Matt Owens Rees

How unforeseen events can force a change of plan

Because there’s much I need to do in the house, in the garden, and for my writing, I always plan a schedule for the week ahead—then watch it wobble, warp, or wither by morning.

When asked by a journalist why his government promises weren’t being kept and policies were forever changing, the late British Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan, said, “Events, dear boy, events”.

I realised the truth of that quote and decided to write about my experience today in having to modify my planned schedule.

My Two Thai Yai Maids

My two Thai Yai maids clean the house and do light work in the garden every Tuesday and Thursday.

Last week, they were unable to come because, not being Thai, they had to travel to another province to renew their work visas.

Today’s plan was to clear my cluttered counters and chaotic desk.

They always do a good job, and the clutter would have prevented them from cleaning to the high standards that they and I have set.

I started prepping a short piece I wanted to write today, ready for Co-Pilot’s AI tools to tidy up. I had allowed one hour for this in my schedule.

Having explained to Co-Pilot that I had limited time today, as I had much work to do in the house and garden prior to the maids’ arrival tomorrow, we ran into formatting and other problems.

I decided to spend a few more hours sorting this out instead of clearing my desk and counter space.

That was the first change of plan.

My Myanmar Gardeners

My two gardeners unfailingly do a good job trimming tangled hedges, pruning persistent plants, and mowing manicured lawns. trimming hedges, pruning trees, and mowing lawns—work which involves mechanical tools that the Thai Yai girls aren’t comfortable using.

My gardeners are, however, not very punctual. Sometimes they don’t turn up at all. In the past, they’ve given me last-minute excuses which I’ve accepted.

Communication and keeping me posted so I can pivot my plans is not their strong point.

They had promised to come last Tuesday but didn’t turn up. Nor did they come last Thursday. I was unable to contact them by phone or messenger. I thought they simply didn’t want to come anymore.

Like the Thais, people of other countries in the Far East don’t talk directly; they can be vague because they don’t want to lose Face or upset you.

White lies and whispered excuses are common.

Yesterday, one of the gardeners made contact and explained his absence. He had returned to Myanmar because his brother had been involved in a severe car accident and had been hospitalised.

As he is now recovering, my gardeners have returned to Thailand and will resume work in the garden tomorrow.

Yet another change of plan.