The Calling Card of the American Family: Options

Going to school, starting school, finishing school, all things school has been circling around our family like confetti thrown in the air the past couple of weeks.  Some of J's friends are starting school for the first time, Mr. Butler (as of last weekend) is FINISHED with his MBA, I am taking a class at the community college after a several year break, and I'm constantly working on homeschool plans for the kids.  And in the throws of all this, I am struck with gratitude.  Gratitude, for sure, that I don't have to send my kids to school if we decide it's not best for our family.   But the gratitude quickly grows with awareness.

Goofy fun at my brother's graduation last year.

Our age, specifically here in America, but not limited to it, will be known for our seemingly unlimited options.  Yes, homeschool, private or public, but I can work a number of different jobs.  I can learn a new trade.  I can save up money and share with others.  Health care options are ever expanding.  The abilities of my cell phone are insanely expanding.  Travel options are many.  What's for dinner? Instead of whatever survived the drought or didn't get eaten by the wolves, I can drive a few minutes to a story (one of 10 options) and pick out what I want.  Perhaps the health content suffers sometimes with that option, but still - talk about OPTIONS!  Whatever type of life I want to live, I can find an area that is suitable and can support it.  Sporty, agriculture, fast-paced, quiet, artsy, etc.  Housekeeping methods, forms of exercise, modes of communication, reading material - the options seem limitless! I can find a group of like-minded people somewhere, if I look hard enough.

Without grocery stores and ample transportation, what wouldn't even be an option on most days?

Vacations on a cruise ship that don't end in scurvy! 

As a culture, we are not that far removed from time where life was very limited.  What you were born into, you would stay.  Technology limited everything from healthcare to housekeeping to individual freedoms.  There was a time when learning at home was the only option and a schoolhouse was desired to expand learning.  Today, the internet and widespread educational options makes just about anything possible and valuable!

Oklahomans can visit the ocean!

I'm very guilty of acting defensively about something, because I feel like I have no options other than the one I'm failing at.  Mr. Butler is always good to remind me that I can always work smarter.  If there is something you want bad enough and is important enough, there are too many options to say it can't be done! Negativity, complaining,  bickering, comparing and general ugliness is constant it seems, but it doesn't have to be in your house.  Unhappy with your situation? Do something about it.  I'm certain you have a few options at your disposal.  Even when we start out at the bottom of something, as long as we have life, we have the options to go up!

The manner of life I am looking for!