Plans are great intentions that are sometimes certain to fall apart...

I have been off the helicopter for weeks now and finally have started physical therapy and feel GREAT!  I am so excited that I may be returning to work soon and regain my "normal" back.  I was so afraid that my injury would keep me from attending Vanderbilt.  Orientation was set for today.  I had made very detailed and fool-proof plans.  I suppose that is why it all started to fell apart about...oh 10pm last night!

I was thrilled to know that I could fly to Nashville out of Athens with a small airline called Seaport Airlines.  For $109 I could have round trip tickets and not have to drive 4 hours each way to Nashville for my block sessions over the next 12 months.  I booked the tickets, arranged and paid for shuttle transportation from the airport, reserved hotel reservations that are within walking distance from the school and had everything planned just perfect.  I was so excited!  I had packed and just gotten into bed last night when my cell phone rang and showed a TN number.  I answered to have Seaport Airlines notify me my flight had been canceled!  Ugh!  Knowing I had to be on campus at 8am, I decided to go ahead and drive to Nashville so that I could avoid morning traffic and get some sleep before my big day.  I drove the 4 hours and it was uneventful except for the extreme fatigue I fought the entire way.  I didn't sleep though, so my $200 hotel room felt like a waste of money!  I awoke and took a shuttle to the school, checked in and my journey of becoming a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner began!

After tossing and turning all night I was very excited to get my morning coffee in.  For those of you who know me well, I do very few things prior to having my Starbucks.  I did not even venture to find a Starbucks because I knew Vanderbilt was catering breakfast and would have coffee.  I poured myself a cup and sat down with some ladies to have breakfast.  I wanted to run and hide because I couldn't articulate the first intelligible sentence.  How embarrassing!  I couldn't remember my program name, my hotel that I had stayed...I honestly felt like I was having a stroke.  COFFEE!  It was because I didn't have my Starbucks!  I decided to remain quiet and try to blend in or disappear.  For most of the day I kept to myself just wanting the day to end!

After a very long tiring day, I decided to park my car in a parking garage that was free (to avoid paying the $15/day parking fee at the hotel).  I had crammed all of my things in a backpack and a small rolling suitcase.  I called for the shuttle but the driver informed me that I was "just across the street" from the hotel I was to check in to, and he would be at least 30 minutes.  I didn't mind walking...besides I was supposed to get some walking in as part of my physical therapy home regime.  I started my journey with Siri leading the way only to realize that my cell phone battery was about dead...as in 3% about dead.  I decided I could certainly remember the directions since it was "just across the street."  Not to my surprise, my cell phone died just as I realized my hotel was about a mile away.  As I was walking my rolling suitcase handle broke.  I was constantly having to stop and reattach the handles.  Wiping the sweat from my face in the 97 degree, 100% humidity, I felt certain I was on candid camera.  Trying to keep the handle from falling apart on my journey, I decided to push the suitcase instead of pull it.  I looked ridiculous as it wobbled out of control running over my toes (in my new shoes) while I was trying to cross at a major intersection.  Did I mention I was also toting a backpack?  My jacket was tied to the rolling suitcase and of course at the most perfect time, the sleeves had to get caught up in the wheels.  I mean, why would this NOT happen to me at this point?

So I arrive to the hotel and I know I looked like the most frazzled freaked out person around.  The girl at the desk kindly checked me in.  I described my last 24 hours before I realized she probably truly had no real interest in hearing about it (she asked me how I was!!!  Who am I not to tell her the truth!???).  I carted my broken suitcase, blistered toes, dirty sleeved jacket, sweaty self up to my room.  I took a shower and went downstairs to enjoy a rather lovely "free" meal.  I returned to my room to call the family and see about their day.  While on the phone with Ivy I heard a knock at the door.  The sweet girl at the front desk who checked me in brought me a gift bag!  Her name is Marybeth.  She brought me some sweet treats and a note to lift my spirits and give encouragement.  Wow!  Now that is what I call excellent customer service!

I immediately felt embarrassed and ashamed for sharing and blurting out my version of a terrible day.  I know I didn't have the worst day in the world...there are certainly worse things that could have happened today.  I am blessed.  I know this.  I am simply exhausted and in need of sleep.  I am thankful for this opportunity.

I am only sharing because it is a memory that I hope to laugh at one day...(I said one day...not today).  My first day at Vanderbilt...  One I will never forget!  Nothing like being humbled and receiving confirmation that my life is and will continue to be adventurous even as much as I try to keep it simple, organized and sane!

So tonight, as I am fading fast, I am reminded that it's a good thing that I am NOT in control.  What a mess I would make of everything.  HE has overcome the world! ~John 16:33

John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”