Map Legend

When my family headed off to Ocean City, MD for vacation this past summer, I had looked forward to a week of Thrasher’s Fries, Trimpers amusement park, ocean fun, and of course, an inappropriately placed temporary tattoo.

As we piled into the family car and headed east, my dad pulled out ye olde state map, and commented on the picture of Maryland’s First Family on the front flap. The map was several years old and featured the likeness of Bob Erlich and family. After a chorus of hisses and boos (we are definitely NOT Erlich fans), we continued on our way and made it to the Carousel Hotel at 123^rd and Coastal highway in about three and a half hours. As my dad checked in (commenting on the “good time” we had made) and my sister and I unloaded the car, my mom scampered over, telling me she heard “something about the governor” being here. No way I thought to myself, as this joint was certainly not the kind of place Gov. O’Malley, the super hip and hot current governor of Maryland, would be at. And I was right. It was not O’Malley.

An hour later, as we left the lobby of the hotel and walked up the three short stairs leading to beach, I felt compelled to turn around. I did, and there I was face to face with former Governor Bob Erlich, our noses nearly grazing one another’s (we basically Eskimo kissed). I exclaimed, “hey, you’re on my map!” He laughed and shook his head (though his perfect politician coiff did not move). He asked if I had it with me and I said no the map was in the car (duh). We continued up the stairs together until we got to my dad, several paces ahead, who too turned around and shouted “hey your on my map!,” at which point I promptly slapped my hand to my forehead in embarrassment. However, Bob Erlich seemed so happy to be recognized that he told us he would be in the restaurant eating diner, and if I wanted to bring my map in, he would sign it. I had actually not even considered getting his autograph, but now could think of nothing else. After all, he seemed so excited; it would have been a shame to disappoint him. I retrieved the map and 20 minutes later I ventured into the hotel restaurant looking for him. After circling several times, I found him and his family, who appeared to be about to order. I debated turning back, but felt I was too deep in to do so. I approached the table and just stood there as they passed the bread. When the basket got to me, I said no thank you and handed the map to Bob. He asked for my name, commented on how young his kids looked in the photo, and signed the map Governor Erlich.

Governor indeed.