Jane Doe, Alive and Well

One thing I was lacking during the storm was a radio.
We actually have a hand-crank radio, which is an item on the lists for making a disaster kit, so bonus points for me.
The radio is in our camping supplies, which is in one of the dozen blue plastic tubs I keep things in, which is on our back porch (packed and ready to be thrown in the jeep should we decide at the last minute to go camping).
On this particular day said tub was covered by a table, another picnic table, 8 plastic chairs, 4 bikes, 3 tubs of kid’s toys, 2 razor scooters, one baby jogger, our barbecue and a partridge in a pear tree – no, just kidding about the last one.
Each of these items was strategically positioned on the porch, taking into account its weight and wind surface area…oh, who am I kidding? They were all crammed up against the house to prevent things from getting blown around (a futile attempt, I might add).
So for all practical purposes I was without a radio, which really irritated me because I’m a bit of a news junkie.
So today I’m putting in a cd for my son to listen to while doing math (classical music, of course!) and I stop, cd in mid-air, stunned, just stunned.
Because I’m looking at a radio.
Right in front of me.
I probably walked past it fifty times during the storm and while it was dim in the house, it wasn’t that dark. I could have had exactly what I needed. It was there the whole time. But I had already decided in my mind that I didn’t have a radio, and I think that kept me from seeing that I did have a radio.
Two, actually, because we have another cd player elsewhere in the house. And enough batteries to run both of them if I wanted to.
So…I wonder how many times in life do I have exactly what I need for whatever situation I’m facing, right in front of me, and I keep walking by it, refusing to see it – or unable to see it because of a preconceived idea in my mind. And that preconceived idea might not even be based on the truth.
I just read this blog to my husband who says “well, you also could have just gone and sat in the car.”
Make that three radios.

P.S. Don’t look for your Jane the next couple of days. She takes the weekends off.

Jane Doe Recommends…For Your Weekend Entertainment and Cultural Enrichment and Show of Community Support (now that’s a package deal!)

Chico Art Center’s Annual Members Exhibition (no, not that kind of exhibition!)
450 Orange Street, Suite 6
That’s Chestnut, Hazel, Ivy, Cherry, ORANGE Street – for those of you that are directionally challenged. Next to the Amtrak depot. And while you’re there you can get a drink (no, not that kind of drink!) at the Empire Coffeehouse, because the owner was really nice to my in-laws, my kids and me. And he makes a really good Mexican mocha with designs in the whipping cream. See, be nice. You never know what free press you’ll get from it.
***disclaimer*** My very talented, artistic husband has a piece in this show, so yes, I am shamelessly promoting it. And no, his piece is not for sale.
This show runs through February 5th.
Cost:free, but there’s a donation box at the door, so throw in a couple of dollars.
Open 12 – 4 daily.
891-5945
www.chicoartcenter.com

AND
Avenue 9 Gallery Chico Icons Show
Location: think hard about this one…read the name…yes, you got it. On 9th Avenue behind that, uh, other coffee place…I forget the name.
Open Wednesday – Sunday 12 – 4
879-1821
This is the last couple of days for the show – It closes on Sunday, I believe. This year’s theme is “Chico Trees” and there are some beautiful pieces of work.
www.avenue9gallery.com