Opinion : Scheduling Spontaneity

The last year and a half have brought many changes in my life. The first year I found myself trying to figure out one aspect of this job that I've never done before, reporting.

That went much better than expected. Going into the second year I decided that now since I'm putting in 16 hour days that it was time that I figure out how to have just a little bit of fun.

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere like I talked about my last article was not part of the fun that I had in mind. Following church on Sunday, I thought I'd meet some gals for lunch like we usually do. I popped into the restaurant didn't see anyone so I thought I'll do something wild and crazy and ask Siri where I should go for lunch.

Her first five suggestions were Ankeny. Great location but I wasn't in the mood to drive that far and back. Next on her list was an Indian restaurant in Cedar Rapids. Thinking I wasn't much of an Indian food type I went ahead and went anyway. After all, just because you assume you don't like something doesn't mean that you shouldn't try it.

I'm sure the food was good if you like Indian food, but the German and Irish part of me was asking where are the simple meat and potatoes and where is the nearest fire extinguisher.

Seriously, it wasn't that bad. I didn't leave hungry and they had desserts to calm down the taste buds.

On my way out the door, I received a text message from a friend and went to return my phone to my pocket and accidentally called her.

This was a good thing.

As a result, she said, "What's that thing at Windsor Manor?" "Oh crap," I replied, "I forgot all about that! I think I also forgot about a birthday party today!"

Thinking that I had just now reached the terrible grandmother stage I quickly shot off a text message to my daughter telling her that I had forgotten and I would be there as soon as possible.

She replied and told me, "That's tomorrow. "

Feeling a tiny bit better I quickly turned the car toward Vinton being sure to set my cruise control.

As I watched the clock I'm hoping that Duffy is still at Windsor Manor when I get there.

Opening the schedule on my phone I see there's one other event that I should be able to catch on my way out of town if I don't forget.

As I flew toward Vinton, and as the clock neared 3:00 p.m. I was relieved when I pulled into the driveway a few minutes before. Rushing in I ask, "Is he still here?" Chuckling they said, "He's been here, he got here an hour early!" 

"What? It's only 2:00?" I said laughing.

Needless to say, I was on time, even when I thought I was late, I listened to the presentation and flew out the door to catch the second event, which really was a "need to fly" so I didn't miss it.

So "fun" now must be scheduled. But I'll figure it out, eventually!