In the Planning

Robert Frost once penned about the road less travelled. It was all about choices. Recently I've joined several Facebook groups concerned with vacations to national parks and other scenic places. These sites get lots of questions from those planning trips. People want to know about those experienced with lodging, eateries, side trips, hikes, and best time of year, etc. They get lots of answers in addition to many fantastic photo posts. Many of these travelers I agree with; some not so much.

Today I read a query submitted by a family planning a trip from an eastern state to some of the parks out west. They had 16 days for the entire trek. Over the years I have planned many such pilgrimages of varying lengths. I took time to share my preferences. In my opinion there are several general ways to form the itinerary for such an occasion. None is right or wrong. They are just what's best for preferences of those going.

The first is to visit as many places of interest going and coming and spend a few days at your main special destination. The second is to get to the favorite spot as quickly as possible and spend as many days there as you can, returning home speedily. Of course an alternative would be to go one way expeditiously and the other way stopping frequently to smell the roses. I have followed all three of those advisory timelines in my planning over the decades. 

My wife and I have managed to see every one of the 50 states and have so far visited about 50 of the 62 national parks including my favorite Yellowstone. I've been there 18 times.

Contemplating the sunset on Kauai

So what gem of wisdom did I offer to the Facebook questioner? I quoted a line from an old pop song Kokomo by the Beach Boys: "Get there fast and then...take it slow." The planning options are many; choices will vary depending upon the traveler's Bucket List. I believe much of the pleasure in any vacation is in the planning!

Overwhelmed

My impatience is rearing its ugliness this New Year in my renewed efforts at blogging and working out. As James 1:19 states, I try to be "slow to become angry." The entire verse from The Message suggests, "Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and LET YOUR ANGER STRAGGLE ALONG IN THE REAR." I do a reasonably good job of fulfilling that command with others, not so much with myself. I'm like the story of the man praying for patience who adds, "And I want it right now, please!"

Generally I seek knowledge and understanding of new endeavors BEFORE I engage in them. I have mistakenly deviated from that path with my Facebook blog postings and the correct use of the myriad exercise machines at Planet Fitness. This has caused my New Year to become much more overwhelming than anticipated.

In figuring how to post blogs, I inadvertently destroyed the My Story facet on Facebook. When I click it...nothing! I've tried everything I know including reporting the problem to FB and phoning (texting) a friend. As stated above, I'm not a patient man especially when feeling frustrated. At least I have not as yet resorted to throwing, kicking, or yelling at my three sources of Facebook: phone, Kindle, and computer. Praise God for the small favors.

Then there is the issue of my using the exercise machines at Planet Fitness. Meeting with the trainer yesterday was extremely helpful if a little overwhelming at the same time. When she finished she confessed, "I know I've thrown a lot at you." Did I mention feeling OVERWHELMED? As with the gadgets I use to edit and post blogs, I neither kicked nor yelled at any machine or person at my new "gym." They are all way too heavy to throw (small favors again).

Today's plan of attack is two fold. First, wait patiently for solutions from Facebook or my blog mentor. Second, ask for help from the Planet Fitness staff or my wife when the machines don't perform in the way I expect or prefer this afternoon. "Lord, bestow on me patience, and I'll try not to be in too much of a hurry."