Betsy Whitt

Okay, I really am going to work on my synopsis very, very soon, but I felt it would be irresponsible to pass up the opportunity to talk up the Australian National Public Toilet Map. That is, a conveniently searchable, browsable database for “Locating public toilet facilities in cities, towns, rural areas, and along major travel routes.” There’s even a trip planner function, so you can make sure your stops will be near appropriate facilities.

I mean really, how cool is that?

And it’s not fair! As a very insightful friend pointed out, the Aussies already have kangaroos, koalas, and amazing accents. And now a national public toilet map online? It never ends!

I’ve been thinking and talking about various aspects of decisions and commitment and expectations and guilt with several people today, and I’ve been reminded of one of my favorite quotes, by a woman named Anne Morriss, though I know nothing else about her:

The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating - in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.

I have found it, so often, to be true.