Choices, like yours and mine, often make sense at the moment of decision, but too often impulsive decisions come with unexpected consequences. This is part-6 of the “10 for 25” series on important lessons I’ve learned at TreeHouse.

The Moment Of Decision

I love softball. Several years ago while playing in a softball tournament I was faced with a decision that has affected thousands of people since.

Let me explain.

I love my job. I love being employed. I hope that you have satisfying and meaningful work. This is not an essay for simplicity nor against having a job. This is a tribute to a friend giving up a great job for a great woman.

Awww if you want, it’s true.

It’s a risk.

It’s a sacrifice.

No job is “perfect”; hence without problems.
No relationship is “perfect” nor problem-free.

But, if you have the chance to build a lifelong love with someone while working a mundane job OR work a great job to return home lonely or to a contentious home, which would you choose?

June 13, 1987, that’s our wedding day.

My wife and I have a monthly tradition to celebrate all “13th” of the month.

Like most couples we celebrate our anniversary each year.

Today we’re adding another tradition I hope happens again.

We’re now celebrating every 10,000 days too. =)

Today is our 10k-wedding-day anniversary!

10K ?

When I was a kid I hated math homework, but, over the years I’ve learned that I love math. Now, my favorite part of following sports is the analytics. 1

We have a small bucket outside our garage door. When we don’t want to walk to the back corner of our backyard to the compost pile we toss compostable kitchen scraps into the bucket.

Yesterday as I threw some scraps into the bucket dozens of flies instantly and unexpectedly flew out of the bucket.

Flies

Al Andrews wrote a humble and insightful post entitled, What To Say When Everything Is Not “Fine”.

It made me think of our bucket of flies.

Yesterday was our 326-month wedding anniversary.
It’s also just a start.

Asking someone out is a start.
Dating is a shared-journey.
A wedding is a transitional celebration.
A marriage is an interdependent challenge.

Interdependence

I’m naturally introverted.
Therefore, community doesn’t come naturally.
Romance wasn’t in my born-with skill sets.
Interdependence seemed like weakness.

On the other hand, I wanted a long and happy marriage.

Interdependent Marriage

Today I’ll be visiting with some special friends. One of the subjects we well undoubtedly discuss is love: Family love. Parental love. Dating love. Romantic love. Marital love. The love for the arts, and love for the artists who create it.

I’m sure we will talk about love.

Tomorrow, my wife, Amy and I will celebrate our 326th month wedding anniversary. We’ll talk about our love.

After all this time you think maybe love would be a breeze, but no.

Selfishness creeps into my heart and mind so easily.

NOTE: Today’s #mysilentscream is about S_X. If your computer or network has filters that safeguard you and flag mail or websites about S_X you’ll have to get your #mysilentscream  elsewhere. =)

Today’s chalkboard: I will not carve gods.

When I was in elementary school I, like most kids, loved field trips. I loved them all, but one of my favorites was to the Field Museum in Chicago.

I loved the giant dinosaur skeleton!

Sex on the Second Level

I’m sitting in my car on a beautiful morning. No, I’m not writing and driving.

The sun is bright. The sky is cloud-free. The temperature is perfect. The breeze is a pleasant cool whisper.

I’m listening to music and thinking.

I’m thinking about what it’s like to be awarded and rewarded; the joy of being chosen.

Chosen on Merit

I’m thinking about what it must have been like to be among the minimized and marginalized and then surprise! You’re chosen and prized.

Last week our friend Bill was chosen. He was recognized. He was rewarded and awarded.

In this the final slice in a series of posts reflecting on the songs of Bruno Mars we’re examining the virtues of his perspective in his song “Just the Way You Are.”

If you need to catch up a bit:
1. Bruno, What’s On Your Mind?
2. Ruins and Regrets
3. 5 Suggestions 4 Living With A Broken Heart
4. Bonding In The Backseat, Breakup In The Bedroom

Just the Way You Are

On Just The Way You Are Bruno Mars wants the object of his affection to know that he thinks she’s beautiful. I don’t think I’ve met a woman who didn’t want to be thought of as beautiful by her loved ones.

These last few days we’ve been looking at some Bruno Mars songs and lyrics since he was featured on the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Marriage

Today is Amy and my 320-month wedding anniversary. Yes, I still count months because I treasure our marriage.  MySilentScream is here Inspiring Great Relationships Every Day and I hope to inspire you to treasure marriage, whether it’s yours or not.

In “Marry You” Bruno sings,

Cause it’s a beautiful night,
We’re looking for something dumb to do.
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.