Are you a list-maker? I have a love affair with lists. Honestly. I was making lists as far back as I can remember. One of my first "lists" was when I was about 8 years old, and made a library check-out system for all of my books so that my friends could check them out. Nice friend, huh? I categorized them alphabetically by the author's last name, then put little index cards in each book with a return date. I still remember doing this, and getting frustrated that not all of my friends wanted to check out my books.
I still make lists. But somewhere between getting pregnant with Micah and now (4.3 years ago), I became one of the most disorganized moms on the planet. Put me in an office, my desk will be color-coded, alphabetized, and neat. But at home, I am a mess.
Just recently I started using a few lists that have helped make my life a little easier. And in good list fashion, here's a list of them:
-A Menu "List". Parents Magazine has a year long menu organizer ("Meal Planner Plus") that I bought at Target, and I love it. I now plan out my meals 2 weeks at a time, and keep the calendar on the fridge. Even if you don't own this, you can print out your own planner at FamilyFun.com
-A Shopping List. Sounds simple, but I used to do this every 2 weeks and then always forget something. Now I just keep an on-going one on the fridge. Got a magnetic one at Target for $1. (Can you tell I'm there a lot?)
-A Chore List. This has our household chores broken down by the day. I put this on the fridge with boxes for each item so I know if I've done them or not. (If anyone wants me to post this, just let me know and I will do it).
-An on-going "To Do" List. This is in my planner, but I have it broken down by each area that I deal with every day: Household, Errands, Phone Calls, Emails, Ministry, Work. Keeping it separate really helps me to prioritize better.
What lists am I missing? Do you have any lists that help you be more organized each week? I want to know! After all, I do love lists!! :)
I do love making lists, but sticking to them is another thing. I was just thinking the other day about how I love buying cute little notebooks, with the intention of list making and notes to stay organized...but I never use them!
ReplyDeleteLove the list making and checking off of course! I'd enjoy seeing the "chore" list as I've been thinking about making one of these myself.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I will even write things on a list that I have ALREADY done just to cross them off. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm a listmaker too. I keep a list of all my bills and when each needs to be paid (right next to the calendar) so I don't miss any.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the meal planning list too! I bought mine at Walmart for a dollar! It's a dry erase board and I grocery shop on Sundays for the week. Most weeks. :D
ugh - i do love lists but haven't been keeping them at all lately! Meal planning is a must - but I can't seem to get more than a day or two planned lately :(
ReplyDeleteI love your lists, maybe today just needs to be a new list day for me!!
I remember seeing a book at Borders and the whole thing was just about lists. There were photocopies of random lists from people who must have submitted them to the writer for his book...it was kind of weird...but yes, I am a list maker. My newest list includes my deals at CVS and how I'm going to use my coupons and their sales to score deals!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am SO a list maker too. Especially at work. I don't think I would get anything done if I didn't have lists. Thank Goodness for cute paper. I love to make lists more b/c people always make comments about my "list" paper.
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