Boston Blizzard

After 6 weeks at the Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, we’re finally home!!! Evan is doing so well and we are beyond excited about our new life. I cannot say enough good things about RMH and Children’s. They have saved our lives.  As soon as things calm down, I’ll post an update in the Evan section explaining more about the last couple of months.

While Evan was having his homecoming, I was stuck in a blizzard! I was born in New Jersey and lived in Connecticut until I was nine, but I haven’t been in a full-blown snow storm in over 20 years. I had been consulting with a company in Boston and got stranded. Luckily, I got to stay with my in-laws and had a great time.

I ventured outside with my sister and brother-in-law to shovel the driveway and sidewalk which were covered in over 2 feet of snow. At first, I was so excited to be frolicking in the snow. Then, the shoveling began. Within 5 minutes, my back and arms were burning, and by the time we finished an hour later, I felt like I’d been hit by a Mac truck!

A lot goes through your mind when you’re shoveling snow, out of breath, and desperately trying to stop your nose from running in 20 degree weather! For those who remember “Deep Thoughts” with Stuart Smalley on Saturday Night Live, I had my own Deep Thoughts and thought I would share:

1. We are stronger than we think, mentally, physically and emotionally. We have no idea what we’re capable of accomplishing until we’re forced to do so. We are capable of tremendous strength.  It’s a shame we usually have to wait to find that out the hard way.

2. We find what we are looking for. The only difference between people who are happy and those that aren’t, is that people who are happy have habituated that behavior. They look for things to be happy about, and it’s no surprise they find them. People who are unhappy and negative look for the down side in situations, and they find them as well.

3. Everything is perception. When you look at this picture, do you see an old woman or a young woman? Either way, you’re right. We spend so much time trying to convince people we’re right.  Life is a matter of perception. If you’re focused on only yours, you’re missing half the picture.

4. We determine our results. If we are not happy with the results we are getting (in our marriage, job, life, etc.), we really only have 2 choices: 1. We can change the way we’re thinking and behaving to get different results, or 2. We can settle for the results we’re getting based on the way we’re thinking and behaving. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work any other way.

5. As soon as you shovel, more snow falls. Shovel anyway. I was amazed at how fast the snow was falling, and how quickly the ground we had just shoveled was covered again. Such is life. You just have to keep shoveling.

As I write this, I’m stuck in a Michigan airport on my way back to Austin. It’s interesting to watch people get so frustrated and upset that their flight is delayed. I feel for the employees who are taking the brunt of the frustration. I’m just going to sit back, watch the snow fall, and get home as soon as I can. I’m sure there will be things to shovel there too.