I took a half-day on Friday. As soon as my last conference call was over, I headed to the Legion of Honor to check out their brand new exhibit “After the Ruins, 1906 and 2006.” It’s a photographic retrospective comparing pictures after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake to current shots at those same locations today. It’s fascinating to look at what we know as Market Street, Union Square, the Cliff House side-by-side with these old, black-and-white photos. There’s a burnt out Union Square next to the Union Square of today with its numerous high rises. Then there’s grassy barren Golden Gate Park today next to a plot of land filled with rows of tents setup for people who had lost their homes because of the earthquake and subsequent fires.
But before I entered the exhibit, one of the security guards stopped me. “You come around here a lot, don’t you? I think I’ve even seen you several times at the De Young.”
“Yeah, I’m a member. Whenever I’m running around Golden Gate Park, I’ll pop into the De Young. And, well, I just love the Legion of Honor. This is a great permanent collection and their new exhibits are always impressive.”
He grinned. “I have seen you around, that’s for sure. You’ll really like this exhibit. It sure is interesting. How ‘bout this. Let me give you my card. You just let me know whenever you want someone to show you around.”
“Thanks,” I grinned back and pretended to carefully put his business card in my purse.
He was right; I really did enjoy the exhibit. When I was through, I scanned the crowd, and was relieved that he was nowhere in sight. I made my way back upstairs and took a stroll through the museum’s permanent collection.
Another security guard made his way over to me. “Howdy, Ma’am. How’s your day going? You having a good Friday?”
“Yes, thanks.” One security guard’s business card was enough. No need to rack up the digits. I figured, the less talking, the better. I continued on, strolling further away from him. After about twenty minutes, I had to backtrack and inevitably, came across him again. I tried to pass him slyly, but he wouldn’t have any of that.
He walked over to me. “Well, hey you’re back! Do you come around to this museum a lot?”
“Yeah, I’m a member.” Déjà vu over the course of what…one hour?!
He hands me his business card. “Would love to show you around next time you’re here.”
Well how about that! Next time I’m at the museum I can go on a double date, except it’ll just be me, escorted by two security guards—one on each arm.
2 security guards, 2 business cards, and 2 museums that I love. What are the chances that I can completely avoid these guys in the future? I say slim.
I read that there is this new book out (“The Year of Yes” by Maria Headley) about a single woman who decided that for a whole year, she would say ‘yes’ whenever she was asked out. She ended up dating over 100 people which I thought was radically high, but after my recent experiences, I think I could probably date that many people in a year as well.
I’m not ready to make a change to my plan, though. I think 2006 will be like all the previous years. The Year of No!
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