Don’t we all wish the world made a little more sense? And don’t we all get a least a little put off by the absurdities and inconsistencies that arise in daily life? Ira Riklis feels that often. When he does, he’s come to realize he has two choices: try to reason with whatever or whoever is being illogical, or, if that’s not possible, just grin and bear it. (Which is by far the best approach in most cases, one has to put their energies where they will really do some good.)
A case in point is donating blood. Why do the technicians wait until after the’ve pricked your finger to take a blood sample before taking your blood pressure? Of course your pressure will be higher after the event (which is really the only time you might feel any discomfort at all during the donation process). But trying to change the system as a whole would be a lost cause. So several times a year when Ira Riklis goes to donate blood, he just keeps quiet and keeps smiling!