Friday, during one of my signature workday walks to Wendy’s, I encountered a giant ad board for Nestle Drumsticks (right, beckoning).

I was never a fan of these. I much prefer the strawberry shortcake or chocolate eclair bars from Good Humor. Drumstick cones are always soggy and tasteless, and the idea of massproducing and freezing the cone in addition to the ice cream just sort of pisses me off.

Nevertheless, to answer the board’s question: Yes. I did want one. And I knew it.

It’s highly unlikely that someone would be thinking “I want one of those crappy Drumstick things” while walking down the street. But come face to face with the bold declaration, “You Know You Want One!” (why all the caps? Did they copyright this expression?) and it’s hard to disagree. Just look at that gaping circle of bright, white, virginal ice cream just waiting to be devoured. BTW, that incision definitely wasn’t made with human teeth. I recall from personal experience the nasty-looking skid marks that go along with taking the first bite out of one of these. They’re unavoidable.

Let’s examine what actually happened:

Annie: Mmm, can’t wait for Wendy’s.

Sign: You Know You Want One!

Annie: [glances away] Nah - I’m REALLY looking forward to Wendy’s.

Sign: You Know You Want One! Haha, she’s looking the other way! Nice try.

Annie. Hmm. Well, yeah, if you’re going to be so giant-sized and sit almost directly in my path, and since I’m hungry anyway, yeah - I guess I do want one. This is pretty upsetting. How did you know? I didn’t even know!

Moral of the story: Sometimes we just need the right marketing devices to tell us more about ourselves.

Update: I have since been filling the Drumstick void with a six-pack of Reese’s Trees, courtesy of Dee (who wishes I wouldn’t eat them).

Here’s Friday’s pretty sunset from the 29th floor.

I was about to offer details about my supercool weekend, but had to restrain myself as this is not a blog. I swear.