Mulligan Begin Again

I was recently discussing with a work colleague the bizarre things we do in our own minds throughout the course of a given day. It turns out we both play the "Undo game". Users of most computing software may know that the universal key-combination for Undo is [CTRL][Z].

We have since labeled this The Undo Factor.

After briefly going over conversations we wish we could edit, purchases that should never have been made, meetings we wish we had not attended, and relationships where hindsight came too late; we both realised we actually think [CTRL][Z] in our minds. Could this be the result of some bizarre hypnosis exploit from a cheesy TV show with Paul McKenner? I'd rather undo, than think I was a chicken.

So it's International Mulligan Day today (side note: it's also International Menopause day, but I'm not too worried about that one), and I've begun to reflect on some of the events both recent and historic that could spring the aforementioned key combo in my thought pattern.

• Choosing isle #9 at the local supermarket last week, resulting in a 20 minute wait in the queue whilst the person in front of me writes out a cheque for $10... [CTRL][Z]
• Choosing two very fluffy orange kittens at the pet store when I know I predominantly wear dark coloured suits... Meh, I can live with that
• Spending AU$35 for tickets to see "Walk the Line" with The Jewish Scotsman (if the lid of the Coca Cola I was drinking was any sharper I'd have opened a vein... good thing the company was pleasant)... [CTRL][Z]
• Five long-term relationships (The Anniversary Guy, The Chain Smoker, The Sailor, The Tall Auctioneer, The Jewish Scotsman)... No regrets
• That extra slice of Pizza whilst on my low-carb diet... [CTRL][Z]
• Answering the phone at 18:02 knowing full well it'd be a call from a call center in India (Simpsons repeat vs Phone Ringing, tough choice)... [CTRL][Z]
• Thinking "Nah, I'll save changes to a long work-related presentation later, my PC won't crash any time soon"... [CTRL][Z]
• Coming out to my parents... Best thing I ever did

I guess as I look back I'm rather fortunate that [CTRL][Z] only seems to play a part in those little insignificant events in my life. I've always been on the belief that you can't change the past, just focus on the good memories. Recent changes in my relationship status with The Jewish Scotsman now see me planning ahead less and living/enjoying life more. I'm enjoying this new found live for today attitude too.

I think I will cross out "World Mulligan Day" on my calendar and spare a thought for those going through Menopause...

October 17th:

• Gaudy day (some people I see on the train seem to have their calendar stuck on that one)
• 1994: IBM cuts back it's line of Personal Computers from nine to four
• 1931: Al Capone jailed for tax evasion (and thankful he never had to worry about a BAS statement or GST calculation...)
• 1912: Pope John Paul I born, 263rd Pope - Bet that Pope chair thingy needs recushioning by now