You CAN'T be serious...

Sitting at a reception desk there are many recurring themes. As I was a little hormonally charged today my tolerance for stupid questions and comments was pretty low. In fact today I think it reached an all time low. 


It's really a shame that the storage space behind our reception isn't soundproof or I'd be treating myself to regular screaming breaks.


Today's highlight:


A flustered man enters the building as I dispatch a particularly smarmy cold-caller on the switchboard. As Mr Visitor finishes signing in he starts looking at the basic blue biro in his hand with great interest. 


' Do you mind if I borrow this pen?' Apparently the fact that he needs a pen for the day's activities has just occurred to him. 


I play Fervent Protector of Company Property. 'Really, that pen...? I guess so. Are you here for a meeting?' If he was a sensible person he should start to feel like an idiot or at least some sort of creeping embarrassment. Pause. If he's feeling either he's not letting on. 


'Yes. I'm here for a meeting. And I'll give it back.' He starts to look at bit impatient 'Actually I need some paper as well - can I borrow a notepad?' 


'Of course.' I find a scabby-looking notepad in the drawer with some doodles on the cover and pass it to him with an apologetic shrug. 'Sorry, I'm afraid that's all I've got handy, hope that's all right?' 


He looks at the notepad with disdain and turns some of the pages to hide the scribbled bits. The switchboard bleats demanding an answer and I snap up the headset, very efficiently doing my little job. Though I am thoroughly engrossed in my conversation about office cleaning contracts I am pleased to see him shuffle out of my peripheral vision in the direction of the meeting rooms. 


Who employs an extra-clever consultant who turns up to a Very Important Meeting with no writing materials? Is it my job to educate these people? Certainly not, but it amuses me.