bibbidi-bobbidi-boo

Picture this: It's 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. I'm sitting at a diner in the Meatpacking District with two friends. I'd just spent the past few hours pretending like I belonged in that club scene for one of their 23rd birthdays. A group of "older than 23" guys walk in, one is wearing a crown and places it atop my head. After a few minutes of conversation, I learn that he is getting married in Paris. And before long, one of the men from his bachelor party invited me to be his date.

It's probably not going to happen. But, as I was telling one of my best friends on the phone the next day she said to me, "Danielle, if you can, you should go. It's things like that that make life exciting." She's right, just as my mom was who was also very adamant that her and my dad meet him, that we go on at least one date, and that I then fly to Paris in two weeks for a wedding. 

Why the hell not? Well, how about because I am a cautious person by nature and I almost always follow the rules. Yet for as much as the world can be a scary place, it doesn't have to be. From personal experience, I firmly believe that people are inherently good; I've also have found that I'm a good judge of character and make smart choices that keep me from dangerous situations. 

When it comes to truly living, there is always a risk taken; sometimes it's worth it and sometimes it's not, but it's so important that we consciously choose. And I tell you this somewhat bizarre story because it was so random and unexpected. It's the first time something like that has ever happened to me and will probably be the last. Still, I've had my share of other serendipitous events that I couldn't have possibly prepared myself for. This is how I comfort myself with the job search. Trying to foresee the first few years of my employment is nearly impossible because I never know when who will get back to me, what unique opportunity will surface. 

Kind of the same way I couldn't have expected the unseasonably warm weather that we've been having in this last week of October. After taking my dogs out for a walk in the sunshine yesterday, (without a jacket, I might add), I was craving a fresh salad with sprouts, carrots, and avocado, not the usual creamy soup. Insanity, I know it ;). But in all seriousness, I really think it is yet another example of the ways of the world. Perhaps we should be ready to be bewildered.

[photo source]

Even opportunities for fun, love, and adventure surface quite often if we pay close enough attention. Earlier this week I had no idea how I would be spending my Halloween weekend, and to be honest, I was pretty bummed about it. Now? I have plans for tonight, plans for tomorrow night with two possible endings, and hopefully plans for Sunday afternoon too. Next week will bring quite a few possible leaps in the job hunting process. As for everything else in between and beyond, I have a few surprises up my sleeve, but for the most part, I truly have no idea. There are few things more wonderful. Whenever I doubt this, I look towards adages like it'll all work out in the end and everything happens for a reason. Clichés they may be, but the truth within them continues to sustain me through the uncertainty.

Take care, be safe, and have a very happy Halloweekend!