An AA friend of mine named Farmer Bill is fond of saying, “alcoholics would rather be right than happy!” and how true this is. Today is one of those days when I can practice that particular path, i.e. working at being happy rather than right. Through happiness comes serenity, or perhaps the other way around, but in any case you get the drift. Here’s what I am tackling today…
1. My local ISP is upgrading the modems on all their DSL lines today. There will be an internet blackout sometime between 8AM and 4PM. Now, I know this is a matter of a few switches. There is no one out in the field connecting wires, building things, etc…Why do they still have to give this 8-hour window? Why can’t they say they are upgrading at 10AM, or 3:30PM, and the lines will be down for about half and hour?
2. My car has been in the shop for a week. I am fortunate to have another car to use, and I am grateful, but I want my Mini back. The mechanic is waiting on a part.
3. The local power company is coming by today to look at a pole that needs replacing. They gave me a time of arrival between 10AM and 12PM. This has been the most sensible bunch so far. I can wait this two hours but I bet they show up at noon.*
It would do no good to call any of these people, companies whatever…because no one will be able to tell me anything. I certainly don’t want to call my mechanic and ask him anything because he may be in the middle of fixing my vehicle and I wouldn’t want to disturb him. So the choice is mine: Do I get self-righteous and grind my teeth or detach and find acceptance and happiness? What choice do I really have? I am powerless over these situations…HappinessI shall seek.
Johnnyboy
*It’s just after 10AM and the power company rep has just arrived! Bravo!