The Conspiring Universe

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." -- Paulo Ceolho, The Alchemist
"Beginners Luck" as it is sometimes referred to.

That was the thought that came to mind tonight. Admittedly, it has been a bit more of a struggle than I had hoped or imagined building a new network of friends and associates. Perhaps my expectations were just a little too high about how quickly I could build a group of folks around me.

I'm at more a disadvantage than the average Joe. We often times use our work associates to help us build up our associations outside of work. A friend or friends of a co-worker comes along and now you know 4 new people. But because I am not going to the office, I don't have that.

So I've been a little frustrated with the situation but have tried to remind myself that more time is needed.
[fast forward]

So tonight, a group called dana (downtown austin neighborhood association) had a little gathering in the park a few blocks from here. I decided I would go to it (actually I've decided to go to as many events in the area as I can). Met a couple people. Met a local bartender at the Lucky Lounge, bumped into a couple folks from the complex and got to listen to a great beatbox group (very entertaining -- and they play every Tuesday night at the Lucky Lounge, (ask me how I know that)).

So, overall -- it was good to get out even though I wasn't 100% up for it. But wait, there is more to this story. I signed up to be a member of dana. As part of it, they had a raffle. Well, long story short, I won a $50 gift certificate at a local pub. The membership was $25, so I came out $25 ahead.

Perhaps the Universe does conspire to help us along our path -- if we let it.