Monday, November 17, 2008

My new to-dos

Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone. ~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie

This is something I've been thinking about lately, and then I found that quote. Perfect! So if you read my previous post about to do lists, you know I'm a little insane about them. I decided that instead of a neverending to do list that just gets totally chaotic & overwhelming, I'm only going to have 5 things on my to do list. That's it. I'll make a list of 5 things to do each day and when I finish I can make another list of 5 things; or I can just be done & feel great about having completed my entire list! Of course, when I first decided this I immediately thought that I'll have a list of things to put on the list of 5 so I wouldn't forget anything.
But that's craziness! Then I'm right back to the big long list & the list of 5 is a joke! If it doesn't make the list of 5 and I can't remember it long enough to put it on the next list then it's just not that important.
I made my first list of 5 things today:
1. scrub kitchen floor (Dora puked all over; probably related to the incident on Thursday when she ripped open a bag of garbage in the kitchen) - check!
2. wash Dora's bed - check!
3. pay bills
4. post new blog entry - check!
5. take out garbage - check!
I still have to do dishes & laundry & clean up toys & all the other stuff that's so regular that it never makes the list, but I'm actually going to complete a to do list today! I feel so good! I like this new plan.

3 comments:

Kathleen said...

good plan! is it allowed to take off something you don't want to do and put on something you're in the mood for so you can get the five things done?

Anonymous said...

Hey, I noticed that pay bills wasn't checked off. Lists, if not to overwhelming do make one feel so accomplished. There is so much we do at home that doesn't show. Caring for a toddler shows to other parents because the child stays in one piece AND that is huge. I think part of the reason the toddlers do so well is that they are so bendable and relax into their falls. They aren't scared because they don't know enough to be. Then they have their adorable little selves with the megawatt smiles and what can we do but melt. Keep up the great work Sarah and John! I love reading your blog and seeing pictures of the star. I'm glad I found out I could respond. I hadn't tried for awhile. Love, Aunt Pat

Sarah said...

Mom - no, I think since it's just 5 things you have to do them all, but maybe I'll change my tune in a week or so!
Aunt Pat - I'm glad you're able to comment now too! I paid the bills after I posted my entry so I got everything done! There is so much; I feel exhausted at the end of the day & I know of been busy, but I couldn't even tell you what I've been doing all day most of the time! Glad you're reading!
Love,
Sarah