Maybe it’s just me, but if I want something, anything, and the only thing available is a lesser alternative, that’s not ok with me. Whether it’s a widget, a relationship or my proximity to a sewage treatment plant, close enough just isn’t good enough for me to allocate resources to it. One example of this is cars.

I prefer rear wheel drive with a V8 engine and a manual transmission. I’m also a Ford fan. The trouble is, in their infinite wisdom Ford decided to stop offering V8 rear wheel drive unless it’s a Mustang or a pickup. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Mustangs, and trucks are great, but if I want a sedan, I’m out of luck, unless I move to Australia. Does that mean I’m just going to roll over and buy whatever they’re making at the time? No. It means I’m going with an older model or, sigh, an import.

Another example of a widget I’m looking for that is harder to find than I thought it would be are concrete splash blocks for rain spouting. Sure, they make plastic ones and every home center has them, but if you ask for concrete (and it’s not like they don’t have truckloads of decorative block for walls, paths, etc) they look at you like you have two heads. For that it looks like I’m going to have to go to a specialty landscaper or a concrete shop.

Not to leave out proximity to sewage plants or relationships: when I was looking to buy my house last year I found a house that was really nice, and at a really good price. When I drove past the house I knew why the price was so great. It was a block away from a waste water treatment plant. Sorry, there are lots of houses, I’ll keep looking.

As far as relationships go, personally and professionally, I’ve been told that I’m too picky. Maybe that’s so, but I’m not going to waste my time on someone who I know I’m not going to get along with. Sure, sometimes in a work situation you can’t control who you are partnered with, but you can certainly decide what you’re willing to tolerate.

Do I know what I want? Yes. Am I willing to deviate from what I initially thought was my ideal? Absolutely, but I’m not going to roll over and just take what the world throws at me.

34/90