Planning To Plan

When I have a sporadic work schedule, it's kind of hard for me to keep the days straight. That is a bit strange, since I have calendars everywhere. I'm glad it's Friday, but it's hard to “feel” like Friday when I have to work the next two days. I guess I really should say “get” to work, but I'm still working on switching that around in my head. I am glad I get to work, but it just sucks a little to work both weekend days. It especially sucks during Football Season. I guess I'll just try to remain happy that I don't have to work both weekend days every weekend. It's also kind of interesting because Susan's Mom is taking Stella Mae this weekend. So Susan will be getting plenty of “Alone Time” this weekend. We'll see how that goes. I get plenty of “Alone Time,” and I actually enjoy it. But, Susan is not used to it. Some people don't do good alone. I think we should all have a good portion of “Alone Time” in our lives. It has become apparent to me over the years that this is not the desire of everyone. I'm not sure you can truly know yourself, unless you spend time with yourself. It seems that far too many people see “Alone Time” as an opportunity to reach out to others to fill the vacancy. It's kind of sad, to me. I don't see how you can appreciate being around others unless you spend a significant amount of time without others. And now, we are without Stella Mae, for the weekend. But, unfortunately, my work schedule curtails my evening schedule a bit, so we can't take “full benefit.”

These are the kinds of events I wish we could plan for, but they always seem to be “sprung” on us. It's a tough situation to be in, when you're one of the only “planners” in your circle. It is especially tough to be a “planner” when in retail. My Manager “says” he always tries to have the schedule up a good two weeks ahead of time. But, here it is Friday, and I have no idea what next week looks like for me/us. It's a bit nerve wracking. As I've said before, with only one vehicle for the three of us, logistics becomes a big part of our life. It makes it difficult to organize ourselves without a plan. It makes it difficult to plan without a schedule. It makes it difficult to make a schedule when other people's habits are not in line with your own. What is important to some of us is not important to all of us. I know everyone has things going on in their own life, but we are supposed to be able to handle these things, with out too much “drift.” I find it hard to believe that Susan's Mom had no idea that she would be free this weekend until Wednesday. Is it possible? Yes, Do things change? Yes. Does that make it easy for me to believe? No. My Manager's brother had some kind of procedure done yesterday to get rid of some kidney stones. It seems as though that has been on my Manager's mind. But I find it hard to believe that it has him so worked up that he can't do the schedule. The schedule should have been done already! Especially if he knew this procedure was going to happen. He could have managed it better.

Having said all of that, I also realize that I have to be flexible. I realize that I'm the one who likes to plan, not everyone else. It is so much easier though, to deviate from a plan already hatched. To have a plan to deviate from is 1,000 times better than having no plan at all. Or having to come up with a plan on the spot. Which, I might add, is 1,000 time easier if you are already in the habit of making up plans. I know there is a certain amount of grace that goes along with going with the flow. But, I also understand that “going with the flow” has to be counter-balanced with setting a course to follow. I also know, and feel deep within my “heart,” that the majority of us would do a lot better in our entire lives with a little better planning. Our lives are meant to be organized. Without having a foundation of organization, we only have random chaotic impulses to be dealt with now, or put off until later. Unfortunately far too many of us are putting far too many things off until later. And, those of us making an effort to get some resemblance of organization to our lives, are being somewhat hindered by those who are not. Because we all have to work together. We are not in this alone, no matter how much “Alone Time” we get. And I will tell you from years of experience, I have noticed that if you give a “non-planner” a plan, they will go along with it. They are just unwilling, or unable, to come up with one of their own. So those of us with plans must share them, hoping someday someone will listen.

Daughn