It's True When They Say---It's ALL In Your Attitude

It's True When They Say---It's ALL In Your Attitude

When an invite came from some dear friends to spend the Labor Day weekend with them at their Ocean City condo I jumped at the chance. The week leading up to the weekend had been quite hectic so a few days away for some fun in the sun was just what the Doctor ordered. 

But alas an appointment came up that delayed my journey. By late Saturday afternoon I was finally on my way, my blackberry buzzing non stop on my hip. Oh no. This can not be! I had to leave my computer behind as there is no Internet service at this condo. Oh well, I will just have to make do with corresponding via my blackberry. Everything will be ok. Breathe, just breathe I kept saying to myself. 

Once I arrived I found that Sunday's plan was to take a boat ride out on the bay side of Ocean City with my friends and a few of their condo buddies. A total of 3 men and 4 ladies. Oh how perfect is that I thought to myself. I have always loved when we have gone for these boat rides in the past.

Sunday we awoke to a beautiful blue sky, perfect tempatures and no humidity. By late morning we all excitedly gathered at the dock and were soon settled on the boat and into the beauty of the day. Chatting and laughing as we cruised along we never heard the change in the engine until suddenly there was silence. The motor had stopped. Oh no I heard someone say. No problem said another. I am sure we will be back up and running in no time. 30 minutes passed and the motor still would not start. As each pondered what the problem was and how to fix it another 30 minutes passed. Alas we had no choice but to call for a tow. Once off the phone I heard someone say it would be at least an hour before he could get to us. Suddenly the earlier chatter and laughter became as silent as the non running motor.

I could feel a wave of concern come over me. That means at least another two hours before we hit shore. That is not good. At that moment I realized I was going to have a challenge waiting to get back to shore. You see, this boat did not have a head and I knew I was going to need one long before the hour was up much less two. What is a girl to do? Another 20 minutes passed and then jokingly I made my need known.

Jump in the water was the chorus of replies. No problem I said IF I was wearing a bathing suit but I am not. Suddenly the silence of a few minutes earlier turned back to chatter and laughter as the water jokes started. Then all of a sudden a ladder appeared and was flipped over the side of the boat. Its there when you are ready I heard as the laughter continued. Before long I found myself staring at that ladder thinking... how am I going to do this? I am not in a swimsuit and going over the side of the boat in my shorts just did not sit well with me. As my legs crossed tighter and tighter I finally got up and headed for the ladder.

Everyone was staring at me as I put one foot over and then another. Breathe, just breathe I heard myself saying. Suddenly I stopped. I am not doing this, at least not this way. As I came back onto the boat I looked at everyone on board and said... I can not do this wearing my shorts so all you men turn your heads and look the other way. And DO IT NOW!! With two of the ladies keeping eyes on the men I quickly stepped out of my shorts and down the ladder. Ahhhh, relief at last!

As I came back on board I was handed a towel by one of the now hysterically laughing women. As I wrapped it tightly around me I took my place once again on the boat. Breathe Martha breathe I said once again as I sat there listening to the laughter.

Finally, the tow boat arrived and we were on our way back to shore. Amazing I thought, as the breeze once again blew across my face. With the help of one of the ladies on board I quietly slipped my shorts back on.  

I guess this day could have been much worse if my attitude had been different. I could have chosen to be upset over having been in such a predicament, of the boat breaking down and ruining a perfectly beautiful day. I could have copped an attitude over being the brunt of the jokes going around. I could have hid in total embarrassment and gone home. I could have....

But I didn't. Instead I laughed with the others as they told 'my' story and because I chose that attitude I had a great rest of the day.

It's True When They Say--- It's ALL In Your Attitude

Yes it is so very true. We each have a choice each and every day and each and every moment in regards to our attitude. So many things in life, in work, in play can turn something that started out wonderful to being something just the opposite, or vice verse, IF we allow a wrong attitude to come into play.

Yep, I checked my attitude this day all right. Though it might have been a little unorthodox (ok, a lot) it sure was the right attitude to make this Labor Day boat trip a great day.

Now breathe Martha, breathe.