Starting Right

Massapequa NY

29 July, 2021

12:04 AM

Description

I strenuously avoid meds, of any kind. I have always had an unrealistic fear of uppers, downers, or even any form of aspirin. And yes, I realize this is not a healthy thing. However, this week I was taught one more lesson on my ongoing road of informal education. And, of course, it was totally unplanned. After a lengthy period of abstinence from dining out, a group of us traveled to a nearby Olive Garden to celebrate a friend's birthday. The small celebration over comfort food gave us the hope life would soon return to what "once was." Upon our return (yes, I admit I then took a mini nap) and later in the day, I decided to balance out my daily caloric intake with a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich. My kitchen is mini, but highly efficient and the induction stovetop of the finest quality. I placed two strips of bacon into a ceramic skillet while turning the knob to high. I then sliced the gruyere cheese and homemade King Arthur bread in order to complete my supper. Suddenly the electricity went off plunging the room, the stove, as well as my mini world into total darkness. I immediately remembered I had forgotten to recharge the small flashlight gifted by my wise daughter. Quickly, I rotated the now invisible stovetop knob to what I believed was an "off" position and impatiently waited for power to return. Eventually, it did. About an hour later, when I had totally forgotten about the bacon. However, the bacon had not forgotten to continue cooking since the knob had apparently not been properly turned to "off." Within seconds, not even minutes. my small apartment was flooded with dark dense smoke alerting the vigilant smoke alarm to resound. Eventually with the kind assistance of our wonderful staff, the apartment was "desmoked," as was the resident. Windows were opened, blinds pulled back and yes, I slept. This morning my world, my home and my life was flooded with sunshine. Normally, I keep the blinds lowered. Possibly this is also, the way I deal with reality. I tend to live in shade. The unexpected flood of God's beautiful sunlight made me acutely aware that it is now apparently time to never lower the blinds of my life or my apartment again. I believe I must start doing that right now.