-Isms: Views on life in rural America

When one thing goes awry, everything goes awry.

At least that’s how it feels today. It’s seven-something Monday evening and technology does not want to cooperate.

Excuse me, it’s almost deadline day. Work with me.

I cannot accurately describe what I would like to do to this old and worn out MacBook, but patting the computer next to the keypad and coaxing her (yes, my laptop is a her ... and appropriately named Cordelia) is a huge fail. Actually, it’s showing me just how temperamental she has become.

Of course, she’s old. In computer years, she is six, which has to translate to at least 108 in human years.

I may be crabby when I reach that age, too.

I’m getting older, or so a couple of the kids and grandkids keep reminding me, even though 60 doesn’t feel any different than 55, or 59, for that matter.

However, one foot seems to think I’m decrepit today and pops with every step I take, every move I make. Personally, I think it’s a stress fracture. I’ve been soaking in Epsom salt for an hour but the pain lingers.

I’m not trying to be negative, because there is far too much of that in the world right now.

But, some days, you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and have to navigate the cards life deals you.

Today must be one of those days.

When that happens I attempt to remain positive, again, because negativity seems to permeate from every corner of the world.

Look at the state of political affairs across the country and how many individuals lack civility and fail to understand courteous discourse. What about discussion on Scott Frost’s contract and concerns about a quarterback, like it’s a life-and-death situation that determines our futures.

There’s no room for negative Nancys or Nellies or armchair coaches and quarterbacks, either.

Life flows so much smoother when you have a positive outlook.

It’s now eight-something and life has tamed a bit.

Computer gods took mercy and granted Cordelia a reprieve. She’s cooperating, for the moment.

A cup of roasted tomato and garlic soup (thank goodness for Trader Joe’s organic soups), paired with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, was simple and satisfying.

And, the dull ache in my foot seems to be subsiding, at least temporarily.

I’m all about silver linings.