Good Morning Girls!  You know, some people, when planning out their vacation, will sit down with a laptop, travel book and brochures, and plan out the "perfect vacation".  They have a self made (and strictly enforced) itinerary.  To miss out on a single thing would be valuable vacation time lost.  Often these people are the same ones who never forget a travel item.  They have a perfectly packed suitcase. They have baggies filled with exactly which medications, lotions, jewelry, etc they will need.  Not too much, not too little.  Their clothes are neatly folded with coordinating outfits that can be mixed and matched so they can travel lighter.  They know that on Tuesday they will most likely wear their sailor tank top with white shots and red anchor earrings.  Yes, they have it all planned out.
And then there is me.  Little ole non committal me.  Me, who if you simply say "we are going to eat breakfast on Tuesday" causes me to sweat and feel like you are trying to plan out my whole vacation!  Me, who usually packs at the last minute because I hate trying to figure out what I will want to wear 4 days from now.  I mean seriously, I dress by mood!  What if I am feeling like my grey sweatpants and I only packed my black ones.....oh how will I get over that!  If you show me an itinerary, not only will I laugh and say "have fun with that", but the rebellious teenager will rise up in me and I will purpose to NOT do any of those things......even if deep down I really wanted to (except then I would probably pull the sacrificial lamb "okay, we can do this one thing, but that's it" theatrics).
So, which one of us is the better traveler?  Now all my "fly by the seat of your pants" Girls are saying YOU Jen!  While all of my beaver personalities are still sitting there with your jaws dropped open at the thought of someone going on vacation without any plans.  You are mortified at the very thought of what my suitcase must look like.  You feel very sad for the poor people who have to travel with me, and you are probably praying for them right now.  You are maybe even praying for the travel demons to exit my body!
Truth is, neither one of us is better.  Each traveler has their strengths and weaknesses.  The planner has to learn that sometimes "life happens", even on vacation, and things don't always go according to plan.  People like me have to learn that there are times when you simply have to let go of the reins and follow, rather than lead.  That structure is good (at times).  That there is purpose to the plans (better be a good one).  That it is not always all about me (big sigh).
So why all this talk about travel?  Am I off on some exotic vacation?  No......only in my head.  I got to thinking recently how traveling can really bring out your true colors.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  There is something about "vacation" that intensifies our personalities.  Especially if you are traveling with others.  I believe that the way we travel is the way we live our life.  And the things that cause us joy or angst while we travel or the same things that cause us joy or angst in our everyday life.  It just seems intensified when you are traveling, maybe because our normal methods of dealing, are not as effective for some reason.
The reason I want you to take a look at what kind of traveler you are, is because I want you to identify what kind of things trip you up.  Not only to help you at home, but also to help you the next time you travel.  It is Minnesota cabin season you know!   I want you to be aware of the things that trip you up, because if you are not, it could cause you much unnecessary pain and angst......ask me how I know!
I will tell you all the story..........tomorrow (and no MacPherson's, this has nothing to do with the Dells....I truly had a blast!)

Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Love, thanks, and perfect vacation days to you all,
Jen