When you want something hard enough:

According to Rhonda Byrne in the abyssmal new book, "The Secret", which is nothing but clap-trap tripe thrown together in an overpriced hardcover, if you simply want something hard enough in life, if you simply "will the universe" into making it a reality for you, if you simply see it as "already a done deal, and in your life", well, then you receive that "thing", whatever it may be. True, this is a watered-down version of the points detailed in the book, and I've culled this information from several in-depth user and critic reviews rather than a full-fledged reading of the book in question, but you get the general idea.

However, while this book certainly offers up nothing new, and is arguably a great way to make a million fast-bucks (it's been sold-out nearly since its inception), it does regurgiate an age-old adage that bears scrutiny: the power of positive thinking. As I sit and write this, my wife and I are preparing for our second stint at teaching English overseas in Korea. This is something that we really, really desire, and we are approaching imminent success. We have interviewed twice with a hiring manager at a kid's school that appears to be nigh on perfect for what we are looking for, and she (the manager) essentially told us that "in her mind, we're hired." She just needs to confirm a few small, but important, financial details with her principle, and then get back to us with the update, and contracts.

And yet - it ain't over 'til the Fat Lady Sings, and it's not a sealed deal until there are two contracts reviewed, signed, dated, and copied. Does it seem like we've finally found the employment for Year II in Korea that we've been seeking? Definitely. Are we crazy excited? Absofreakinglutely. But is this a done-deal? No way. Something could fall through, they could change their minds, and any number of small (or large) changes could occur to derail this seemingly smooth-train-to-funsville. The time-space continuum could tear asunder, and leave us sobbing heartily as our beloved hopeful of a school gets sucked into a blackhole. The only thing constant is change.

And so, maybe I should embark on a "Secret-like" mission: throw my thoughts out there to the Universe, and hope/pray/wish for good karma. Are you listening, Mr./Mrs/God-Universe? Canst thou hear me? Canst thou read/feel my benevolent thoughts? The Mrs. and I throw ourselves upon your good mercy, your good karmatic ways, and seek the ending we desire. I am "seeing" this communion between two business parties as "already done". I am marking this down as "complete". In my mind, we are already working at your school.

But my mind won't really stand up in court, so, I just sort of need that little contract, with our little signatures on it, soon. You know, for "backup" and such. So let's get going, Universe. Send us to our destination, and make this good thing happen. We're already thanking you, trust us.