"UMMMM I'm Thirsty"

Okay -- before I get to my most curious title I must first ask if anyone besides me has noticed that the Kleenex Tissue in some hotels changes colors? -- I've noticed this once before, and today I noticed it again, its true. Every three or four tissues the color of the the dispensed tissue changes from white to off white. Just a curious observation, but really why? No doubt (much like flavored dentists gloves) its more expensive, and certainly a more complicated manufacturing process. Who knows?

A long time ago I found myself literally thrust into the vending business. When Amy and I moved to Houston we decided that those days were behind us, but after just ten short months I found myself once again negotiating vending contracts. This time however I focused only on Fitness Centers where the discretionary income is higher, and things like Myoplex, and Monster energy drinks can sell for 3-5 dollars. So there is the quick background, because of our small size I pay a company to receive my beverage orders, but I store them in my garage (which was built too short to hold my exceptionally long truck) -- note to self, for next house measure truck before commencing a build.

Over the years (two and a half) that we have lived in our neighborhood I have OCCASIONALLY, been known to take a couple of Powerades over to the boys next door playing basketball, or offered a drink to the odd neighbor. I don't really make a habit of it, but if I have extra drinks, am working outside, and happen to see a couple of kids, I'll offer them a drink.

Amy had mentioned to me some time ago that the doorbell rings a couple of evenings a week, and that she would ignore it -- as she was never expecting anyone, and didn't want to deal with a potential sales person. I never really thought anything of it, then on Sunday this week I was draining the water heater for its annual preventative maintenance (can you tell I use to be a maintenance guy). Anyway, this required the garage to be open and me watching the water drain out of a hose (by the way only in Texas have I seen a water heater in the attic.) After some time three boys came up and gave me the look. After a few awkward moments they asked if they could have a drink. I probably had 30 cases in the garage, and decided I could give each of them a Powerade. After thanking me they gleefully ran off and disappeared. Five minutes later three girls show up, they too would like a drink. I oblige -- and really don't think anything of it. I do make mental note at this time that kids are getting more brazen, and I should probably not make this too much of a habit.

A couple of hours later Amy and I are watching a movie - and the volume is up pretty loud and at some point I think I hear something unusual, but dismiss it. A couple of minutes later I clearly hear the doorbell. I go to the door and answer it -- there are three of the six kids I gave drinks to earlier standing at my doorstep -- suddenly one remarks "Ummmm, I'm thirsty." While I felt like telling them to go home and get a drink, I was much nicer than that, and simply explained that I'd given away all I could for the day.

It turns out I should have omitted the 'day' part of my answer. The very next evening as Amy and I were watching something on the TV (I'm sure it was the 700 Club, or some TBN special, or maybe it was Paris Hilton's My New BFF, I can't remember). Anyway I suspect it could again be these kids, much to my surprise I open the door to see seven children at my doorstep and overflowing into the lawn. "Do you have any drinks today?" they ask. I suddenly realize that these kids must do this all of the time, and Amy just ignores them. I firmly advise all of the beggars that I can't give out drinks all the time, and that while once in a while I can give some out, they mustn't knock and the door to ask for drinks. They all agree and go away.

I want to be a nice guy, but seriously -- there are A LOT of kids in our hood. I don't want to become the local watering hole for the underage children in our neighborhood. Especially since Amy and I don't have any kids of our own. What will people think?

Have a great day!