nem-e-sis

[nem-uh-sis]
–noun, plural -ses
1. something that a person cannot conquer, achieve, etc.: The performance test proved to be my nemesis.
2. an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
3. (initial capital letter ) Classical Mythology. the goddess of divine retribution.
4. an agent or act of retribution or punishment.

Yeah, I had one. His name was Doug and he was my evening bus driver. He is no longer my driver. Thrilled? Yes, but I'm experiencing a sense of emptiness. I completely understand why Batman must have his Joker, why Laura Ingalls needed Nellie Oleson, and Sherlock’s archenemy the Professor James Moriarty. I had spent many hours contemplating how to stump Doug, who I swear found joy in foiling my plans to get home quickly and not green with motion sickness, and when I did stump him I thought I would shed tears of joy. There was such a sense of accomplishment when I could step on the bus and say, “A ha Doug! I took Dramamine so I won’t throw up on the bus today” or “A ha Doug! I learned a new technique to avoid getting motion sick – sun glasses!” Or my personal favorite, right as I was about to step onto the bus I said, “Psych!!! My husband is picking me up!” The feeling was triumphant, and well now, I no longer feel triumphant. Now I just get on a bus and go home, and really where is the sense of accomplishment in that?