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!