Now here is a dilemma. I am in a McDonald’s asking for a cup of coffee in my own tall take-away cup, and she (the teen server) screws up her face and says, “Is that a Seeenior…?” clearly uncomfortable about the question but compelled by a comprehensive training course to ask.

I have a split second decision between vanity (“You nitwit, do I look like a senior?!) and parsimony, (“How much will I save for claiming to be a oldster?”)

I say as quick as I’m able, “Sure. Serve it up.”

So when was the last time you got a to-go cup filled to the brim for $.59? It was a clear case of wisdom-trumping, I hope I remember the lesson going forward though somehow I feel I’m gonna need more practice.