'Krebbing' my way out of messaging overload

HAVE you ever been lost? I once got lost in a mall in Pretoria; many years ago, before Kimberley had any malls of its own, and way before I knew that mega malls have multiple levels and many, many access points.

- GREY MUTTER BY LANCE FREDERICKS

I parked my car, walked in, and several hours later couldn't remember which exit to take to get back to my car. I spent a good chunk of my life wandering on shiny ceramic tiled floors, past neon signs and merchandise-laden shop windows, all the time wondering if I would ever see my family again.

Now, sadly, having the unfortunate dual condition of being both an introvert and not being very bright, I didn't want to ask someone to help me. What would I say? I didn't take note of which entrance I used, so I didn't know which exit I needed to get to!

I can testify to the fact that when you're lost, you don't think very clearly.

For example, recently, a good pal of mine shared a story that he'd come across online. A few years ago, a hiker - let's call him Joshua Krebbs - got lost for 24 hours on a trail on Colorado's Mount Elbert. The search and rescue team tried to call him, but he didn't answer because, he said later, the calls came from an unknown number.