I was trying to get the motion sensor on the paper towel dispenser in the men’s room to respond. I waved my hand in front of it at varying speeds and directions.
Nothing. That little red eye just stared back at me.
I passed my hand by it yet again, this time very slowly, and it blinked. The motor didn’t turn to dispense anything but at least it blinked.
I moved the same way again- another blink; I used my other arm the same way- it blinked again.
So the trick is very slow fluid movements.
The door opened and the store maintenance guy walked in with a cart and a mop.
“What’s that, tai-chi?” He asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I’m doing tai-chi.”
“My son does that too. He said I should try.”
I slowly raised one leg.
“Your son likes it?”
“Oh yeah. A lot. But he does it in a park by the house.”
“The journey to enlightenment can take you anywhere.”
“Hmm.” He wheeled his cart to a stall.
“I’m just trying to achieve inner peace…and a napkin.”
So help me God, he took some napkins off his cart and handed them to me.
“Here you go. That thing is empty.”