THE INCONVENIENCES OF LIVING

 It seems ridiculous to write about the small inconveniences of life given the state of the world, and yet here I am. When things go awry in our own small sphere, we can get consumed by it.

“Life consists not of a series of illustrious actions or elegant enjoyments. The greater part of our time passes in compliance with necessities, in the performance of daily duties, in the removal of small inconveniences, in the procurement of petty pleasures; and we are well or ill at ease, as the main stream of life glides on smoothly, or is ruffled by small obstacles and frequent interruption.”  Samuel Johnson

Losing things: A week or so ago, about to head to the gym, I realized I’d lost my wireless earbuds; they were not in the charging case when I flicked it open to retrieve them. Mentally tracing my movements back to when I last used them, I remembered placing them in the pocket of a spring jacket just before heading out for a walk on the first spring-like day, when the temps climbed to 15C. Because of that weather, I wanted to walk with just the thoughts in my head rather than podcasts or audio books in my ears. At some point I was warm enough to remove my jacket and tie it around my waist. I figured the earbuds must have fallen out of my pocket.

But this is not about losing them (although they’re not cheap to replace) but about why it bummed me so much. I asked myself – why was I so peeved? Part of it was yes, the expense of having to replace them and the inconvenience of not having any, even wired earbuds, what with Apple not caring about providing accessories with new phones anymore and changing connection slots. But part of it was also annoyance at my own carelessness (I usually zip up my jacket pockets to keep things such as house keys from falling out). And the other reasons? I didn’t like being inconvenienced and not having things when I needed them. I reminded myself that this was strictly a first-world problem and I’d only lost earbuds while there were people losing their homes and children in wars.

Small inconveniences in life can throw us but also remind us that we’re lucky if this is all we have to worry about. There’s more to concern ourselves with of course, what with the world being in the state it’s in, and there always seems to be some uneasiness closer to home hovering on the periphery of my mind, intruding when I’m trying to sleep! I know I prefer solid footing beneath my feet, both figuratively and literally, which is why I won’t go out in open water on a boat. If you have a yacht, you can cross me off the guest list. I like being IN water or BESIDE it, but not ON it.  

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Bugs and bacteria: I came down with some stomach bacteria for which I was on a trio of antibiotics. I was disappointed because I’ve always prided myself on having something of a cast-iron stomach and can and will generally eat pretty much anything. But on Day 11 of 14, I broke out into a rash. So close to the finish line! My doctor then switched me to a new 10-day regimen. And with this new dosage I needed to avoid all dairy and also - coffee. I’m not sure which was more painful – giving up coffee or cheese. Again, I was bummed, because I was almost done until my body said – no, we’re NOT done. And also, all this upheaval in my body when I’m getting preoccupied with . . .

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Upcoming Trip and Pre-Anxiety: I’m heading back to one of my favourite countries soon, this time for the longest duration I’ve travelled in a while – just over three weeks! I’m starting to second-guess why I booked so long a trip because I also do love being home and my routines and activities here (not to mention being trepidatious about the unknown after-effects of the stomach bacteria and long course of antibiotics while I’m in a place where food provides so much pleasure). However, I am well-enough acquainted with my traveller-self to know that these pre-trip anxieties about logistics and the unknown always surface before every trip and it’s simply part of the process. I will be just fine (she says hopefully).

This time, a first while travelling, I’ll be taking my laptop with me and staying in one place for TWO weeks so you just might see a blog post from Valencia. I am still working out some of the logistical details, and how I will pack what I need into my very small carry-on, but, like I said about the earbuds – first world problems.

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Plumbing issues: and no, thankfully, this time my body was not involved. Dishwasher water was backing up into my sink and draining extremely slowly, all indicating some kind of blockage and necessitated calling in a plumber (more expensive than new earbuds). But while the plumber was here I also got him to replace a toilet fill valve which had been filling oh so slowly for many months (during which time I’d convinced myself I could replace it on my own, when the most I’ve ever done in toilet tank repairs is replace the flap). Anyway, I watched while the plumber installed the new fill valve and next time I think maybe I CAN do it on my own. But I’m hoping I won’t have to.

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With all these little annoyances and inconveniences, I need to keep reminding myself that things work out, or they may not, but then they do again, and the only constant is the ups and downs throughout life.

Today’s frustration and anxiety won’t last, neither will tomorrow’s delight.