Earthquakes.

We have been going through an earthquake retrofit here. It is inconvenient, noisy, messy, etc.

Then, just as it seems to be really getting on my nerves, because it has forced me to be unable to deliver an art project in a timely fashion (not a major deal, because it is some auxiliary decoration and is a freebie anyway), there comes an earthquake reminder that puts it all into perspective.

The last time I was in an earthquake that actually caused damage was about 10 or so years ago. I was in the shower at my in-laws' house. As the house is shaking, you start thinking, why, of all the times, this thing hits when I am soapy, wet and stark, raving naked? And in my in-laws' house? Before I even could get wrapped in a towel, the thing stopped, and I finished my shower.

This one in Italy hit in the middle of the night. There is nothing quite as terrifying as being stirred from your sleep by a big earthquake. You have that sleepy grogginess that makes it hard to judge the extent of the danger, as well as to figure out what to do.

I like the contractors and can tolerate the noise, dust, and inconvenience! Sure, I will be glad when the project is done and I can reclaim my studio, but I am gladder that it is being done to begin with.