just say that i've never been accused of being nice. Fortunately for me, i'm going to marry a girl who could
nicely tell someone to stop shooting at her.
Her sage-like wisdom, and the comedy of
Airplane were just what i needed tonight, and all is right with the world, but i keep hearing that ticking sound of a deadline drawing ever near.