Continuation of the Wallet Lessons ....

Many of you know that my wallet was stolen about 2 weeks ago, and that I learned a number of life lessons from reflection upon the experience.  Those lessons have definitely continued!  Through the process of canceling and reordering or replacing all the elements of my life contained in that wallet, I have discovered the following ....

1. There are so many people out there who are wonderful and helpful and willing to empathize. At the grocery store when ID is needed to validate a purchase, but all you have is an expired one because your new one hasn't shown up yet after reordering, or bank customer service spending extra time making sure that the system recognizes your new joint account card, even though you have yet to receive your new passcode, or going to the pharmacy to refill a prescription and the pharmacy tech simply pulls your past information so that you don't have to worry about the insurance cards you haven't received replacement on yet .... restoration of faith in strangers.
2. I am with someone who completely supports, assists, and goes above and beyond even though it may disrupt his life.  The fact that we had to pre-plan so that he got cash out for me so that I could grocery shop or even just basic function for the week and he automatically did without thought, the fact that when my new debit card came in from the bank and wouldn't work correctly he left work to come meet me so that I wasn't stuck at the grocery store and unable to make rehearsal on time, which was his immediate reaction.  No repercussions, no issues, no annoyed sighs or exasperated glances.  Just automatic done.  He's a keeper on so many levels.
3. There are bigger problems in the world out there than searching for the downtrodden jerk who created this issue in the first place.  I watch the news and see people that have been shot, or fires that have been set, or children that have suffered abuse at the hands of those they trusted, or horrible occurrences happening throughout the world ... my issue, while sometimes all-encompassing and definitely stress-making in my life, is far less important in the grand scheme of things than any of these other things.  I have a police report, and, while everything was being reported, I had the total concentration of some really wonderful officers of the law who embodied everything that one would hope for during a time such as that.  Hopefully the person will be caught, but I would fully expect and rather that they focus on the larger problems of the world than my, by comparison, important to me but less important in the big picture issue.

There you are.  Just had to get that out.  Happy Monday to everyone!

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

It's the holiday season (the holiday season) ..

Winter Solstice, Festival of Lights, Christmas, Hannaukah, Kwaanza .... there really is no picture perfect name stamp to put on this time of year. Doesn't matter where in the world you are, there are festive lights & holiday gatherings .... gift giving and creation of at least one 24 hours worth of peace with those that one would not normally. So why is it that so many people find this time of year to be sad, lonely & frustrating? Maybe it's the media influence that projects images of loving couples and perfect families with Walgreen perfect lives, homes and standards of living. Maybe it's the preconceived notion that we all should be happier when we see the pretty decorative lights and hear the holiday songs. Somehow, the images, the lights, the songs, the preconceived notions ... they (for some) tend to backfire. Instead of thinking "Wow! That diamond bracelet would be a stellar idea for my sweetie!", the thought of "Damn! Here comes another holiday where, when that special hour occurs, I will yet again be alone.", or under the current economy, "That was a fantastic idea last year, but now I wonder if I had saved that money would I be able to purchase gifts for my children?" Personally, I was lucky enough to be heading the "Angel Tree" front at my office this year. Please understand, the office I work in is quite small, but between the 10 of us we were able to support 2 of the "Angels" from the tree and purchase almost everything on their lists for only $10 apeice. Somehow, shopping for simple things that most of us take for granted, plus a couple of things that just bring stars to kids' eyes, brought about more holiday spirit than any ornament, any song, any light showcase, or preconceived notion could ever evoke. So to all the people out there that may be in dire straits, to all those who are pining for a lost love or loved one, to all those who have simply lost the Spirit of the Holiday, I say to you, go give of yourself without reason or accord or thought for repayment. Go give of yourself with total abandonment in whatever realm suits you. It is there that you will find the true meaning and happiness of the season.