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Planner? Winger? Or both?

It’s funny because in as much as I’m a very organized and structured person when it comes to things, such as paying my bills on time, having everything ready for work in the morning, scheduling myself for blog posts, or planning ahead if I’m going on a trip somewhere, when it comes to arriving at my place of destination, I don’t like to plan an itinerary.

I'm also like this on my days off from work. Sometimes I won't even set my alarm clock to wake up at a specific time. I like to switch things around when I don't have to adhere to any specific time schedule.

And I do this on purpose so that I don’t get so stubbornly structured, that I can’t adapt to change or something new.

I’ve never been a person who enjoys going on trips with a large group of people and taking guided tours; where every minute of every day is planned out.

I like going somewhere and just winging it, by investigating and discovering things on my own and being surprised by not knowing what’s around the corner.

I’m like two different people. There is a part of me that is a Boy Scout; prepared, ready and at attention. But then once I hit the trail, I become this free-spirited bird that wants to FLY wherever the wind takes me.

This is why I prefer traveling alone, or traveling with someone who feels the same as I do.

I could literally travel all around the world, and do it by myself and be totally happy. I’m a person who enjoys meeting and talking with new and different people who are from different parts of the globe, but I want to take my time and leave myself open to experience the unprepared.

And speaking of unprepared.

Even though I'm not a parent, I imagine that you just have to make choices based on what you feel is the right choice at the time, because you're never fully prepared for what the journey of parenthood will bring you - it doesn't come with a how-to guide - so you have to wing it.

Yes, I know I often refer to the lessons I have learned through being an actor, but that’s because being an actor has taught me so much about life and being open to winging it at times. As an actor, you have to be well prepared by knowing your lines, stage blocking, and cues. But when it comes time for the curtain to rise, you have to be willing to let go and trust that what you know will be there when you need it, and that ultimately whatever happens you’ll be okay. Also, even though an actor is saying the same lines every time he steps onstage, every performance is different because it’s a whole different audience, therefore you have to be open to the unexpected.

No two performances will ever be the same.

Such as it is with life. No two days, weeks, years, or experiences will ever be the same.

Sure, structure, organization and planning have great value in being responsible. But if I cling so tightly to them that I don’t allow myself to experience the moments between the moments, then they become a hindrance and a handicap.

Because I can be as prepared and planned as humanly possible, but I will never really know what’s going to happen when I walk out that door every morning into life.

I just have to wing it.


Have a wing it weekend everyone!
X

56 comments:

  1. I think my one of my biggest difficulties is that I don't really adhere to much of a schedule at all. Since my kids are grown, and I only work very part-time, I've been able to do the things I do at my own pace. The older I get, the harder it is to get motivated. It's not that I'm not responsible... if something important needs doing or I have a craft fair or I'm meeting a customer on a certain day, I can get it together. But all the rest of my time is unmanaged and sometimes that leads to feeling guilty that I didn't get more done. *sigh* I make the guys lunches every night before bed, I feed the dogs about the same time each day, let them out for potty etc.... but with so many other things... I wing it.
    As for vacations... we don't take them often and it makes me nervous to spend a lot of money when we do go so I tend to plan them out to an extent. One trip to Disney many years ago I went a bit crazy with our schedule (so that we wouldn't miss anything during the week). Well, the last day or two I had to get a wheelchair because I had such bad shin splints from the itinerary. LOL And that second cruise we took... oh my... researched and booked in advance. Even the dolphin swim was paid for weeks ahead of time. And what happened... you remember, the jumper, the cruise company changing our entire itinerary which we could nothing about and it ended up being the week from hell.
    I guess it's all about balance. Planning some things, winging other things. You seem to have the right mix of both.


    Have a wonderfully wing it weekend yourself. X

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  2. Helloooooooooo Mary!

    You must be up late like me, because I just finished publishing this post - HA!

    Great to see your comment!

    After reading your comment, you TOO seem to have the right mix of planning and winging. I mean you get done what needs to be done, but then you allow yourself not to plan anything on your OWN time. And whether you're spending it reading, blogging, making jewelry or cards, you're doing things that you enjoy and just winging it.

    "and sometimes that leads to feeling guilty that I didn't get more done."

    Sometimes I feel like that myself, but then I realize WHY do I have to get more things done? That's just putting more pressure on myself to PLAN instead of WINGING it.

    Great inspirations can come from just winging it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

    P.S. can you believe the HEAT and HUMIDITY we're getting right now? OMG!!! Thankfully by Sunday the heat is going to break and go back into the 70's. YAY!

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  3. 'I like going somewhere and just winging it, by investigating and discovering things on my own and being surprised by not knowing what’s around the corner.'


    That is sooo me, Ron. Whenever I've been away on vacation I always preferred NOT to go on organised excursions. I want to explore and find out for myself. I'm the same with gadgets... when hubby suggests asking people for advice or recommendations I decline because I want to do it all myself.


    It came to mind, when reading about your acting experiences, that no two moments are the same - or ever will be. Therefore, we can only deal with things as and when they occur.


    I loved this post. You certainly get us thinking. Bravo!


    Hope you have a fab Friday and weekend x

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  4. I like structure but there are times when I just like to wing it too. There's nothing as nice a an impromptu day out with no set agenda. :)

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  5. Ok, I admit it.......I'm a vacation planner. I like to read travel books and people's opinions on Trip Advisor before I go. It just makes the experience more enjoyable for me when I've done my research. I don't want to miss anything if I'm probably never going to return.

    On a day to day basis, I'm more relaxed and figure if something gets done, it gets done.

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  6. I'm such a structure freak. Structured morning routines, structured work routines--structured times to meet with folks....day in, day out. I'm one who gets it done. I'm one of those 'responsible' folks.
    Oh, but gimme the weekend or after work..I'm all about just taking it as it comes. And no thank you--I am NOT taking a 'guided tour'. I don't wanna walk in the places that a bazillion others walk. I wanna stick my nose in alley ways, get lost and discover! That's why I call 'em adventures. I just never know where they're going to take me.
    Even visiting some very 'touristy' kinda places--I'm off the beaten path and doing my own deal, on my own timeline, on my OWN, tyvm. *laughing* And I thought I was alone in 'people cramp my style'. ;-)
    He-who's-been-assimilated NOW knows the value of just DOING it. He used to get all wigged out cuz we didn't have a 'plan'. Umm...nope--get in the JEEP....we're outta here!
    We've discovered the most amazing places and met the most amazing people doing it on the fly. And there's PERKS in having someone who talks funny and 'ain't from around these parts'. People actually LET you in places and show you around.....and excuse you from trespassing...LOLOL They even let you RIDE in trains! :-)
    And when I'm solo without the perk? LOL I still get treated with such kindness. I think it's the camera. LOL I seriously have THE most amazing adventures with camera in hand.
    Oh yes....we had a few hot ones, followed by a whole lotta rain and now some "getting to that stage' serious flooding. *sigh* Not what we were hoping for, but you get what you get, eh?
    You just enjoy your weekend, sir.
    Intending to do the same with 'the PERK'. LOL Yup--pending on the weather--we're gonna have a 'get in the Jeep' moment! ;-)

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  7. Ron, we would have such a great time traveling together! I'm exactly the same way on trips now. While I do like to know where I'm staying, other than that, I like to wing it. Especially if we are going to some place that involves sightseeing. I just want to get up and other than making sure I get my cup or two of coffee, going wherever the spirit moves me. Most everything else in life I'm in prepare mode for except this. I so want to go back to Italy and bop around.

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  8. Ron, I read this post several times because it was so full insight. It's so true that we will often be so attached to structure, which has its value, but it can also be a hindrance because we miss out on magical moments that were unplanned. I also think if we are too structured we resist change, which is unavoidable, and then fight it because life is not going the way we planned it.

    I'm a little of both. I plan the overall outline, but then once I execute it I like seeing where it takes me. Especially when I travel.

    "Because I can be as prepared and planned as humanly possible, but I will never really know what’s going to happen when I walk out that door every morning into life."


    Great post. Have a wonderful weekend, Ron.


    I love that last photo.

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  9. Goooood morning Valerie!

    " I'm the same with gadgets... when hubby suggests asking people for advice or recommendations I decline because I want to do it all myself."

    OMG....I am the SAME WAY!!!! I like investigating/researching a gadget on my own and then make my own decision. I also like putting things together on my own without reading the directions first - HA!

    "It came to mind, when reading about your acting experiences, that no two moments are the same - or ever will be. Therefore, we can only deal with things as and when they occur."

    Exactly! And acting was good for me because being someone who is structured and well-prepared, acting taught me that ANYTHING could happen (like in life), no matter HOW prepared I am; causing me to have to deal with things as they occur.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a lovely Friday and weekend!

    X

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  10. Oh I couldn't agree more. Can't stand guided tours (baa baa baa) would much rather go and explore on my own.

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  11. Hey there Rob!

    "To be honest, I think I rely far too much on structure and order. I play it safe far too often and never spread my wings."

    As I shared, I'm both, so I understand how you feel. My parents were more about playing it safe and planning everything down to the minute. I, on the other hand, felt very differently. So, I learned how to be both - plan, but then winging it. I used to make my parents nervous because I would do things spontaneously at times and they would freak. But they finally realized that it was HOW I was meant to live my life.

    "I went traveling with a friend years ago and by the time we were done I was ready to strangle him! No, give me the freedom of traveling solo and let me see new faces in new places."

    Amen! I see nothing negative about planning an overall outline of a trip (plane reservations, hotel accommodations, etc.), but as far as sightseeing....I want to wing it.

    "Those are words to live by. If all the world's a stage, then we must be ready to give a fresh, brilliant performance every day of our lives!"



    Love how you said that, Rob!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrrreat weekend!


    X

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  12. Gooood morning Pearl!

    "There's nothing as nice a an impromptu day out with no set agenda. :)"



    Thank you!


    Structure has great value in many ways. But then there are times when I just need to wing it.


    Thank you for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely weekend!


    X

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  13. Hey there Bijoux!

    " I like to read travel books and people's opinions on Trip Advisor before I go. It just makes the experience more enjoyable for me when I've done my research. I don't want to miss anything if I'm probably never going to return."

    Yes, I TOTALLY hear you on that because I will read, research and plan the overall outline of a trip as well because there are certain things you must plan. But once I get there, I prefer to just go with where a day takes me.

    "On a day to day basis, I'm more relaxed and figure if something gets done, it gets done."



    Awesome!


    Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!


    X

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  14. Hiya Jen!

    "Ron, we would have such a great time traveling together! I'm exactly the same way on trips now. While I do like to know where I'm staying, other than that, I like to wing it."

    Ditto! Planning a basic outline of a trip is valuable (plane reservations, hotel accommodations, etc.), but the actual SIGHTSEEING part I prefer to see where it takes me each day.

    " I just want to get up and other than making sure I get my cup or two of coffee, going wherever the spirit moves me. Most everything else in life I'm in prepare mode for except this."



    Same here, girl!


    OMG...I MUST get to Italy one day!!!


    Thanks for stopping by and have an excellent weekend!


    X

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  15. I don't plan rigidly because life can throw unexpected curve balls. I have an idea and wing it...just go with the flow of the day. This is probably why I keep getting stuck in my novel writing because I can't seem to stick to a plot outline, lol! Daily, I go with routine yet I don't always stick with a strict schedule. Life is bendable, ya know!

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  16. Hellooooooooooo Mel!

    " And no thank you--I am NOT taking a 'guided tour'. I don't wanna walk in the places that a bazillion others walk. I wanna stick my nose in alley ways, get lost and discover! That's why I call 'em adventures. I just never know where they're going to take me."

    HAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHA! OMG...I had a feeling when I was writing this post that you were going to say that about 'guided tours!!!

    "Even visiting some very 'touristy' kinda places--I'm off the beaten path and doing my own deal, on my own timeline, on my OWN, tyvm."

    Meeeeeeeeeeeeee too!

    And as you shared, you can meet the most amazing people and experience some amazing stuff when you just do it on the fly.

    "Oh yes....we had a few hot ones, followed by a whole lotta rain and now some "getting to that stage' serious flooding. *sigh*"



    Yikes! Get out your BOAT, Mel!!! Or you can try using your "Lawn Buddy" perhaps he FLOATS - HAHAHAHAHAHA!


    Thanks oodles for stopping by, dear lady. Have a beautiful and adventurous weekend!


    ((((((( You )))))


    X

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  17. Hola Denise~

    "I also think if we are too structured we resist change, which is unavoidable, and then fight it because life is not going the way we planned it."



    Yes, and I have to really watch myself there because I can be structured to a point of being resistant. That's why I purposely try to change things up a bit as practice for adapting to change and possibly missing out on the magical moments as well!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend as well!


    X


    P.S. Thanks, I found that last photo online and thought it would be perfect for this post. Isn't it a cool image?

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  18. Hey there Dale!

    "Can't stand guided tours (baa baa baa) would much rather go and explore on my own."



    Me too. They actually annoy me. I'm also that way if I visit a museum - I like to just go from exhibit to exhibit on my own, without going on a guided verbal tour.


    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!


    X

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  19. Hiya Suzi!

    "I don't plan rigidly because life can throw unexpected curve balls. I have an idea and wing it...just go with the flow of the day."

    Yup...I had feeling you were the same way!

    "Daily, I go with routine yet I don't always stick with a strict schedule. Life is bendable, ya know!"



    BRAVA! I LOVE how you said that.....life is BENDABLE!!!!!


    And it's funny because whenever I feel stuck about writing something (or even stuck in general), if I just take a break and do something completely different, I will often GET inspired.


    Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Have a fantabulous weekend!


    X

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  20. This last line sums up your post perfectly, Ron!

    "Because I can be as prepared and planned as humanly possible, but I will never really know what’s going to happen when I walk out that door every morning into life."



    How true that is. Regardless of how prepared we are, we really don't know what the day will bring.


    I've never been a very structured person, except when it comes to the basics like, work, bill paying, committing to help someone out by doing something for them, or planning a trip. But other than that I don't have much structure in my life. Which I probably should, but then again if I was more structured, perhaps I wouldn't be as flexible.


    I can't stand anything guided, like a tour. Just give me time to explore on my own and I'm a happy camper!

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  21. Hiya Matt!

    "Which I probably should, but then again if I was more structured, perhaps I wouldn't be as flexible."

    You're right, if you were more structured, you probably wouldn't be as flexible. I think there can be a balance, or a mix of both. For some reason, I can be anal about certain things in my life having structure and planning, but then other things I go the opposite. I probably lean more towards structure, which is why I try NOT to have structure, planning, timing, on my off days where I can just wing it.

    And yes, when I take a trip somewhere. No structure.

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have an excellent weekend!

    X

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  22. As you know, the greatest vacation of my life was my two-week solo road trip across the country in 2011...and I was all about winging it during that time! Neither the Spam Museum nor Buddy Holly's crash site were even on my radar when I set out, and they turned out to be highlights of the trip. I think there's a time and a place for an itinerary, but you should also allow yourself the freedom to explore on a whim. Best of both worlds that way.

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  23. Hellooooooooo Mark!

    "As you know, the greatest vacation of my life was my two-week solo road trip across the country in 2011...and I was all about winging it during that time!"

    Yes! Yes! Yes! I remember that trip vividly!

    "I think there's a time and a place for an itinerary, but you should also allow yourself the freedom to explore on a whim. Best of both worlds that way."

    Couldn't have said it better, buddy. And you nailed EXACTLY what I was expressing with this post!

    A time and place for BOTH.

    Thanks for stopping by and have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  24. I guess life is just one big improv show. :-) I'm more of a mind-mapper when it comes to planning. And you are soooooo correct in that there isn't an instruction manual for raising children....sure wish there was.

    I will never reallyknow what’s going to happen when I walk out that door every morning into life. THAT'S FOR SURE!!



    Great post. Hope you have fun weekend winging!

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  25. Super reminder, Ron, and so timely after the culmination of my trip to Ireland!


    Yes, parents often find themselves winging it. After all, kids don't come with an instruction manual -- and sadly, many of us can't exactly claim that OUR parents did the right thing all the time with us (however well-intentioned they were!)


    It sounds very wise for you to change things up so you don't get too ingrained in a routine. I've found that those who cling to their rituals blindly are narrow-minded. And OLD, regardless of their numerical age!


    Is it just me, or can you see a guardian angel between the wings on your last picture??


    Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!

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  26. Hey there Debbie!

    " and so timely after the culmination of my trip to Ireland!"

    It's so funny that you said that because I had this post planned earlier in the week to publish today, so I when I read your posts about your trip to Ireland this past week, I thought it was so ironic that we were on the same wavelength.

    "Yes, parents often find themselves winging it. After all, kids don't come with an instruction manual -- and sadly, many of us can't exactly claim that OUR parents did the right thing all the time with us (however well-intentioned they were!)"

    You are so right! I think parents do the best they can with good intentions at the time. I also think that parenting is probably the most challenging, yet rewarding vocation there is because it comes with no instructional manual. Therefore, you just follow your heart.

    "I've found that those who cling to their rituals blindly are narrow-minded. And OLD, regardless of their numerical age!"

    Amen! Being a single person with only myself to look after, I have to be VERY careful not to get too structural or stuck in my ways.

    "Is it just me, or can you see a guardian angel between the wings on your last picture??"



    Yes....I sure can!!!! Great eye you have!


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Wishing an AWESOME weekend!


    X

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  27. Hey there Lisa!

    "I guess life is just one big improv show. :-)"

    HA! Love that! And you are sooooooo right. Life IS just one bind improv show; taking our cues from what's in front of us.

    "And you are soooooo correct in that there isn't an instruction manual for raising children....sure wish there was."



    As I shared in my comment to Debbie, I think being a parent has got to be one of the most challenging, yet REWARDING vocations there is because there is really no ONE WAY to do it. You just have to make choices based on what you feel is right at the moment. And every child is different, so how you interact with them will be different.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!


    X

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  28. Ron, I just love the way you write. What a great post! You can be so funny at times and then very deep and soulful other times.


    This post is one that I can identify with because I'm a planner to a vault. If things don't turn out the way I planned, I can get very frustrated. But it's as you said, we can plan and prepare as much as we want, but then life happens. Planning CAN be a hindrance if we don't move with the flow.


    You learned a lot through being actor, didn't you? I don't think I could ever be a good actor because it takes a certain amount of letting go of yourself.


    But I'm going to try and be better at winging it!

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  29. greetings, ron. i had to nod my head to a few things you wrote. if i have the day off, i never set an alarm. i always say i'll get up when i wake up. i do like to wake up early but every once in a while i NEED to sleep in.


    and like you i could travel the world alone and be totally happy about that. i can talk to anyone and for some reason i attract people when i go places, they seem to think i know something. i can always find someone to kick it with should i need some company.


    i don't mind a tour guide for one day, but i like to roam around myself. heck, i never know what i'm missing anyway.


    i need to prepare better for some things though. i like structure and i like winging it, i'm two different people too.


    we could travel together and i'd bet we be perfectly fine telling the other person i want to go here, you go there and i'll meet you somewhere later. ;)

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  30. Hey ho Robert!

    Thank you, buddy. My writing (post topics) all depends on what I'm feeling at the time. Sometimes I feel more funny, other times I feel more introspective and reflective. I share whatever is going on in my head - HA!

    "If things don't turn out the way I planned, I can get very frustrated."

    Listen, I too can get VERY frustrated when things don't go as planned, so I understand. But I've learned through some very challenging times in my life that no matter how well I think I prepare and plan, life will often make a sharp turn; taking me somewhere else. And if I fight it, it makes the experience MORE frustrating than just going with it.

    "I don't think I could ever be a good actor because it takes a certain amount of letting go of yourself."

    Yes it does, but that's why it was very good for someone like me, who can plan to a fault as well. It taught me to trust and have faith that letting go sometimes will take me to places that were BETTER than I planned. Some of my most self-rewarding performances were on nights when things DID NOT go as planned.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super wing it weekend!

    X

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  31. Hey there V Girl!

    " if i have the day off, i never set an alarm. i always say i'll get up when i wake up. i do like to wake up early but every once in a while i NEED to sleep in."

    Yup...I'm the SAME WAY! Even though my internal clock will always go off at the time I normally wake up, I allow myself to stay in bed and snooze a bit more.

    " i can talk to anyone and for some reason i attract people when i go places, they seem to think i know something."

    HA! Same here! I attract people like FLIES! Even if I'm walking down the street, people will just start talking to me as if I'm their best friend!!

    "i like structure and i like winging it, i'm two different people too."

    We're two peas in a pod!!!

    "we could travel together and i'd bet we be perfectly fine telling the other person i want to go here, you go there and i'll meet you somewhere later."



    Absolutely! I love that! The ability to travel with someone, yet allowing each other to do their own thing if they feel like it. No pressure.


    Which reminds me, we have GOT to get to NYC :)


    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a most excellent weekend!


    X

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  32. yes, sir. i didn't forget about NY. we are going soon. will be in touch.

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  33. Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! I've got the whole month of July off, so maybe we can do it then.

    Just let me know, girl :)

    X

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  34. 7/15 is good. a june day might be okay too.

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  35. July 15th would good for me too. Also, I may have off towards the end of June (right after Father's Day), so sometime in June might be good for me as well. I'll let you know more definite about June after I speak to my boss about my hours for the season.

    We'll talk soon!
    X

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  36. You're right, fighting something that goes unplanned only adds more frustration. As you said about acting, sometimes after looking at the bigger picture, unplanned ends up being better than what I might have planned - and rewarding as well. I've got to remember that, Ron!

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  37. It's as Lisa shared in her comment...

    " life is just one big improv show."

    We can plan, but then there comes a time to wing it.

    Thanks for stopping back, Robert!

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  38. What great saying...


    "life is just one big improv show."


    She's right!

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  39. I know, I thought that was FLAWLESS!!!

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  40. I am much the same way - I'm incredibly organized with things like bill paying and at work. But I like to see where life leads me otherwise. As it happened, the guy I was with in Massachusetts turned out not to be terribly compatible traveling companions. I wanted to just explore in a more freeform way. My favorite days was the day I drove to the coast by myself and wandered around the little towns.

    "you have to be willing to let go and trust that what you know will be there when you need it, and that ultimately whatever happens you’ll be okay." This is basically a guideline for life.

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  41. Hey there Secret Agent Woman~

    "I am much the same way - I'm incredibly organized with things like bill paying and at work. But I like to see where life leads me otherwise."

    *smiling*

    Ha! Yup...I had a feeling you were the same way! Libra thing, perhaps? We can be very organized and structured in many ways, but in other ways we don't like to adhere to ANY schedule.

    " the guy I was with in Massachusetts turned out not to be terribly compatible traveling companions. I wanted to just explore in a more freeform way. My favorite days was the day I drove to the coast by myself and wandered around the little towns."

    Do you know what's ironic? I was actually wondering how the two of you traveled together when you went to Mass. In fact, I almost asked you in my comment on one of your posts about your trip.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a terrific weekend!
    X

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  42. Ron, I am very organized, too. I set my clothes out the night before; have lists of "things to do" and normally do them, and stuff like that. But like you, days off and vacation time, I totally "wing it". I don't know why. Maybe because I've learned that plans get skewed. Or maybe it's a way to rebel a little.


    Either way, I've learned that no matter how much I plan or prepare, it could get all mucked up. I've learned to go with the flow because anything can happen at any moment.


    I used to be such a control freak and it almost drove me nuts. My anxiety levels were off the charts. I now know that I can't control everything. What I do now is separate what I have control over and what I don't. It makes things easier in my head.


    And you are spot on about parenting and decision making! There have been more times than I can count where my decisions were based on what I felt was right, or common sense, because that was all I had to go on.


    Great post!!


    Have a fantabulous weekend!!


    ((HUGS))

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  43. Hellooooooooo Pam!

    "But like you, days off and vacation time, I totally "wing it". I don't know why. Maybe because I've learned that plans get skewed. Or maybe it's a way to rebel a little."

    Ha! Me too! And I think it's probably a little of both for me. I realize that no matter how much I plan, things will never ALWAYS turn out the way I think they will. And yes, perhaps it's also the rebel in me that doesn't like to conform to structure.

    " I now know that I can't control everything. What I do now is separate what I have control over and what I don't. It makes things easier in my head."

    AWESOME attitude, Pam! Yes, I used to be more of a control freak (and still am at times), but being controlling doesn't really mean I have more control at all. Because if I become too attached to controlling the outcome, if the outcome doesn't happen like I want it to happen, then I LOSE control because I can't deal with what's happening in the moment.

    "There have been more times than I can count where my decisions were based on what I felt was right, or common sense, because that was all I had to go on."

    Amen! I think being a parent has got to be the most challenging, but rewarding vocation because you sorta have to fly by the seat of your pants; making choices based on each child individually. Plus, there is really no guideline for being a parent, you just have to go with your gut.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope you're having a FANTABULOUS weekend!

    ((((( You )))))

    X

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  44. Bonjour Ronnie,
    It is uncanny that you mention this duality, the planner vs the winger in each of us. I was listening to an interview today on the HayHouse radio summit. An author named Cheryl Richardson talked about the "CEO side" of each of us and the "artist side". That is the same as planning & winging!
    I am serious about the everyday tasks that need to be done because we have to like bills, paperwork, medical appts, etc. But, I find that at home, I am becoming less structured. OK; I do my house and garden work but I do not do schedules for the day. I have already said to others that I know that I am more easygoing now than I was at 20! I was a REAL planner in my 20's... I lossened up on that end as I got older.
    So, great minds think alike ;)
    Thanks for stopping by my blog xox. See ya Monday!!

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  45. Bonjour Barb!

    OMG....how UNCANNY is that?!?!

    And I love how you said that Cheryl refers to them as the "CEO side and the "artist side." That is a great way to look at them, and it's TRUE!

    "I have already said to others that I know that I am more easygoing now than I was at 20! I was a REAL planner in my 20's... I lossened up on that end as I got older."

    Meeeeeeeee too! But as I've gotten older (and through the life experiences I've had), I have realized that there is value in BOTH. I think it's all about balance; knowing when to plan and then knowing when to just wing it.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend! Hope you had a maaaaaaavelous weekend!

    X to you and D!

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  46. Planner? Winger? Or both?

    Much like you - I am both.

    I have my every day things planned, but on the weekends, or while traveling, I like to wing it!

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  47. "I have my every day things planned, but on the weekends, or while traveling, I like to wing it!"


    Yup...I had a feeling you were that way too. Libra trait perhaps?
    We like planning, but we also enjoy the freedom to wing it and FLY!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a super weekend!


    X


    P.S. can you BELIEVE this heat?????

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  48. I so agree with you Ron. I like to be open to change and if that means my plans changing, so be it. If you stick rigidly to a path or plan, you may miss a golden opportunity or a wonderful experience.

    There are times and situations that need planning, but once you retire you are set free. You'd be surprised how much more you like to wing it then.

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  49. You nailed it, Babs!

    " I like to be open to change and if that means my plans changing, so be it. If you stick rigidly to a path or plan, you may miss a golden opportunity or a wonderful experience."

    Amen! Couldn't have expressed it any better myself. I can't tell you how many times a change in plans ended up being better than if I had PLANNED it.

    A "golden opportunity."

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had an awesome weekend! Looking forward to reading about your visit with Kathy!!!

    X to you and Mo!

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  50. If you go though life with an itinerary then you're bound to miss out on some of the great unscripted moments. And, after all, it's impossible to be prepared for all contingencies, so you might as well throw caution to the wind at times and take what life gives you.

    Excellent post, my friend!

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  51. "If you go though life with an itinerary then you're bound to miss out on some of the great unscripted moments."

    I freakin' LOVE how you said that, Herman!!!

    "unscripted moments."

    " And, after all, it's impossible to be prepared for all contingencies, so you might as well throw caution to the wind at times and take what life gives you."

    Amen! It teaches us resilience.

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Hope you and the family had a most excellent weekend!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  52. You are awesome Ron!! I love traveling by myself!! LOVE shopping by myself...not set itinerary...just get out there and explore!! It is not fun for me if I am always having to adapt to someone else's schedule. Actually, I pretty much life my life on second shift anyway...backwards from most people! It drives those around me nuts. But I'm FINE with it!! No wonder we get along so well, my friend...we are both a bit on the schizophrenic side...bwahahahaha!! I've missed reading blogs...hoping to be back in the swing of things soon! xo Jeanne

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  53. Good morning Jeanne!

    "Actually, I pretty much life my life on second shift anyway...backwards from most people! It drives those around me nuts. But I'm FINE with it!!"

    HAHHAHAHA! Yup...it's the same with ME. I have never been a person how does things the 'traditional' way that most people do.

    " No wonder we get along so well, my friend...we are both a bit on the schizophrenic side...bwahahahaha!!"



    TOTALLY!! But hey, it makes life interesting, doesn't it?


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, dear lady. Hope you're feeling better and that everything is going okay with your parents home.


    ((((((( You ))))))))


    X to you and the girlz!

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  54. Great post, Ron!

    To be honest, I think I rely far too much on structure and order. I play it safe far too often and never spread my wings.

    I agree with you on traveling alone. I went traveling with a friend years ago and by the time we were done I was ready to strangle him! No, give me the freedom of traveling solo and let me see new faces in new places.

    "No two days, weeks, years, or experiences will ever be the same."



    Those are words to live by. If all the world's a stage, then we must be ready to give a fresh, brilliant performance every day of our lives!


    Excellent job, buddy! You really earned your wings with this one!


    Have a great weekend!

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