When my mom found out that I was still sleeping on the couch she became upset with me, because I am supposed to be in a bed, as it offers better support for my back. I explained to her that my back gets really stiff at night and I have this fear of needing to use the bathroom and not being able to get downstairs. She responded by bringing me over a urinal and a chocolate bar. I have been craving chocolate for weeks now and I am not sure why.
“It’s a male one”, she said, “but you’ll figure it out if you have to.” I thanked her.
Later that night I grabbed my pillow and my new vase and headed upstairs. I slipped the box under the bed and crawled in. It felt so good to sleep there again. After a few days she asked me how the urinal was working out. “It’s great”, I told her, and it is. I haven’t had to use it, but just knowing that it’s there makes me feel better.
It got me thinking about security. There are several items that I carry with me when I leave the house, not because I need them, but because I feel better having them with me. The list has gotten smaller over the years and so has the size of my purse, but there are still several things that I feel I must have with me. It made me wonder what items others keep close to help themselves feel secure, if any.
Comment by Thursday
March 11, 2008 @ 1:06 am
Headache pills. As a former migraine sufferer, I have a fear of developing another one.
Comment by Jess
March 11, 2008 @ 3:10 am
I used to feel like I couldn’t leave home without everything but the kitchen sink, but like you I’ve mellowed. It’s a really good thing!
Comment by Sheryl
March 11, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Over here from Plain-Jane….
Ummm….I have to have cash on me. At least $2 (because that’s enough to ride the bus if I need to??) but more than about $20 makes me afraid of losing it. It has to be in the form of paper money, not change.
Also, if I purposely leave my cell phone behind I’m okay, but if I accidentally leave it I’m paranoid as hell.
Comment by ie
March 11, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Absolute necessities: money, driver’s license, one credit card, and lip gloss.
Comment by Mary
March 11, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
I feel lost if I don’t have something to read, even if I don’t have TIME during the day to read. A magazine or ideally a book.
Comment by cynthea
March 11, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
You know, I don’t think I have any weird security needs.
My husband, HOWEVER, must have loose change in his pocket as he walks out the door to start his day. He keeps a big bowl on top of my dresser full of change, probably forty dollars’ worth, and he picks through it every morning, carefully selecting the coins that will travel with him throughout his day.
What’s weird: 1. It’s different coins and a different amount each day, and 2. He then returns home and dumps his change in the bowl.
He says he “feels” what’s the right amount of change each day.
Tell me he’s not a psychopath.
I do like waking up to the sound of him picking out his change, it’s oddly comforting.
Comment by Belle
March 11, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Hmm, nothing odd for me. I obviously must take a purse with me but the only thing in it is my wallet and lipstick. I figure if I have a credit/debit card and my cell phone, I’m in good shape. However, I am fanatical about taking my glasses if I’m going to be out driving at night. The drive home is much easier sans contact lenses!
Comment by K
March 15, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
I carry my cell phone around with me everywhere. I am convinced if I don’t have it with me, something horrible will happen.
I also carry books with me everywhere. I have to have one around in case I get bored. In traffic I whip it out and start reading. I also carry a book with me through the house even when I have no intentions of reading it. I’ll go into the kitchen and bring a book with me and put it on the counter. Don’t ask me why.
I have to wear a watch. I don’t remember ever not wearing a watch.