Momnesia

Here's how obtuse I can be

AUGUSTA, GA - So, a couple of weeks ago, I went to the traditional Breakfast & Briefings at Fort Gordon, hosted by the Fort Gordon Alliance. I got there at 6:30 a.m. to set up the booth, and only a few folks were there.

A gentleman standing nearby struck up a conversation with me, and we chatted for a few moments as I put out brochures and set up the digital display. He is a detective at the fort. Has been for 15 years. Fishes in his off-time.

People began arriving and I talked to interested parties about the GRU College of Education and our new programs and our well-respected established programs. Then I'd hop back behind the booth to refresh brochures or mints or whatever, and crack a quick joke with him.

This went on for about an hour, until I realized, quite suddenly, that I was annoying him. "Well, I'll let you concentrate on detecting stuff, sir. Nice to meet you," I said, and bowed out.



It took another hour for it to hit me. Big guy... Dark suit... Lapel pin... Detective...

Aw, sheesh. He was security for the Assistant Secretary of the Army and the Governor, both of whom were at the breakfast that day. And I was distracting him from his job. Good gravy.

"See?" I told B.C. and D.H. in the office. "Y'all need to tell me when I'm accidentally annoying someone by behaving like a puppy and being their instant best friend. Because it will take me an hour to figure it out on my own!"

"Can we hire you an assistant for that?" D.H. laughed.

"Right? I need it," I laughed back. "Just to follow me around and point their finger at me: 'No. Move on.'"

What's that, you say? Stacey's being a dork, again? I'm on it!