Greenpeace

Last night, I went with new friends out to a place that I had never been. When I went t work that evening, I knew it was going to be a normal, uneventful night. Work 5-9, call some people, raise some money for Iowa State, go home, finally get some rest. But as the work night was winding down and I was preparing myself for a quiet evening at home, something happened that I hadn't expected. A girl from work that I have gotten along with from the start, asked if I wanted to go hang out at the beach and have a fire. No joke, it took me by surprise. I've only worked at my job for a month, I've just met her and all of a sudden, she wants to be my friend. "Do you want to go out to Peterson Pits with me?" she said. I wouldn't have that bravery. It's tough to do something where you could get rejected. It's intimidating to meet new people and be judged and wonder if you'll have a good time. Friendship is a difficult thing and she dove in head first. I was so happy to hang out with someone new and that fearless. We got out to this beach where I had never been, and went into the woods to collect kindling. No kindling to be found, but we found so many fallen trees, we probably hauled 70 lbs worth of wood back to the beach. I was hot and dripping sweat, but we built our fire from scratch. Just a lighter between us, and a little newspaper, and we managed a magnificent fire. Once our other friends got there, we had a nice party going. Everyone complimented the two of us for building the fire and doing a better job then they could have. So us ladies and our guy friends all sat around talking, about life and love and why we are here. The night was such a success in my book. I felt so good to be among me peers, exploring these new friends and this new place, and feeling good that I had the chance to be in this place and time. It was amazing. On the ride home, I kept thinking how lucky I am to be here and to be alive. I am so fortunate to be able to have those experiences, and make the most of each night and day. I guess my point is that you can never expect everything to go as you plan. Most of the time, plans only serve to keep us from going crazy and losing our way. But plans almost always change. And sometimes they turn into something wonderful and unexpected and better then you could have imagined. Make your plans, have your goals, but be prepared and appreciative when everything falls apart. So I didn't go home last night and sit around and finish my essay for class, so I didn't get as much sleep as I needed. That was the plan. And what happened instead? I had the night of my life. I made connections with an amazing group of individuals. Prepare for your life, and take surprises in stride. You could never imagine the things that will happen to you to change your plans. And thank god that life is that exciting.