Today I had one of those moments where I am sure (and I mean, really REALLY sure) that I looked like an idiot.

How do I know this? Because there were lots of witnesses and the thing I was giving my full attention was very small.

Let me explain: Walking into the store tonight to buy cat food, I happened to look down as I almost stepped on a four inch, bright green praying mantis sitting right in the middle of the asphalt. Yikes!

I was holding a piece of paper, so I tried to scoop him up onto the paper. He lunged at my hand. I jumped, startled. Then he fluttered over the paper, about a pace ahead of me and still on the pavement.

Repeat process.

I did this about three times. Can you imagine? I’m winding down the center of the parking lot aisle, bent double, repeatedly scooping a piece of paper onto the ground and back again, and no one can see what I’m chasing.

Wow, I feel smart.

The best part? He finally flew enough to land on the back wheel of a Jeep in the parking lot. There was someone in the Jeep, so (since I was still chasing the stupid thing) I walked up to her and tried to explain what I was doing…. but by then I’d noticed I looked like an idiot so it came out something akin to “I PROMISE I’M NOT MESSING WITH YOUR JEEP, I’M JUST TRYING TO GET THE PRAYING MANTIS!”

*facepalm*

You should’ve seen the look she gave me.

Thankfully, my senses (and awareness of the public) kicked in at that point and I hurried into the store. I assume the mantis flew away.

Or took a Jeep ride to the beach.