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What Didn't Happen

Although many things have happened over the past few weeks, this post will discuss those things that did not. It is in a spirit of gratitude, then (except for number seven below), that I relate those things that did not happen.

1. I did not lose a relative.
In short, I could have lost a relative, but I did not. Thankfully, this person is recovering quite well.

2. I did not grade essays.
I believe this is the first Christmas break that I have not graded essays.

3. My wallet was not stolen.
Perhaps men should not wear pajama pants outside of their homes. Perhaps jeans or clacks are more appropriate. Nonetheless, I did leave in my pajama pants to return a movie. The problem was that the pockets on these pajamas are shallow, so that any items in them are susceptible to fall out. This is exactly what happened. As I turned to get back to my car, my wallet fell out of my pocket just in front of the movie kiosk, a well lit area peopled at the time by two other individuals. I only realized that it was missing when I got out of my car back at home. Returning quickly, I received a phone call from a store employee saying that had I dropped my wallet and that the store was holding it for me. Before I dropped it, I had made eye contact with the person whom I believe picked it up. Happily, and I will say providentially, this person decided to turn it into the store rather than take it. All things inside the wallet were where I left them. The only paper representation of money inside was a check with my phone number on it, which is how the employee was able to call. In front of many customers, and still in my pajama pants, I shook hands gratefully with the employee who returned my wallet.

4. My friends did not disown me.
One of my best friends asked me to watch his boy while he took his wife to the hospital to give birth. I listened dutifully as they instructed me on how to care for him while they were away. Not only did I not harm him, but I even think he had fun! Besides not being disowned, I also did not adequately discover what it means to be a father.

5. I did not buy a Playstation 3.
I wanted to buy a Playstation 3. I did not buy a Playstation 3. In the end, I think I am glad.

6. I did not stay awake.
I have had trouble staying asleep of late. Having still woken in the wee hours, I have been able to return to sleep, even blissfully.

7. I have not won a game of chess.
I have returned to the game of chess recently, and have tried, but failed, to win a single game so far.

8. I have not died.
I have been purposely lazy over the past several days. To take just one example, I have nearly ignored a to-do list that I created for myself just over a week ago, the purpose of which was to challenge myself. Alas, I have accomplished only a few of the items on this list, and two of those were on accident. Admittedly, the items do say something about me, which leaves me open to judgment. That's okay. Here is the list.
*Hold up a sign in public.
*Ask a stranger a question about himself or herself.
*State your opinion clearly and boldly.
*Play basketball with good athletes.
*In public, wear one bright color for your shirt and pants; or wear something you do not normally wear.
*Watch a movie you would not normally watch, or read a book you would not normally read. Alternately, go to a movie in the theater alone.
*Act on something that you know is true, but refuse to admit.
*Buy something for yourself.
*Smile at a girl.

There is still time to accomplish the others.

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