Plans? (and the “turd” explained)

Two thoughts:

Fail to plan and you plan to fail.

“Life is what happens while we’re busy making plans.” – Unknown, but it sounds like something God would say.

Which camp are you in? It’s pretty clear cut for me. I WANT to be in the first group. I try fervently to make the cut – with to-do lists and goals and schedules and research and clocks set ahead. But, I get turded on most everytime – literally too, you can’t believe how often this happens – my leg, my neck, my hair, my car at least one doozie a week.

One time, I parked my car in the harbor to take a walk. Therese decided to wait for me in the car and read. During my walk, Therese called me on my cell phone and said, “I think a bird just pooped on your car, like a lot.” I said, “O-kaaayyy,” always amazed by the fascinating things she “must” call to tell me.

It wasn’t until I got back to the car that I experienced genuine, eye-popping, chin-dropping amazement. My adorable black Acura TSX was completely covered in white bird turd. The moonroof was completely whited-out, and the spray extended from nose to rear, no joke. Whatever you have pictured in your head, go fifty times worse. Seriously, I wish I had taken a picture because it was so remarkable, but I was too embarrassed actually do it. It was a lovely time driving around town that day until I could make it to the car wash, and boy! Were those guys amused! Anyway, back to planning…

Now you see why I don’t fit into that first group – there is little chance of me ever sticking to a plan as I cannot even stick to one idea. But I’ve learned to appreciate this because it turns out that possibly all the events I am most grateful for in my life were things that happened while I was busy making OTHER plans. I’ve made a partial list.

THINGS I DID NOT SEE COMING (in order of appearance):

Running cross-country in high school – I ended up in the cross country meeting after missing volleyball tryouts (my plan). I cried when I heard I’d have to run 8 miles. My coaches convinced me to stay, saying it was fate I ended up there. I ran Varsity all 4 years and met my best friend for life.

Having Therese at age 19 – totally unplanned (don’t worry, she knows it) and she is the best thing that my life has given me. Period.

Working with special needs adults – The idea never even crossed my mind to work with this group of extraordinary individuals. They amaze me, teach me, and keep me guessing everyday. It is the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

Getting married/Getting divorced – Neither of these was in my immediate vision at the time. Sure, it only lasted 55 days, but I laughed harder than I’ve ever laughed, I found out what I’m really made of, and I wouldn’t change it. I’m just glad I didn’t change my name.

Meeting the man of my dreams – This hasn’t happened yet (that I know of), but I’ve been recently assured that it would happen and it would happen when I wasn’t expecting it, which sounds like “not planning for it” to me, so I’m including it here. I expect that it will be one of the best things in my life.

Now, I know there are things you have to plan for in life. I am in no way discounting or discrediting planning. I’m just saying that as often as I attempt to plan for things in my life, or make things happen, Life seems to have a better idea for me. Rainer Maria Rilke is right on in my book….

“Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always.”

And make sure you plan to come back tomorrow when I’m planning to post my next installment of Recession Relief: Exercise Secrets for Free.