Dotty Parker

once upon a time...

I was a scientist. Sort of. I had gone to school to be a scientist. I worked at it for a year and a half or so. Then science and I, we went our separate ways.

This Sunday I was asked if I knew anyone who would want to help with the Varna Science Club. Actually, the fellow said, "I know your husband works at home; would he like to help with the science club?"

It was during the pancake breakfast (which went quite well) and I was in volunteer mode. I said, "Well, I was a molecular biologist for a while, I could probably help you out."

He said, "No, no, no, that's not it; the kids build stuff and they need an adult to help them out, check out their ideas."

"I could probably help you out, if you like. I wasn't sure about the time committment when you sent your email."

"Oh! You do read your email!"

"Yes, I just don't respond. But still, my husband is too busy to help."

"What I really wanted to know is if you have any contact information for volunteers who might be interested. If you might have an email list..."

"No, I wish I did. But now that I know the time committment..."

"I don't want you to say yes right now, when you're under pressure."

He backs away.

"Well, it's really no problem."

"No, you think about it and then contact me."

"Sure."

---

I am so happy he encouraged me to think about it. Oh so very happy. Once I was a scientist. Then I was a pancake volunteer. Now I have saved up enough skills to gracefully decline the science volunteer nonsense.

I have not quite managed to save up enough skills to not be royally pissed off. I suppose he's just one of those arrogant fellows who is quite smart and has maybe not a lot of social skill when it comes to interacting with human beings. That excuse isn't working so well for me these days, however. I do believe folks should have to wear a badge or have some kind of electronic device.

The message should be, "Be aware: I may offend you. It's not because I don't like you. You're just not important."

I'm trying to decide whether the badge or beeping transmitter would be more or less offensive than simply finding out through experience. I'm thinking that it would be less offensive. It might have the negative side effect of causing the person wearing the message to be devalued. That wouldn't be right, either, would it?

(I've been trying so hard to be graceful about all of this. I really don't want the person to be treated badly. I would kind of like to stick a french fry in his nostril. That would be good.)

Posted by dotty at May 10, 2004 10:14 PM