Five Mysteries and Surprises in Everyday Domestic Routines
In our every day domestic lives, there are routines that we constantly stick to, often, almost as if on auto pilot. But once in a while something pops up that is either an unsolvable mystery or simply makes you go “What the…?”.
All illustrations by the author.
Everyday many people go to work with jobs that require a great deal of skill, patience and concentration. Others will need the ability to deal with awkward customers or to solve unexpected problems. Perhaps to have to try and figure out why an engine or a piece of equipment has stopped working; how to overcome the problem and how to fix it. Or even deal with a patient without patience.
But whatever the calling in life, at the end of the day we can put all this aside. We know that we can return to the domestic haven we call home.
Here we know there shouldn’t be any sudden surprises. Nobody will be wanting answers as to why the bus, train or aircraft was late. There are no unruly pupils “kicking off”, or customers wanting to know why there isn’t a price label on the tin of baked beans. The boss won’t suddenly be demanding more production or bringing a target date forward, to the day before yesterday.
At home there are our comfortable routines that we constantly stick to, often, almost as if on auto pilot.
We open a door and walk into a room. We sit down. We stand up. We go up or down the stairs (unless you live in a bungalow: okay, for the pedantic – a bungalow that hasn’t got a cellar!) We eat a meal. Get undressed and take a shower or a bath. Go to bed. Get up in the morning. Go to the bathroom. Clean our teeth. Get dressed.
There may be routines around the home that seem more like chores. We may not enjoy doing such things as washing, drying and ironing the laundry; dusting the shelves and furniture, vacuuming or washing up. But like them or loathe them, they don’t take too much thinking about. There is nothing new or different and we perform these actions without giving them a thought. In fact, the one thing that all these things have in common is that, they take up no head space. The mind can wander off to think about other things whilst doing them.
But sometimes something pops up that is either one of life’s unsolvable mysteries, or simply makes you go “What the…”
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Comments: 27 | Post a CommentPost a Comment
Rask Balavoine | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Oh yes, we all know that one about the disappearing stairs! Moreover, the only way to get to the top of a staircase successfully is to not think about it. As soon as I think about what I’m doing I lose it and trip. A bit like being made to say the Lord’s Prayer at school – if you stop to think about the words you lose your place, better to take a deep breath and just keep going. Nicely illustrated too – I don’t half fancy your light bulb!
Louie Jerome | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Yes, the teaspoon and the sock are very familiar to me. However, I have now started a new trend in an attempt to thwart the machinations of the sock fairy. I just pick up any two socks, regardless of colour and wear them.
I find that this makes the work of the ’sock fairy’ a waste of time, although she still misapropriates socks on occasion.
(I am a firm believer in the mysterious antics of the Sock Fairy and I sincerely hope that you will add this one to your collection of mysteries.)
nutuba | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Enjoyable article and illustrations! I once found a sock out in my back yard, and I figured out that it had actually gone through the dryer, down the vent, and through the vent flap out of the house. Pretty amazing. I echo Rask’s comment — that light bulb looks great. Fun article!
Michael Eboh | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Great and loving. You did an excellent job. 5 stars!
Geri Ohara | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
LOL another winner!
clay hurtubise | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Fun piece! Glad to have you back writing.
You must have an old home, most old homes have 13 (instead of 11, or 12…)steps. Do you know why? To get from one floor to the next!:)
Thanks,
Clay
James DeVere | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Great stuff. The illustrations are perfect – original. Thanks CJ . j
Betty Carew | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
What a wonderful piece C it gave me a chuckle, I truly enjoyed it.You hit on every meanie in our day to day lives, Well done
Bick Parker | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I found this very enjoyable, and there’s sentences in there that could easily relate to me personally, especially the sock part! Why is it, that when I do the washing I always end up with one sock missing? I’ve lost the wifey’s underwear at times too!
I must read more of your stuff.
Michael Eboh | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Relax ok? I feel you have done a great job to be rewarded. Thanks.
denus | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
excellent article, great pics.
Lost in Arizona | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I laughed so hard, I have tears in my eyes. Whilst I never have an extra sock after a wash, it usually goes two go in, and one comes out. It’s a complete conundrum, as I have no idea where it went…lol! My oldest likes to blame our dog, but I think it must be the washer nome… ;-P
rutherfranc | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
so true, especially the lonesome sock.. this is really funny.. glad you can laugh at life the way you do, takes some stress out.
thestickman | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Came via DIGG. Nice read!
Ruby Hawk | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Look in your pant leg for that extra sock. I often find it there or in the sleeve of a blouse. I like your peaceful, relaxing evening.
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Nice illustrations and read!
Inna Tysoe | Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
Great read and illustrations. I think we can all empathize!
Inna
S A JOHNSON | Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
Nice article!
PR Mace | Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
That was a joy to read. Loved the illustrations. The light bulb was my favorite. I have been told sometimes socks will go behind the barrel of the washing machine and are lost to the world. I think it is the sock fairy. They steal sock to make bankets for their beds.
tylerhiya | Feb 8, 2009 | Reply
lol the step one.
Guffin Mopes | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Wonderful article. Thanks for the clarification on the lightbulb!
s hayes | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The illustrations are inspired – will you do some for the rest of us? – according to Triond every photo in the world is copywritten!
This is an amazingly well observed article – glad I am not on my own when these things happen all the time x
Patrick Bernauw | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Great Everyday Mysteries, Chris!… (You’re sure it was the image of a lightbulb?… And you have drawn it all by yourself? Not with some help of Mr. Freud?) (Now, every time I see a light bulb, I’m going to see something… eh… completely different!) (Every time I check the light in the fridge, I will see there… guess what?)
Fegger | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
What a wonderful earthy tale..and such a warm folksy style..so comfortable reading–like sitting here listening to my Dad….real nice, Chris.
Amsky | Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
I’ve enjoyed the illustration. It’s simple and easy to figure out. Anyway, you’re a great observer of yourself. Thanks for this nice story.
eddiego65 | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
Very enjoyable read! Thanks!
SH | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
The sock saga is easily explained. The sock fairy puts them into empty cupboards or closets and they magically transmogrify into wire coathangers.