The Power of Lists

Are you a list person?  For most of my life, I have NOT been a list person.  Not for groceries, chores, organization, or anything.  I remember that in college me and my roommates would often make trips to the grocery store together and they would all go out to the car with a grocery list in hand.  I never once made one because I preferred to just decide what to eat once I got to the store.  This never inconvenienced me or my roommates because I was done at the same time as everyone else.  

When I first got married, I was the same way.  Even though I usually had a slightly better idea of what we'd be eating for dinner for the next several nights, I still wouldn't make any type of grocery list.  I'd just go to the store with an idea in my head of what I needed and even though I did occasionally forget something, it usually turned out just fine.

Michael, however, is a HUGE list person.  I learned early on that if he is going to get something done, it needs to be written down.  When I would ask him to do something, (or a few things) he'd say, "Sure, make me a list and I'll get it all done ASAP."  I didn't understand why he couldn't just remember on his own (especially if it was just one thing!) but I definitely can't complain because if I make him a list, it always gets done.  We now have a whiteboard up near the computer that we use to make lists for Michael.  Most guys would hate having a list, but Michael actually likes it.

 And if he accidentally forgets ("forgets?") :) to get something done, I give him a very friendly reminder.  ;-)

I know, it's kind of obnoxious, but he thinks it's funny, and it usually does the trick.  ;-) 

Once Matthew was born, I discovered that it was soooo time to start making a grocery list.  I found myself distracted at the store and usually in a rush, and I started forgetting a lot more things that I needed.  There was also a lot more that I needed to buy since I started trying to get all my grocery shopping done for the week in one day.  So, I finally started making a grocery list.

And wow, making a grocery list is SO much better.  I really should have done it sooner....  which got me thinking a couple weeks ago that perhaps I should be making even more lists for myself  So last week I made myself a To-Do list and felt like I had one of the most productive weeks ever.  Even if I didn't get everything done, I at least got more done than I would have without it.  

I am converting to becoming a list person.... so this is my (random) shout-out to lists.  I highly recommend them!