The Best Piece of Advice I've Received, and Why "Life Ain't Fair"

My sophomore year in high school, I was given the single best piece of advice that I've ever received.  I had just gotten my midterm grades and was surprised by a lower-than-expected grade (apparently not participating in class can knock you, if your teacher's a douchebag with little man syndrome).  One of the school administrators, and a good friend of my mom's, talked to me about it and said that, while it sucked, it was how the world works.  "Know the code," he said, because "you don't always get to make the rules."  Brilliant!  Thank you John Traynor!  I've used that advice as I've gone through life, and I've kept it in mind as I've dealt with challenging situations in the grown-up world of office politics.  It echoed something my dad has always said, "life ain't fair."

Anyway, why do I mention that?  Well,this week I ran in to a "life ain't fair" situation.  For the first time in well over a year, I had plans to go out with friends on a work-night.  Startling, I know. =)  My husband was going to be home in time to stay with the sleeping Peanut, and I was going to meet the girls at the Garland (which I've shockingly never been to) to see Bridesmaids.  Well, it didn't happen.

It wasn't my husband's fault.  I totally can't even blame him.  It was the fault of this horrible, horrible witch of a woman who's one of his superiors.  She moved his last meeting of the day to 5:30, and he didn't even end up getting home until 9:40.  The movie started at 9.

I get it.  She's a superior.  We have to know the code and play by her rules.  But still!  B1%$# stole my movie night!! It just makes me mad!!

OK, I'm finished venting.

Because I'm thinking about Mr. Traynor's advice and my dad's favorite slogan, here is a jazzy tune, one of dad's favorites, to lighten my mood.  Simon & Garfunkel's "Late in the Evening" from the Concert in Central Park.  I've actually been thinking about this song for a while now, ever since my brother was in town and we all had dinner at mom and dad's house.  We introduced my husband to our family ritual of "music therapy"--playing Simon & Garfunkel cds fairly loudly and spending time together as a family.  Thanks mom & dad!