The Organized Person Inside of Me

I have always felt that there is a very organized person inside of me just dying to get out. When I have the time I love to set up multi-colored file folders in which to store all of my important papers. Nothing like having a place for everything; and it’s a double blessing if everything is actually in its place. I also love to make a plan. The very act of sitting down to either type or write out a plan for an upcoming event just makes me feel all warm and cuddly and like I can actually accomplish whatever the goal may be. Oh, and should I be standing in line at the grocery store, only to spot a magazine on organization, you can be sure it’s going home with me.

The breakdown occurs, it seems, when I forget to read the magazine, or lose the plan, or am just too busy to put away the papers. Recently, I read that clutter causes stress so that if we’re feeling stressed we should clean up our clutter. Honestly, who writes this stuff? I’ll tell you who, the organizers. If I had time to clean up my clutter in the first place, I wouldn’t be stressed! Work with me people!

Imagine my surprise the other day, when I stumbled upon a bit of an organizational plan for Thanksgiving – that I’d created! Awesome, I thought to myself. Not only is there a Thanksgiving menu on my computer, but there is actually a plan for each little job and when it should be done. This is great! I was even more surprised when I opened the menu and found a chart complete with each menu item accompanied by a list of groceries necessary to make that particular selection. Indeed, I was quite organizationally inspired when I created this masterpiece. Too bad I haven't thought to open it ONCE since 2003 when I created it.

There were also a few glitches in my plan. You see, in 2003, we celebrated Thanksgiving with John’s sister. So, next to a number of the items, I simply typed in “Peggy” indicating that Peggy would bring that dish. Peggy was assigned pies and cranberries (chosen because I’m not good at making either one and Peggy makes the best pumpkin pies east of the Mississippi.) This glitch is easily solved with a quick trip to the bakery and the can of cranberries hiding in my cupboard.

So you see, there is indeed an organized person inside of me trying to get out. Apparently, I opened her cage briefly six years ago and now I welcome her back. Oh, how I’ve missed her. On the bright side, I’m pretty much on track according to my “things to do schedule.” I love it when a plan comes together!

On My Next Car . . .

The other night on my way to a meeting I made a mistake. I was driving along Interstate 494 and saw traffic entering the freeway on my right. Trying to be a nice person, and careful driver, I moved into the middle lane to give the oncoming cars room to merge. The problem with moving from the right lane to the middle was that I only had about a half mile to change back before arriving at my exit.

This is when I made my mistake. As I moved back into the right lane I heard a car beeping at me. I really don’t know where it came from. Before making my move, I had turned and looked for oncoming cars AND checked my mirrors. It was, clearly and simply, a mistake; thankfully, not one that caused injury to cars or drivers.

So, here’s what I’d like to have installed on my next car. I want to be able to push a button, or better yet give a voice command, that will activate a sign on the back (or side) of my car which will read, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. Please forgive me.” Oh, that’s probably too many words. It would be like trying to read a billboard that has too much writing on it. I guess I’ll have to settle for a simple “I’m sorry.”

These signs I’m suggesting have the potential to end road rage; perhaps even bring about world peace. At least it might have helped me the other night.

Eventually, I had to pull back into the right lane of 494. I looked ever so thoroughly, noticing that the car I’d almost run into had moved WAY back out of my line of fire, and back into my line of sight. As I carefully pulled my car back into the right lane towards my upcoming off ramp, the annoyed driver took it upon himself to register his disgust by flashing his bright lights at me. Seriously, mister? We all make mistakes. Did you honestly think I purposefully tried to run you off the road, risking both my life and yours? I’m sorry, I am really, really sorry. It scared me, too, but flashing your bright lights at me does nothing to change the situation. Perhaps you could offer me a little grace. And, hopefully, when you do something stupid, the “other guy” will extend that same grace to you. Wouldn’t that be a better solution? Wouldn’t that be the solution that would bring about world peace?

Mesmerizing

There is something about the ocean that soothes my soul. It is ever changing regardless of which ocean you happen to be near. It can be turquoise, deep blue, gray, or a combination of all those colors and more. The waves can be loud; crashing one right after the other, or gently rolling towards the shore. But, no matter what it looks like, or how it sounds, if you take a moment and stop to soak it in, the ocean will most always be mesmerizing.

Fortunately for me, my parents live just a couple of miles from one of the most beautiful spots along the California coastline. As I mentioned in my last post, I've been visiting them for the past few days and I've been able to take a few moments and steal away to the shore. On my first visit I was greeted by the fog and clouds rolling in for the night. Yesterday though, the sun won out and provided a completely different view.

I thought I'd share a few of my pictures with those of you who read my blog. If you ever get a chance to visit the Carmel/Pebble Beach/Monterey area, take it. And, while you're here, allow yourself a few minutes to sit by the ocean and be amazed at God's creation.

A Senior Citizen Workout

I am currently out in California visiting my parents. Wednesday, when I arrived, my mother told me that Thursday was the day for her exercise class and wondered if I’d like to join her? One of her friends, whom I love, was planning to meet us, and after the class we’d all go out for breakfast. What could be better?

I never thought to ask where this exercise class took place. I just figured it would be at a local country club where my parents are members. There is equipment there; it was a logical conclusion. It was several hours later when I found out that said exercise class was being held at the senior citizens center. “You mean,” I asked in a rather shocked tone, “that I’m going to be working out with a bunch of seniors?” My mom’s response just about sent me in search of some serious chocolate. “What’s the problem? You qualify as a senior.” Well, now I’m just depressed! Besides, until they start giving me the senior citizen discount at the grocery store, nobody better call me a senior citizen! My mother tried to cheer me up by telling me I’d be the youngest one there. I figured, at the very least, I’d get some fodder for my blog.

So, my first task was to figure out what to wear. I know some people won’t leave home without their workout clothes but I’m not one of those people. I’m just not that dedicated. I chose my most casual pair of pants despite the fact that another pair, while dressier, has more give. Seriously, how much give would I need at the senior center?

At 8:45 Thursday morning we headed out the door ready to work up our appetite for breakfast. We get to the senior center only to find out that the class has been cancelled. It seems the instructor has a dental appointment. I was bummed. Now, what would I have to blog about?

All was not lost, however. Breakfast wasn’t cancelled, just the exercise. Funny, not one of us suggested we go to the club and use the equipment previously mentioned. I guess I’m not the only one who lacks dedication.

After breakfast we did some shopping. If making decisions, handing over your credit card, and carrying packages qualify as exercise, we’re in fine shape.