Joyful Transformation

Most things fall into the realm of perspective, don’t they? Joe has an abundance of rain out in the Seattle area, for us it is but a vague memory. Elizabeth has nightmares that center around water. I find it very relaxing, peaceful even. JettyBetty loves to fly and anything to do with airplanes. My recurring nightmares have to do with plane crashes. I am never on the plane I just see it screaming from the sky and exploding into a ball of fire in front of me. There was a Crossing Jordan episode last season that seemed to have caught my dream on video. I was visibly shaken when they showed that plane crashing….a little déjà vu.
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I had a great time last night. In profession I work for a mortgage broker. The lenders we sell loans to, like to wine and dine us and whatever else they can think of where we will send more loans to them. Last night was an open house sponsored by one of these lenders. There theme this year was Las Vegas Night. When we came in the door they gave us $2,000 in play money and had gaming tables set up for us to play. I was very reluctant to play anything when we first arrived, that coupled with the fact I was starving sent me to the food spread first. After I had eaten I decided to go “watch” a little while. My boss and our rep from this company were playing Texas Hold ‘em. Well, I figured this game out pretty quickly, but still didn’t think I wanted to play. One of the girls from the office was playing Roulette. As I mentally placed my markers on certain numbers, I watched my money (play money) disappear. I didn’t really think this game was for me either. Well then I went to the Crap table. This game is so far from self explanatory that it is not even funny. I didn’t have a clue what was going on. However, just like wearing pants to church, once I tried it I kind of liked it. I got some chips and started playing the “field”. Well, I did realize that control freak in my personality would have to learn the rules of this game, because I couldn’t truly enjoy it without knowing all of the rules. But it was fun to watch and try to figure out. I ended up way ahead before I started trying to lose where I could go home. I guess I could see where this might get addicting.

Over all it was much more enjoyable that the run of the mill social outing. Giving people something to do rather than sit around and make small talk really added to the enjoyment. I was going to just report a great evening without making any kind of application, but it will haunt me if I don’t, so here it is……People who come into our assemblies often don’t know the “rules”. They will not feel comfortable until they know what is going on. In addition when we give people something to “do” they will get involved and enjoy getting to know others. When we expect each other just to reach out and “bond” on the way in and out the door on Sunday morning we are only kidding ourselves.

Have a great weekend everyone! I am going to look up the rules to Craps!