What I see first every morning…
This is a screenshot of my home page from Monday (click to enlarge, then hit the back button):
Is it any wonder that I’m going nuts?
Despite my note-taking, post-it note obsession while plotting, I’m not a list maker. I make the list…and then I lose the list. Or, as I do in the case of my home page, I ignore the list. It’s very easy since front and center on my homepage, which I hit several times a day, is the countdown to my deadline. For some odd reason (insert sarcasm here) nothing else seems to matter but that number. 10 days. Only today, it’s 8 because it’s Wednesday. And on Friday, we leave for Chicago. What was I thinking?? Oh, yeah, I was thinking about tulips on every street corner, popcorn from Garrett’s, a free hotel room across the street from Grant Park (courtesy of my husband’s company) and a trip to Crate and Barrel to start furnishing my someday-new kitchen.
(Insert screaming here)
So, are you a listmaker? Do you forget things if they’re not written down or are you naturally hard-wired to do what truly needs to be done, leaving the rest for when it becomes ‘truly needs to be done’?
I operate on an as-needed basis…which drives my listmaking husband insane. He was so impressed when I added the to-do list to my home page…little did he know I can’t totally see it until after that deadline number goes away…and the book is actually done.
So back to work I go!
Julie, I’d probably vomit it I had to see that reminder every morning!
I’m a listmaker. I can get MOST things done without but I make lists and cross off. And the only way I can get email things finished is to leave them in my Inbox until they are completed. OR I print and put it on my desk. If not, no bills would be paid by me. If you need something from me, email me, I print it and you’re assured of getting it. Eventually.
Comment by Carly — May 2, 2007 @ 6:20 am
I hate making lists, but as I’ve gotten older, it seems like I might need to start LOL. It’s so lowering having to admit you forget stuff.
Hey Julie how long are you going to be in Chicago? I live in the ‘burbs
Comment by Stacy ~ — May 2, 2007 @ 6:20 am
I have to make a list. If I don’t I’ll forget. The bad thing is I’ll forget the list at home sometimes though.
Comment by Stacy S — May 2, 2007 @ 6:42 am
Stacy, just the weekend. I can’t wait! I’d stay longer, but darn it, the kidlet has to go to school…and I do have that pesky deadline.
Comment by Julie Leto — May 2, 2007 @ 7:04 am
I’m a list maker as well, otherwise I’m not going to remember things. My car actually has a little recorder in there so I can remind myself of phone numbers, what needs to be bought at the grocery store, that kind of thing. It’s nice.
Comment by Rhonda Nelson — May 2, 2007 @ 7:05 am
I do make lists - I just don’t always use them. To do lists or grocery lists - it’s all the same. I write it down and then forget it or just don’t look at it again. Although I ususally remember what was on the list so just writing it helps.
I’m definitely a “deal with the closest fire first” person. I know if I was published and I had a deadline, I wouldn’t get really serious until the deadline was looming like a big vulture. IE…Hubby asked my MIL to keep our son over the weekend. When she called me about it I started laughing and said, “I hadn’t even thought about the weekend, that 3 days away. I need a babysitter tonight!”
Hang in there and sending tons of good thoughts your way!
Comment by Jodie — May 2, 2007 @ 7:07 am
i make lists. I forget them until I am out on the road running the errands. Usually there is no one home to call and read it to me.
I make mental lists too. then the brain takes a vacation.
I tried to slice the front of my right index finger off last night slicing potatoes on a mandolin. glad i don’t have a deadline, but i did get off work for a couple of days. idiot dr. said i can’t lift but i can run a register. uh, RIGHT INDEX FINGER, in a big bandage, 3 stitches and a splint. don’t think so.:wallbash:
Comment by ev — May 2, 2007 @ 8:06 am
I only pay my bills on time because I check them off my budget each pay period. I’m pretty good about using the list I do make, because if I know I have to check things off I’ll do them. My family is coming in for the weekend and I have to get my house straight tonight(meeting friends tomorrow night). I’ve already started making the list of things I have to do tonight(if I finish everything fast, I still get to relax with a book and Idol). I do only make list when I have to, otherwise I would never follow the list if I made them all the time.
Comment by Liza — May 2, 2007 @ 8:44 am
List, I love them. :love2: I make them all the time. I just don’t always use them. :wallbash: I even have a book titled “List to Live By”. For some reason it makes me feel as though I’m accomplishing something if I make my list.
Julie, have fun in Chicago. I know you’re on deadline but sometimes you need a little R&R. Popcorn from Garrett’s oh my…I absolutely love their popcorn. It’s the best!!! My favorite is the caramel. Yum Yum!!! And pizza in Chicago is like no other pizza I’ve ever eaten. Okay, so now I’m hungry for pizza and popcorn and it’s only 9:00 AM.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of the tulips.
Comment by Vicki — May 2, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Ev, get better soon!
Comment by katie — May 2, 2007 @ 9:47 am
I work off of a list at work but once I get home it’s like my list making abilities go out the window.
Comment by Carol R — May 2, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Well, I used to never make lists, mind like a steel trap, and all that stuff.
And then……..yep, there came the babies, (now kids) and my mind rusted. As a matter of fact I made a list last night w.dh help for a Target stop on the way home and you reminded me I have no idea where that list is or half the things on the list….:wallbash:
This weekend we are going to Zion, so the only list I ever excell at is the PACKING list except I almost always forget a nighty or toiletries or a toothbrush or the time I forgot the meds……oh ugly…:oops:
Julie, I have only been to Chicago once and have never even heard of Garrett’s so I’m thinking on one of your lists for the weekiend you pick up a gourmet selection for a prize package..
or just send it on to me as a reward for such a great idea.
Well, it’s after 7:00 so gotta do some “real” work before the middle schoolers arrive and before my boss decides to see how my folders (that were due last week–and he didn’t do his part) are coming for delivery…………
Gee, I’m tired…can’t I hide in you luggage……..I’ll be quiet as a mouse…….I promise.
Comment by Debbie — May 2, 2007 @ 10:15 am
>>I’m definitely a “deal with the closest fire first” person. I know if I was published and I had a deadline, I wouldn’t get really serious until the deadline was looming like a big vulture< <
Jodie, you have just described my life.
And Ev-yikes on the finger! Take care of yourself! (I have sliced, burned, gashed, broken so many fingers toes, tailbones in my life it’s not even funny…
Comment by Leslie — May 2, 2007 @ 10:36 am
I’m a listmaker. I have them everywhere, without a list I’m lost!
Comment by Susan — May 2, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Owww - Ev - hope that finger heals. I’m thinking the doctor has probably never run a register before.
Leslie - maybe there is hope for me then in the pub. business?!
Comment by Jodie — May 2, 2007 @ 10:55 am
I absoslutely love making lists. Something about the listmaking process is very calming. However, my lists never make it past that phase. For example, yesterday during my lunchbreak I made a great list - things I need to address in my WIP. But it’s already buried in my purse somewhere and I know from experience I won’t remember to look for it until well after my WIP is done.
Maybe I should dig it out now and put it somewhere I’ll remember to find it…
Comment by Julie S — May 2, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
I looooove lists. I don’t always use them once I make them, unfortunately. If I go into Walmart or the grocery store without a list, and I only need three things, I’ll end up leaving without them. :wallbash:
Comment by Shari — May 2, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
I’m a list maker and I remember a line from on old Tom Clancy book, If it isn’t written down, it never happened. I’m sure I forgot the original quote, but that’s close enough. So now when someone tells me they need something, I tell them to send me a note and I’ll add it to my list. That way I’m sure to look at it again sooner or later. If they don’t, I’ve warned them not to rely on my fading memory.
I keep my list in an email note, so I can access it from home or work. It’s broken down into categories like grocery store, calendar of events, things to do around the house and important telephone numbers. Of course my real problem is to remember to print the note so I can take it with me.
I also use a list whenever I write. Since I use a modified version of your layering technique, my first pass at a story is simply a list of scenes and a list of the characters and their key attributes.
Take care……….Wayne
Comment by Wayne (aka Trybble) — May 2, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
I do make lists if I have a lot to do when out running errands, don’t want to forget anything! Sometimes I leave the list at home!! If I forget the list it makes me real unhappy with myself!
Ev, take care of your finger, I hope it heals okay. :love2: Many years ago I shut my thumb in the door of a Volvo! Ouch! I had to have a stitch in my thumb through the nail!! Like you I had this huge bandage on my thumb, try showering, try putting your bra on!! My daughters & I got lots of laughs out of them helping me dress!!
Julie have a blast in Chicago. Crate & Barrel, sigh, I love Crate & Barrel. They have such wonderful things. Enjoy the tulips. :love2:
Comment by Donna M — May 2, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
I’m a list maker from way back! I start off my day at work by making two lists. The first is what I will accomplish before I leave work for the day and the second is a personal list of phone calls - laundry - things to be accomplished before I go to bed - I even add reading time. Sometimes if you don’t build the time you just can’t get anything done. Going away for the weekend requires a list of everything to pack - that way nothing gets left behind. I’m really not as anal as this sounds. Some days my personal list is very short - but reading is always there!
Comment by Barbara-Jo — May 2, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
count me in too! I’m a list maker from way back too. I even have my high school note book and its filled with a “To Do List” lol Sometimes I try to go without making one and then I get to the store and I remember nothing! End up buying everything but what I needed.
Comment by Carol — May 2, 2007 @ 3:37 pm
I’m a list maker, but then I lose the lists, so the lists end up making me just as crazy as the busyness that led me to make the lists in the first place. Have fun in Chicago.
Comment by mary beth — May 2, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
Julie, Listmaker here. Since retiring & with the gas escalation, I write it to plan my “car route”, so as to get the most out of this expensive CA gas (now, at $3.35 gal.). It’s really funny, though, how a person remembers one’s *important* interests. I carry my “publication releases” list with me when I shop, but, I never have to check it as I never forget the title of the books. On the other hand, when grocery shopping without a list, I’d make several return trips.
Like how your site is set up with the time & a priority list. Must help (if you look at it, that is–LOL). Have a great time in Chicago. CR was there 4 years ago. Loved its UBSs–LOL.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — May 2, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
I love lists. I don’t always follow them. :wallbash: But lists are great. Most of mine are on stickies. And they come in all of these great colors.
Comment by Yolanda — May 2, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Julie, have a blast in Chicago. Eat some Garrett’s popcorn for me…I didn’t get any when I was there a couple of weeks ago(the line was down the street).
Comment by Liza — May 2, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
I love making lists…my lists have lists. Nothing gets done without being on a list of mine somewhere. My memory is great, but extremely short, so if I don’t have a list I don’t think I could accomplish much. Besides, when I finally do finish something that is on one of my lists, it is so satisfying to cross it off and know I actually did something I meant to get done.
Comment by Shari C — May 2, 2007 @ 8:25 pm
I write lists, but then something always happens that blows the list to pieces - or I forget where I put the list!
I would probably be a better multi-tasker if I remembered the tasks I was working on at once.
Comment by Lynn Matherly — May 2, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
Uggh Ev…put your feet up and enjoy a good book
Doctors can be so stupid some times….
About the list…I usually make one…usually forget it home…struggle to remember the list….hate being 40
Comment by Tina — May 2, 2007 @ 11:14 pm