Go With the Flow, or No?
So, last week I made an impromptu decision to take on a teeny-tiny part-time job, just three hours, two nights a week, tutoring at a local community college. I'm always playing with the idea of picking up something to provide some income in between whatever money I make from writing, which sometimes can be VERY far in between, so this seemed like a good idea. You know, also, get out of the house, see people, keep my hand in teaching, to some extent.
However, what I forgot is that I'm an Aquarius, a "fixed" sign, and that's no more true than when I have a change in routine -- don't let the floofy, new-aged rep Aquarii have throw you. We are in some ways the most rigid of thinkers and it can be a problem. I always think of myself as a laid-back, go with the flow kind of person, and in some cases, I am. But in others, even a small change in routine will completely throw me over. Classic deer in headlights.
In this case, I started the job on a day's notice and when Mike was out of town and I was dealing with a few other issues at home. So I was in a meltdown by Friday night. Just the challenge of getting out of the house by 430 to make this job and figuring out how to do meals, since now I'm gone TTh nights, and he's gone W nights, became a major issue. It didn't all level out until this week, I think I more or less have a handle on it and it's going to be okay. But last week I was so freaked out that I was sure I'd made a hideous mistake taking this little job, and yet I also don't quit. When I make a commitment, I keep it. This was my choice, and now I was stuck with it.
Now, looking back, I wonder what I was so freaked about, but that's because I've adjusted. Things are settled into the new pattern now, more or less, and I've got hold of it again. The job is just a few hours and very pleasant, with nice people, and no problem.
Let's face it, I am a walking, talking contradiction, because while I bore easily, I still like my routine. I also have no concept of keeping a calendar and I don't do things like wear a watch or keep appointments in a neat little book (scraps of paper are as good as it gets). I need variety. I need challenges and to stretch, but dislike change. I can be incredibly stubborn and yet pretty flexible all at once.
There you have it. It's the influence of the Pisces Ascendant and the Gemini moon underlying a dualistic nature, I guess. I like variety and activity -- except when I need routine and quiet. *G* I like feeling secure, except when it hems me in.
Are you a go with the flow kind of person? Do you take what comes in stride? Does change bother you? Or are you someone who likes your routines and dreads when there's a shift?
Sam
Interesting topic
I think of myself as a go with the flow sort of person but find that, sometimes, that just throws me off. I'm more a scheduled go with the flow person. LOL
Meaning, I want some form and structure in what is going on around but not so much that I feel penned in.
My son asked me this morning what my plans for the weekend are (aside from driving him to his planned outings) and I said I don't have any. And that is, more or less, true.
I know I want to go to the book store and the tea shop. But when are completely different matters. I know I want to exchange my summer shoes for my winter shoes (which is boxing and then reboxing) is also in my plans.
As long as I do those things (and more) this weekend, I'm fine with it. And if I'm up late Sunday night to accomplish something that's fine too. The weekend is the time I've set aside to get these things done and if they're done this weekend, I'll be fine.
Equally, if I got home tonight and my husband surprised me with tickets to fly to Paris for the weekend (hey, a girl can dream!), I'd happily cast off all those other plans too!
ani
ani
You mean reboxing your shoes wouldn't be more important than a trip to Paris? *G*
Yeah, I like that unstructured/structure thing, too. Plans, but enough room to change them.
Hope you get that Paris trip one of these weekends. ;)
Sam
First
We need to renew our passports. So I know Paris isn't in the plans this weekend. Or even next! ;-)
I used to have structure...
I really did. In some ways, I wondered if God gave me an autistic child so that I could handle motherhood. I mean, yes, I did eventually have to relax my OCD needs so that the poor boy wouldn't blow a gasket, but he was a wonder for a mom in need of set schedule. And when my schedule got shuffled, there went the whole day and I turned into a black cloud.
I feel kind of dumb thinking about it. I'd just go into a tailspin of horror. I'm not sure if that's the Taurean in me or not. I know I can't let things go, I just gnaw and gnaw until it's solved or broken.
I sometimes feel it now, when the girls have thrown scheduling completely out the window--duties? what duties? You're at OUR beck and call, lady!!--and I think how grateful I am if I can get just one more thing done in a day. But I just remind myself that this is my reality now and scheduling can return when they speak and respond properly to English, lol.
And surprisingly, I'm a creature of change. I have to refresh my surroundings every so often to restore my creativity. To feel clean again. To update my point of view. Drives my hubby batty. But that's okay. He still wubs me. :)
Here's to changes we can handle, even if they seem big in the beginning. :)
Hugs,
Dee
I'm a pretty much go with
I'm a pretty much go with the flow person.
Changes don't bother me.
Ditto
Hi Sam!
Your post really resonated with me. I'm easily bored, too, but throw one little "unknown variable" into my life and I go spastic. I'm a Sagittarius, with Cancer Rising and Aquarius moon - talk about screwed up! Most of me wants to be wild and daring and unconventional, but there's that one sneaky part that loves tradition and fixed routines, etc. And I think it's really cool you're into Astrology. I haven't met too many people who've even heard of Ascendants, never mind know their own.
Glad you've worked out your schedule. Have a great weekend! :)
Cari
go with flow
I'm a go with the flow girl. parents say "you wanna come for dinner. We'll be there to pick you up at 4" basically just tell me what and when I'm getting picked up or when to expect someone. I don't make concrete plans. Like this weekend I'd like to get the kitchen cleaned again(did it today), sweep apartment, vacuum friends apartment upstairs, make carrot-raisin breads. but if these things don'tget done that's ok cause I really don't have any plans next week either
I'm a go with the flow
whether I like it or not as my husband is in direct sales and he has pre-set appointments. However some days he doesn't get any so then it's a unplanned day off. This means that I sometimes have to change my plans at last minute.
A schedule to go with the flow
Hail to the Redskins!
I'm a visiting nurse so I have my schedule. I also know that things change because I take care of sick and dying people. So, I have to be flexible to go with the flow. I can handle that. When my dh and I go on trips, I know that plans can change, I can handle that. There are a few things I really want to do, so as long as they get done I can handle that. When I have a day off and make plans, I don't like changes, its my one day off and I'm not going to change my plans to accomodate someone. I need time for me. My dh is having trouble dealing with that because for years I did change my plans for him and it wasn't appreciated. Now that I'm standing up for myself, he's having to learn to deal with the change.
Now, if he wants to take me to lunch, I'll drop everything for him. If he wants me to work in the yard with him, for get it. Now, today I'm supposed to clean the house, if someone comes along with something better, I'll drop that.
Interesting topic...
I'm a bit like you, Sam. I usually stress to the max with something new until I get into a routine and then I look back and laugh at myself. That said though...I love change. I need it often--probably more than is 'normal', I think. I've come to expect the stress that comes with change though, so while I'm nearly flipping a lid, I'm also continuously reminding myself that the anxiety won't last forever.
Akin to a salmon?
I can so relate to what you're talking about , Sam. I was born on the "cusp" between Aquarius and Pisces, so I tend to get a bit of both sides!
I tend to be a rebel, usually swimming just the opposite of everyone else. This can be a good thing and a bad thing--depending. At times, I feel a bit like a salmon, swimming upstream. Then again, there are also all of those other salmon leaping and squirming beside me, eh? I have always said my goal in life is to be "eccentric." If I can travel, be philanthropic, and inspire--all the better!
For the most part I welcome change, sensing that somehow the universe is correcting itself in some way or form.
(Rarely however do I see this as clearly when receiveing a rejection! *grin)
I have my routines, though I don't know that I think about them much. I can ususally tell when I am feeling hemmed in though, and thats when I have to get away from the computer and "nurture" that creative well.
I like variety (it's the Spice of life) and activity-mental or physical-- I think, keeps us young. Picasso said ,"I am always learning that which I do not know, so that I may learn to do it."
Good topic!
Amanda M
Awaken Your Passion!
www.amandamcintyre.net
Sam--I keep a calendar, love
Sam--I keep a calendar, love to plot and plan, and when life throws me a curve, I try to roll with the punches. Someone has to, because my husband does the freak out part. If he rolls with the punch, then I get to freak out. We make a pretty good team, since we rarely both freak out at the same time.