Frustrating Moments

Moments of frustration in honor of the day:

1. Not being able to delete an unidentifiable document mark (UDM) from the screen Could indicate trouble ahead.

2. Trying to feed Mr. No-name the feral cat who zig-zags in front of my feet, seriously impeding progress to his plate.

3. Realizing I forgot to put gas in the riding mower when I’m all set to engage blades.

4. Recognizing former students but not easily recalling names.

5. Trying to distinguish between a ‘real’ call and a butt dial resulting in debate whether or not to return the call.

6. Internet blinking off and on like a neon light during an important assignment.

7. Losing ANOTHER key cover from the laptop keyboard and remembering when I found it on the floor, considering it an RUO (random unidentifiable object), and tossing it in the trash.

8. Missing the trash can with the full dustpan.

9. Getting around too late to make it to Joyful Beans.

10. Discovering hours later I left my phone on mute after a meeting.

11. Realizing some time-saving efforts are not worth the trouble. (Ex. Transporting four cats to the vet simultaneously in one large carrier.)

12. Having inside work to do on a gorgeous day.

13. Finding a misplaced object under my bag.

Though I’m not immune to moments of frustration, I’m getting better at making them fleeting ones. Silly, mostly self-imposed frustrations have taught me to slow down and see the humor instead of getting mired down in a mental temper tantrum.

I’m renaming this wacky holiday to Minimizing Moments of Frustration Day. “The world is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” (W.B.Yeats) John Eldredge agrees: “It's a fairy tale through and through. Elephants? Caterpillars? Snow? At what point did you lose the wonder of it all?” Celebrate with me. “See the world through the eyes of your inner child.” (Henna Sohail)

(For 10/12/02022 PN)