Back when I worked for Calvin College, I need to put a communications run in the ceiling of of one of the buildings. But, before doing so, I wanted to secure the blessing of the plant manager. So, I met him in the lobby of the building.

One of the problems that I faced from time to time was that the ceilings were sometime full of ductwork for the ventilation systems and therefore not usable for communications cable. And, since I had never been above this ceiling before, I didn’t know what to expect. But, I figured if anyone would know, it would be the plant manager.

When the plant manager arrived, he admitted that he did not know what was in the ceiling either. So, I suggested getting a ladder.

But, even though there was a ladder in a closet just around the corner, the plant manager had his own idea. Noting that there was a long folding table in the lobby, he grabbed it and moved it into position.

Now, when I say it was a folding table, I need to point out that it was a homemade folding table; an 8 foot long piece of half inch plywood with pair of folding legs attached. In short, it was pretty flimsy.

Once the table was in position, the plant manager carefully climbed up on it and tried to reach the ceiling. Unfortunately, it was a 12 foot ceiling. And while he was able to pop out the ceiling tile, he couldn’t see what was in the ceiling.  Once again, I volunteered to get a ladder and once again, he had a plan.

Spotting an old metal waste basket up next to the wall, he jumped down and grabbed it. He would stand on the metal waste basket which he would place on the table.

Now, this was no ordinary metal waste basket. This was one of those old tall green metal waste basket which no respectable school in the 40s would be without.

His intent was to turn the waste basket upside down and stand on its bottom but unfortunately the waste basket had, well, waste in it. But regardless, he was going ahead with his plan.

Since he couldn’t turn the waste basket upside because of the waste, he modified his plan. He put the waste basket on the table, right side up. Slowly, he put first one knee and then the other on the rim of the waste basket. Then, he proceeded to move from his knees to his feet and then proceeded to stand on the top rim of the waste basket.

He was able to see into the ceiling, but the table was wobbling terribly. Plus, it was making funny squeaking sounds.

Suddenly, the table made a shift and started listing toward one side. The waste basket started sliding and the plant manager decided to jump.

He managed to jump clear of the waste basket just as the whole thing came tumbling down. Fortunately, he was not hurt, but he was quite entertaining.

I wonder if he can juggle?