Now, I’ve always been the type to believe that you can change your own destiny, but I’ve always given the universe the benefit of the doubt. Which is to say that I believe one shouldn’t overlook any options presented to you, but you have to be the one to make the decisions. I also believe there are certain occasions where the universe, for whatever reason, leads you to very unexpected situations.

Like elk hunting in New Mexico.

This all started about a month ago. I picked up a book of fiction from the library, in which one of the characters was named Taos, after the city in New Mexico. I thought it was such an interesting name, it stuck with me. After I finished this novel I picked up another one from the library, different author, different type of storyline, but once again, there was a mention of the city Taos. At first, I thought it was just an amusing coincidence, or that one of the librarians had a thing for New Mexico, but the next week it popped up again. I was surfing the internet and had somehow made it to some woman’s blog. I noticed a beautiful picture she had posted and it was taken, yup, that’s right, in Taos, New Mexico.

At that point I thought that the universe must be trying to tell me something. I told myself I’d be on the lookout for jobs, Ph.D. programs, conferences, or any opportunity located in New Mexico. Obviously I was supposed to go there for some reason.

Fast forward two hours later and I get a phone call from my dad.
Dad: Want to go to New Mexico on a big game hunt with me? I found a really great price.
Jill: Uhh. You know what, yes. Sure I’ll go.

So I’m going hunting in New Mexico during Christmas week.

Not exactly what I was expecting from the universe, but I guess that’s the point. You’re not supposed to expect some of the opportunities that present themselves. You just have to know when to say yes.