Lists

I make a list for everything.  Mostly because I am a control freak and have this need to be completely organized.  All the time.  I even make a list of  topics that I need to start lists for.  Wait...does that make sense?  It does to me.  I've always been a list maker.   As a matter of fact I think my list making obsession is annoying to those who do not make lists.  Case in point:  my younger sister.  Ever since we were young girls, she mocked my list making.   Not much has changed, she still rolls her eyes at me when I start a new list in her presence.

My two favorite apps for list making are the ones that come automatically loaded onto the iPhone that I access through iCloud.  There is the "Reminder" list.  The reminder list allows me to set actual reminders with alerts (which I love) and I also use it to keep basic lists.   I have a list for EVERYTHING on my Reminder app.  I have a list for:  grocery, Target, Sprouts, Costco, Ulta, Coupons, Beauty supplies, Projects, Books, etc.  The list goes on and on.  What I love most about it is that I can update my list from my desktop, iPhone or iPad.    When I'm at work I can pull my list on my desktop, when I'm at home I can use my iPad and when  I'm out and about I access my list on my iPhone.

Here's the Reminder List.  I like that I can click on the box and the item is removed from the active list and moved to a "completed" list.  So if I accidentally click the wrong box, I can find it in the "completed" area (it's sorted by date) and move it back.

 My other favorite on iCloud is Notes.  Notes looks like a yellow legal pad.  I use this list for projects and for when I need to take detailed notes.  Like when I'm out shopping and I want to do price comparisons or when I am brainstorming ideas:

Yes, I make a schedule for when I plan on putting out my holiday decor

Speaking of lists......

While I was at work today I had a panic attack because I realized I didn't have a list put together for all that was about to start.  September through December is a very busy time of the year for us.   We have Cardinals football games (including tailgating), family birthdays (seven total within a two month period), Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decor, handcrafted Christmas cards and what ever else gets tossed at us.  On top of that, we are expecting out of town guests in early December so we have a guest bedroom that I am redecorating.   So I immediately started a list of things I needed to start lists on. 

When I got home, I took my list of lists (stay with me, it will start to make sense soon) and created a book to keep me organized.  Organization will be critical these next few months so I needed to make sure I was prepared.   I know this sounds weird, but this is how my brain works.  I've said it before, it's not easy being me.  And although I am normally all about electronic lists, sometimes I need to go old school. 

My topics are:  Guest Room, Visit To Do, Tailgate, Christmas and Weekend:

What is alarming to some is that I always keep these supplies on hand in case of an emergency.

In the Guest Room section I'll be able to keep ideas (that I usually get out of magazines), receipts (so I stay on budget), checklists so I get everything I need.  Basically, everything I'll need to have a successful outcome:

In my Visit To Do section, I can keep a checklist of items we need to take care of before our guests arrive. Tailgating warrants a section because tailgating is no joke.  There's a slew of things that need to happen to make sure the tailgate is smooth.  The Christmas section will include shopping lists, decor and card making, parties, etc.  Weekly will handle what needs to be done on a weekly basis to keep the household running smoothly through this very anticipated hectic time.  I feel that being organized during the chaos will allow us to still enjoy the moment.  Which is really what it's all about, yes?

Luckily, Sweetheart is a list maker so I don't drive him completely crazy with this.  At least not all the time.  Well, I'm off to make another list.