Hello readers!

Every time I pass a thrift store I always remember, then forget, to share an awkward experience with you.

The image is recent, and it has an arrow pointing to the right door to use… Obviously you are to use that door.

Years ago, while I still young, I took up the sport of billiards. Someone had given me a pool cue for a birthday gift. I was pretty bad, but I didn’t let that stand in my way.

I found many pool halls and racked up many times, both 8 ball and billiards. It was fun, playing on tables big and small, red, green and even pink felt, I played them all.

Did I mention I was lousy, fouling a lot of shots! Even I hit a ball or two so badly it went flying off the table! Luckily no one’s balls were hit!

But, that didn’t stop me, I enjoyed the game… until…

…The day I finally gave up this silly sport…

It was a forgetful day in spring of 1994 or 1995; I came, I couldn’t get in, I didn’t even sink the pink one last time!

I walked several blocks to this place, I was probably in the midst of college midterms, and I needed a diversion. When I got there, I grabbed the right hand door, yanked it a few times, nope, it was locked. But there were people inside…

Then, I notice the smallish hand-written sign on that door: “Please use other door.” Ah yes, I understand.

So, I walked along the right side of the building, oh, I see a door a bit down the way. Alas, there is no knob on it. Hmm… I continue to walk down the right side of the building looking for another door, turning the corner at the back, oh there is a loading zone door, it’s actually under the hall. Oh shit, it’s locked! So, I start walking on the left side, I spy a set of stairs with a door at the top; could this be the “other door?” I race up those stairs, finally… but… Locked!

I am at wits end as I just walked around the whole rectangular building with no luck of discovering the Other Door…

Until… I notice the left door…

I seem to recall tentatively pulling that door a tiny bit, it was unlocked!

Instead of joyfully yanking it open, strutting in as if nothing had happened, ordering a beer and a snooker table, I left! I saw many faces in that place, each face was looking at the moron who couldn’t figure out “Other Door” and actually walked around the building! Taunting, mirthful, idiot remarks! No jocund or kind or helpful words of encouragement from that crowd would I hear or see!

If TikTok was around back then, my exploit would have gone viral: guy can’t find “other” door, even if it is the left door!

Thank you for listening and letting me get that off my chest, even 31 years ago, it still makes me cringe…

Now, if I see “use other door” I automatically try the door NEXT to the one wearing the sign!

Have a great day!