Lists. We all make them. When my husband, Eric calls frantic about all the work he has to do, I tell him to make a list. And do one thing at a time. I make lists at work too. Usually to avoid the work I am writing on my list. And somestimes I cheat and put down things I have done so that I can cross them off immediately to make it look like I accomplished something. Or I add things I know I absolutely positively will do, like 7. Stop and pick up milk on the way home.
We make lists of names for babies when we are pregnant. Lists of things 'to do' before the baby gets here. Grocery lists - that are made based on the Sunday coupons and then both list and coupons are left at home come the actual grocery day. I particularly enjoy making the vacation list. You know, things that you need to remember to take on vacation. I am very good at those lists and very seldom forget anything on them.
One year, I think it was 2003, I made a "Thingss to do in 2003" list and taped it to the fridge. 2003 came and went, and the list was still there - nothing crossed out. So I figured we'd give it another shot. I hadn't been extravagant in the list - maybe 5 things. So I crossed out 2003, inserted 2004 and tried again. Well, again the year came and went. Trying desperately to be optimistic, I tried for one more year, 2005. Finally. The first thing on the list was crossed out - 1. E. - Get a vasectomy. Once this was accomplished I figured the rest of the list wasn't that important and took it down.
We have friends that have and A list and a B list. They each keep their own A and B list and the idea is this - if something happened to their spouse, the people on the list would be considered appropriate substitutes. The A List was actual real life people that they knew. The B list was famous people. Eric and I joke about this - "Oh, is she on your list?" or "You know he is on my list". My A list I won't share, but my B list. Well, just to make Sheri laugh, I will say #1 is Greg Keelor. But before you rush to judgement, search youtube for the original Lost together video, circa 1993. Although I would still take him today. Who else? Well, who could deny Brad Pitt or David Beckham on their list? I mean really?
So what is my point about lists. Like every pushing 40, full time working mother of 2, I make lists. In my mind, on paper, wherever. I would like to start crossing some of the things off my list. Of course, there is the perennial 1. exercise more (or at all), 2. Become more financially responsible, 3. Start a blog. Cross off one.
