“It’s about time” is a series I have started over at Sincerely, Emily this year. Basically, it is about finally getting around to doing some things I keep putting off for one reason or another.
We all have our “lists” don’t we? Please tell me I am not the only list maker out there. Some of you have them in your head (that was me when I was 23 yo) and some of you have them on paper, in your phone or on you computer (paper for me thank you!)
I tape a list to the kitchen cupboard when I find I just keep forgetting certain things I need to do. I tape a checklist to the door so when I am leaving for a meeting I can make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. It is terrible when you arrive at you culinary group meeting to find out forgot the dish you cooked! (I haven’t done that yet, and I really don’t want it to happen – therefore, a list)
I have a notebook in my purse with one page dedicated to grocery or shopping related things – everything is written in one place and that works for me. (like the dimensions of the oven rack I need because I did this!) That notebook serves another purpose; it is always in my purse so when I am out I can add to it, jot down something I need to email someone, things I need to do, etc.
We all have things we need to do: take out the trash, clean the bathroom, call the dentist, but this is different. I am talking about things that I want to do (after I have cleaned the bathroom or taken out the trash). I don’t have to make kimchi… I want to (I want the healthy benefits from fermented foods). I don’t have to make this or that… I want to. It will help reduce the amount of other items that I buy. It will help reduce packaging, and reduce the amount of commercially made things I buy. It will improve our health because I make it and therefore I know what the ingredients are. I don’t have to plant flowers… I want to. These flowers will attract bees and birds. In turn, those bees and birds will help pollinate my veggies and eat bugs out of my garden and I can later save said flower head for making lotions of salves (calendula) or use it to make tea (chamomile or hibiscus.)
So far, this year, I have managed to check 3 things off my “list.”
- The Oil-Cleaning Method (OCM): It’s About Time
- Making Kimchi – It’s About Time!
- Finally Used the KitchenAid Mixer- It’s About Time
As this year goes by, some months may be more productive than others when it comes to these things on my list, but each month I am planning to make or do a few things that I have put off. I know I am heading in the right direction.
I did a post here a few weeks about my best intentions and my plans for making up some tinctures and throat lozenges. Well, this is the year to do it.
You would think with all these “lists” I make that I would have one for all these “things” I want to do. Nope. So I am finally making a new list…It’s About Time !!!
What do you have on your list?
Sincerely, Emily
I make lists, too. I keep a small magnetic white board on my fridge for the grocery list, divided by store, and another one with a sort of meal plan (it shows what meals I can make with what’s on hand, a little more flexible). I have to do lists in my laptop, in OneNote and on Sticky Notes on the desktop (need to consolidate soon!) I have them separated by business, garden/yard, to make (need), to make (want), to make (gifts), recipes to try, etc. February is my month to finish things I have started, like my 1st rag rug that won’t lay flat, a skirt I started, organizing my warehouse and listing all the cool stuff have to sell on ebay (before shopping for more!), and getting my seedlings into the ground before they get too big. I also need to finish my chicken coop.
Hi Sandy Kay, It is neat to hear how you keep their lists. I used to use the magnetic board on the fridge, but found when I was out in a store that I didn’t expect to be in, I couldn’t remember what was on my list (why I started the notebook in the purse). I am thinking that the magnetic wipe board would be a good way to keep track of what is in the freezer, then I could update it easily as I took something out. Oh, unfinished projects. When we lived in Palm Springs I used to get together with a great group of ladies and bead. We would all focus on UFO’s (unfinished objects) every now and then. We all those UFO’s. We have a shop in the backyard that I still need to finish painting. I have to get that on the “list” so I don’t forget this spring! It sounds like you have a bunch of fun projects going on. Have fun with them!
I would be lost without my lists, and my wife would definitely also be lost without hers. I am a techy-type, so prefer to keep my lists on my iPhone’s “notes” app or as calendar entries on my Mac. Tanya prefers the large coiled scribbler method.
We were able to knock a few off the list in 2011:
Clear land, build coop, get chickens, fencing and fencing and fencing, get pigs, get rabbits (well..only one doe so far…so that item is still on the list….)
Plenty of items on 2012′s list, including:
Get rabbits, put in garden, more fencing…, Should be another fun year!
You did get through a lot of nice things in 2011. Big things too! That is fantastic. That is great to get the chickens, pigs (and rabbit) established. One big thing I am working on right now is unpacking boxes filled with my husbands aircraft manuals, parts books, etc. Getting the shelving in place was half the battle. Now I am unpacking some boxes that have made two moves with us and haven’t seen the light of day in 14 years! I just unpacked a box today that had some unrecognizable books in it, even my husband says he has never seen them. Really odd! But fun and exciting all at the same time (and dusty!). I will soon be able to check this item off the list! Feel so good!
I keep a few different lists running– one on my blog, and then I have a notebook I carry everywhere that has different headers– projects, groceries, you name it.
I have one with my canned/ frozen goods, which I forget to update all the time because it is not convenient.
I like whiteboards but they seem to get co-opted by the smaller folk if I keep them in view– and if they aren’t in view, I forget to X things off.
Oh good, another notebook carrier! I am not alone! You are right, that whiteboard needs to be in a convenient spot or it goes unused. I really like the idea for the freezer – I need to work on implementing that one sooner than later. There are things in there I can’t see and really need to be using!
[...] you for this great post over at Not Dabbling in Normal You’ve inspired me to consider the lists in our lives a little more [...]
You’re on your way. Proud of you!
Think I will put on my “to-do” list, finally starting to write our Family story.
Thanks! Aaah, the family story. You know going through all the family photos is on the list for my next visit this summer since we have gone through all the other “stuff” – that will help with the family story I guess!
my list?
finally learning how to make cheese. I have even all the supples ordered.
I love reading that other people are knocking items of that list! I have also wanted to try oil-cleansing
I laugh, because my list seems to be forever growing. I keep adding and adding to it. But I do seem to be checking things off of it also. What type are cheese are you making? Hard or soft cheeses? Both are great fun. Give the oil-cleansing a try. I am amazed at how good my skin is feeling this winter because of it.