It Was 2 A.M. And George Russell Was In The Bathroom When He Got The Call From Mercedes F1

This story reminds me of something that happened to me, which also shows that good things can happen when you are in the bathroom. Quick background- I work overseas for a private for profit school that is run like a business. Every year we have a big Chinese New Year party for all the staff and there are lots boring speeches, interesting food, free flow alcohol and a lot of prizes. The grand prize that year was a new car (VW) and they always announce the winner at the very end of the party. We refer to these parties as mandatory fun, as we enjoy our time together but really don’t want to be there.

At this party, as they were about to announce the winner I went to the bathroom to beat the rush. Most people are super excited and everyone stops what they are doing to look at the screen to see who’s name will flash up. I head a cheer as I was in the men’s room and as I was finishing up our principal rushed into the bathroom. He is a really good friend of mine, and also loves to pull pranks and mess with people. He was also pretty drunk by then. He excitedly told me that I won the car. If it was anyone else, I may have believed him so I just laughed it off and went to wash my hands. At that time my another friend (who plays bass in my band) and was also drunk told me the same thing. I’ll never forget him saying, “Dude, you won the car!!”

The two of them are not friends with each other, and I doubted that they would be in on the same prank and I began to think that I may have actually won. The two of them dragged me back into the hall and all eye were on me, I realized that I was the winner.

Too bad it was for a VW, there is not one car in their line up that I was remotely interested in. In the end I sold the car to a friend who was in the market for buying a new VW, so she was really happy to get a discount on a new car and I used the money for down payment on my house.

Next time anyone tells me anything in the bathroom, I am going to believe them.