All Around My Island

A few weeks ago, I received a little lesson in regards to humility …  

Spring is on the horizon, and the first day of the new term is accompanied by the first genuine dose of warm and inviting sunshine. The town is buzzing with people emerging from their winter hideouts and I am off to my first class.

After standing in the “assigned” classroom for 40 minutes, one that was intended for a chemistry class, had no chairs, and chemical covered countertops, we were finally released to the surrounding empty areas to work on the lab. Sitting in a quiet corner of the computer lab, I am diligently writing away when my nostrils become aware of the ever so faint smell of urine. Cat urine to be exact. At this point I turn to my husband, who enrolled in geology with me so that we could spent more time together, and alert him of my inhaled observation … someone smells like cat pee. He quietly reminds me to watch my volume level and continues on with the assignment (he is far more focused than I am).

A few moments later, a brain wave permeates through my conscious like the horrid smell that was accosting my nasal membranes. Our sweet little Luna had been under some stress lately (temporary visitor, new litter box, etc) and had used a few random areas within our home as her own personal little toilet in an act of defiance. In sheer horror, I grabbed my bag and slyly sniffed the bottom. It was me! I was the kid who smelled like pee! Mortified, I whispered to Bryan, “It’s me!” “I smell like pee!” Upon investigating the situation for himself, he leans over and, in an almost inaudible whisper, says, “We need to sneak out early so you can ditch that bag.” “You can just put your stuff in mine for the lecture.” I agree and sit in self-conscious silence for a mere ten more minutes before I can stand it no longer and signal that it’s time to go.

Back out in the intoxicating sunshine the situation is comical. I slide my sunglasses down over my eyes and we walk the few blocks to the car laughing, I retrieve the unaffected contents, and marvel and my good fortune not to have had the smell transferred onto my clothes. After popping into the bookstore briefly, we arrive in time for lecture; Bryan eternally amused by the events that unfolded and myself with a shiny new backpack that’s pee free. Life can be filled with unexpected accidents and it is important to, not only be able to see the humor in each situation, but also to simply make the best of it.