Five things on today’s To-Do List
Which list?
I must confess right now I am a serious keeper of lists. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a to-do list, usually multiple lists with categories and sub-categories. I make lists that tell me to make other lists- for example on my current list item #15 is make a list of house to-do’s. The house list will consist of all those things that I never really get to, but every so often itemize and prioritize just to make myself feel better. After all, if it’s on the list I must have every intention of completing the task . So that list says things like: paint house, buy air conditioner filters, dig up dead plants, finish packing X’s stuff. That last one I will get checked off-finished!
I have little lists-what to pick up at the store, things to remember, and where I am to be when. I also have big lists-you know-the LIFE lists. While cleaning out my cedar chest and packing up all of X’s things (love letters,cards, the mementos of life pre-Chickie on the desk) I ran across my THINGS TO DO BEFORE I DIE list-written at the age of 16. Clearly I was a starry eyed romantic at that age-or just horny. Lot’s of references to locations at which I’d like to have sex along with the usuals-read every book ever written, travel, ride an elephant, and learn to ballroom dance. There were also the unusuals-dance with Fred Astaire, hear Pavarotti sing live, dine at the White House, and kiss Baryshnikov. Many of the items have long since been completed, but Fred and Luciano died-so those are out, and ballroom dancing is doubtful-given that I have no rhythm and two left feet. So… I shall hold out for the sex and that kiss.
For a while lately my lists have had a lot of tasks reflective of a life in flux. Make lawyer’s appointment seems to always be near the top. First it was to handle divorce tasks, now it is to handle the myriad of post-divorce tasks-new wills, new power of attorney, new new new life. Tax time meant see accountant reigned over the list. My first time in 17 years to file separately; half the paperwork to gather double the refund. Not bad.
I have the mundane things to tackle of course. Pay the bills always makes the list, as does schedule the car for maintanence (I am routinely 5,000 miles behind schedule), finish laundry (who am I kidding?), buy cat food and change litter box. Then there are the fun things. Send out audition notices, write press releases, prepare lecture. Volunteer job at the theatre and real job at the university.
I re-write the list when it starts to look messy-too many things scratched off or add-on’s scribbled about the page. A neat to-do list gives the impression that I am organized and efficient. I have a personal list, a professional list, and a list that breaks my week down by individual days. I regularly lose my lists especially those that I take with me in the car so I know where I’m going and why-the ones that say get stamps, milk, and return library books.
But I ramble.
Five things on today’s to-do list:
1. Call lawyer
2. Research medical savings accounts
3. Buy A. a new swim bag
4. Visit M. when she returns home from hospital-take food
5. Fill bird feeders.
It’s only Tuesday, so I figure I might get those done this week.
What my list should say:
1. Day dream a while
2. Plan a long lunch date
3. Read until I fall asleep
4. Make homemade toll house cookies with girls
5. Laugh- a lot.
Oh, and figure out who in the world I’m going to vote for.
Einy-meeny-miney- why did John Edwards drop out?- moe.
And now, thanks to the -one- who- shall- reap- what -he- sows I have Finish answering the meme questions to add to the list.
