Friday, August 31, 2007

Facing My Fears

If I had to name one personal trait, just one, that bothers me, it would be my overkill planning. I would make a great boyscout because I am always prepared. For anything.

I've got enough food to feed - at a moments notice - me for at least a week, a large family for 2 days, or a soon to be hibernating bear for an hour.

I've always got first aid supplies around. Well, except for the portable defibrillator. I'm still trying to get my hands on one of those.

I've always got gum. If MacGyver needed gum instead of duct tape, I'd be his girl.

Food. Did I already mention food? Yeah, I don't like being stuck without it. Take my food away and I'll claw at you so bad you'll need some gum to fix your shirt.

Point is, I plan so far in advance for any possible situation that I'm no longer capable of being spontaneous. In fact, I plan to be spontaneous. I'm a walking oxymoron. Or just a walking moron. (But at least I have my walking shoes.)

Which brings me to this weekend and the glorious 3 day holiday it is. I didn't plan to go anywhere or do anything special ~ just me and whatever movie I decided to rent.

But then...my sister mentioned her plans to go to Nashville to visit a friend. I kinda, sorta, maybe asked if I could tag along. I have no reason to go visit except to just do it. Julia-Gulia and her old roommate were kind enough to 'invite' me. Bloggers, this is an accomplishment. The fact that I haven't had this trip planned since the 2002 Winter Olympics is huge. In fact, it's Gold Medal worthy. Admitting that I don't have a single item packed yet and we will leave in less than 12 hours is amazing. Of course, the planner in me has already started a mental list of items to pack or places to visit but nothing - nothing - is written down or set in stone.

Today's trip could very well be the first step to me being more flexible. Whoa. Maybe I should stretch so I don't pull a muscle.

19 comments:

Charlotte said...

Well done for your most excellent spontaneity! If you find you like it, then you can try it again.

I too aim to be spontaneous, but some things - especially if they involve kids - require some planning. It would be horrible to be stuck up a mountain with no nappies, for instance.

Amie said...

You are a crazy Charlotta. I wouldn't have characterized you as unspontaneous in college. Maybe we're getting old.

Coordination Queen said...

Did you take the Boy Scout class for your major too? And there is nothing wrong with a little planning, it usually makes things go a little smoother. Have fun on your trip!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy planning trips almost as much as taking them. Stay tuned to my blog, I'm planning a getaway for Mrs. Joe & I's anniversary.

Rima said...

I hear ya, sister. I manually draw the check boxes on my "to do" lists. And I check them off. Or sometimes, when something has been accomplished, I'll rewrite the whole list MINUS THE ACCOMPLISHED ITEM!!!

Have fun in Nashville! Can't wait to hear about all the spontaneity!

Scribbit said...

That's funny--I like to have things planned out but I think you put me to shame :)

bec said...

That's great! One of my friends is so spontaneous she invited me to go to Puerto Rico 4 days in advance. It was awesome!

Kelly said...

You totally crack me up... I hope you have a blast! You totally have to visit when you go to Paris. I'll probably be there working at my dad's clinic. Stop by!!!

robkroese said...

Well, if that's the worst trait you have, you could do a lot worse. Maybe you could plan some kind of 20 step program to become more spontaneous.

ME said...

Woohoo! You go girl. I'm the same way about food! Being spontaneous scares me!

Mrs. S. said...

Oh I'd definitely stretch.

I so admire your planning skills. You're my new idol.

Craig D said...

Well, sure. Now that you have your passport sorted out, why not go to Nashville?

Looking forward to the trip report...

Anonymous said...

Hey, I know it was a holiday but you missed Monday. I miss your zaniness!

Bone said...

Wow, congratulations!

You plan to be spontaneous? I like that. Not in a wish-I-was-like-that way. But more in a -that-was-funny-Charlotta way :)

Hope you had a good trip. I love Nashville.

thethinker said...

You're the kind of person that I'd love to have around. Nobody ever has gum when I ask for it!

Em said...

Planned spontaneity is the best kind! Nothing wrong with being prepared.

Laura Lee said...

Good work.

I should be more prepared. Especially in the food area. In fact, on Sunday I didn't have enough food for a real dinner so I invited about ten other people over for a potluck. I was able to contribute meatballs and blueberry muffins. Thank goodness they brought some other stuff for me to eat.

Anonymous said...

um charlotte i dont know if thats a very good idea...trying to stop ur problem thats fine, but the whole not planning anything out being far away from home (and w/julia as ur backup guide)....watch out. i do recall that very recently i visited a certain family and had a certain sister plan our way to the savannah, ga beach...i had no experience w/this and thought it would be more beneficial if someone else took over. lets just say that we ended up leaving at around 5 PM (suppose to leave at 12); and after recieving last min (and only) directions from madre, ended up w/a new map--there is a highway 16 and an interstate 16, a quick trip in the ghetto following billboard signs, and an overpriced hotel bill. ...and not much food...and suckie suntan lotion/spray that protected -15 UV rays...and no beach toys. what an experience. next time, im planning and its not going to involve sticking my head out the window and following the salt smell.

Shankar said...

I once went on a trip with the motto, "WWID". It stands for "We're Winging It, Dude! It was absolutely marvellous.