Jackie McGregor: Batteries included: A 'Twixmas' drama and the comfort of little things
“Why do you do it mum?” my son quizzed, tilting his head to one side staring at the object. “Do what?” I asked.
“Buy all this stuff? What is that?” he queried looking perplexed.
“I really need these; they keep appearing on my socials. No more half-opened ham packets. They’ll be game changers,” I gushed.
“What game exactly will they be changing?” he enquired.
“The food freshness game. They’re stackable, silicone food storage trays. They instantly lock in freshness. They’re airtight, leakproof and odour free, and the best bit is, they fit any shape, watch this…”
I grabbed a banana and instantly the flat tray stretched to accommodate it. It looked like a framed work of art, I could probably win the Turner prize with that, I mused.
“My cooked meats will never have curly edges again!” I proclaimed proudly.
“And what’s that?” he asked pointing to the other package.
“Ah, now that’s my Battery Buddy. It holds 148 batteries and tests their remaining life. It’s indestructible, waterproof and fireproof!” I smiled delightedly.
“For quick battery retrieval in an apocalypse I presume?” he quipped.
“You may mock, but it means no more wading through the junk drawer, things will finally be under control,” I said with a defiant nod.
In this odd time of “Twixmas”- the nowhere land between Christmas and New Year, our thoughts turn to new beginnings. There is a pressure to reset our lives, a ‘new year, new you’ mentality.
We envisage being slimmer, more productive and better organised, this is when the lure of gadgets can sing to us from our algorithms, like sirens luring unsuspecting sailors to the rocks.
These items offer the promise of an existence where things aren’t lost, and shelf-life is extended. They help us imagine being organised and prepared for any situation. Acquiring them is an attempt to buy some stability in a world that feels increasingly out of control.
I find myself seeking a fresh start this Twixmas. The upcoming year holds a milestone birthday for me; I shall be entering my third act in this play called life.
Perhaps my obsession with stay-fresh containers isn’t really about extending my cooked meats shelf-life – it might mask an unconscious desire to preserve my own.
Maybe my hankering for quick battery retrieval with option for testing, to ensure batteries aren’t expired, mirrors my need to feel more energized and reaffirm that I too, still have some life left in me. Who knows? I pondered.
Then without warning everything died. The TV screen went black; my security alarm began to squeal.
Repeatedly entering the code wouldn’t stop its screams. I was experiencing a power cut.
I'd just had my weekly grocery shop delivered, which was mostly frozen goods - now I had no electric. Power was estimated to be restored in five hours.
I felt helpless.
The siren continued its deafening banshee’s shriek increasing my anxiety, triggering a panic attack.
I sat on the kitchen floor tearfully staring at the gadget catalogue on the worktop.
“So much for getting things under control!” I scoffed.
Life happens regardless, but at least my cooked meats were perfectly stored, and I could source a new battery in a flash, a small victory - but amidst the noise, it brought a strange comfort
Happy New Year!