Waking up in the "Big Apple"

I have only committed to writing on Mondays. However, to get a jump start on things, I am going to write just this one Tuesday. The good part of the story involves Mondays though so I think it's legit. Two weeks ago (the day after Mother's Day), I woke up thinking, "Grrrrreat.... it's Monday.... (!)" I am very enthusiastic in the mornings... (take note, that's sarcasm). Anyway, I reached over and picked up my phone like I normally do to see who's contacted me when they should have been sleeping. I checked my email and received the most wonderful of surprises! I had signed up for this website called 'bookingbuddy.com' It was supposed to help me find good deals on flights to places that I wanted to go, but usually I got depressing emails that only reminded me that I was not going anywhere anytime soon. I'm glad I did not take my name off that list just yet. As the suject of the email, I read, "Fare Alert! Low fare from Salt Lake City to New York City." HA! I'd probably have to pay $500 and they'd call it 'low fare.' When I opened the email, to delete it of course, something marvelous caught my eye. There it was, "$20 Round Trip to New York City." That bout threw me over the edge! Who on earth would try to get my hopes up like that?! Everyone knows I've wanted to go and visit Kaitlan and see the Big Apple, but this was just cruel. I decided that I'd check out this hoax on Jet Blue's website. Much to my surprise, it was true! No hoax at all!! To make a long story short, I had plane tickets within 15 minutes. Thank you internet. The only catch was that I'd have to leave the very next day. Problem? Nope. I decided that instead of coming back the next day (as was required by the $20), I'd just buy a one-way ticket and stay for a week and then pay regular price to come home. (Dear BookingBuddy, I'm so sorry, please forgive me. I will never doubt you again...)

Spontaneity is always something that I've enjoyed. Sometimes, even 'planned spontaneity' is better than nothing. But I am a firm believer that every once in a while, one must do something that requires you to make a decision in an instant that could change your life. I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but in a way, I feel like I came back from NYC as a different, rejuvenated, and more focused person. So... before I knew it, I was on the red eye out of Salt Lake City. Arriving at JFK was an adventure, especially since I was by myself. I got on the air train, transferred to the subway, got almost to the hotel before I got lost and took a $4 taxi because I was so delirious! I made it on the same day as Kait's showcase. Coincidence? No. She did AMAZING! I'm so impressed with that girl and how much she's grown in the past few years. I was then able to spend a few days with one of my very best friends in a city that I have always found exhilarating. Although I can't put my finger on it, there was something that happened in that week that re-inspired me to try to be great. I came to the realization that I am, indeed, in charge of my own destiny.. For the first time in a long time, I have understood that limits to what I can do and who I can be, don't exist.



The only person that can make me feel trapped in my own little world is me. I've realized that the decision is mine. If I don't like something, I can change it. If it's impossible to change whatever it is, I can change my attitude. I am really grateful for my own little "adventures" that teach me these lessons. They help me put things in perspective and I always learn something new. Who knew someone could find so much purpose in a place where one person is so small?