I’m sitting in bed, laptop on lap, one finger shoved to the top left-hand corner of my mouth, rubbing Anbesol on to my sore (so very sore!) gums and I’m drooling. To quote my wonderful friend Sarah, I am a delight.
Tonight, the pizza guy made me laugh. I don’t remember why now, just some ha ha over me being incapable of getting my own phone number right. But when I hung up, I was laughing and I think I even said, “Ha! That guy.â€ù Out loud. I watched the Ultimate Edition Dirty Dancing and ate pizza in bed. There were crumbs. Were crumbs. I’ve already lint-brushed them away and remade the bed.
Hey, I may be in a funk, but I am still me.
Today, I walked around the office handing out baby Snickers bars. Seemed like the thing to do. As I walked down the center studio, Rosalyn waved me over to her desk.
“Want a Snickers?â€ù I held the bag out in front of me.
“No.â€ù Rosalyn leaned forward in her chair. “Butâ€_ can I give you a stamp?â€ù
Surprisingly, there was no crying or hugging, which is my usual reaction to kindness and sympathy.
Some days, I get sort of fed up with humanity. Pushy Lady in the subway who gets off at the next stop anyway and why all that pushing and meanness so early in the morning if she could have just walked those nine blocks? Carmen the Dental Receptionist and Whoever Stole My Credit Information (yeah, Visa called this morning). They, and others like them, are not so appealing. But then there are days where maybe, I am not so fed up. There are Sarahs and pizza guys and coworkers with stamps. On those days, I think I’m a little bit in love with humanity.
I guess it’s just like any other relationship. You can be damn near ready to throw up your hands and walk out, but then the other person offers you a stamp. And you remember why you got involved in the first place.
Thank you.
Ah, those stamp moments. They do make life worth living. I’m picturing a fish papered in stamps right now. Hope you find more.
But doesn’t that throw off your groove? I mean, it takes me long enough to get in a funk as it is and then some “do gooder” goes and gets me right out again. What’s up with that?
As Albert Camus said, we are easily depressed because we are too easily comforted. I think he must have been French.
the stamps of kindness, the derailer of many a funk. glad to hear you and humanity are back together.
Your funk? I am living it. Different city (different time zone too, I think), but I live it exactly the same. I had dinner with a friend tonight because I just felt like I should. I rushed paying and getting out of there, though, because I just needed to get home… get near my bed. I too mailed a payment quite late. Not as many days as you… more like 10 for me. But same thing.
I won’t tell you, “You’re not alone…” because, well, aren’t we? That’s what this funk is about, at its core. At least for me.
What am I saying here? There is comfort in this sadness, in this funk. I’ve been here before and it does end. It’s unfortunate that it doesn’t end, followed by that special love of our lives coming around… but it ends. That’s what I’m counting on, anyway.
Be well.
For all of the ugliness in the world, there’s still some beauty, and in some unexpected places–in some ordinary places. But isn’t that were beauty is more often? We tend to look for it in the most glamorous, elevated places. But I find that the most beautiful things are in the simple, day-to-day, pizza-delivery-and-stamps sort of places. It’s easy to miss if you’re not watching, or busy looking in all of the wrong places.
Thanks for sharing the delightfulness.
Glad I’m not the only one in a funk! It’s 8:15 pm, and I’m trying to keep myself away from my bed.
i’m so glad you decided not to break up with all of us.
Aw, that nice. It really is the littlest things in life that make up for all of the nastyness out there.
Umm… did you say there were Snickers? ‘Cause I didn’t see any when I came in.
It’s karma. You distribute the love freely,in the form of Snickers (one of my personal favs), and sure enough, you get some in return. I hope Pushy Woman on The Subway has a lousy day at work. It’s only fair. I have no stamps to give, but knowing that things have improved for you makes me smile. I hope this good luck continues, you deserve it.
I’m right there with you sista! Went to bed at 8:00 last night. Im waiting for someone to call me back that I met this weekend…I hate that, I wasn’t looking to meet anyone. Anyway, if he never calls I will be over it by next week
Karma, absolutely. Sometimes you have to toss your rosebuds to the wind in order to get them back again.
Wow. That is so beautiful… offering you a stamp! I totally would’ve cried, right then and there.
Reminds me of yesterday, a woman leaned over to talk to me in the elevator. She was like “I just had to make a really scary decision while talking to my boss. And it went really well.” Then the doors opened and she said “Thanks for listening. Have a good day!” And it was amazing how that little touch of anonymous human interaction felt so good. Those are the moments when it feels so good to be alive.
Heather- Funks. They really do pass, but yesterday the world really seemed to be in sync on the one issue. Even so, maybe the stamp lady and the pizza really can make your day just a little bit brighter and set you on the path to recovery.
I live my life to connect with people, that is why I write. I hope people will read my books and visit my site, because I want to know them, and their hopes, joys and sorrows. And I want them to know me. I think it’s what makes us human and makes getting out of bed so worthwhile. Even when we’re in a funk.
Life happens while we are trying to live it. Hope the snicker’s bars, stamps, and pizza make yours all the more enjoyable.
I think you are wonderful, Fish. I hope someone makes you smile today!
Signed,
HotLatte
Lint Roller! Can I fly you to Chicago, so you can give my wife a crash course in “being you”? And before you flip, let it be known that she has not had to vaccum, do dishes, or clean a bathroom in the 2.5 years we’ve lived together. I’m not talking caveman stuff, just instil some good habbits. Let it be known if you show up, you get all the magritas your liver can handle, both of them.
take care of yourself, lady.
p.s. we love you, even if you weren’t a ‘stranger.’
I’m sorry I stole your identity.
Again.
Awww…Fish…hope you’re having a better day today!
Awww, I just love Rosalyn.
babs’ story was awesome. I think the phrase “can I give you a stamp?” should now become code for “Can I give you a helping hand with that funk you seem to be in?”
By the way, is the title supposed to refer to the line in the Tears For Fears song or is that just me?
(Mothers Talk)
I’ve been reading your archives and have noticed that for every bad thing that happens to you, you still manage to keep a positive outlook and share that optimism with people around you and for that you deserve all the good everything in the world can give you. You brightened my days and I have related to your entries quite alot and I’m pleased to know that we all go through the same things but some just end up looking at the glass half full. Keep smiling and spreading your joy chicka
No, Michael. I believe that’s ours.
Stamp or Snickers? There’s a metaphor there i’m sure.
glad to hear that people still connect w/others & feel that they are in pain. this is what a mother hopes for when they endlessly say to those in their care, “Hey. That’s not nice. Don’t do that!We also endlessly hope we ourselves will notice people who need a good word or a stamp instead of cold indifference. hurrah for people. it gives one pause when we think, “How can God love people, they’re so obnoxious!”or worse. and then they offer you a stamp.
Whahahahahooey!!!
Awesome, mi bebe!!!
I hope crabby bus lady had a really good day and that everyone was super nice to her. Maybe then when she gets home in her happy mood she will think back at how irritating she was and keep it to herself next time! You are beautiful “Snickers” girl!!!
PS – I think, K Dulce, that in God’s eyes all of our shortcomings are equal and that even on a nice girl’s best day she is no better than the crabby bus lady. Take it for what it’s worth….