As I sit here working on some client projects – I am watching and listening to NASA TV on my iPhone. This is the first time I have waited for a shuttle landing EVER. Well – maybe I did pay attention the 1st time a shuttle landed after the Challenger accident, but otherwise – I couldn’t be bothered. I regret that now as I just heard them say “this will be Discovery’s final orbit in space”. 
I even thought about e-mailing my friend in Orlando to ask her to call me before the landing so I can hear the big sonic boom as it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere, but thought she might wonder if I’d lost my mind, so I gave up on that idea. So what’s behind this sudden fascination with the shuttle? The program is coming to a halt as I previously wrote in my blog post: The lift off was out of this world. And I’m not ready to let it go.
That’s the way life is. We want what we can’t have.
It’s not just space programs coming to a halt. There are other scenarios I can think of where this phenomenon occurs. Have you ever known someone who complained about an evil relative or spouse who they just couldn’t “take any longer”? Then when said relative or spouse passes away – the “evil” one has been elevated to saint status. How about when your brother loses the job he complained about every time you spoke to him for 10 years? Instead of getting out the party hats and horn blowers to celebrate – he displays signs of depression and questions his value as a contributor to the workforce. It may have been a lousy job – but it was HIS job. I get it, trust me.
Plan for tomorrow – but live for today.
One of the advantages to getting more mature in years is the understanding that you can’t always get what you want (as the Rolling Stones put it). You also begin to understand that you better appreciate what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t – especially if it’s out of your control.
In closing, I’m happy to report that Discovery landed safely and right on target, and I watched it on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-hd-tv with thousands of people from around the world. If you go to the site, you might even see a replay of it. And that friend I was going to call in Orlando? She popped up on Facebook IM and asked me if I wanted her to go outside with her cell so I can hear the boom. Friends who can read your mind from nearly 200 miles away? That’s what really matters.
Hello! My name is Deborah Herman - thanks for taking the time to stop by. In my professional life, I am “Your Recruitment Business Partner” at DH Talent Strategies, LLC and an outplacement consultant for Challenger, Gray & Christmas. I love to volunteer and currently serve as Webmaster for HR Florida State Council. Get to know me better and you'll find a fun-loving broadway wanna-be who is a Jethro Tull aficionado and a proud #NASATweetup/social alumni.
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Hi Deborah
Great post – and so true! It’s the real dichotomoy of human nature that we want what we can’t have….and then when we get what we want, it doesn’t feel anywhere near as good as we thought it might! When speaking to colleagues who are desperate for a payrise or promotion, I try to caution them that all of these things tend to come at a bit of a price, and that all of these things have advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks for the reminder to be thankful for the things that really matter – family, friends, those that we love, our health and happiness. Great post!
Alison
So true Alison, “be careful what you wish for” right? I am honored that you took the time to read and comment. THANK YOU !!
Hi Deb,
You are so right. I’ve lived in Central Florida for over 20 years and have never bothered to take the drive down the 528 to see the shuttle take off. I am lucky enough to see it in the distance – a red glow in the sky. I too was one of over 800,000 people watching..and listening for the boom. I’m sure quite a few of us nostalgic over the flight. Thanks for the great post. You do a great job keeping things in perspective – in the most optimistic way.
Thanks Mary! I plan on driving up to attempt to see the April launch. I already entered the raffle to try and buy tickets to see it up close. Trying to think postive that it won’t get scrubbed or the date moved up too far ahead!!
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