I was looking through my rucksack* yesterday, and I noticed I was running low on pens.
*Rucksack = backpack
"My goodness," I said, "I need more. Am I actually going to have to go out and BUY pens!?!?!"
In my family, pens are not something you go out and buy. Pens are things you just happen upon.
They are paraphernalia that you glean from speakers.
They are reminders of the hospital where you had surgery.
They are the address book for the piano tuner.
They the trash from the parking lot that you pick up and use (TRUE STORY).
They are the remainders from a children's pack of stationery (also a true story).
The accidentals that are still in your pockets when you leave work.
They are the left-behinds at the computer labs.
They are mementos.
They are souvenirs.
They are finders-keepers.
They are so seemingly insignificant pieces of plastic, and yet they are mightier than swords.
And when I almost resigned myself to buying a dollar pack of pens, I searched my desk and found a slew: partly from an old pack, but most were from the Georgia Society of CPAs.
"Well," I said, "That was a close one."
We can't afford to be neutral on a moving train,
TWS
I found one the other day when I was walking on someone's front lawn. It was for some home medical supply place, and it was in stellar condition. I felt very much like Mum when I picked it up.
ReplyDeleteCarry on, my Angels!
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteYou must finish the story! At our house there reside many drawers, cans, cups, FULL of pens, pencils, sharpies, etc. NONE ever get thrown away. When it turns out that one is dried up, missing parts, or has no point, the offender simply puts it back and draws another one hoping for better luck. I have attempted to throw one away and was reprimanded because a match could resurrect it (then it was stuffed back in the can). We shall not even speak of the condition of erasers on said pencils...you'd be better off using a small stone.
ReplyDeleteOh- the erasers would warrant a whole new post.
ReplyDeleteBut I loved the use of "the offender". lolz