First really cold day here in chilly California. Of all things, we have no power. I’m cold when it’s in the 70s, so you can image how cold I am with the thermometer reading 31 this morning and a heater that won’t go on no matter how many times I push the up button. I feel a little pouty but quickly kick myself in the behind, sure it’s cold, but good grief it’s one day not my everyday reality.
No power means no desktop computer, no access to external hard drives. I admit to a strong Arrrgh feeling when it seemed like the day I’d planned was falling apart. This, my only day at home all week to work at my desk and I’ve got to head out in search of heat and wifi. Reminder to self: Cool that I can simply hop in my car and find a comfy place to wait out the power failure–oh yeah, cool too that I have a car.
Before heading out, maybe attack a few of those household chores I’ve managed to ignore for way too long. Oh phooey. No power means no chance I’ll be doing laundry or the dishes. How cool is that? No, I don’t mean cool, as in I’m off the hook (although that did occur to me). I mean as in, how cool is I that I even have such great tools AND that I have enough dishes and pairs of socks and etceteras that I can just say oh, well to those jobs.
If I’m going to be away from home most of the day I’d better have something to eat before I hit the road. I know, I’ll pop last night’s doggy bag into the microwave. Or not–No power–Oh phooey. But again I tell myself to look at it differently. Cool to have something as handy as a microwave, cool to have been able to go out to dinner last night, cool that because of having a frig the leftovers will still be yummy tonight or tomorrow, cool that I have the means to buy myself lunch instead. That’s a whole lot of cool wrapped up inside of one oh phooey.
I’m typing this sitting in my driveway, in a car warm like a sauna from the sunshine, with 2 cats keeping me company and the realization that today turned out pretty darned great.
Smile. Be happy. And when the world gives you lemons, remember to be thankful. Lemons are good if you think they are.
Smile. Be happy!
Ruth
Curled Up Kitty Smiley