Friday, July 30, 2010

Positive vs. Punished

Yesterday I received an automatic email notification that an airline, canceling and changing flights, had changed the itineraries for our October trip to Yellowstone. Instead of landing at 2:41 pm in Jackson Hole, WY, which gave us ample time to drive to Mammoth Hot Springs near the park's northern gate, we would now land at 9 pm. After that we would face unfamiliar roads (never been there before), mountainous terrain (which may or may not have guard rails), and the possibility of snow and ice IN THE DARK.

My first response was the typical: I felt life was dumping crap on me and I was pissed! I wanted to call the airline company and scream at the customer service representative - who had NOTHING to do with the change - demanding that they somehow "fix" the mess they created.

Instead, I tried a different tact. I took a few breaths, got myself a fresh cup of coffee, and calmed myself before calling. I rationally explained my concerns and worked with the rep to find a resolution. Instead of focusing on what was originally in place, I opened up my options saying simply I needed to get from "_X_" to Yellowstone on that day before dark. She found flights to Bozeman, MT, which is CLOSER to my destination (practically halving my drive time), and landing at 1:24 pm (an earlier time).

Then came the next step, with the change in flight destination, I obviously needed to change the car pickup. I can imagine it's quite a walk with suitcases from Bozeman, MT to Jackson Hole, WY. My original rental company told me the new bill would change from $661 to $786! Irk!

Again, I could have gotten upset, but I swallowed the rage, said my magic words, "I'll think about it" and set about looking around to see what other options I had available. After all, the goal was to get a working vehicle, not a car from that particular company. And I found a better deal in the long run for $431.


By stepping away from anger and ranting/raving how I was inconvenienced, or bemoaning how life was punishing me again or just being a pain in the asterisks, I focused on a positive outcome - I need to get "X" done. I was able to work with others and not only meet the goals, but I saved both drive time and $230.

I am well aware that these remarkable results will not happen every time. But it does make me wonder how many times something like this was missed because I focused all my energy on ranting and raving instead of resolving things?

Focus on the positive
Forget the anger
And watch

- ESA

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Twinkies and Root Beer (Story)

This is a cute little story someone pointed me toward and found here.

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Twinkies and Root Beer
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and he started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons.
The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie.
The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.
Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?
"He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked," Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added," You know, he's much younger than I expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!
~author unknown~
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-ESA

Forth Fireworks

It's been a long time since I posted to my blog, and it's been revised and integrated with my old story blog. Hopefully things will go smoother from here. :D

At the beginning of this month, my husband and I celebrated Independence Day/Forth of July with those in our apartment complex. What started out as four people, including ourselves, has grown over the last six or seven years. Someone estimated over 40 kids attended this year and at least a few dozen adults.

We told the kids that we would not start the show until it was "dark." To determine when it was "dark enough" we said that when we could see three stars in the sky overhead. I don't think I've ever seen the neighborhood kids look as intently at the sky as they did then. LOL Then came the debate whether or not the "evening star" counted as a planet or a star. LMAO!!!

But all in all, it was an enjoyable time. There is a certain kind of joy when you gather with people and share something together. :)

As my husband and I have no idea what the fireworks look like from the audience perspective, we asked a neighbor to use our camera to take a few snapshots. The camera was moved and the images were delightfully bizarre in themselves. So I wanted to share those with my readers, for laughs, for fun, for the joy of sharing the unexpected. :D

- ESA

PS: Rocket-type fireworks are illegal in our state, so we only had ground-type fountains.