The Most Spontaneous Thing I’ve Ever Done in My Life

Every waking moment of existence I make a choice. I select the choices based upon a myriad of factors, seen and unseen. As a result of each choice, more choices become available. However, the results of previous choices sometimes limit future decisions. Every once in a while I make a choice outside of the spectrum of normal choices.

For example, each day I choose to get up and work. Except three weeks ago today, I decided that instead of doing my normal job and living my normal life in Vancouver, WA, that I would forsake all routine and all civilization and all relationships to go to Montana and live in a cabin. Why did I choose to do this? Based upon the decisions that I had made in my life up to that crucial point, I had never before made such a rash, unpremeditated move.

Here, in list form, I present the rationale:

1. My aunt offered to take me along on the trip right I was getting ready for work on Monday morning. It seemed appealing over work.
   
2. I like to take trips.
   
3. It had been a long time since I've had an extended vacation.
   
4. This is the silliest thing of all, if you think about it. I wanted to show other people that I would do this sorta thing. I mean, that I was capable of making a spur-of-the-moment decision of this magnitude. First of all, I'm sure no one even pays that close attention to me and what I'm doing. Second, what kinda reason is that?
   

My personality has been pigeon-holed by others and I believed in the stereotype they created. But now I showed them that they are wrong, so there!

Here's another list, this time replete with the activities I partook of in Montana:

1. I cut down firewood.
   
2. I read several books.
   
3. I wrote.
   
4. I slept. A lot.
   
5. I went to General Conference.
   
6. I went on a hike up to a waterfall.
   
7. I saw a bear.
   
8. I made apple juice.
   
9. I got set up with a girl.
   
10. I played ping pong.
    
11. I grew a beard.
    
12. I stacked firewood.
    
13. I thought of coming back home.
    

It was a good, spontaneous trip. But I'm glad to be back in my unspontaneous life.