Personal Blogs

Someone replied to a comment I put in a forum yesterday, and it got me thinking...

How many aspects of my life are a direct result of avoiding writing an assignment for the OU?  On reflection, it seems that over the past 5 years, the influence of the OU has been (at least) two-fold: gaining qualifications, and haphazard repercussions.  Some of my procrastinations have proven to be quite fruitful in strange twists of fate. 

The story starts when I first arrived in Cheltenham, with only a backpack to my name, after living in the States for a year, and not having given much consideration to my return to England.  I had a friend who could put me up for a short period, but the day after my arrival, I went to a letting agent, got the cheapest flat there was, and moved in the next day.  The only thing I had other than my back pack, was my mac pc (that I had shipped to the States and back!) and my banjo.  I decided that the best way to spend my remaining cash was on a phone line and internet, and then the rest in the local pub.  It was only a matter of days before the realisation that a bed, or a heater, would have been better choices.  So there I was, sitting on the floor, wearing all my clothes, hat, scarf, gloves, trying to maintain a living body temperature, with the internet at my fingertips.... and here I discovered the OU!!!  Herein lies the first 'side effect'.  I needed a job.  I knew I needed a job before, as remaining funds were running low, but in my not-yet-wise brain, I felt that sacrificing basic necessities (hot water, food, blankets...) for a further few months was an easier option.  But now I wanted to study - study from home?!  Awesome!  So I got a job (again without due care and attention), got paid, and started studying.  So the OU takes part responsibility for me starting this job that I was to have a love-hate relationship with for the next 6 years. 

So I got to thinking about some of the other odd cause and effect situations that have stemmed specifically from avoiding writing an assignment, or revising for an exam. I won't bore the world with 6 years of my personal nonsense, but as a recent example, if I hadn't avoided one particular assignment 'til the last minute, I wouldn't be studying 2 of my current courses.  I also wouldn't have discovered whisky liqueur, joined the gym or quit my job (a redemption from earlier).  In fact, were it not for the stupid things that I do as avoidance strategies, my life would be a lot more boring!  So, stress levels to one side, the OU not only gives me qualifications, but enriches my life in ways I hadn't even been aware of.