Sh*t Happens
- Becky Fittro
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Our daughter got married last month!
She looked so beautiful and happy. My husband and I were glad and… relieved.
I’ll tell you why.
For months leading up to the big day, it was incredible how everything was coming together seamlessly. Dress, decor, food, cake, photography, videography, officiant, rentals, and location — all ticked off the list.
Our daughter’s dream was to have a small, country wedding. Our friends had just the place! The venue was a beautiful farm with an old red barn, cows and horses grazing in the background, and gorgeous views of a nearby lake. And at free, it fit the budget!
My husband and I arrived on location the day before the wedding with a truckload of stuff to help set up. Tables and chairs were being delivered and a porta potty was also being dropped off. (I know, I know, but we had to order one because there was no bathroom for the guests.)
Unfortunately, we didn’t realize the barn still had to be cleaned before we could set up. No animals were kept in there, but it was dirty with little mice poops and cobwebs. And then there was the porta potty. It looked like it had been rediscovered from a '90s music festival. Brown splatters on the inside walls, the handwashing station leaked all over the floor, even the roll of TP was stained — disgusting. I called to complain, but with the wedding being the next day, it was too late to get a replacement.
What could we do? We rolled up our sleeves and got to work — sweeping, scrubbing, sweating, and yeah, some swearing if I’m honest. While my husband cleaned the barn, I cleaned the porta potty. (Did I mention it was unseasonably warm that weekend? Almost 90 degrees in mid-September in Michigan!)
BUT… we did it. We got it all cleaned, set up, decorated beautifully, and guess what? She’s a “Mrs.” now. Mission accomplished. (Pour the wine, please! 🍷)
Sh*t happens — figuratively and literally. Even the most organized and well-planned S.M.A.R.T. goals (and weddings) will experience unexpected hurdles, but how you react and how quickly you pivot will determine the outcome. Here’s my two cents:
Take a deep breath
Evaluate the situation with what you know and what you don’t
Call in backup! Where do you need expertise or a sounding board
Decide on the next step and take action
Evaluate again and see where tweaks may be needed (or more breathing)
Remember, you've got this, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Reach out to me — I’m very good at cleaning up 💩.
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