Making Spontaneous Adjustments

October 2, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

My idea of the perfect outing is where the day goes according to my plan. Yes, I plan outings because I like to know where we are going, what we will do, and when we will leave.

The structure defines how long we can stay, and what activities we can do. Making spontaneous adjustments gets me over obstacles, but I prefer to have all the possibilities covered. Quirky? Absolutely! 🙂

Arranging our schedule

This past Saturday, I had the day planned. With the free Smithsonian Museum Live event and soccer games previously scheduled, I decided to pack everything just in case we didn’t have time to come home to change.

After a big breakfast, we headed out in the rain to our chosen Children’s Museum. Upon quickly finding parking and no lines, we proceeded to the admission desk. As I presented our vouchers, our request was met with confusion. The agent informed us that they were not participating.

An Abrupt Halt in our Schedule

Stunned, but not surprised by this museum’s choice, we moved out to the lobby. Having blocked off the morning for our museum trip, we had a choice to make. Deciding to leave, we made a quick stop by Paul’s parents’ house and chose to enjoy a leisurely family lunch.

Adjusting our Schedule

Bringing along two Groupon vouchers where I paid $15 for $30 worth of food, we headed toward the restaurant. After selecting 5 meals, I used the Groupons and paid $1.24 (in cash) to complete our transaction. After a nice lunch, we discovered that my son’s practice shirt was packed, not his uniform shirt. We zipped by our house to let him change and then headed out to the ball fields.

Though our day did not follow my schedule (How dare it? ;-)), the result of making spontaneous adjustments proved that family fun is where our family is. By knowing what on our schedule can change and keeping coupons, daily deal vouchers, and gift cards nearby, we enjoyed our family time together.

As you plan your next outing, party, or event and those plans come to a halt, enjoy the ride of making spontaneous adjustments. Your outing may fare better with a little creativity while using time wisely. Happy planning with spontaneous adjustments!

Question: How do you roll when your plans change?

Don’t Like It; Shape It Up!

August 1, 2011 by Tracy

At the end of the day, I enjoy getting my journal to record my thoughts, the things my children say and do, and the events of the day. This evening ritual gives me an outlet to release my day’s adventures, and then I can get a great night’s sleep. On nights I do not journal, I can lay in bed thinking of the day’s events or mauling over a problem, which is less restful for me.

Recently, I noticed that I was not writing often. Being in the habit of writing for the past 6 years, I wondered if had lost my desire to write. As I considered my change of heart, I reached for my journal. Immediately, I became discouraged. As I looked at the journal, I began to understand why I had not continued to write.

My journal was no longer inviting to me.

When I completed my last journal, I went to my cabinet to find that I had used my last pretty book. So, I went to the school supplies cabinet and chose this black and white composition book.
Though very practical, this book did not fit my preferences. With an uncomfortable and uninviting journal, I had distanced myself from recording my daily events. Once I realized that my lack of writing was not because I had lost interest, I quickly found this journal (inexpensively) that works for me.
I love my new journal, let me tell you why:

1. Small size. Unlike the composition book, I can put this journal in my purse. When I am waiting or resting, I can whip out my journal and write for a few minutes. I love having my journal with me.

2. Spiral bound. Where I had to crease the composition book to keep it open, I can flip the pages in my small journal to the page I need.

3. Colorful. The cheerful coral color makes me smile, unlike the black and white print on the composition book.

4. College-ruled paper. My little journal has the college-ruled sheets. Since I have very small handwriting, I prefer the college ruled paper. The smaller lines give me enough room to write without lots of empty space. The composition book had wide-ruled sheets, and my handwriting became very messy as I filled the white space.

5. Holds my pen. With the spiral bound rings, I can slip my pen on the end to keep with my journal. With the composition book, I had to keep a pen handy. But with a 17-month-old running around who is curious about everything, I did not keep a pen with that book. To write, I had to go to my desk and get a pen when I wanted to journal.

Now that I have replaced the black and white composition book with my little, spiral bound, colorful, college-ruled journal that holds my pen, I am back to recording all these great memories. I only wish I had discovered my preferences a few months ago. 🙂

By identifying my dislike and shaping up my journal, I have been using my time wisely getting caught up with little bits of spare time. Though you may not have an issue with your journal, you might discover a dislike to a household task like laundry. If so, try shaping up with a new laundry basket. If you struggle with menu planning, find pretty paper on which to plan. Whatever your struggle, identify what it is you do not like, and shape it up. The results are worth it!

Question: What item have you disliked and shaped up (or will be shaping up)? Add your answer by clicking on the Leave your Comment link.

Birthday Party: Executing your Schedule

May 17, 2011 by Tracy

With the advanced planning complete and the time schedule in place, I was ready to begin executing my schedule. Keeping focused on the task at hand, I cleaned my house Monday through Wednesday. Having a clean house enabled me to continue the birthday preparations when I began again on Friday afternoon.

Since I was really tired on Friday afternoon and I was right on schedule with the birthday activities, I took a little break and rested. Feeling refreshed, I baked the cake. After dinner, I began decorating the cake until the job was finished. Then I stacked the dirty items in the sink, washed the decorating equipment, and stumbled exhausted into bed.

On Saturday morning, I awoke refreshed. Paul and I finished cleaning the kitchen, gathering items for the games, and setting up the outside for the party. After lunch, I set the table while Paul went to pick up the balloons. With the decoration complete, we took a moment to relax. All the planning helped to keep us ahead of time, and we were ready when our first guest arrived.

During the party, I followed my planned schedule. When the snow cones at the end of the 2nd inning took a little longer to make than planned, we began the next game. We finished that game in the 3rd inning after eating our snow cones. Having a time schedule to guide the flow of the party gave me options when I needed to adjust the activities.

The day was beautiful for playing outdoors. When the kids were in the sun and running around, they quickly overheated. We took a number of water breaks, but they were still hot. At the end of the 5th inning, the older boys begged for more games, but the younger ones desired rest. What to do? We adjusted our schedule again. Instead of playing the two additional games, we jumped ahead in our schedule to the 7^th inning stretch. With clean hands, the kids sat around the “big table” in our dining room to sing and eat cake and ice cream. They enjoyed sitting and chatting with each other over sugared foods.

By this time we were ahead of schedule. The kids were all excited and ready for the 8th and 9th innings. We finished the rearranged schedule about 25 minutes early. With the extra time, the kids enjoyed free play outside. Those who were tired rested while most of the boys ran around and played together.

Overall, the party was a success. The kids had a great time, and the birthday boy enjoyed having his friends come celebrate with him. Having plenty of planned activities allowed me to adjust the games when needed without disrupting the theme of the party.

For a birthday party, my goal is for all the kids to have a great time celebrating together. Do you make adjustments during your events, or do you plug away and follow the prearranged schedule? Leave me a comment with your answer. I’m curious to know how you handle these obstacles at an event.

Science Fair: Learning from Adjustment

April 19, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Oakley Originals)

Are you familiar with a Science Fair? This is an event where contestants bring science projects to be viewed and judged for prizes. The setup for a Science Fair requires space for viewing and stability to protect the projects.

When the science teacher asked for help with setup, my girls and I arrived to help. After spending some time planning, we began moving round tables into the designated places. Then a Board member arrived to help, and he informed the science teacher of an event scheduled in the same building that evening. We then had to stop. The science teacher worked through the inconvenience and adjusted her plan.

We then helped her to execute that new plan. The final product was not what the teacher envisioned for the Science Fair, but the setup accomplished both goals: room for viewing and solid surfaces to protect the projects.

WHAT I LEARNED:

When organizing any event, know who will be using the space of your event between setup and the event.

Keep your cool when a bump in the process arises (i.e. a scheduled meeting in your space).

Adjust your plan, and keep your focus on accomplishing your basic goals.

Help the coordinator by staying calm and being willing to redo the setup.

The next day, the girls and I attended the Science Fair. The event progressed very smoothly. All the projects were well-displayed, and there was plenty of room to move around the exhibits without disturbing the projects.

As you assist or attend an event, do you take note of good organization? I am always looking to improve my organization. When I run an event that is well-organized, I know I have spent my time wisely as I enjoy the activities with my guests.