Let February Break (aka Vacation) Begin...2016

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"I'll settle down
when my 'To Do' list
is smaller than
my 'Been There,
Done That' list."


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Hi there everyone! It is cold, snowy, and another storm is on its way to our beautiful area of Upstate New York. I'm thankful it is Winter Break because I speculate another snow day could have been used tomorrow, I like my snow days given back for an extended Memorial Day weekend personally. A tradition in the Buske house during a school break is the making of "THE List". For the most part, our week is relaxed and flexible, with the exception of "doctor appointment day".

But I'm an optimist so there are additional items on "Doctor Day". Don't worry, it isn't a work only week. Some of the items on the to-do-list (or chart as my family calls it) are family fun and relaxation type activities (like exercise or shopping). 

I am the next generation of list writers, with yet another generation following suit with color coding and priority techniques that make me proud.

I make lists for a few reasons,in an easy-to-read format, here you go:
1)  It's a proactive approach and keeps me focused

2) I begin with the end in mind. I need to "see" my day or week before me and prioritize.

3) Lists help me to put first things first

4) Lists remind me, and my family, to think win-win. When everyone knows what needs to be done, and pitches in, it makes for a happy home - my lists are color coded. Blue for hubby, pink for me, orange for Mags, and green for family event. (In case you are wondering, our calendars are color coded the same way)

5) A list keeps me organized. 

Will I complete everything on my list for the week? Of course not! I have items in off colors that I add when they "pop into my head". These are my "parking lot" things to do. If you've ever worked on a committee, there are "parking lot" items - these are important but not priority items, worthy of discussion (or doing) at a later time.

I also have generic items on my list, an example is "writing" or "exercise". Depending on my mood, writing might be crossed off after writing this blog, or exercise is crossed off because I made so  many trips from one room to the other after forgetting what I went to get. Sometimes I "NEED" to cross items off so I'll write down something that wasn't on the list, but something I did, just to cross it off. My biggest fan says I'm sadistic and I remind him of my Mom, then he smiles. 

I think I'll always be a list creator and organizer, it works for me. Lists don't work for everyone. My husband has an amazing mind and doesn't need a written lists. He formulates lists and balances the check book in his brain, I can not even begin fathom this and find is amazing. He tolerates my lists and even appreciates his honey-do-list on his days off.

Let me share a marriage pointer, leave your husband a list of what you need done. My husband asked me to leave him a lists after admitting he doesn't know what I need done and would like to help but I'm so "fussy", he'd rather not do anything than trigger the OCD crazed wife if something isn't the way I need it to be. I know, I'm the one with the issue and an amazing husband who desires to be a good man and understands the way I'm wired. He appreciates the lists and I appreciate little things.

​Note, my lists are little things, like take our the garbage or put away the dishes. Ladies, sometimes our men work so hard to provide for us, they don't recognize how priceless and precious taking out the garbage can be for their wives. Don't nag at them, just talk. Ed and I communicate and this works for us. If he wants me to do something, you know what, he leaves me a note. Without a note, I'm a lost puppy trying to find my way, this girl needs direction and focus.

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If you are a list person, are your reasons the same or different? Please share in a comment below to help inspire and encourage others looking for the trick that works for them.