Before leaving the house, I loved seeing bus No. 17 was actually on time for its 2:54 PM arrival at the stop across the street.

And then it started.

I began seeing the arrival minutes delayed: 1 min… 3 min… 4 min……… 10 minutes! Yes, it was one of the two drivers that mosey along as though there is no schedule to keep. I missed my connection on a day where I was feeling miserable with both MS aches and a week of aggravating gut issues. I made the last twenty minutes on foot, still arriving on time.

Carol, working The Museum Store, warned me that she’d encountered all sorts of objectionable things in her first 90 minutes of work. I laughed it off not once thinking this is how my own shift would progress.

And, it hit…

I discovered my reading glasses had fallen out of my pocket. I’m blind trying to read ANYTHING.

It hit even harder…

Nothing was going as planned.

The Roundhouse Cafe had been slammed with non-stop customers the day before and nothing was prepped as I expected it to be. My cash drawer was $100 off. The laptop cash register iPad was on zero battery charge and there was no charger. I learned later that my own charger for my phone would have worked.

Everything was soon sorted out but I felt behind in everything for the first two hours. I was feeling miserable and frustrated as I could not get my world in order.

I was making the coffee when my mind floated to my childhood bedroom at 825 Main Street in Elwood, Indiana. Mother had hanged a beautiful plaque by my bed.

“It matters not how many storms you weathered but did you bring the ship safely into the harbor?”

I felt a sense of calmness settle over me.

Then, Jane Mockabee arrived to assist me. She was exceptional! Our evening was nothing but a steady parade of cheerful, fun loving Guests who shared their own positive energy so I was as recharged as the iPad.

Now, I’m on the bus and nearing The Haasienda. Although it was a bit harried at first, the evening turned around.

I’m eager to see my Quartet, eat a late bite, and head to bed.