Reflection
It was six years ago today, on a Saturday nonetheless, that I went to prom.
To tell you the truth, I don't remember a whole lot about it. When you're in high school, you're told that it's one of the Big Events that you'll always remember. And while I do remember a few things, it's not exactly high in what I consider Big Events. I had to look back at my journal from that time to even recall anything in particular.
I was a junior (my high school had a junior-senior prom -- it's a small town). I had a great dress. The whole day (hot and windy) was spent getting ready, including having my best friend's mom do my hair. A large group of us went to a Mexican restaurant in Sioux Falls whose name I don't remember for dinner, and after that four of us in particular went together in my best friend's dad's very nice truck.
Heh heh heh.
I didn't much care for it. As far as I was concerned, it was another in a string of dances that mostly bored me. The after-prom party was a different story altogether: the school "sponsored" a bash in a neighboring town, complete with pizza, soda, candy, casino games, and those big softplay games -- Sumo wrestling, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, that kind of thing. And, after that, we went to Perkins for breakfast.
My senior year? A few of us skipped prom completely and went to the circus. And I can tell you with all honesty, I had a lot more fun with that one. (Ah, Sonny ...)
Last weekend, when I was at the park, several limousines drove through, full of current prom-goers. It was interesting to watch, now that I'm able to look back and go, "Prom? Oh yeah ..."
Maybe I don't really consider it a Big Event in my life now (somehow college trumps it), but it was a pretty Big Event in my life at the time. And I can attribute a change in attitude to the experience.
I went that year because it was what I was supposed to do. That's just how it worked. I was pretty miserable for most of the night, but it taught me one thing -- you can't do something just because it's what you're "supposed" to do.
Somehow, I'm glad I caught on when I did.
It's almost laughable now, as a "Well, DUH" moment. If I had followed the Great Plan, I would have graduated a year ago, been married for at least 10 months, and would now be living ... who knows where. Alas, the Great Plan fell from possibility long before it had the chance to be truly realized, a fact for which I am eternally grateful. Instead, I find myself single and in Wisconsin, only four months' graduated, and enjoying my new life.
Things are good, eh?
I'd still like questions, if you're willing to put something forward. Anything goes, folks. (Heck, leave multiple questions, if you're curious about anything.)
Have a great weekend!
To tell you the truth, I don't remember a whole lot about it. When you're in high school, you're told that it's one of the Big Events that you'll always remember. And while I do remember a few things, it's not exactly high in what I consider Big Events. I had to look back at my journal from that time to even recall anything in particular.
I was a junior (my high school had a junior-senior prom -- it's a small town). I had a great dress. The whole day (hot and windy) was spent getting ready, including having my best friend's mom do my hair. A large group of us went to a Mexican restaurant in Sioux Falls whose name I don't remember for dinner, and after that four of us in particular went together in my best friend's dad's very nice truck.
Heh heh heh.
I didn't much care for it. As far as I was concerned, it was another in a string of dances that mostly bored me. The after-prom party was a different story altogether: the school "sponsored" a bash in a neighboring town, complete with pizza, soda, candy, casino games, and those big softplay games -- Sumo wrestling, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, that kind of thing. And, after that, we went to Perkins for breakfast.
My senior year? A few of us skipped prom completely and went to the circus. And I can tell you with all honesty, I had a lot more fun with that one. (Ah, Sonny ...)
Last weekend, when I was at the park, several limousines drove through, full of current prom-goers. It was interesting to watch, now that I'm able to look back and go, "Prom? Oh yeah ..."
Maybe I don't really consider it a Big Event in my life now (somehow college trumps it), but it was a pretty Big Event in my life at the time. And I can attribute a change in attitude to the experience.
I went that year because it was what I was supposed to do. That's just how it worked. I was pretty miserable for most of the night, but it taught me one thing -- you can't do something just because it's what you're "supposed" to do.
Somehow, I'm glad I caught on when I did.
It's almost laughable now, as a "Well, DUH" moment. If I had followed the Great Plan, I would have graduated a year ago, been married for at least 10 months, and would now be living ... who knows where. Alas, the Great Plan fell from possibility long before it had the chance to be truly realized, a fact for which I am eternally grateful. Instead, I find myself single and in Wisconsin, only four months' graduated, and enjoying my new life.
Things are good, eh?
I'd still like questions, if you're willing to put something forward. Anything goes, folks. (Heck, leave multiple questions, if you're curious about anything.)
Have a great weekend!
Comments
ok so maybe that's not really a defined question, but as engineers we have so much confidence in our abilities (we have to!!) that I think it bleeds over-not in a good way- into our spiritual life. How do we get rid of that self-assurance? And what happens when we do? Do we lose ourselves, or gain ourselves?
Anyway, some things I've been thinking about. I s'pose I should update my blog to reflect that :)
p.s. I really like your "engineering explained" blog...I think about it often when I'm discouraged.
Are you still considering attending grad school?