The Domino Effect

The other day, it came to my attention how many people my decision to embark on this "Big Adventure" had directly affected. My actions have caused a domino effect and it struck me how my decisions could affect so many people.

First of all, my brother was forced to find another place to live, and once he had done so, that impacted his new roommates and their children. Secondly, my new roommates that have so graciously allowed me to stay with them in order to save the money necessary to make the adventure a success, now have a third person and two additional canines in their home.

Next, my sister and her family were all but forced into moving back into the home that I had rented from them. This is probably the domino I dislike the most. They had been living in a much larger house and are now faced with the need to downsize almost in almost every aspect to fit comfortably into the cozy confines of this other home. They don't seem too begrudged by this, and to accept that it is just part of how life unfolds, but I feel as though I've caused them a lot of problems through the process.

As a direct effect of them moving out of the other home, which they have been renting from her in-laws, the vacancy threatened to cause those homeowners financial grief if a way to pay for the mortgage wasn't come by. That leads to the next domino. My sister's brother- and sister-in-law have decided to fill the vacancy and belay any problems for their family.

Another line of dominoes head toward my work life. When I leave, there will be a management position to fill. Whether or not this means a promotion for someone or a redistribution of responsibilities for the other managers, it will effect most of those I work with, in how ever a small way.

To some, this might seem obvious and "just how life works" but I have never been in a position or made a decision that directly and indirectly affected so many people. And this isn't even to mention all of my friends and extended family that will be affected as well.

I suppose what I'm really getting at is this: Whenever you make a decision, consider how it is going to effect people in your life. This isn't necessarily to avoid affecting them, but to just be aware of how you can cause major or significant changes in peoples lives. It may surprise you how much influence your decisions have! But also keep in mind that the influence you have is also dependent on other people's choices as well. Their decisions effect how yours affect them.
Complicated enough?

Apologies

It has been a while since I was last able to post and for that all I can do is apologize. Sometimes life just gets in the way and certain things get pushed aside. Sadly, this blog was one of those things.

As for the last of my report regarding my reconnaissance mission to New Orleans, I will touch on a few events that stand out in my mind. At the end of my last post, we were on Bourbon Street for a night out. To keep this short, I will just say that everyone should have this experience at least once in their life. There is simply nothing else like it.

The next couple days were more laid back and dedicated to recuperating from our day and night of walking constantly.

On Monday evening, we were invited to the Greco's neighbor's for dinner. Also on the agenda was watching the latest episode of True Blood. While we were there, I had a small realization while conversing with the neighbor. She aked how old I am and what my plans for the future were. She also asked about my plans for employment after relocating. The latter two are questions I have asked myself and still have no answer for. She suggested that since I was so young(something I feel far from) I had about 5 more years to really find out what it was I wanted to do with my life, but after I turn 30 I should have a definite direction and be working towards a specific goal. Her thoughts struck me and rang true for me. I have always had a hard time deciding what exactly I want to do and I have been stymied by the limited options and opportunities in this small Utah town I call home. I hope that this Big Adventure is what I need to get me moving in the right direction, or at least help me figure out what the right direction might be.

Unfortunately , my time in Louisiana came to an end and I begrudgingly returned my rental car and road the shuttle to the airport. While I was standing in line to check in for my flight, I noticed a rather good looking young man about my age further up the line. I couldn't help but stare for quite some time, mostly because there was nothing else to look at and the wait was on the boring side. After he checked in I put him out of my mind, not even considering the idea that he could be on my flight. Well, I was wrong to do so. It turns out that he was actually seated next to me on the plane! What luck! He was quite nice and we chatted for a bit about where we were going and such. Too bad for me, he was straight and even if he hadn't been, he was way out of my league. As usual, however, my luck didn't last. He moved to an empty row so we could have a more comfortable flight.