My mother believes in the power of thought, among many other things, but this one is so strong that she’s instilled some of that into my brain. Which is why, when I wanted a job at the Canadian Embassy, I actually walked around the block every day for a few days, to send good vibes up to the third floor.

(I did get the job).

Unfortunately, it also works the other way. This morning, as I was packing my tiny suitcase, I went back and forth about packing/not packing my glasses and contact lenses. I decided to pack them and … (drum roll) … my bag didn’t make it to Oulu. Not yet, anyway. I wonder how long I can wear the same pair of contacts. (Please, no comments about how long I can wear the same pair of underwear).

They promised me that the bag would be on the next flight, landing about now. Or if not on that one, surely on the 1 am flight. And at the hotel at 5 am.

But who knows, “they” are tricky people. “They” also say we put a man on the moon. Really?