January 31, 1991

After filling a cart beyond capacity, I discover that my checkbook "is not in my possession".

No sweat, I tell myself, I'll use the TYME machine.

Which is temporarily out of order.

I unload the cart and allow the cashier to scan its contents.  I fish a dollar bill out of my wallet and explain to her, "Looks like we have a problem.  I forgot my checkbook, and the TYME machine doesn't work.  Could you give me chance for a dollar so I could call my wife?"

'You are so amazing," JoAnna says, not complimentarily, handing off the checkbook fifteen minutes later.

My defensiveness evaporates by the time I return home.

"Your dad is a space cadet," I announce to Andy.