One for a Nomad

I was in Ajijic, Mexico. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Mexico and several winters in Ajijic. One of the great things about this country is you can buy a single. A single what? Well, honestly, probably one of anything. Included, but not limited to … a single cigarette, a single beer, a single piece of gum, a single piece of celery. The list goes on. Recently, I bought a single pen. For seven years I’ve been traveling with just one Bic pen – you know the classic ballpoint variety. The clear plastic reveals the remaining ink. Did you know it’s called Bic Cristal? When the one runs out, I buy a replacement. Usually I choose blue, but I’ve experimented with purple and green. I get it at my local papelería, where I can buy a lot of other single things – like a single sheet of wrapping paper and a single piece of ribbon – to wrap a single gift. In this way, Mexico is the absolute opposite of Costco. Perfect for the single nomad, who doesn’t need 48 or even a dozen of – well, anything!

A while back, I was working on a project that involved a collection of index cards. I was thinking it would be nice if I had something to hold them together – to keep them in order. All I need is one rubber band. No, a paperclip would be better. I remember chuckling to myself as I walked down Ocampo to LCS. After lunch, I’ll head up to the papelería, see if they’ll sell me a single paperclip. I envisioned the scene. The striking woman behind the counter at Ribera Copy – the one with the jet-black hair and midnight makeup – would show me an entire box and I’d say, “Ah, solo necesito una,” I only need one. What would she do? I mean buying a single pen is one thing; a single paperclip is surely another. Would there finally be a limit to this Mexican convenience?

Just past Edith’s Salon, I looked down to navigate a gaping hole in the sidewalk and I froze. Oh my god! I couldn’t believe it! There – just sitting there on the sidewalk, just north of my right foot, was a single paperclip. It wasn’t a cheap metal one. No, it was a fancy one with a bright blue rubber coating. Just sitting on the sidewalk. I looked around. Do you remember Candid Camera? Was I being set up?

No, I wasn’t being played. I had asked the universe for a single paperclip and the universe had delivered… a single paperclip. I picked up the precious cobalt gem. It was in good shape–not scratched or bent or anything. I turned it over in my hand in amazement. I felt a rush of dopamine. I’ve won the lottery – it’s my lucky day! That elation was quickly followed by a more sobering thought, an epiphany really … I need to aim higher.

Dear universe: I’m looking for a single man, one in good shape, one who loves travel, one who is not afraid to cook, do dishes or throw in a load of laundry. No need to waste energy on fancy presentation – no gift wrap or ribbon required – just leave him anywhere, anywhere on the sidewalk.