Man Plans, God Laughs
By Laura Drake
I know better. Really, I do.
I’ve been planning our move to Texas for over ten years. We’re going to build a custom home on 80 acres outside Midland (where my husband is from.) I scouted plans, I cut out fabric samples, I researched windows. I dreamed.
I retired last June. My husband is retiring in a month. Progress! We went on the annual pilgrimage to Texas for the Holidays full of plans to visit the timber framer in San Antonio, and to meet with our contractor.
It’s finally happening!
We even talked about putting our house in California up for sale, and looked at comps to see how to price it.
Then came my doctor appointment on Jan 2. I need complex foot surgery that will involve sawing bones, pinning them back together, a non-weight bearing cast for 8 weeks, a boot for 4 – THEN I get to do the same thing on the other foot. It can’t be put off – I can’t walk a mile now, and it will only get worse.
UGH! I spent a day mourning, railing against the powers that be. It’s not fair!
Well, duh. If my life has taught me anything, it’s that life isn’t fair.
I ‘m a doer. I set a goal, make a plan, and barrel toward it, muscling everything else out of my way. I accomplish a lot, but what I accomplish is in black and white. I don’t have time for color.
Everyone needs color in their lives.
I’ve also learned that side roads you didn’t plan sometimes lead to the most amazing experiences – experiences better than you could imagine, much less, plan. If I were in total control, I’d have missed those turn-offs entirely, and the joy I’ve gotten from them. They are the vivid color in the paint-by-numbers lines I’ve drawn for my life.
So, I’m looking differently at this delay now. Obviously, if I can’t walk for effectively 4 months, I’m going to have to slow down. What will I see if I do? Maybe a side path I’d have run past, normally.
It could be a path that makes all the difference.
And even if it doesn’t, I don’t have a choice anyway – why not relax and be open to a change that’s coming regardless? I’m a big believer in focus; you can have a happy life or a miserable one, based on your focus. I know, I’ve been accused of being Pollyanna before, but if it makes me happier, I’m all for it!
So how about you? Has life ever thrown a side road in your path? Have you ever changed your attitude with a change of focus?
Jan 17, 2013 @ 07:13:10
Laura, I really feel for you! Such a huge dream to be delayed!
Can you still move things along, or do you have to put the whole thing on hold?
I love your attitude! You deserve to be grumpy about it at first, but making yourself find the bright side will always lead to good things.
The first big upheaval in my life was being forced to change states right before my senior year of high school. It ended up being the best year of my life, and I think part of the reason was because I embraced the opportunity to be someone new. Actually, to be who I really was, unhindered by who everyone around me *thought* I was.
The biggest unplanned upheaval in my adult life was getting pregnant with Number One and then getting laid off from my job 4 days later. At first, it was the worst possible thing that could happen. But I had time to write while I was on unemployment! But the husband worried about finances, so I started temping…and making *way* less money than I’d been making on unemployment. I got stuck in a short-term job that dragged on and on and was soul-deadening work for pennies, complained to the temp agency and asked them to find me a new job, and that’s how I ended up spending 11 years at a company where I was able to bring both kids to work from the day my maternity leave ended until they were about 9 months old. Textbook case of the door closing/window opening thing, right?
So I really hope this ends up being a different path to your dream, or something else fantastic, instead of an obstacle!
NJDamschroder recently posted..Under the Moon is a Daily Deal!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 07:21:40
Oh Nat, you made me feel better! I think it was Barbara Bush who said, “I can be happy or miserable. I choose to be happy.”
So glad things turned out so well for you!
No, I won’t even be able to start shoveling out the house we’ve lived in for 26 yeas, since I won’t be able to walk!
But I WILL be writing, and I’ve planned small projects I can do – like getting the huge box of crushed family photos organized.
Jan 17, 2013 @ 08:04:44
Ugh, I’m so sorry about the timing, but I think you have the best attitude! I think the best things come from the times when we play the cards dealt rather than demand a new hand – or in this case foot.
I’m hoping your surgery goes well. Just think, when it’s all done you can move forward with your plans knowing you’ll be ready to hit the ground running!
Margaret Ethridge recently posted..Monday Mayhem – Let’s catch up
Jan 17, 2013 @ 10:01:45
Wow, life is funny that way, huh? So your plans are delayed. At least they aren’t cancelled! I know you are eager to get to it, but maybe during this delay you think of something you hadn’t before that will make the new house even BETTER! See, I can be Pollyanna-ish too!
Take care and good luck with the surgery!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 10:04:23
I thought maybe plans for the new house could proceed, but I guess not if you have to get the old house straightened out first.
But yeah, maybe it will be less stressful this way!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 11:34:33
Oh my gosh, Laura, I love this post. Love that side roads lead to amazing adventures so true. I also feel for you being in cast and a boot for so long. I’m going on seven weeks and I go back next week for another evaluation and then a “we’ll see.” So I’m definitely thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. All I can say is get thee a scooter. Any questions, yell at me. The scooter saved me immense falls and trouble. Hugs!
Donnell recently posted..Library & Bookclub Questions
Jan 17, 2013 @ 18:56:52
I’ve been wondering about them, Donnell – I’ll email you! Thanks – and I’m hoping you have good news SOON!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 17:29:56
You have four more months to plan, right? Add turrets. Can never have too many turrets!
Keri Stevens recently posted..Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop: Win a Kindle Fire and more!
Jan 17, 2013 @ 18:58:28
You made me laugh, Keri — but now that you mention it . . . A turret would make a great office, wouldn’t it?
Thanks for the support you guys – as we get closer, and I’m whining, tell me to go read my own post!
Jan 18, 2013 @ 07:55:41
Oh, Laura! So sorry you have to deal with this. Loved your post! Wish I’d been able to read it before my surgery. LOL Attitude is everything. You’re going to come through this quick and easy. I think the not knowing what to expect is the scariest thing. Especially when there is sawing bones and pinning them back together involved. (cringe) But what an awesome prize you have to look forward to when it’s all done.
P.S. If you’d like to see my before and afters, just let me know! LOL
Melissa Ohnoutka recently posted..Pantser vs Plotter
Jan 18, 2013 @ 16:13:05
I love your attitude, Laura! I’m a planner too, but I try to find the joy in the side roads when they come. Some of my best vacation memories are of those times when things went “wrong”.
Hope the surgery goes well!
Gwen Hernandez recently posted..Plotting my day