Have you heard the saying, “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and take what ever comes”? I remember first hearing it in college and thinking that it was a clever little bit of wisdom. Do I follow that little piece of advice? No, I sure don’t. I have a tendency to hope for the best and then get disappointed when it doesn’t happen.<\/p>\n
For instance, this morning I decided to clean out my bookshelf and take the books I no longer wanted to a used bookstore and sell them. I was so proud of myself. What a great idea I had come up with. I loaded up my books, drove to the store, walked in, and dropped my box o’ books on the buying counter. The clerk told me to just walk around the store and they would call me when they had an offer for me.<\/p>\n
I walked around that lovely store and began to think of all the cash I would soon have in my greedy little paw. Oh the things I would do with it! While I walked around I picked up a few books that I felt I couldn’t live with out (the main purpose for having me walk around the store I’m sure) until finally my name was called. Joyfully I walked up to the counter. I knew this was going to be good. The clerk looked at me and said, “Our offer for your books is $14.25. Will you take it?” <\/p>\n
I was taken aback. “Uh…sure,” I replied. It was not what I expected. What was I going to do, pack my big boxful of books up and go home? I grabbed my receipt, put most of the books I was going to purchase back on the shelf, and went to the cashier for my money.<\/p>\n
I know some of you are thinking that it was silly of me to think I would get decent money for those books and I know you’re right. But it was a BIG box of books and most of them were fairly new. I took my money home (I made them dispose of the box for me) and decided that next time I would sell my books on ebay.<\/p>\n
Later on I received a much anticipated package in the mail. I had ordered some jewelry off the internet. It was on clearance (non-returnable) and a terrific deal. I couldn’t wait to get it. Well, it came today and it was the cheapest, cheesiest stuff you have ever seen. I was seriously bummed. I guess I should’ve remembered the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it usually is”.<\/p>\n
Another thing I’ve been dealing with recently is adult family members not behaving like the grown ups they are. I won’t go into any details since some of them might be reading this (Hi!) but just let me say that when faced with a stressful family situation some of the adults involved have given a less than stellar performance.<\/p>\n
So, if you couldn’t tell I’m a little blue today. I’m wondering if it’s better to live as an optimist and at times be disappointed with what life brings you, which I would say is my current method of operation, or live as a pessimist who is at times pleasantly surprised. What do you think?<\/p>\n
Hey, didn’t I see a commercial for large-sized M&Ms or was that the wishful thinking of an optimist too? I wonder where I can get some.
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