Last night I got what I’ll call an unexpected (and unwanted) delivery. Working late at home on a Friday night, tired and famished, I ordered in.

When my doorbell rang, my stomach greeted the driver with a happy growl and somersaulted over the sweet, savory smell. Yum!

Then I opened the box. There, atop my sandwich, appeared two fliers.

Yuck! They appalled me for two distinct, yet related, reasons.

As a marketing and PR professional, I’m always searching for opportunities to highlight my employer. It’s my job to find new, creative ways to achieve this and cross-promote our partners. But it’s also my responsibility to edit myself and recognize inappropriate product placements.

My gut said that this was an example of advertising run amok. The why stems from my next point.

As a consumer, with knowledge of how dirty a printing press can be, the thought of these leaflets touching my dinner disgusted me.

I envisioned a new set of signs for restaurant bathrooms.

While not a germaphobe, I do live by some standards of cleanliness (ignore my messy car and dining room table). I knew the 15- to 30-minute drive to deliver my meal far exceeded the 10-second rule I apply to clumsily dropped morsels of deliciousness.

I’ve become accustomed to ads printed or affixed to the box, but on my food? Please, no!

Ever the optimist, I looked for a positive take on this experience. I’m choosing consider it divine intervention.

One of the ads promoted an upcoming running event in my town. Perhaps this was just God’s way of saying, “Kim, stop ordering unhealthy food, quit working so darn much, and get your arse to the gym?”

But I would also argue that the marathon marketeers missed the lesson on “know your target audience.” Philly cheese steak sandwiches are mouth-watering, but they’re hardly the breakfasts/dinners of champions.

(Editor’s note: I ate the sandwich anyway, and enjoyed every last bite. If it’s harmed me, the effects must be delayed. I’m still alive 24 hours later.)

What do you think? Does the flier-food placement bother you, or am I just nuts? If you choose the latter, please be kind.