So far this new year has been a comedy of error of sorts. I had been meaning to watch Marley and me ever since its release Christmas day. The reviews have been lukewarm but I still wanted to watch it because I loved the book, I love Labradors and I love watching movies. So anyway last week I finally got back to Seattle and went to the theatre where I am a regular. I went to the ticket kiosk and tried to purchase the ticket. For some reason the kiosk refused all my credit cards. I spent 10 mins trying out all my debit and credit cards but to no avail. Since the line at the box office was long, I wanted to buy my ticket at the kiosk. Everyone around me seemed to be doing OK using the machine. I started fearing something was wrong with my accounts, but all of them? I finally gave up, stood in the box office line for another 10 mins and barely made it in time for the previews. No problem using the card there. Hmm strange.
Few days later, I was leaving the parking structure at my gym when the same thing happened. No matter how hard I tried my credit card was not getting processed. Three cars behind me waited somewhat patiently as I tried all my cards. They finally gave up and drove to the other exit. But I was stuck. Suddenly I swiped my card, magnetic strip facing upward. Sure enough the payment got processed and I was free to go. Huh?? I don't remember ever swiping my card with the magnetic strip facing upward.
This weekend I went for another movie (yes I do love watching movies) and the same thing happened at the kiosk. I kept swiping the card and it just didn't work. Then the rain man in me saw light. I swiped the card, magnetic strip facing up. It worked. Again. Is this something new? Who is tricking us? Magnetic strip is always facing downward, isn't it?
Tonight, as I walk into the huge wamu building which houses my gym, I see a couple standing in front of the elevator. The guy looks at me and smiles hopefully.
The guy: Do you know if Daniel's Brother is in this building
Me thinking: Daniel? who the hell is Daniel?
Me talking: I am sorry, but I don't know
The guy: Hmm maybe its the other building
Me talking: Yes, perhaps.
The guy looks at the girl and then back at me
Me: This building is all offices. I don't think anyone lives here.
The guy: huh? No no Daniel's brother is a restaurant.
I try to laugh but they just keep looking at me. Thankfully the elevator door closes shut at that precise moment.
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