... so YOU think it's a small world?!

I continue to hear about how small this world is. I continue to remember times where this world, has showed me just how small it is. And in the end, it's shown me that we all need to be friends and get-along.... something not possible? I surely hope this world gets better, not worse over time. God help the kids of tomorrow.

Well, let me tell you my famous (and told often) small world story;
I once worked at a large company... growing by leaps and bounds in the Mira Mesa area. We often did our own communication cabling and were often working with trades in and around the job site. One weekend, it was summer... and my friends and I were going to head to the river. To make it a fast get-a-way that Friday at 5... I towed the boat into work.

Later in the month, a plumber (from the work site) comes to me and starts asking about boats. Saying he noticed I owned a 'jet boat' and was considering getting one in the near future. We made small talk and I gave him my thoughts and opinions of new boat ownership. Some weeks later, he shows up with his boat to work. A beauty for sure. Excited, he asked if I'd like to go to the local lake to test the boat and offer any tips I may have for him. I said sure, and he mentioned to bring the other halves in our life... he was bringing "Judy". We set a date, and met at the lake that early am.

I parked next to his truck and boat, and noticed he was out untying his straps and getting ready to put it in the water, when his girl gets out of the truck and says; "Hi, I'm Judy....." and as I think... hey... I know a Judy... as there's not too many in this 'small' world. I think nothing of it for a split second and then think... what the heck, just ask. I say; "...hey Judy, what's your last name?" She replies with; "Orlup... why?". I almost fell over in awe. Here's why....

I was born in Orange County. And lived in a corner house of a small cul-de-sac, where I'd walk to school each morning. Across the street and kiddee corner to our house, was Judy Orlup's house... and the girl I'd embarrassingly walk with, even though I had a huge crush on the tall pretty young woman. Know, we were only between the ages of 7 and 10yrs old at the time. So you can imagine... years later (30+), and in a new city a hundred miles away... and much older, here I was again introduced to the young girl I used to walk to Elementary School with each and every morning, for years. What a great thing to see her again, and in such a small world way.

Now, the Plumber and I became somewhat of boat-owner friends. Often it was only a call to see about heading out to the lake. But I'd not heard from him in a while... and soon, I get a call from him. Here's the dialogue and how the call transpired;

Plumber: Hey John... what's up?! You'll never believe the call I just had.
Me: Why... what happened?
Plumber: Well, I called what I thought to be your number. And when a girl answered, I was startled. I continued with my quest to talk to you and asked, "Is Johnny there?" to the female on the other end of the phone. The female says in a confused manner; "No, no Johnny here.... but I know a Johnny". (now, the Plumber thought to just hang up as it was a wrong number... but instead, asked more of the female)
Plumber: "Oh ya... well, whats his last name" he asked the female. The female replied with "Jensen... I went to school with him". The plumber was again... shocked, and in awe over this. Could it be the same John Jensen?! So he asked more....
Me: What the heck... who was this female you spoke to? Did she give a name or anything?Plumber: She sure did... she said her name was Kim Jones.
Me: Holy cow!! I dated her way back when for some short time. Amazing!

So the same Plumber, who I just happened to meet over boats... was dating my first crush that I walked to elementary school with, in Orange County of all places. AND, just happened to mis-dial and get a hold of an ex-girlfriend of mine from High School. Simply, an amazingly SMALL WORLD!!!

So be nice, courteous, and smile at your fellow humans. You never know who, you are smiling to!!!!