Change of Plan

When I graduated High School, I had plans to apply for summer internships at publishing companies in North America and Europe.  Then I toyed with the idea of screenwriting or the film industry.  I even got accepted to Vancouver Film School.  Then, my plans included writing and publishing my first book by age 25, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, working for a publishing company and being a professional writer.

Clearly plans change, even the most unrealistic ones.

If you knew me back then, you'd know that I was a go-getter.  Typically whatever I planned I did.  I couldn't help it.

Now 24, I can't help but laugh.  Lies.  I smirk.  It isn't a lot of time to create measurable retrospect, but I found myself reflecting on how quickly life can change.  I had a plan for my life, but clearly there was a better plan for me.

I'm 24, but I didn't spend my day reading manuscripts or fielding cover letters of potential writers.  I didn't spend my day at a book store signing copies for a fans or writing the next big screenplay.  Instead, I changed diapers, mixed formula, became the target of spit up, did laundry, vacuumed and emptied the dishwasher.  Not exactly glamorous.

The transition to becoming a stay-at-home mom wasn't easy.  I was used to going to school or work.  It was strange to be at home with only a newborn as company.  It was hard.  Really hard.

Today as I was tidying up the living room and starting to put up our Halloween decorations, Lucy was sitting in her bouncer.  As I stood over her to take a frame off the wall, she looked up at me and beamed.  When I picked her up she started giggling.  Man, I get it.

Sometimes life's biggest blessings and best experiences require you to go off script.  My life may not be what I imagined it would be, but man it's turning out to be something pretty awesome.