The last minute "planner"

So I think I totally have this expo thing under control - the jewelry and supplies are packed in the three carry-on suitcases that I and my kids are carrying, even though it is free to check - am I really checking jewelry?  (That and I haven't seen my husband in three weeks, so like I'm really going wait for baggage to be unloaded at the airport, *insert eyeroll here*!)

We get to New Hometown, and daughter gets sick to her stomach.  Now mind you, this is a fairly frequent occurrence with her, but I am suddenly tied to the cottage (have I told you about the cottage?  600 sq. ft. of kitschy bliss!)   No trips to Hobby Lobby for a cute promo item to hand out.  So I simply don't think about it.  Afterall, I have Saturday to prepare, right?

Saturday morning I kinda get into a checklist mode and realize I have left my stickers all at home.  I have 50 catalogs and 200 pieces of info at the cottage, shipped directly from lia sophia and I forgot the labels.  (Have I mentioned I hadn't seen my husband in three weeks?  Yeah.)  Fortunately, my husband's new boss is most gracious, and offers to let me use her printer.  Hence I need a Staples store, and fast.

So, in my New Hometown I can't quite find the Staples (I know I saw it somewhere!) but an Office Max will do (we don't have Office Max in my old town.)  Walking in I head towards labels and remember, oops!  Forgot a display stand for the banner.  Time to improvise.  I find the nearest Office Max Dude, a kid about 24 years old, fresh out of college and now the new assistant manager :-)  Time for an accent, right?

Brian is quickly convinced of my need for sticky-surfaced foam board that I need half-cut.  Apparently they don't normally sell this item (its an "Impress Area" item) but he meets with the manager and I agree to a price of $2.49.  (This is a major coup, because at Hobby Lobby they are $8.99, not that I'm mentioning it to eager-to-please new assistant manager Brian.)  He assures me that Ken can make the half cut I need...and Ken agrees with much eye-rolling.  (One of the huge benefits of my job as a lia sophia manager is I don't have 24 years old as my boss :-)  Ken also tells me the story of Alice in Wonderland and his family history in America as I wait (yes, I have that odd affect on people.)  I grab my stickers, and off I go in search of promo items...