Hello October! Let’s Talk about Choosing Teams

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Life on a Boil Water Advisory (or, Why My Dogs Are Giving Me Side-Eye)

This morning started like any other. Coffee pot ready. Dogs wagging. Cats weaving around my legs like I was their personal waitress.

Then my phone buzzed with the news:

The city water’s been cut off. Boil water advisory until further notice.

I had already brushed my teeth, so there’s that little mystery to carry with me. I’d also had downed my usual 24 ounces of water first thing.  I rolled my eyes and thought, Well, that ship has sailed. Carry on.

The dogs and cats had water bowls that needed to be filled, and there I stood in the kitchen, trying to explain to them, in my best authoritative voice, “There will be water available shortly, please hold.” They were not impressed.

The coffee pot? Just sitting there, looking at me with unfulfilled potential.

It’s surprising how quickly the questions start piling up:

• Can I take a shower?
• How long does it take to boil enough water for two dogs, the cats and a pot of coffee?
• Does ice count as water? (Only if it was made before the break. Cue me standing at the freezer, trying to remember when I last made ice.)

I plastered neon Post-it notes on every faucet so I wouldn’t absentmindedly grab a glass.  Nothing says “we’re living in unusual times” quite like sticky notes hollering at you from the sink.

The cats?  They belong to the one who made me a mom second.  They were staying with me because it was better than boarding them …except no water. They were ready to fire me.  No tips for the human who refused to turn on their preferred drinking spot…the spigot.  (A lot of people in towh had that same cat-attitude, if we’re honest.

Meanwhile, the local high school was designated as a bottled water pick-up site. Teenagers, who could have taken the day off and enjoyed a bonus break, a snow day in August, stood under tents in the heat, navy school t-shirts clinging with sweat, tossing bottled water into open trunks and back seats. 

They giggled and smiled.  When it was my turn, two of them poked their heads through the window, “Where would you like it?  Is that enough?  Aw, can we pet your dog?” 

They were joyful. They were generous. They set the tone.

In that moment, I wanted to go buy Freezer Pops for those high school kids.  Their attitude was changing the situation.  The water main break was real.  Nobody’s denying the inconvenience, but we still get to choose.

We get to choose what shirt we put on. We get to choose our team.

Want to wear the “Victim” shirt?  You can.  Join the team of frustration, blame, and bitterness.   But, if you’d rather, you can wear the navy t-shirt.  Stand with the high school kids who smiled through sweat, handed out water, and made the best of it.

That part is on us. Always.

So, I’ll ask you:  What team are you on?  I hope I always remember to choose the blue shirt and am willing to grab the Freezer Pops…even if the store’s out that day because someone else had the same idea. 

Let's join the blue shirt team and cheer each other on.  

Here's my book...✨Practicing Enough  

Here's my other book...✨Staying True 

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