A few days ago I went to Goodyear because I REALLY needed to get new tires. I had gotten an oil change not long ago and the mechanic called me over to look at my nearly-treadless tires (Yikes!). I had done some research....uh perhaps I called every tire place on the island to compare...and decided to go with Goodyear since I could walk to do my errands while waiting. I didn't realize it would take over 3 hours, but I was able to kill most of the time by walking around Hilo.
I found this nice little park near the East Hawaii Cultural Center where I take lessons on Wednesday evenings. It's dedicated to the Korean War vets. You can't really see, but by the big tree it's built like a little amphitheater with tiny levels (not many). There were also pretty lilies in the water.
WATER LILIESI returned to Goodyear since their lounge was air conditioned and Hilo has suddenly turned hot lately. After hanging out in the lounge and re-reading a pretty bad book, I decided to go across the street to Starbucks. I had grabbed a drink and a sandwich and was trying to wait for a break in the cars so I could jaywalk back to Goodyear when this guy comes up to me and proceeds to ask me if I was "Stacey Botichello." Here's a replay of the conversation:
Him: "Excuse me are you Stacey Botichello?"
Me: No {Thinking - I'm Asian, do I look like I would have a last name Botichello???}
Him: Are you related to a Botichello
Me: No {Thinking - Is this seriously his line?}
He proceeds to talk at me for another few seconds while I completely ignore him and crane my neck out into the street to wait for the cars to slow down (of COURSE it would happen to get busy then).
Him: So, what are you doing later today?
Me: I have a boyfriend {Thinking = Go away you creep!}
Him: Oh! I probably should've asked that first! How's that going?
Me: Uh, we've been together for 5 years. {Thinking - "How's that going?" You think I"m going to cheat on my amazing boyfriend for a clueless idiot like you????}
Him: So can I have your number?
Me: NO! {As I leap into traffic regardless of if there's a gap in cars - and do manage to get temporarily stranded in the middle of a 4 lane road}
So I safely arrive at Goodyear and promptly call Chris than my mother. After getting off the phone I turn around and DARNNIT - the loser has followed me and is standing behind me. I try to talk to him without actually talking to him as I wait for my car to be done. To my great misfortune, not only is it not done after three hours, I'm told it will be another half an hour. UGH!!!! I chat desperately with the elderly guy at the counter until my car is ready.
Finally the car is pulled up by the entrance and I see creepy loser on his cell phone outside. I dash out hoping to avoid him and as I'm closing the door he comes over and GRABS MY DOOR.
Him: Can I have your number?
Me: Sorry, NO! {Thinking - is this guy completely idiotic???}
Him: Can I have your email address?
Me: NO! I have to go! {Slam my door and charge out of the parking lot.}
Now, this is only extra bad because the last time I went to Goodyear on Oahu, some guy behind asked for my number and when I said no, the guy behind the counter gave it to him after I walked out!!!!
So needless to say, Goodyear is NOT good to me.
AT THE PLANETARIUM
