I’m not easily annoyed, mostly because I find the world to be a fascinating and interesting place.  Honestly, there is so much to be captivated by in a day that I really do make an effort not be agitated by petty stuff.  But, there are times (perhaps when I’ve not had enough to eat, or adequate sleep or enough caffeine to compensate) that even the loveliest of moments are shattered by the mind-numbing inanity of all that surrounds me and suddenly the hat of exasperation is on my head and won’t come off.

Some might call it a hormonal imbalance, but there’s no sign of proof.  At least, not that any certified doctors have verified.

This morning I received a call from the ambulance company that carted me off to the emergency room this past Saturday (I’m fine now, but apropos of nothing, my blood pressure shot up to 188/112 – and no, not caffeine-related, as I’d only had my small morning allowance 8 hours earlier).  The ambulance company apparently now wants their money (five days later) and needed to verify my address.  O__o  Excuse me?  You people came to my house.  Your employees saw the whites of my eyes and now know my blood type.   Your staff, wearing your company’s patches on their sleeves, came into my den and carted me off to the hospital.  Really?  You oughta know my address.  Annoy much?

Then there was a moment, not too long ago, when I was part of the committee choosing a photograph for a relatively solemn occasion.  The shot I felt most appropriate was one showing our subject dressed in an elegant business suit, smiling mischievously and leaning at a rather jaunty angle.  It was dignified, but at the same time joyful.  It was a powerful, yet playful moment in time caught in an instant on film.  The other photo in question that was nearly victorious, due to majority rule, featured a red, white and blue windbreaker, funky ol’ cowboy hat (complete with fake bullet hole) and a wiry little cat in a matching head kerchief perched on a shoulder.  Whimsical?  Sure?  Appropriate?  No.  That was annoying.

Another time, a visitor from another land came to see us and on a whim, chucked her chewing gum out the window of our vehicle as we made our way down to the streets of Santa Monica.  I should have kept my yap shut, instead of mentioning the blight of black dots on our streets and National treasures because of mindless disposal like that.  I upset her and received a swift and firm verbal slapping (that included lengthy political and social commentary).  That stung and what made it worse, was that we were both annoyed.

At my seasoned station in life, with the real possibility of raised blood pressure now and again (quite possibly due to these annoyances), I realize I am going to have to make a better effort not to let things annoy me.  It is going to take time and patience, but it will be worth it, I’m sure, not to have to be bothered by issues that are annoying.  So, I’m letting you know, that I hereby promise to try and not be annoyed.

Instead, I’ve decided I’m going to be vexed.

It just sounds better.

xo – t.

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”  ~ Herm Albright

“If you can’t annoy somebody, there’s little point in writing.”  ~ Kingsley Amos