Phone clocked

So, as many of you know, I had my phone stolen not too long ago. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been silent — I haven’t really wanted to talk too much. Of course, it’s traumatic. It feels like a violation. Especially since the guy seemed interested in actually getting to know me. Of course, this is going to wreak havoc on my already-fragile esteem.

But there are some things to keep in mind. First, and probably most important: It could have ended much worse. It’s clear that this guy was intent on getting my phone. Yes, I lent it to him when he said he needed it. But what if I had said no? Would he have hit me? Pulled a knife? Used that knife? Ultimately, all he got was the phone and a bank card, which isn’t terribly useful to him. He didn’t take anything more from me.

Second, having a support network (both here and abroad) makes a big difference. From all the people checking in to those who went the extra mile, it’s nice to feel not so alone. (Special thanks to Nickii for getting on the phone with Amex for me when everything happened. It’s nice to know that someone has your back while eight time zones away. And to my sisters for fielding the call from a distraught me.)

Third, people will take the opportunity to profit off your misfortune. I bank with the post office here (it also sells phone plans, and apparently other things as well). When I went to get the bank card cancelled and replaced, which admittedly the bank did very quickly, I told the clerk that my phone had also been stolen.

She took the opportunity to tell me about the post office’s phone plans, and told me that I should consider changing plans.

I didn’t.

She also took the opportunity to suggest that I switch my internet provider.

I told her my landlord pays for that.

She didn’t care.

Fourth, the weather has weird ways of mirroring your mood. My coworker Rose came with me to the police station when I went to file the report. And of course, on our way there, what should strike, but — rain? Thunder?

No. Hail.

Because of course it would hail on us while I was on my way to the police station in Paris to report a robbery.

Anyway, I’m feeling better now. Phone’s been replaced (this time, with theft insurance). I’m currently in Lyon for the weekend. And things are looking up.

I guess into everyone’s life, a little hail must fall.