There is nothing like finding something you dont want to make you wish you had magic powers to get rid of it. Nothing like wanting something you dont have to make you wish you could wish upon a star.
I want to apologize at the outset of this column to those of you with tender hearts or fragile sensitivities. The subject matter may offend you, and I want to say that I am sorry.
But life does not always ask you to deal with what is pretty and perfect. Sometimes life tosses you a mess, and you must cope with what you have.
A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to my parents cottage on Johnsons Island with my daughter, Sydney, and some of her girlfriends to celebrate her 13th birthday. Friday night we arrived late, settled in and ate popcorn while watching a movie. All seemed well.
Then Saturday morning, I awoke to discover mouse dirt (yes, I did say mouse dirt) on the kitchen counter, under the sink and in the cupboards. I was suddenly wishing I had brought my husband along for such a situation as he signed a deal in our marriage contract to handle all things I deem yucky.
We were not about to let a little mouse ruin our fun. So after breakfast, we packed a picnic and headed for the beach. I expected my girls to want to stay there most of the day. I mean, who could ask for more than sun, sand and water to splash around in? But they got hot. So after an hour and a half, we were heading for the shower house. Of course, getting six teenage girls showered and dressed took another hour and a half. Raegan did hair, Maddy did makeup and all primped and pretty, they looked like a million bucks!
We headed for downtown Marblehead and had a wonderful time bopping in and out of stores. They even ate a meal of samples at one boutique: pretzels, dip, soup and tea, with fudge for dessert. Then they each bought a bling-bling bobby pin thanks to Molly starting the trend. (You know girls...)
And then there was Megan, who wanted something tragic to happen. I am not a teen-to-adult-translator, but Im pretty sure tragic meant awesome, though its clearly not cool to say awesome any longer.
Well, tragedy was about to hit in more ways than one.
We returned to the cottage to discover that, unbeknownst to us, a toilet had been left running all day long, and we were suddenly without water. (Island homes have tank water, and when the tank is empty, no water until it is refilled.) After a few calls, we discovered that water-guy could not come to refill the tank until morning. We were left water-less, toilet-less and frustrated.
So we decided to make potty runs every two hours to the beach shower-house. And thanks to those potty runs, the girls got to swim at the beach at 10 at night, something I have never done before.
If I would have had a magic wand, I would have eliminated the mouse and filled the water tank with a swish and swirl of my hand. Instead, I discovered that joy is not found in your circumstances.
And that tragic can be fun if only you have the right attitude.
