Looking for a Loo: An Intentionally Inefficient Path

By Jan Strozer

This morning, I had a couple of hours to myself and my brain delighted in all the productive errands I could complete with the time, happily crossing things off my to-do list.  Two days ago, I had an infliximab infusion as part of my regular maintenance of my Crohn’s Disease.  It usually takes a good few days before my body has re-settled into it regular routine and today my tummy was still feeling pretty unpredictable. 

Knowing I would need several stops in the loo during my 2 hours, I replanned my errand route to try to include convenient toilet locations.  In my case, convenient means (1) not having to purchase anything to use the loo and (2) not taking a lot of time explaining that I needed to use the loo. 

I am a very practical person and had thought through my errand list by thinking of the furthest spot out as my first stop.  Then, I would work my way back towards home.  I love a good, rational plan!  But, even more, I need the toilet.  So, instead of my route looking like a lovely loop, it turned out to be a meandering squiggle shape of inefficiency.

While this route totally offended my sense of efficiency, it totally satisfied my need for the loo!  I got it done and found myself at the end of it with a fully crossed-off list and some newfound patience for my body’s needs.

This is the power of Loo4U-Clare.  Without knowing the places I could get to the loo, I would have needed to stay home…I wouldn’t be able to repot my tomato plants, my kids would not have new library books, I would not have been able to restock our first aid kit, and my car would be dangerously low on petrol.

It can sound simple, but getting to the loo is essential to participation in society.  If you know of a loo to add to the Loo4U-Clare list or have a personal story to share, please let us know!