You Can't Take Me Anywhere...

I was in a local Christian bookstore with a couple friends when I had another encounter. The store was having some kind of special going on where you buy something and they pop a balloon to see what kind of discount you would get, ranging from 10% off to free.

So, I'm getting ready to buy (I only received 10% off) and this guy comes up to me. Now, to get the full effect you'll have to say this in your best Rain Man impression. You know, think "Just down the driveway." Keep saying your favorite Rain Man phrase over and over until you've got the voice lodged in your head. Ok, ready?

The man says, "So what's your name?"

I tell him and he looks at me and says, "It was good to meet you." Then he just trots off, leaving me confused, staring at my friends. They just look back at me as to say, "We don't know what just happened, either." In hindsight, I know what happened. I left the house...

No Really,
AWChris

They'll Sell Anything, To Anyone...

Well, I'm back looking for used music and stopping at pawn shops and as I'm approaching the store front, I see a man walking briskly on the other side of the street. It occurs to me that I should hurry and get inside the store because I'm too used to strangers approaching me and this looked all too familiar.

Oh so right... He sees me and changes directions, making a beeline for my position. I knew I wasn't going to make it inside the store in time. What do I do? Should I run and make it obvious I don't want the interaction. It's a split second decision and I waited a split second too long. He comes up carrying this box which, as he comes closer, I recognize as a carton of cigarettes.

He says, "Hey, man, you think you could do me a favor and take these cigarettes off my hands? I really need the money."

It's well known that I am allergic to cigarette smoke. My eyes turn red and feel like they're going to pop out of my head. My throat closes up and it's hard for me to swallow or breath. I become nauseous even being around someone that has smoked recently, let alone when they are smoking at that exact moment. My body can detect the slightest presence of smoke even if it's on, or should I say embedded in, someone's clothing. Breath mints don't really help disguise the presence on someone's breath because it's not the displeasurable breath that displeases my body as much as it is the exhalation of processed nicotine. Extended exposure makes me quite sick and even gives me a migraine. And, no, I've never actually smoked. I imagine I would have to be hospitalized if I ever decided to brave the pain.

So, did I buy his cigarettes? I think not.

And, no, I didn't explain to him why...

No Really,
AWChris