I have encountered a paradox. It’s not an enigma or a puzzle. It is more a frustration, a seemingly inexorable contradiction or an uncommon incongruity. Today the weather, with its ideal temperatures, light breeze, azure sky and endless variety of small white clouds, is of unparalleled absorption. Normally nothing but deliberate misadventure would challenge the perception. It is a most lovely day. As generously of late there have been a lot to compare. It thus displeases me to comment in any way unfavourably about today’s trifling episodes which have so irritatingly infected the rhapsodic account.  Yet were it not for the parade of annoying features which have interrupted and plagued me from the moment I awoke this morning and retreated from the lair, I would instead wax enthusiastically upon the glimmering river beneath the brilliant dome.

Last week I had sent an email to a professional advisor, requesting an appointment. The reply which I received this morning could not have a more token. My first clue was the primary question (the answer to which I had addressed in my initial email).  Nonetheless I called the agent. He put me through another stock assembly of questions (all of which proved equally irrelevant). Naturally in the interest of resolution I did not object. He then asked which office in particular I deal with. I told him and he advised he was referring me to their telephone so that I could make an appointment to have the matter addressed.

So I was back to the beginning.

And it didn’t get much better from there. The local number I called – after delineating the various descriptions of the services provided – asked me to leave a message.

Sometime later I received a generic message to which I responded. Eventually I arranged an introductory meeting with the official subaltern in the office. It proved partly for naught, partly helpful.  But questions remained.  So I agreed to return later.

By this time I had tranquillized the activity of the entire morning. Not that I do anything requiring especial equilibrium. But hanging onto a telephone or bouncing back and forth between offices is not my preference over lethargy.

Upon leaving the second meeting, I encountered a truck driver in the parking lot. He was intent upon moving his large vehicle ahead and past me. Even though his large vehicle obstructed my removal, instead of moving ahead (as I was permitting him to do), he maintained his position then angrily motioned me ahead.  It was at that point I indicated in a similarly abrupt manner that I needed to turn precisely where he was positioned. He moved ahead; I withdrew.

But road rage is not something that sits well. My innards – already bubbling – were further provoked.

Subsequently I sought to placate the anomalous beginnings of the day by addressing a small medical issue. This – I am pleased to say – inspired the assistance of my partner.  When however he undertook enquiries, first at the pharmacy, then at the hospital, I ended getting an appointment with my new family physician on July 30th next. Today is June 1st. I note with some alacrity that I am developing proof of self-help medication.

While this concludes today’s doleful complaint, as a matter of duty, I ought to record as well that the day began superbly at eight o’clock this morning when I arose.  For the first time in a while, I slept through the entire night. Perhaps it was last night’s dessert of vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. As reported this wistful beginning to the day was corrupted by imbalance of what immediately followed; viz., bureaucracy, needless repetition, circuity, road rage and my own uncontrollable nature and impatience. By contrast the wheel has revolved once again. Having just concluded my second draft of vanilla ice cream etc., I am now contentedly staring at the recently seeded field, the passive river, the late afternoon shadows and the spiralling birds. What can I say? An altogether unsettling day!