Just What Are My Options Here?

First off, I just wanna say thanks for taking the time to show up 'cause let's face it, this isn't required reading. Yeah, nothing mandatory to see here.  Nothing close to compulsory.  No ordinances.  No directives.  Hell, I can't even claim it's recommended with a straight face. No, it's just kind of... here.  Fact is, you could've chosen any number of other activities. Activities much more exhilarating than perusing some bi-weekly blog about who knows what.  Hell, right now you could be auditioning for a reality TV show or trying your hand at Jello wrestling.  Or better still, being shot out of a cannon.  

Granted, the fallout in those instances might prove a bit more dire: the utter heartbreak and embarrassment of being physically rejected by "Naked and Afraid", getting a gelatin-based dessert in those hard-to-reach places or, worse, completely missing that all-important safety net.  So yeah, the biggest downfall here is possible eye strain.  Or frustration and disappointment.  Anyway, like I said, I appreciate your time 'cause I know you have other options.

And there it is, today's topic... options.  We all have 'em, some more than others.  And you know what they say, you can't have too many which, on paper, seems totally valid until you find yourself in front of the TV, fast- forwarding through a thousand cable channels, unable to pull the trigger for fear of guessing wrong. And, of course, only after you've opted for that sidesplitting "Everybody Loves Raymond" episode--the one where his parents drive their car through Ray's living room--does it hit you: You could be watching the newest installment of "Housewives of Pick-a-Place, Anyplace" where totally inane, nasty, witless, moronic, completely-devoid-of-reality drivel comes your way non-stop and that, yeah, you done picked the wrong option.

Likewise, option overload can make the scene when you're at a restaurant, espying that daunting ten-page menu, where the myriad of accompanying mouth-watering pictures has your mind in a tailspin as you mentally tick off all the dishes you won't get to eat once you've made your final choice.  That, coupled with the simultaneous revelation that your body is undergoing sympathy meat sweats over the prospects still in the running has you convinced that the restaurant owner is toying with you and that maybe it's time you employ a whole different option--the ol' "fly in the soup trick"--to garner a free meal and show that sadistic proprietor who's who.

Another thing you hear about options is that we're supposed to keep them open.  And from the looks of it, they're talkin' every single one.  Like it's some kind of sacrilege if you close one out.  The thinking behind it is that things constantly change and that today's "Ugly Duckling" of an option might just turn into tomorrow's "Beautiful Swan".  Yeah, and pigs just might fly out of my ass-igned aperture.  Bottom line: Some options need to be put to bed, if not just because they become unwieldy over time and impossible to keep tabs on, but for the simple reason that they just don't cut it. Examples?... Investing in Sears, hanging on to that CB radio in case it makes a comeback.  Likewise, all those bell-bottoms.  Oh, yeah, and still clinging on to the thought that someday you'll become a notary (sorry, was that just me?).

And lest we forget, options are things we're supposed to consider.  Or weigh.  The difference between the two is merely degrees of contemplation.  Considering implies a more general regard, kinda like what song to listen to or what outfit to wear, while weighing is a more deliberate evaluation, often entailing a list of pros and cons, as in figuring out whether or not to get married or jump off a cliff (and, no, I'm not equating those two choices).  And, I suppose they can overlap as in what songs should be played at your wedding or what to wear when cliff-diving (something rugged, I'm thinking).

So, yeah, options mean choices and while you really can have too many, you certainly don't want to get caught short.  Finding that happy medium by keeping an eye open for new ones as you deftly rid yourself of those that'll never reach fruition seems to be the smart direction to go.  And, along the way, taking pains to differentiate between considering and weighing your choices will, hopefully, help enable you to make the best decision.  Easier said than done?... sure.  But, really, what other option do you have?