I can come up with the perfect configuration of my Saturday errands and outings...First the park, where we exercise and play, then the pool to get cooled off, before showering to go the mall, pick up dry cleaning, and see a movie. The order is critical to minimize drive time, and to get all post-shower activities arranged together after all pre-shower activities.
So what's the problem? Naps and feedings that fall inconveniently in the middle of our swim or movie. Unfortunately, the kids schedules never coincide with the MOST efficient order of activities, something I conveniently and frequently forget.
I have to train my Arranger theme to arrange activities around the kids schedules, instead of around geography or activity type. I've also gotten really good at having my diaper bag packed to handle anything anywhere. Of course, the diaper bag was designed all wrong, to accomplish this! :-)
"You are a conductor. When faced with a complex situation involving many factors, you enjoy managing all of the variables, aligning and realigning them until you are sure you have arranged them in the most productive configuration possible." - pg 87 from Now, Discover Your Strengths (Buckingham & Clifton)
Does this sound like you...?
Does this sound like you...?
This is why I have to be in charge...
"My brain is like a super-computer arranging and rearranging every item, evey detail, every task into the perfect configuration.
"Every little thing from which loads of laundry get washed first, to the order in which errands are run, has to be just so. There's a good way to get things done, and then there's MY way, the perfect way, to maximize time and resources.
"And so it was, the household logistics fall on me. My husband is more than willing to help, but if I don't orchestrate the plan I won't be happy with it. And you'd better expect it to change, because even once I set a plan in motion, my wheels are still turning and my super-computer is still formulating a better plan, up until the last possible moment.
"Don't even think about trying to plan a vacation or pack the car without my input; my Arranger theme will be in high gear, ensuring not one minute of the trip is wasted, and not one inch of trunk space is void! I sometimes feel like I could be completely fulfilled bagging groceries for the rest of my life, because the endless combinations of items to put together in a bag could entertain me for years.
"Arranger is the reason I insist on doing things my husband is willing and capable of doing and this magical theme is the reason I can juggle 2 kids and a full-time career, without feeling completely overwhelmed everyday."
"Every little thing from which loads of laundry get washed first, to the order in which errands are run, has to be just so. There's a good way to get things done, and then there's MY way, the perfect way, to maximize time and resources.
"And so it was, the household logistics fall on me. My husband is more than willing to help, but if I don't orchestrate the plan I won't be happy with it. And you'd better expect it to change, because even once I set a plan in motion, my wheels are still turning and my super-computer is still formulating a better plan, up until the last possible moment.
"Don't even think about trying to plan a vacation or pack the car without my input; my Arranger theme will be in high gear, ensuring not one minute of the trip is wasted, and not one inch of trunk space is void! I sometimes feel like I could be completely fulfilled bagging groceries for the rest of my life, because the endless combinations of items to put together in a bag could entertain me for years.
"Arranger is the reason I insist on doing things my husband is willing and capable of doing and this magical theme is the reason I can juggle 2 kids and a full-time career, without feeling completely overwhelmed everyday."
Monday, June 22, 2009
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