Lesson One:
"Things Don't Always Go Your Way"
09/07/2013
There are 84 days left until our wedding - at least that's what our "TheKnot" site tells me. I suppose I could have started this blog by warning men of the evil power known as "theknot," but I think I'll just let you fall into that trap on your own. For now, let me stick to the lesson plan. I will keep this short, brief, to the point, simple and unredundant.
I. When Things Seem Great
There will be times in your engagement/marriage when things seem like
they are going your way. Do not be deceived. They are not. In fact, when
things seem to be going your way, put on your helmet and brace for
impact - a storm is coming. Actually, I don't think that analogy works...
...regardless.
...regardless.
When things seem to be going your way, it simply means that you are so far from actuality that when you find reality, it will knock you down faster than a left hook from Rocky Balboa.
Let me explain...
II. The Invitation
My lovely bride-to-be asked me to make a homemade invitation to save money on our wedding. (Side note: the invitations business is ripping poor people off left and right.)
I agreed.
Three hours later, after thirty-seven failed experiments, I finally created a masterpiece, Da Vinci-esque. I stood back, admiring my work of art as Columbus must have admired what he thought was India.
But while Columbus did not instantly realize he was very mistaken, my
Georgia Peach quickly guided my eyes to her computer screen where she
was creating a completely different invitation that looked much more
professional.
III. Grief and Denial
I felt betrayed - like Columbus when his crew almost committed mutiny. I looked deep into my soul, tapped my toes toes together and whispered, "there's no place like home." Realizing I was home, I entered the second stage of grief, "bummed-out-ness."
IV. What's Wrong?
Women are so perceptive, at least my Honey Pot is. If I even think about a person who once thought a negative thought, she asks me what's wrong. It's haunting.
So, naturally, when grief over my lost hours of work set in...she asked.
"What's wrong, James?"
"Nothing."
Never say "nothing." It literally never works.
V. Happy Ending
After answering that I was slightly disappointed that about my wasted efforts, my Sugar Plum laughed, and answered that she was just working on a couple things to add to my "already incredible work of art."
It was at that point that I realized the lesson for today wasn't actually about not getting my way. It wasn't even about poor communication. It was simply this (and you can quote me).
"Sometimes you'll see land ahead that looks like India, but it's not India. However, even though it's not India, you can still call the natives Indians, and it will stick."
