The Ethics of Hand Washing...and elevator talk.

First Topic: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

So over dinner the other evening several friends and I were discussing the ethics of hand washing. I made the argument that I wash my hands typically more than five times a day, and without failure after using the restroom. Most importantly.....I use soap. I recently started a new position in Salt Lake City and while finishing my restroom routine...soap on both hands, lather for 30 seconds...wash up to the wrist, rinse..dry..ect... I noticed that there was another gentleman who just finished his plumbing handy craft in stall number two who was making his exit as well. He stepped up to the sink, turned on the water, rinsed..and walked away. No Soap...NO SOAP!! Apparently he believed that the antibacterial powers of soap offer no benefit, but rather that hot water was sufficient. I made a point to note who he was, and to put him on the "don't shake his hand" short list.

The reason that I bring up the timely fact of the conversation over dinner is simply because within out social circle there is someone who possesses magical powers. He can make a bottle of hand soap last months. Now some would say, "this makes sense". Is it possible he is just adding water to dilute the soap? After close review...I answer...no. Take it for what it is...oh...and wash your hands.

Next topic: Elevator Talk

I have been at my new job with "The Firm" for just over one week, and unlike my last office this building is secure enough to keep the black knight at bay. As an employee of "The Firm" I have a security badge that will allow me to enter the building and exit the elevator at the appropriate floor. While making my journey to my office, I happened to share the lift with one other person. About 30 seconds into the journey, she chose to engage me, her: "Do You Work Here?" me "Yes...and I bet you do as well." At that awkward moment we arrived at my floor and I exited, feeling mentally defeated by our conversation. Now....understandably, elevator rides are always weird, which is why as a society we have arrived at the simple superficial greetings, such as "hey", or asking "How are you?", even though both parties understand that no one cares how you are really doing.

Part of my new blogging experience will be tested here, I will be issuing challenges from time to time. I thoroughly encourage people to add comments to my blog as well as the blogs of others, but just for fun I will also issue a challenge from time to time.

The next time you are on an elevator and someone you don't recognize joins you on your adventure and feels the need to ask you..."How are you doing?", please respond with something totally in appropriate. For example...

"How are you?"

"I just had my toe amputated.".........silence.

The purpose of this response is to make the interaction as awkward as possible, so please indulge me with any phrases you may find particularly useful....it amuses me. Also, please leave comments to document this momentous occasion, I look forward to it.