There are some things I so take for granted that it is impossible to turn off the actions that are associated with them. When, for example, the power is out, I still flip the switch when I walk into a room because it has become a reflex rather than a conscious action. I assume the lights will go on, clean water will flow, toilets will flush, my car will start (unless it's the dreaded Nazimobile), there will be fresh food in the refrigerator, and the telephone, cable and Internet connections will function. Watching pictures from Haiti this weekend is a clear reminder that we live in one of the few places in the world where all this, and much more, is assumed to be a part of our daily lives. It quickly puts whining about running out of bread (and having to drive 7 minutes to pick up a loaf!) in perspective.

That being said, I am finding it difficult to put the lack of hot water in the household into anything other than a cold, cold light. The hot water heater ceased functioning today, which will mean a quick rinse tomorrow and an even quicker washing of the hair before I have to hop on a plane for Miami with no time to shower once I get there and have to attend a dinner. This is why they invented perfume, right?