That is the question.
And so often, the answer is, "Running errands."
I usually avoid this term at all costs, but I caught myself using it the other day. And it really made me think.
What is an errand?
I understand the term "running miles." I understand "running races." But "running errands?" What does that even mean?
And by the way, when you say you're "running" errands, I assume you're actually driving, not running. So the whole term is out of whack.
Mr. Webster defines an errand as: a short and quick trip to accomplish a specific purpose, as to buy something, deliver a package, or convey a message, often for someone else.
So why are we so cryptic about what we're doing? Why not just say, "I'm going to the bank" or "I have to go to the post office to mail some letters"? Why give these things such a secret term?
If a giant, car-eating dinosaur jumped out of the shrubbery and devoured your vehicle, it might be helpful for someone to know what your path of travel was.
But if you tell your loved ones you're "running errands," they may never find out. You could be anywhere, and by the time they search all over town, you're most likely going to be in that dinosaur's digestive track.
So, it may take an extra two minutes to say, "I'm going to buy milk" or "I have to cash my check." And the person that asked you might not care what exactly you're doing.
But, hey. They asked.
