(I work as an educator in a science museum in St. Louis. One of the activities in my section of the museum involved putting together the cast of a Dromaeosaurus skeleton.)
Eight-Year-Old Boy: “I know why this dinosaur died.”
Me: “You do?”
Eight-Year-Old Boy: “He was a smoker.”
(Later that day, a middle school group is passing by…)
Seventh-Grade Girl: *addressing her peers* “This dinosaur died because he didn’t believe in Jesus.”
(In 2012, I am working at the end of the Titanic exhibit next to the wall of names of those who lost their lives. Next to the wall, is a sign saying that Jack and Rose from the movie are fictional characters, and were not actually present on the ship.)
Patron #1: “Did you know that Jack and Rose were real live people?”
Patron #2: “Oh, wow! I didn’t know they actually existed!”
Patron #1: “Oh, yeah! But the only reason they’re not on any lists is because Jack won his ticket and Rose changed her name!”
Me: “Ladies, if you’ll notice the sign next to the wall of the lost, you’ll see that they were actually fictional characters that never existed.”
Patron #1: “What? You lie! THEIR LOVE WAS REAL AND SO WERE THEY!” *storms out of the exhibit*
(I am starting a part-time secondment at a museum, to work in their legal team. I have met one member of the team, a woman, before and know that there is also a man on the team. As I don’t have a pass, I have to wait for someone to get me so I can start. I am sitting in the main hall, in smart clothes, when a man comes up to me.)
Man: “Hey, uh, are you [My Name]?”
Me: “Oh, yeah, I am.”
Man: “Great. And you’re starting work today, right?”
Me: “Yes, that’s me.”
Man: “Great. I’m Ed. It’s good to meet you.”
(I’m a little confused as I’d thought the other lawyer in the team had a different name but decide I must be mistaken.)
Me: “Good to meet you, too. I’m looking forward to starting.”
Man: “Wonderful. Now, I’m so sorry we’re late, but I’ll take you up to Ancient Egyptology now.”
(I know the legal team share a floor with an ancient history department so I assume he means he’ll take me up to that floor.)
Me: “Oh, that’s no problem. I’ve not been here long.”
Man: “Good. Um, I’m afraid Tam isn’t available until 11, but I’ll show you the ropes till then… maybe let you see some of the mummies.”
Me: “Huh?”
Man: “You look confused.”
Me: “I don’t know a Tam.”
Man: “You are [My Name], right? Starting today?”
Me: “Ye-es but, uh, I’m not waiting for Tam.”
Man: “Oh. Maybe I’m mixed up. I was told there’d be a young lady called [My Name] waiting for Tam who’s starting with us in Ancient Egyptology.”
(Finally, the penny drops.)
Me: “Oh, no, there’s been a mix-up. I’m waiting for [Lawyer] so that I can start a secondment with the legal team. Definitely not working in Egyptology!”
Man: “Oh! Man, what are the chances of there being two [My Names] starting a job here on a Thursday? You even match the description Tam gave me of you! Oh dear, I hope the legal team rescue you soon then. In the meantime, I’m going to see if I can locate my [My Name].”
(He wanders away. I get picked up by the lawyer about 15 minutes later. As she takes me to get my security pass, we happen to pass the man.)
Man: “Oh good, you’ve been found. You’re doing better than me. I still can’t find my [My Name]…”
(I heard later that the other ‘me’ was found eventually.)
(I work at a science museum, running interactive exhibits that demonstrate scientific principles, although mostly it’s just fun and games. I’m currently running an exhibit that consists of a unicycle on a track 20 feet in the air; it’s held steady by a 300-pound weight underneath it, and rides simply like a bike with an elaborate seat belt. The bike does wobble, and we’re told to warn people of that.)
Me: “Once you put your feet on those peddles, you will feel the bike sway. That’s alright; it’s supposed to happen. With the weight underneath you, there’s no possible way you’ll fall.”
Guests: “Are you sure?”
Me: “I’m sure. If you fall, I’m going to be way more concerned about the laws of physics breaking.”
(Surprisingly, not many guests think I’m funny.)
(A friend and I are visiting the local museum to see an exhibition. Outside the entrance is a mechanical dinosaur on loan. My friend and I walk up to have a look. An elderly lady and her three-year-old granddaughter are looking, too.)
Three-Year-Old Girl: “Hello!”
Me: “Hello!”
Three-Year-Old Girl: “My name is [Name]!”
Me: “Nice to meet you! My name is [My Name].”
Three-Year-Old Girl: “I like this dinosaur!”
Me: “Yeah?”
Three-Year-Old Girl: “Yeah, it’s ugly like my mum.”
