Well, not some fabricated excuse, more the real deal...
Back in the mists of time (about '98ish), I walked into my art history 'A'level class, where my tutor set upon me in front of the whole class, about how I had missed the previous week's lesson.

She went on for about 10 or so minutes about commitment, how there is no excuse, that I should make up the time as the rest of the class had bothered to turn up etc. etc. (bear in mind that I wasn't a skiver, and had a pretty much flawless attendance record until that point).

So she finished her rant, and looking extremely proud at herself, said in a clear and loud, commanding voice:

"So what IS your excuse?"

I simply tilted my head very slightly, looked her in the eye, and maintaining my calm composure, replied in just as clear a tone as she did:

"I was attending my Grandfather's funeral."

Normally people turn red when embarrassed. So far, myself, scientists and artists alike have not been able to describe in words exactly what colour she turned, but believe me, whatever amazing shade of red it was, that was the happiest I had been for those last few weeks!

Length? Perhaps too long, a funny shade of red, and quite embarrassing.
( theoriginalsteve <this space intentionally left blank>, Thu 28 Jun 2007, 17:23, Reply)