Embrace the Unexpected

Last week, an unexpected invitation showed up in my inbox: "Hey Ashley, do you want to watch the Krewe of Thoth Mardi Gras parade from my house in New Orleans?"

It was from an ukulele acquaintance who I'd never met in person and had only exchanged a few messages with before.

My initial instinct was worried, "Hmm...that's a long time to spend at a aquaintance's place. What if it's awkward? Or what if I don't feel good?" [I've learned that being pregnant can throw you all kinds of morning sickness curveballs...]

But the optimist in me disagreed, "This is exactly what your sister wants to do when she flies in (go to a NOLA parade), and finding easy restroom access is one of the main reasons you're leery about doing that. Watching the parade from the comfort of someone's house could meet both of those requests."

A flashback popped in my head to my younger, more adventurous self living abroad. Back then I wouldn't have hesitated to say, "Count me in!" [When you're living daily outside your comfort zone in a foreign country and 2nd language, saying "yes" to new things becomes second nature.]

"And getting to view a major Mardi Gras parade from the convenience of a house would be a new experience that might not come along again..."

I decided to take a chance and said, "Let's do it!"

My mom, sister and I ended up having a great time (lovely company, no packed crowds fighting for beads, bathroom access, AND lots of king cake to munch on throughout the afternoon).

We're now officially spoiled for all future parades!

I invite you to "embrace the unexpected" this month, too, and see what cool things you get to do/see/experience!

With gratitude,
​
Ashley