Laughing at myself....

Dear All

Yesterday I had the privilege to participate in a workshop on "Vendor Management" - courtesy :: My employer. More than the knowledge value, I really needed a break from routine and I was mentally ready for this from the prior day evening itself (quite accidentally noticed in the calender; had enrolled at least two months back and almost forgotten).

First deciding to go in some formal wear, suddenly I felt like attending this seminar in our company uniform itself - just more an impulsive thought than for any other great reason. With well groomed hair (had a hair cut quite recently and its in full control at least for one week after the monthly routine !!) and neat shave face, I felt I really looked smart when I had a quick look at the mirror - believe me, I never have this habit of seeing myself in the mirror.

Went to the Venue in my little boy FIGO - which is a rare luxury I allow myself - owing to company provided transport normally - I was at the height of my confidence, morale and what not.....!! Reached the venue just in time and I wished back the Support Staff at Radisson Hotel (the venue of the seminar) who dutifully took the car keys for valet parking.

I got down of the car, enjoying my every step of dignified walk, moved towards the main hall of the hotel in a typical unhurried manner (still more than 5 minutes left for 9 AM; The program starts only at 9.30 you know). A young man hurriedly welcomed me (part of admin staff of the program) and he ushered me to the conference hall with lot of respect. Enjoying every moment, as I reached the reception area of the conf hall, I reached the staff who were registering the participants AND in a very low kept but serene voice told them - from which organization I have come....!!

It was not there turn to show their respect and with a polite "wait a second" a pretty girl kept glancing thru' the list at least twice or thrice and then with a sweet voice asked me "Are you going to pay CASH or Cheque Sir ??". I was taken aback as my case was company sponsored !!
Still gathering myself, I told her this fact in a confident voice but she was quite defiant....!!

My hand fumbled to take out my mobile to reach out my colleague at office who handles admin affairs - as this was some thing that I never expected. At that point of time, exactly, a voice in microphone started off inside the conference hall and that does mean the program is starting half hour ahead ??
I was bit puzzled for few seconds but my fingers automatically stopped the ringing of the mobile to my office colleague (who luckily did not pick it up....you see, they are HR guys) as my eyes fixed up on the entrance of the Conf Hall. In a big nice Board, it was prominently written "Conference on Metallurgy". Gosh....!! So, I am at the wrong Hall and had been so oblivious about the surroundings not even reading some thing which was so obvious.....!!

Then the natural things happened...!! My sheepish smile and apology, walk back towards the reception area to check with the Hotel Staff about my venue....and of course I reached my venue in time.

It was so good an anti climax of a gentle man show....!! It all happens yaar....

Love // Suren