I Got Taken to the Cleaners
Almost… at the local laundromat.
The temperatures are dropping in Ann Arbor - and it’s time to bring out the heavy comforters for our chilly bedroom.
Our king-sized duvet was too large for our own clothes washer so I was off to the local laundromat to use their super-sized machines.
When I arrived, I sadly learned there were only four of the super XL washers in the entire place.
- Two were running with loads full of suds.
- The other two had full loads - but were not running.
After a few minutes of no movement, I decided to find the manager to remove the clothes so I could use one of the machines.
As I started asking who the manager was, an angry guy got in my face and threatened my arms if I touched his clothes.
(Okay, maybe a touch of exaggeration…)
Angry Man had put loads in two of the super-sized machines - and didn’t feel like starting them right away.
It took 17 quarters to run the machines - and to prove his point, he added two quarters to each machine then stormed off.
Angry Man claimed the turf, but did not start the machines.
Fifteen minutes later, one of the other Super XL machines finally finished its cycle.
A lady quickly emptied the machine for me to use…
- I fumbled with quarters as I read the directions.
- Angry Man rushed up to get both of his loads started.
- I almost got an elbow in my side - no exaggeration.
He beat me by one minute.
As I settled in for my 24 minute wash cycle, I discovered why that one minute mattered so much - there were only five super size dryers in the place and three were already in use.
You can probably guess how things worked out…
Angry Man got the jumbo dryers and I had to wait an hour as my comforter dried in a smaller machine.
Angry Man had staked out his turf in the laundromat - and challenged anyone to try to speed him up or infringe on his way of doing wash.
Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you handle members who don’t like new people getting in their way?
Filed under: Board challenges, Savvy Leadership
Cynthia!
You could have solved all this by switching to twin (or bunk) beds. No more trips to bump (er, rub) elbows with Angry Man!
- John
Hey John!
Great to see you.
About your advice - you may be an amazing organizer; however, I have trouble imagining me, James and Raindrop all sleeping well in one tiny bunk bed!
I would rather take on Angry Man periodically. Gives me a good reason to work out.
Cynthia