"You are always special." That's what my professor said to me today in jest, after I spent the entire hour of our group meeting cracking jokes (usually on myself).

The conversation casually drifted to the Chicago Marathon in October.

Professor: "Are any of you planning to run the Chicago Marathon?"

Boy 1:"No"

Me: "It's too damn hot in Chicago"

Boy 2: "26 miles is ridiculously long."

Girl: "How about a 5K, now that's a good run."

Professor:"Yeah, a good 30 minute run is perfect and then you can go about your day, be productive."

Me: "sure, 5K on the treadmill..."

Professor:"no, that is so boring."

Me: "I enjoy watching the little red dots go around in a circle. It's reassuring."

Professor: "I can't believe how little it takes to entertain young people. It's almost like a hamster wheel..."

Me: "Yes! I have considered getting a giant hamster wheel for my living room! It has fewer working parts, ya know. It would be more reliable than a treadmill."

Professor: "Ok...If that's all then the meeting is adjourned."

Boy 1, Boy 2, Boy 3, Girl 1, Girl 2, Girl 3, myself : laughter as exiting stage right