Friday 27 October 2017

Could a Responsible Adult Please Stop the World? I want to get off!

This last week or so has reinforced my resolve that I am over being an adult. I am sure I didn't sign up for endless stress caused by unwieldy and chaotic agencies and organisations. I am convinced that every other driver on our roads is out to get us. And I know that the only times Michael and I ever argue are caused by the actions of others. As a result, I wish to take a break from adulting. Oh, how I wish...

Most of my physical discomfort has been dominated by my dodgy knee. My latest grease and oil change went without a hitch. Some of the funniest and frustrating aspects of my recent stay of being in hospital include having all my medication taken away from me, being placed in the noisiest room on the ward (the staff apologised that there was no choice) and trying to be discharged from hospital before ten o'clock, which is their policy. Needless to say, we finally left the Mount at close to eleven o'clock.

The bad news is that my left knee will need a reconstruction in the foreseeable future. Bollocks. Even worse is that my right knee appears to be going out in sympathy from time to time. And forget the weather forecast. My knees have both turned into the most accurate barometers known to humankind. This morning I was going to attend my first session of Functional Stretching (as opposed to Dysfunctional Stretching) with the delightful Janet at Nourishabley. My left knee just laughed.

All those years of running have played havoc with my joints. My knees are ankles are now suffering from increased wear and tear (or torn). In the quest for slimness and fitness, I have actually done myself harm. Ladies and Gentlemen, hear me. I am convinced that exercise is overrated. Much safer to sit on a firm chair with a cup of tea or a glass of vino.

Wednesday was our day in the Big Smoke. Oh goody...The morning didn't start well. Both of us were suffering from that familiar malady - failure to launch. We knew we needed between one hour forty and one hour fifty to reach the Boy Wonder's rooms on time for my check-up. We left with one hour thirty to make the distance.

After departing in delightful sunshine from Station House, we were greeted by grey clouds and rain as we approached the hills. Naturally, most drivers on the road forget how to direct their vehicles on wet roads. Near carnage was a constant threat. Michael was using every bit of his concentration to prevent an unfortunate demise.

Shattered, we arrived at the Mount Medical Centre fifteen minutes late. I had rung ahead to profoundly beg forgiveness for our unpunctuality (again). Much to our relief, the Boy Wonder was running late as well. We ended up being in and out to see him in almost record time.

Next stop was Landgate to begin the process of transferring my darling father-in-law's properties to his children, who are also his executors. This is not going to be a quick affair. Armed with a forest of forms, this task is specific and precise in its execution and involves a great deal of snail mail. And fees. Filling out the aforementioned forms and proving their identities (obviously secret) took two hours and emptying of wallets.

Whilst the Sofoulis siblings were entrapped by legal issues, I shopped. Somehow, I fluked a quiet period in Woolies. I moved onto Bunnings, which was its usual busy and noisy self. However, Bunnings is a favourite location of mine and their trolleys are truly excellent at clearing a pathway if needed.

Sandra and Darryl dropped Michael at Bunnings to save me a trip back to central Midland.  We finished our hardware shopping, filled Goldie with petrol and turned her eastwards. The afternoon was fining up, visibility was excellent and we heaved a collective sigh of relief as we successfully negotiated the wandoo forest without seeing a single kangaroo.

Complacency is always dangerous. Enroute through the farms, we encountered a speeding ute coming straight at us, on our side of the road. I could hear Michael's brain working as he searched for a safe escape. He braked heavily. The 4WD wagon following us came a tad closer to Goldie than was comfortable. He braked hard too and somehow avoided rear-ending us. We were heading for the road verge when the ute veered back onto his side of the road at the last moment. This is how head-on crashes occur and we had survived a very close encounter.

Home. Simple dinner and TV. Then, of course, the piece de resistance. A silly fight. Caused by the endless frustration of dealing with the utilities. The Water Corporation saga has almost come to a close. Except that they still need to connect the new pipe and remove the old pipe so we can connect to the new water meter. And begin our courtyard wall.

Western Power is another kettle of fish. Despite being told that Western Power will only charge us for a domestic electrical connection and that they want to expedite the works, we have had nothing in writing and no further contact. So, I've been pushing Michael to "fix this", because that's what blokes do and he has been feeling increasingly hassled by my demands. And so we resorted to that most ridiculous of exchanges - a bloody argument.

We have now returned to harmony.  Sometimes, the need to blow off steam, although upsetting, can have the desired outcome of really hearing each other and make amends. And I really love the kissing and making-up part.

As far as continuing being an adult, I feel we should all be entitled to breaks from being grown-up. Fortunately, tonight is Pub Night, so we both have the opportunity to take off our masks of maturity and jump in some puddles.


This sore knee that led to...


...this! Twice for the same knee. Rather careless of me, don't you think?


I think I have a Ph.D. in Persistence...


yet, why is this response often the outcome?!



Which leads to this...


...then this.



Fortunately, there are various methods I employ when I am done with adulting.


I'm with Betty!


There is always this option.


And don't forget to splash everyone else around!

No comments:

Post a Comment