Calamity Days and Buddhism

My simple understanding of one of the basic tenets of Buddhism is that all suffering is caused by desire...desire for earthly things. And, the problem with desire is this:

I want something, I work to get it, and I instantly want more of it, or some other thing. The desire is never quenched, it simply leads to more desire, and eventually that desire is unattainable.

In an abstract sense, this has always seemed distant and never really rang true to me. I thought I did a pretty good job of keeping my desire in check and not letting it control me. And I suppose in most ways I do.

HOWEVER,

There is one area of life which has shown me the cruel workings of the chain of desire. It is the snow day. Or in this case, the Calamity Day.

Don't get me wrong. I love my job. But any teacher will tell you that one of the wonderful perks of the job is the odd bonus day off. The relief of getting the phone call or of seeing your district on the ticker. The lazy morning that follows. The possibility of a nap. It's lovely.

But here's the problem. No matter how balanced my state of mind, no matter how positively I feel about my job, no matter how clear the roads and skies are...

...YOU ALWAYS WANT ONE MORE DAY.

Look at me. I've had 3 totally unexpected days off. In September for goodness sake. And yet, when I got the news that tomorrow I finally had to go back to work (for a 2-day work week no less) I had a terrible sinking feeling and realized how much I was hoping for yet ANOTHER day off.

What is WRONG with me?

So, the Buddhists are right about that.

Anyway...

Still no power at home. Over 72 hours now. Probably gonna be till Sunday, we're probably at the bottom of the list because we're the only street in the whole area without power. I'm sick of this. I'm not one of these people who go into seizures without cell service and internet access...I really can survive quite happily for a while, but even I am at the end of my rope. I'm tired of carrying the oil lamp from room to room at night. I miss electricity. I miss having edible food in the house.

I know I have no right to complain compared to those in Houston, or any other place where a real hurricane has hit. My problems are just an annoyance. But I am annoyed.

Matt