A Happy Planner – That’s Me

Hello and welcome to the blog.  I’m glad that you stopped by today.  I think many (or most) of you have read Joyce’s Hodge Podge questions from Wednesday.  If you not, you can find the link on my post here…as well as my answers.  Particularly my answer to the first question.  Interestingly, that question, and my answer, have been on my mind quite a bit.  I’m not sure if I completely offended myself when I put myself in the “party pooper” camp, but I certainly gave myself something to think about.  And think about it I have done.

I looked up a few definitions of party pooper.  One was:  One who declines to participate with enthusiasm, especially in the recreational activities of a group.  Now that might be a bit of a true statement for me.  “Participate with enthusiasm” is probably not my first choice.  At any group larger than five (that’s a party, right?), I would much prefer to watch from the sidelines.  My inner wallflower is very happy and actually enjoying the party that way.  Sometimes I will join in/participate.  Maybe just not with great enthsiasm.  But a separate definition was (and I quote):  a killjoy.  Just for the record, I do not think I am a killjoy.  And maybe, just maybe, I’m not really a party pooper after all:)

I was thinking of the persons needed – that are vital – to a good party.  Or event.  Even many a project.  Four distinct roles but all four necessary.  You may have heard this before and I am sure there are more offically titles for each of these, but I will go with my simple ones.

One – the party planner.  This is the person who comes up with the great idea.  She conceives it and then goes with it…working out details and specifics to have “the perfect” event.  She is creative.  And a thinker.  And is usually good at getting a crowd together (so she sends the invites)!:)

Two – the realist.  I use that term to be kind.  This person might also be the critiquer…or even the discourager.  She can go over the plan idea, pick it apart and find the flaws.  Or potential flaws.  Yes, sometimes she can be a damper of enthsiasm but, more than likely, there is good advice and problems to be avoided if you look past the discouraging notes.  She is just trying to help (I think).

Three – the worker.  The one who makes it happen.  Goodness but I am so grateful for all those who are worker bees!  They are ones installing backyard sound systmes, getting the lights hung, finding just the right canopies for a food table and know how to put together a makeshift dance floor.  Just in case the need should arise!

Four – the, um, life of the party.  The planner can get the people there.  The workers make it all come together.  But every party needs someone to bring the party to life.  That one who enjoys talking and gets others talking.  She can even convince the most reluctant to join in a party game or two.  She keeps the energy going.

That girl is so not me.  Maybe that is why I thought I was more of a party dud.  However, I AM a party planner.  I love to plan.  I love to see the simple spark of an idea come to life. I love all the details.  I actually have a party “realist” in my family.  With patience on my part, they can be very helpful.  And I am as thankful for those who bring life to the party as I am for all my friends who are true workers.  They really know how to make my ideas come together.  But, me?  I’m a planner.  I am in my happy place (which often occurs just as I’m drifting off to sleep…) when the wheels start turning on a wonderful new plan.

There is a very real need for all four.  Each one doing their part.  Do you see yourself in one of those four “party people” above??  We don’t need to be all four…just do our part well.  Just my thought for the day…and now I feel so much better about myself:)  I hope you have a good weekend.  I’m off to Tennessee tomorrow.  Looking forward to mountain air and all the Dolly references you can possibly handle!:)