What's The Real Reason ?

The view of Colorado Springs from the Sky Ride at CMZoo

Myra's 'break down' happened to
coincide perfectly with the lion
feeding schedule

Our mini 'family reunion' at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo yesterday was a complete disaster, including crying, whining, hurt feelings, anger, pouting, and some selfish, very childish behavior ... and that was just from the adults!

Right time, right place

In fairness, some fun was had by everyone who attended, and after we took a food break, spirits were much higher.  But even in that sentence it is evident that something was the real reason for the travesty of this get together.

It remains to be debated for ages, but the two primary arguments are that one of the following was the true culprit:
- the sheer size of the group (we had to be 25-30 people)
- just a lack of prior planning combined with poor organization of the activity

I am 100% in support of the latter theory.  Most families are not the best planners, especially when bringing together 5-6 separate family units, but I think my in-laws are less adept than most in these situations.  There is also the factor of every adult feeling like they could be the primary point person in charge, but none of them stepping up to actually TAKE the lead to organize things.

I would have gladly filled that role except for two key factors:
- I've come to dread going to the zoo (or any public area other than a city park) with a group this size.
- I'm a 'married-in' member of my wife's family ... so I would lose some group members just because of my bloodline.

At least I got some cool pictures.  :)

Song Of The Day:
I'm featuring an a Capella song titled "When The Day Met The Night" by the Tufts Amalgamates (originally performed by Panic! At The Disco) with today's post for two reasons.  First, the original plan for attending the zoo suggested we'd only spend part of the day there - but it sure felt like the day met the night while we wandered the expansive grounds at the zoo.  And second, the lyrics in the song suggest a mix of love and confusion in this joining of the day and the night.  That perfectly describes this zoo trip.

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Which Is It ?

Sometimes I am confused.  My default in these situations is to ask questions (if you don't know this then you've probably never read my blog before).  But sadly, there remain many times when asking questions still doesn't get you the answer you're really looking for.  And after a while, it feels futile to continue asking for clarification, so you just have to accept what information you do have and hope for the best.

There is a difference between being an integral part to a grander plan and just being in the right place at the right time.  Being an integral part means that plans are molded around you, at least in some way.  You are essential.  You are needed.  Without you the plan may succeed, but likely not as well.  Being in the right place at the right time is good, but it is not reassuring at all.  You could, after all, have just as easily not been in the right place or the right time and therefore just as easily missed this opportunity to play a part in some bigger plan.

Either way, I think the more important part is knowing which one you are.

If you think you're "an integral part," but you're really not, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment later when reality sets in.
If you think you're just "in the right place at the right time," but you are actually an integral part, then you might not be as committed to the plan, because it isn't really about you only to find out later it was any you missed a big opportunity.

And that's my lead-in for using "Blurred Lines" as the Song Of The Day in today's post.  I've loved this song since I first heard it (not so much the lyrics or the video, but the melody and tune itself) and Robin Thicke is very talented.  The "integral part" and "right place, right time" possibilities are some blurred lines that I wish I had clarity on right now, but I don't.  So I'll just sing along and hope for the best.

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