According to Plan

I have always been a planner. I like things to go just as I think they should.  The older I get, the less I am this way.  I like to make lists.  I like to keep day planners.  I used to be very rigid when it came to planning.

I am pretty sure I came out of the womb with a plan. It probably included delegating different tasks to different people.  Most of my to do lists are actually lists of things I want other people to do.  It is a frustrating situation because I have little control on the things actually getting done.

When I was young, somewhere there was probably a to do list that read : "Wake up.   Eat peanut butter and crackers.  Drink Coke.   Do not under any circumstance ingest water. Go to school.  Eat large fries for lunch.  Drink Coke. Do not under any circumstance ingest water or use a bathroom outside of your house. Go home from school.  Eat cheese dip.  Watch tv.  Eat dinner.  Make tomorrow's list. Go to sleep. Dream..."

I was so into planning that I actually did, what I would consider now, the most ridiculous thing ever.  Some people pick out their clothes based on the kind of activity they will be doing.  Some people pick out clothes based on the weather.  Some people pick them out the day before; some the morning of.   One school year I took a spiral notebook and wrote down what I would wear to school everyday.  I wrote things down until there where no combinations left and I would have to repeat an outfit.   Who did I think I was? The Queen of England. I couldn't repeat an outfit? I am pretty sure I made it well past half the school year before I had to start over.   Remember, I shopped at K-mart.  I had a lot of options.

I do not recall if I actually stuck to the plan or not, but knowing my personality I did.  If it was 90 degrees outside and I had written down a dickie, a pair of stirrup pants, and a graphic sweatshirt, no one short of God himself could make me not wear that outfit.

I am happy to report that 20+ years and a child later I am getting better.  I do not plan as much at all.  In fact, my day planner has one thing written down for the next month. I am not kidding.  "Friday- Dinner: Lost Dogs with new friends."  

Not having so many plans is pretty liberating.  I did not plan on ever not having a plan.