Now, Where Did I Put That…
Read more articles on Life's Nuances and Let Me Share With You.November 8, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
November 8, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
165 Views
Today’s topic, dear readers, concerns the subject of losing things. Is it my imagination, or are we all misplacing and losing things more than in the past? Do you think it’s because we’re getting older, busier, more stressed, or all of the above?
Now, there are many aspects of losing things that drive me crazy. Probably the most irritating concerns an item I may have had for years, but when I go to get it, I can’t remember where it is or even if I’ve thrown it away. Yesterday I decided to do some framing of cityscapes, and went to get my two favorite pictures of the New York skyline. Guess what? They were gone. I spent over 30 minutes checking everywhere and turned up nothing but 20 pounds of paper that I don’t know if I’ll ever use and don’t care about. That’s the irony-our homes are filled with countless items except for the one that we happen to want at any particular moment. In this case, misplacing paper is bound to happen since we have so much of it and there are so many places where it can be stored. I’m truly surprised I haven’t lost more receipts or bills.
Within the last month, my daughter lost a brand new watch (I think the clasp may have been broken), and paperwork and money for a school function. Considering her history, I guess that’s not too bad, but kids look at “stuff” entirely differently than adults. It’s just not a high priority to them, and they are still living in the world where they believe it will find its way back to them, somehow, someday, and if not, so what?
Today my husband forgot his cell phone-leaving it charging on the kitchen counter-because he was rushing to beat bus traffic. Probably haste and pressure account for a good bit of our forgetfulness. I have always aspired to be one of those blithe, unruffled individuals who glide calmly through life with a gentle smile on her face like Mother Theresa. Instead, my personality is more what one would term “excitable”- and I’m even crazier looking for something that’s not where it should be. There have even been times where I’ve torn through garbage, scrambling to get something I’d inadvertently thrown away. It’s not a pretty picture.
One aspect of losing or misplacing items is that it makes a person feel stupid. Regardless of the fact that most of us have countless pockets, purses, drawers, shelves, cupboards, bags and boxes, we still are hard on ourselves when we can’t remember exactly where we may have put something a year or a week ago. That, and the fact that although we’re aware we really don’t need the item, we’re still disappointed that it isn’t available. So we add guilt into the mix. (“Why am I upset that I can’t find the gloves that go perfectly with this coat?”)
Alas. As long as we need implements, tool, toys-or anything for that matter, we will continue to lose them. I’ve heard that public transportation, cab companies and the post office have unbelievable stuff in their lost and found areas. Who wouldn’t try to get back a lost camera, phone or briefcase?
Catholics pray to St. Anthony for lost items, so perhaps other faiths have some kind of plea or deity to help in this matter. I think it also helps to turn in items that we find in order to start some positive karma. (I was shocked when one of the thousands of folks at the Mirage Resort in Vegas two weeks ago found my camera case and turned it in to security. My faith in humanity was restored.)
So, be careful with your stuff. Later today I need to stop in a store to pick up a bag of cleaning purchases that the cashier forgot to give me, which I didn’t realize until I got home. Perhaps I’ve had my quota of losing things for awhile; what do you think?
Copyright © 2006
Terms & Conditions
