Island Funk

[First off, this picture has nothing to do with the subject. I just happen to think that even when the sky is dark and the sea looks very ominous, there's a certain beauty to it. I continue to be mesmerized by the views. I just took this shot (after I wrote what follows) and it's about three in the afternoon.]

Before you think that living on this beautiful island is all blissful paradise, let me tell you about island funk. It’s when all those little things that don’t seem too important on their own all seem to come at once. And then when these things are happening to both Kim and me at the same time --- well that’s what I’m calling Island Funk. Here’s what’s been bugging me lately. I’m sure Kim has her own list, which she may or may not share with you.

Bath towels that never dry because it’s too humid. I mean, it’s no fun getting out of a shower feeling nice and clean, then grabbing a soggy towel to help dry off.

Then there are those idiotic scooter drivers that make a third lane in the middle of an already too-narrow road. Scare the hell out of me sometimes. It’s no wonder the statistics for motorcycle accidents and injuries are so high.

What about a $50 ticket for parking in a spot that was totally unmarked for any restriction, only to discover that I need to buy a booklet with vouchers and display it on my dashboard. This is required when parking within a certain area in downtown Hamilton. This was a surprise to Kim, too, because there was nothing in our driving instruction manual to indicate this sort of thing.

How about the contractors who never return calls. I’m trying to get little stuff done (for example, replace the glass on some patio doors, finish installation of the garbage disposal, repair the garage door opener – you know – stuff that’s fairly easy to get done in the states). I really get sick of following up and having to explain who I am and why I’m calling --- again.

And I’m still in a state of shock when it comes to prices. I’m looking for a wall hung magnifying mirror for the bathroom. Finally located one, but at $220, I just can’t bring myself to buy it. Or, how about dinner for this evening: flank steak and Belgian endive: $35.97 (flank steak at $15.95 per pound and endive at $6.39 per pound). I know everyone has said you just have to ignore the prices, but I’m not there yet.

Then there’s our landlord. Seems like a decent sort, but I’m beginning to think he’s a bit disorganized. We sent him an email concerning the bathroom remodeling which has been underway since late August. No work has been done on it for several weeks because of waiting for a key part. Well, that key part has been here for two weeks, and still no progress. He claims not to have received our email, but who knows. Maybe he’d be more responsive if we were to withhold some of the rent.

OK, no more crabbing for now. After all, Woo Hoo, we live on a beautiful island.