My friend Murphy

Had an unbelievable day.

Started off by getting up at 6.30am, as usual, for my prayer time. The only difference was that I had a major head cold. Anyway, shrugged it off as “one of those things” and headed to chapel.

Unfortunately things got worse & by the time I reached chapel my head was paining badly. I visited the sacristy (at the side of the chapel) three (!) separate times to use the basin for some relief – but none. Finally after about half an hour I just told the Lord I couldn’t manage it, I really wanted to sit for my full prayer time but it didn’t make sense seeing that I couldn’t concentrate or even think straight.

Headed back home. Thought I’d have a hot cup of tea to make me feel better.

My maid tells me the Gas is over.

OK.

Can I have breakfast? Nope can’t cook without the Gas. FINE.

So I eat some cake for breakfast (nice chocolate cake, gift from Khush). Ok, will sort this out.

My parents are out of station so I call a friend. He’s busy. I call another, he’s housebound. I call my parents.

My dad tells me the whole thing is no big deal & that I can change the gas cylinders myself… so I take the cordless phone & try to work it as he’s telling me… I can’t even get the lid off the new cylinder. “Don’t worry dad, I’ll get a friend to help me”. Yeah right.

I rack my brains – difficult because my head’s now throbbing due to the head cold. I pop a pill. Finally I get it. Call Andrew (D) who very sweetly drops everything & comes over.

He takes a little time but changes the cylinders.

“Try it, he tells me”.

I do & it’s working fine – when you light a match. Thing is, it’s an electric gas range. So I put on the connection & switch it on.

BOOM

(I actually heard this Boom)

And the electricity goes off. Apparently the mains have ‘tripped’ or something. HMM.

“Chill Mello” assures Andrew. “I’ll call an electrician”.

CHILL ?!!!

I have a lunch date with my cousin & her kids. I call her and cancel, my head is really paining & I don’t think I’ll make it.

Meanwhile the office calls- I have to deliver something to the Grand Hyatt by 3pm. “Definitely” I say.

The land line rings - a friend – sobbing – boyfriend woes. The cell rings at the same time – client.

Andrew’s back with the electrician.

Seriously guys!

Ok, ok. I can deal with this.

I tell my friend I’ll call her back. Andrew deals with the electrician & then there’s light. I finish with my client on the phone.

I’m about to call my friend back – but Andrew calls me.

Houston we have a problem.

WHAT NOW???!!!

Apparently the Gas has leaked… “Can’t you smell it” he asks me incredulously…“This place is soaking in gas, if you light a match, the whole place will blow”.

“No I can’t smell anything, I have a head cold… and PLEASE do not light a match then…” (I do not use abusive language, but if I did…well)

“So what can I do?”

Apparently now we need some sort of Gas Mechanic to come repair the leaky pipe.

FINE. Call the Gas company. Someone will be over by 5pm. Thx.

Praise God it’s never as bad as it seems, I say. Then I remember I have to be in the Hyatt at 3pm.

My cousin call me back. The kids are crying because they really want to meet me. Please darling, please.

AND GET THIS —> because things aren’t bad enough, my car battery decides to die…

The pill I popped for my head seems to be working… I’m feeling very light in the head now. Almost like laughing. Or crying. I can’t decide.

I call the office, explain myself (yeah, like ANYONE will buy this story). Praise God, there’s an office boy on his way to the Hyatt right now.. he’ll stop by & pick the stuff up for you. Thank you Jesus.

Things are looking up.

Let’s take stock of situation:
(01) Gas – is still not happening, will wait till mechanic turns up in evening.
(02) Electricity is restored, so it’s sort of ok – though my friend tells me I shouldn’t really use anything as the Gas has leaked really bad. How do I heat my food?? Will call dad & clarify this.
(03) Don’t have to do the Hyatt thing, great
(04) Friend (sobbing one) is now on her way here – will deal with that.
(05) Cold seems better or at least not worse. Great.
(06) Cousin & kids seem pacified.

This whole morning seems so ludicrous, that I decide to record it here for you to read. Except that now my right shoulder’s paining. Bring it on. Bring it on.

I need a vacation from this day – and it’s not even 1 in the afternoon yet.