The Importance of Making Lists

 

Here’s guest blogger Vicki Batman with a holiday themed post but yet a reminder about how we should keep lists…

 

At this time of year, there’s the whole rush-rush to make Christmas perfect. The least little thing turns our life upside down. But do the holidays have to be flawless?

I’d like to say all was hunky dory at my house until last week. Seems my house isn’t cooperating. The electrician, plumber, heating/cooling, pool, and phone man are making a visit, all in one day. That pretty much will keep me from writing for a bit. And I have to keep a cool head and just plow through the repairs because getting antsy about not doing what I want to do doesn’t help.

Stay positive and turn the tables. While the work is being done, use this time to organize.

I tend to buy or make Christmas gifts all year long, so I’m not in the “rush-rush” mode. I still have a tree to decorate. Packages to wrap. One big present to buy. Hostessing a few small parties. And voila, I’m done.

Deep breath. That might sound like a lot. Remember – one thing at a time.

Making lists help me. I don’t write lists all the time. For example, when I go out of town, my head goes to auto-list and I auto-pull together what I need for the trip. When I feel rushed, I’ll lay in bed at night and my head goes this, this, this, and this. You know what I mean. Trying to remember is silly because by morning I will have forgotten. Or the list will repeat in my head and I won’t fall asleep. So I write down what my brain wants to help me remember. In the morning, voila! Something constructive to work with. Plus the bonus of a good night’s sleep.

When I’m working, I have a couple of tools I rely on. Mostly, I use a large paper calendar. Each day makes a large square and I write down the information to remind me of the to-dos and what time to-do. When the task is accomplished, I scratch it off with great satisfaction. I also like large ruled sticky squares in bright fluorescent colors. I write reminders and lists, plaster them on my desk top around my laptop, and when done, ball those suckers up and toss. Another one bites the dust!

At the holiday time, I make a list of what I would like to accomplish. In reality, some of it won’t happen and that’s okay. Stuff can wait. Most important is cherishing the time to enjoy your friends and family. So when you feel “I need to,” think for a minute. Do you really need to?

 

About Vicki

Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up some awards and bestsellers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and several writing groups. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”

 

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Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/

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