Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Crossroads



Three years after deciding to attend college in Oregon I married the spouse. That one decision changed the course of my life.


One of my favorite bloggers, Mr. London Street, recently wrote about wanting his life to be a movie.  He wanted snappy dialog, memorable settings, and atmosphere. He, of course, is the hero in his movie.  Since I spent yesterday traveling home from Austin, I had lots of time sitting on airplanes and in the terminals for my  mind to wander.  I found myself pondering the turning points in life and wishing that there was a soundtrack that would clue me in when I was about to make a momentous decision.  The music would rise and I would know that I was about to be eaten by a shark or make a life changing decision.

I don't need a soundtrack to decide if I'm having cheerios or mini-wheat's for breakfast, but I can think of numerous times when a music cue would have given me more time to think through an opportunity before making a decision.  Often my first response is to say no.  Usually, with more thought, I can see the opportunities that saying yes can provide.

It's funny to think about the small decisions that can change everything.  After high school I left California for college in Oregon.  I'd never been to Oregon. I'd never even been to northern California.  I decided I wanted to go to school somewhere different.  I chose Eastern Oregon College (now Eastern Oregon University) because they wrote me a nice personal letter.  The college was smaller than my high school.  I didn't decide based on what I wanted to study or my plans for a future career...and I've lived in Oregon ever since.  I'm not saying it was a bad decision, just that I didn't realize the impact it would have.  My whole life changed with one decision.

I made another decision today.  I didn't think about it too much.  Even though there was no soundtrack, I'm pretty sure it will be life changing.  I bought a lottery ticket for the $550 million Powerball lottery. This could be one of those crossroads...cue the music!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Gratitude



This month I have been one of many Facebook users who have been writing a daily post about what we are thankful for.   I've found that the more I focus on the blessings that I have received, the happier I feel about life in general.  As the season turns to long cold and dark days, it would be easy to wallow in gloom and doom...and if Democrats had lost the election, I might really be in mourning!  But I have much to be thankful for.  While I have given a gratitude shout out to some material things (hot tub, chocolate, and diet coke to name a few), it is the people in my  life that are most important to me.  Even though I am somewhat reclusive, family and friends are what kept coming to the forefront as I made my daily post.  All in all I realize how fortunate I am to live in the United States and not want for basic necessities.

Tomorrow the spouse and I are flying to Texas for Thanksgiving.  We spend every Thanksgiving with our grandchildren.   I hope you get to spend time with family and friends this Thanksgiving.  Have a wonderful holiday. 

Jann
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