The People in the Car Go Round and Round

Z and I had an Important Meeting today with some self titled Important People. Many Important Papers were going to be signed. (No, don't get excited, we aren't getting divorced.) It was to take place in a Big Boring Room with No Pictures on the Wall and NO TOYS. The kind of meeting that little guys like z find rather tedious, especially after all the chairs have been climbed upon and all the complimentary mints have been opened, licked, and put back into the basket.

Of course, the sitter canceled at the last minute.

We called the Important People's Secretary to find out if a four year old would hinder anyone and she laughingly replied, "Oh, no problem!" So, off we went, armed with crayons, coloring books and snacks. But being the Simpsons that we genetically are, we got lost.

A note. I am always on time. In fact, I take great pride in this because prior to being with child, I was always horribly, inexcusably and flauntingly late. (Ask Celia.) Now I am precisely, tidily and politely on time with a tip o' my cap. Everyone marvels at my amazing organizational abilities; not to mention my extreme thoughtfulness. You won't hear the object of my appointment's foot tapping; nor will you observe any clockwatching or inconvenienced sighs.

Z is very good at being on time as well (thanks to me). But quite simply he got lost today because he failed to ask for directions. Yes, I am aware that men not asking for directions is a time weary cliche. But Z managed to once again top all males by FAILING TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS FOR THE DIRECTIONS.

If I may explain, Z had been to The Very Important Meeting Office a year and a half ago. Therefore, when the secretary left a voicemail with specific directions he thought to his male self: HooHah! I've been there once before in my life, I don't need to listen to HER. What does she know? I can find it, if I have to, by sheer force of testosterone.

Do I really have to tell you how it went? Oh well, I have Z's permission.

WE ARE IN THE GENERAL AREA, WHICH IS POPULATED BY MANY OFFICE TOWERS.

S: (Doesn't know yet that Z is lost) It is 4:23, we should be there on time.
Z: Hmmm, yes I think it is in that building over there. Maybe not, mutter, mutter, perhaps it is that one.
S: You don't know which building?
Z: Of course I do, just let me turn around here.

FIVE MINUTES LATER

S: Okay, you don't know where it is.
Z: I remember that it was over there somewhere, now I don't see it.
S: Well, didn't the secretary call and tell you how to get there? Didn't you write it down?
Z: No, I could completely picture in my mind where it was. I didn't need to.

ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES IN RUSH HOUR, NOW.

S: Call the office! ASK THEM WHERE IT IS, and tell them we will be late!
Z: I don't know the number!
S: Call information!
Z: No, their partner office is right over there. (I'll waste more time and park, go in, and ask them if they know where I am supposed to be.)

TEN MINUTES LATER, YOU KNOW THE DRILL.

Z: That woman was so clueless! She didn't even know where it was!
S: (To self) SHE didn't have an appointment there, if SHE did, SHE would know where it was.

FINALLY FOUND THE RIGHT BUILDING, TWENTY RUDE MINUTES LATE.

In the elevator:

Z: Whew, that was something.
S: I am so embarrassed to have wasted these people's time.
Z: Chill, will you?
S: Oh lord what you are looking at is chilled. You don't want to see what my true temperature is. You are going to tell them that it is your fault we are late.
z: Will there be toys?

Receptionist: Your name?

Z: We are Z and S. We are so sorry we are late.
R: (Giggles) NO PROBLEM!
Z: Smirks.


To top it all off z so charms the VIP lady in the group that when he informs her that Mommy and Daddy have promised to do something fun after the Boring Meeting, she responds with an evil idea of her own:

VIPlady: Well, do you like pizza?
z: YES, I DO!!
VIPL: I happen to know that there is a CHUCK E CHEESE right up the street!
z: YAY!!!!!


So guess where we were tonight, but trust me, I got her name before we left and she will pay. All's well that ends well, though. z was quite the good kid and Z promised me that from now on, he will find out where he is going before he drags me along. Of course, I will have to remind him.