DAY 24: WHAT'S ON MY DESK/IN MY POCKET/IN MY CAR

Well, this was a rather odd one to write about.

After putting together a list of things I carry around with me (or keep in close proximity), I felt like the most boring person in the entire world. There’s nothing very quirky here, but I guess it comes down to my preference for an environment that isn’t cluttered.

In my pocket (when I go out):

• *Besides the usual smartphone, lip balm and wallet combination, I don’t carry anything else in pockets.

*Is there something else a guy should be carrying around with him that nobody has told me about?

In my car:

• Hand sanitizer (because everything we touch is germ-infested and gross, and one can never tell when you might find yourself with a burger in your hands, whilst on the road)
• A mini padlock (for gym visits)
• My tennis bag (obvious enough, I’d think)
• Me. I Am Mariah – The Elusive Chantuese (this CD hasn’t left my front loader since the album came out in May)
• The ugliest sheet in the whole world (I wrapped it around my jack/spanner/spare wheel, to prevent them from knocking around and rattling when I drive – car rattles = torture)
• Random tennis balls (I try, but I am never able to get all of them out of my car at one time)
• Two jackets (there’s very little that’s worse than being somewhere for a long time and being cold – it’s something I try my best to avoid)

On my desk (at work):

• A tiered file/paper holder that makes it look like I use stationery
• A pen/pencil/eraser holder that also makes it appear as though I use stationery
• A USB-powered coffee mug heater / holder (a very nifty gift from a close friend)
• A hard drive – or three hard drives (because of what I do, I am constantly transferring data)
• A camera (which I use, sometimes, for mini shoots. It takes up a lot of space, so I usually leave it on the extra half of another desk which I begged for and finally got)
• Coffee (because, well, coffee)

Like I said, quite an odd one to write about. I hate clutter and unnecessary stuff because it makes me feel claustrophobic, which is why this little list is… quite little.

The initiators of this month-long writing challenge tweeted the following a few days ago:

So, spectacularly random topic or not, that's exactly what I'm going to do until Day 31 :-)

Day 8: A Love Letter To My Pet Hate (Cars That Don't Indicate)

Dear Cars That Don’t Indicate

It’s been a couple of days, but I saw you again this morning. As usual, I wasn’t prepared to come face to face with you, and had to compose myself very quickly when I did.

You just have this thing, this way about you, that always takes me by complete surprise. Yes, I know you’ve never liked following rules are following the herd, but sometimes I think you choose another course just because you can – and not because it’s the right thing to do.

So many times, I’ve nonchalantly brushed off your actions. So many times, I’ve tried to find the deeper meaning behind your aggressive and unanticipated behaviour. But I never do. And all I’m left with is the feeling that you don’t care about me or anyone else around you and that you’ll blindside us without flinching.

What’s worse is how you always act surprised and incredibly defensive when your motives are questioned – you refuse to take responsibility for your mistakes, and to face the consequences of them. And let me just say; I know sometimes you’re broken inside and that’s why you don’t communicate. But mostly, what it amounts to is pure hate.

I worry about your safety. If you keep living life on the edge and doing what you do without any warning, well, sooner or later, I feel like you’ll bump into the wrong person at the wrong time, and you’ll later regret not listening to me.

Please. See the light. Listen to what I’m trying to say and take notice of those around you – we all have the same mission: to get where we need to be without hurting each other’s feelings. If ever you don't want to be somewhere, then just leave - but please, before you do, communicate with the people that have your back.

I hate how you’ve hurt me and I hope you never do again.

Karl