planners vs schemers

I know this blog says it is about a boat, but first I need to explain a few things or you may not understand my attitude. In this world there are planners and there are schemers (OK I know there are more categories but I am conveniently ignoring that). I am a planner.When I have a plan I focus on it - I build a time line, I get things in order, I think of all of the contingencies. For example, if I am planning to go to a movie, I look at the entire day and the day after. Do I have a big morning planned? Then I schedule an early movie so that I am assured of a good night's sleep. I always bring a sweater, even in July, and a bottle of water so I am prepared if I get thirsty. I will have read the reviews to ensure that I don't waste my valuable time on a bad one and I have purchased discount tickets weeks before, just in case.

In contrast, my husband, Tom, is a schemer. His favorite word is "or." Let me give you an example. Tom says, "Hey, there is a job opening in Italy. I think we should go." Feeling up for an adventure I say, "Yep, that sounds like a great idea," and I begin to collect books and maps of Italy and search the web for facts I will need to know - start thinking about what I will take with me and asking friends if they will take my cat. Just as I am about to sign up for Italian lessons I hear the dreaded word - "Or, we could move to Peru, or maybe Oregon, or maybe..."

Long story short - after 26 years of this, I have learned not to pack a bag until I actually see the airline tickets. Which is why, when he said, "I found a boat I want to buy." I didn't even turn to look. I figured there was an OR in there somewhere, since the plan the week before had been an airplane. Now my point is not to say that one way of thinking is better than the other, because truth be told - I can see the pros and cons in both. My point is that the boat held no fascination for me at all until the money had changed hands and I actually saw it. But when I did, I fell in love. She was beautiful.