skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Do You Make To Do Lists For Yourself?

Marilyn Sue McClintock

15 years ago

I do, when I have a lot to get done before a family dinner. It helps me to see if I am really getting things done and how much more I have to get done. I started one this evening. I will add to it as I think of things. Then I will check them off as I get them done. I just wondered if anyone else does that?

Sue

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (31)

wanda_va
15 years ago
I can't function without lists! Lists for everything...I love the sense of accomplishment when I can cross an item off my list. I have finally convinced my father that he needs to make lists (he's almost 87, and getting forgetful). Now if he could only remember where he puts the lists!
cathyid
15 years ago
I make them for myself, but the ones I make for DH are much better! LOL
Related Discussions
Where do you shop? Let's make a resource list!
Q
Comments (46)
When I was "oldifying" my previous house, a 1994 Cape, I shopped at Bradbury & Bradbury (bradbury.com) for wallpaper, Rejuvenation for lighting, vintagetub.com (FANTASTIC customer service) for plumbing fixtures, ebay for accessories, Horton Brasses for door pulls. Now we've bought an old house (1900 Eastlake Victorian, albeit stripped naked and modest to begin with) I'll be back to all those companies, and soon I'll be headed down to Architectural Salvage in Exeter NH for parts for our broken mortise locks (I may have to buy the whole lock and scavenge the parts we need; it would probably make more sense to replace the whole thing but I'm sentimental about the parts that have been there for 107 years). He's a little expensive though. In a few months I'll go up to Old House Parts in Kennebunk ME, and check out the rumors of a Habitat ReStore in Portland (Maine, that is). jfpegan.com (who also sells on eBay as jfpegan) sells restored antique and handmade repro lighting at good prices. I picked up two slightly battered pan chandeliers at a yard sale this last week (15 bucks for both!) and when I'm a little more flush I'll send them off there for repair and restoration, which they also do. I'm not sure if I've seen anyone mention Bathroom Machineries (deabath.com). Sort of a mediocre website but they have things no one else does. Sadly, where I live (SE NH) the Arts-and-Crafts-that's-not-Mission ;-) furniture I love most is a rare critter, at least on the lower budget end. I've heard the Skinner "Discovery" auctions in Bolton MA have cheaper, less-fancy things; it's about an hour and a half drive but I'd rather bring something wonderful home from that than something from Ikea, which is the same distance in a slightly different direction.
...See More
What do you make for yourself ...
Q
Comments (29)
My friends kid me that I write down the travel, mileage, etc. on my car when travelling ... ... on scraps of paper ... ... which they accuse me of losing. They're largely right. So - I took a rather thick, shiny-paper flyer of regular correspondence size that came in the mail, folded it. Took some sheets of paper that had been partly or wholly used on one side, folded them in the middle, also. Put them into the shiny-paper cover. Lay them flat on a newspaper, shiny-paper side up. Stapled through the shiny paper and internal papers, then through into the newspaper. Folded over the staples, using sharp point of a knife blade under them to give them a loop, so as not to cut the paper. Now I have a booklet to carry in the car to write down mileage, calculate miles per gallon, when I changed the oil, etc. Cost? The price of a couple of paper-staples. I also try to get receipts for most stuff that I buy (for cash, mostly). Keep them in a small pocket in the car, as well. And they tend to get lost, as well. So ... I cut up an old envelope, pasted it to the inside cover of the auto mileage booklet, to hold the receipts. Have only used it a couple of times. It should work O.K., though. I may want to fold down the front panel, to make it easier to slip in (and retrieve) the receipts. Cost? A dab of glue. When I say, " ... I changed the oil ...", that's a fact. The amount that the required amount of oil costs, plus filter, is much less than the cost of an oil change at the dealer's. I have a friend who lets me borrow his ramps, so that it's easy to get under the car to remove the drain plug from the oil pan, and the filter (for which he has a wrench, that I also borrow). Plus a bucket to catch the oil (and a drum into which to pour it ... using his funnel). He gives me tea, as well (O.K. - his wife does), which is better service than I get at the dealer's. And I take a tea bag to them, occasionally. Which I don't do to the dealer's, either, truth be told. Good wishes for making your own stuff - and fun. Taking some measures to ensure your continued good health, as well. I'm very thankful that I haven't needed to take a pill in, I suppose, thirty years. ole joyful
...See More
Do you buy your mayo or make it yourself?
Q
Comments (35)
As long as you're using a clean implement with the commercial mayonnaise and not introducing a bunch of new bacteria, it's really fine in the fridge for months. They pasteurize the eggs. The sell by dates are the ones they guarantee the product for with the addition of a reasonable amount of time in the pantry for you to open it. That's not for edibility but that they'll guarantee the freshness--it's not rancid, deemulsified, scummy, moldy or otherwise gnarly. If it has been kept clean and cold, and doesn't look, smell or taste funny, it should be fine. The only thing I use sweetened mayonnaise for (I appreciate other people's druthers, just speaking for myself) is broccoli slaw. I like a thick honey poppyseed dressing for that, which has a mayonnaise base. It's not very sweet, but makes a nice counterpoint to the broccoli.
...See More
Floof- Little things you do for yourself that make you happy
Q
Comments (45)
Same as Amy....I don't deny myself anything if I want it and have the money. I do give consideration to whether or not I really need it, and sometimes I talk myself out of things....like another horse. I like going to thrift shops, auctions, yard sales, etc. My waterlilies and contemplating new ones that I want, and crosses that I want to make. Antique rose cuttings and planning for new ones and getting together with the Rose Rustlers to share cuttings. I eat what I want, when I want it. I don't diet or worry about gaining weight. I like sleeping with three or four of my cats. Walking with three of my dogs...the ones that mind the best and will stay right with me or immediately come back when I call them. I have wanted to walk in the Nati'l. Forest, and now that hunting season is over, I plan to do that...just hope I don't get lost like I did a couple of weeks ago, when I thought I was taking a short cut home, and ended up deep in the forest and stuck in the mud...at 9:30 at night with a dying phone and no flashlight. I enjoy my old horses and seeing them thrive, because almost all of them came from situations of severe neglect. I love when nothing is planned, no one is coming around, and I can spend the whole day by myself and just drift around the place, looking at the waterlilies, roses, fish, going to the old barn and seeing the bats in the hay loft. Fixing nice meals for my wild possums. Listening to my radio guy, who comes on twice a day.
...See More
marilyn_c
15 years ago
Sometimes. I should do it more often, but my days are pretty much a set routine as it is.
organic_donna
15 years ago
I'm sure I'll have someone put my unfinished list in my grave.
LOL,
Donna
stargazzer
15 years ago
Only lists I make are appointments, therapy, doctors, delivery people, etc.. I put a steno tablet on end last night and printed in big letters:

CLEAN THE D** DESK OFF

It's still there, but the day is not over yet. LOL
gadgets
15 years ago
I'm a list maker. I accomplish much more with a list than without........no brainer trying to decide what to do, what order, what priority, etc.

Shirley
linda_in_iowa
15 years ago
I am a list maker. That is the only way I get important things done.
socks
15 years ago
Me too, Linda. Seems like if it gets written down, it gets DONE!
lindaohnowga
15 years ago
Yes, it's my "rememberer".
clubm
15 years ago
Yes,I suffer from the disease CRS!!
wildchild
15 years ago
I make lists for everything. Not so much to remember but I simply like the feeling of organization it gives me. There is just something about taking a fine point pen to paper and making a nice neatly printed list. Perhaps it's because it is one little area of my sometimes chaotic life I can control. LOL
lydia1959
15 years ago
I make lists for everything too... lists for what needs to be cleaned, what needs to be cooked, shopping lists, christmas lists (cards and gifts), to do lists, on and on. I'd be in big trouble if I ran out of paper.
pekemom
15 years ago
I make a grocery list, but sometimes forget to put it in my purse.
glenda_al
15 years ago
List maker
kathyg_in_mi
15 years ago
If it's not on the list it ain't happening!
Kathy G in MI
cynic
15 years ago
If I didn't have my anti-forgetters I'd be in a world of hurt. Literally. Much has been transferred to the computer reminder program, right down to taking my vitamins, syncing the work PDA etc. Easy to forget. I have checklists for traveling, winterizing the house/vehicles, etc, chore lists, special "TTDs" (things to do) and the like. I even grab some scrap paper and make a list of things I'm doing and organize it a bit more, for instance a weekend chore list might be divided out a bit when I'm going to the basement to do laundry I have the notes for things to take to the basement, things to bring up, and stuff needing to be done in the basement. Makes things more efficient. And now that it's so much harder to get around, it saves a lot of steps and gets more done.

I try to always carry a pen and paper on me or my digital recorder. This gettin' old stuff ain't all it's cracked up to be.
drewsmaga
15 years ago
Ditto wildchild and kathyg_in_mi. I've got DH & Kids (when they were still home) trained to "put it on the board" (wipe-off board) for things they needed/ran out of. Cuz if it wasn't "on the board" (that list) they'd have to go get it themselves (i.e not my problem!)
angelaid
15 years ago
Yep, I make lists and when I check stuff off, it must be in red ink.
I'm also the sticky note queen. I have dozens of them all over my computer, desk, coffee table, etc.
patti43
15 years ago
I have to. Otherwise nothing would get replaced, groceries wouldn't be bought and phone calls would never be made. (Not personal ones, "business" ones.)
jel48
15 years ago
Me too. If it's important, gotta have a list!
missindia2020
15 years ago
Yes, but these days, I forget to look at them!! :)
mylab123
15 years ago
Oh yes, have always been a detailed list maker (in the evening, before I go to bed) and the older I get, the more detailed the list becomes.

It's a good thing, I'm a very organized person and couldn't be without my list.
jaybird
15 years ago
Yes, if I want to get anything done!!!!!!
Thanks for asking.
gadgets
15 years ago
Cynic said: "for instance a weekend chore list might be divided out a bit when I'm going to the basement to do laundry I have the notes for things to take to the basement, things to bring up, and stuff needing to be done in the basement. Makes things more efficient. And now that it's so much harder to get around, it saves a lot of steps and gets more done." Amen, brother.

Shirley
jannie
15 years ago
Nope. My mother used to love making lists. And I remember she used to load the list with things like "drink coffee", "take shower", things she did everyday anyhow!
curlysue
15 years ago
I have to make lists in order to get things done. I need to be making a list now or my house is never going to be clean enough by Sunday.
kathyg_in_mi
15 years ago
And then there are the days you go out and forget the list. My list for tomorrow is all ready in my purse, it has lots to do on it!
Kathy G in MI
finchelover
15 years ago
I make a list when I am going to travel so I have packed all my clothes, also make a list when I am cooking for Holiday dinner to remember to buy all that is needed. Mainly on my computer I put sticky"s of upcoming shows I don't want to miss/lately I have been making my outdoor Spring to do list.
User
15 years ago
They are all over my house!
auntnete
15 years ago
I am a nut about lists. A couple of years ago I had surgery and the medication they put me on after made me very anxious. I started sitting up at night making lists. I mean 20-30 lists a night. I even made a list for a dead president...go figure. I told my doctor about it and he took me off that medication. He said he didn't want me to have to start a 12 step list program. It only lasted a few days but it was wierd.
Dee1
15 years ago
ha ha ha, auntnete, a 12 step list program. That just made my day. You have a wonderful sense of humor!

Cynic, thanks, your post made me remember to take my 5 o'clock medicine...it's 5:40! Thanks so much.

I forget to take my lists with me more often than not, but I like making lists just for the sake of making them.

Related Stories

CRAFTS School Yourself in Making a Retro-Style Hanging Map

By Lauren Donaldson

This easy DIY project conjures schoolroom pull-down maps of yore, without all the memorizing

DECORATING GUIDES You Said It: 'Make It Easy on Yourself' and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice and observations that struck a chord this week

LIFE Simple Pleasures: Spoil Yourself

By Laura Gaskill

Renew your spirit by indulging in treats, quiet time and letting someone else do your chores for once

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Find Yourself in an Epic Garden in the Shade

Feeling hot and tired gardening in the sun? The world of shade gardening beckons you to its cool mystery

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of decorating alone and bringing in skilled help

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

REMODELING GUIDES 5 Ways to Protect Yourself When Buying a Fixer-Upper

By Christine Tusher

Hidden hazards can derail your dream of scoring a great deal. Before you plunk down any cash, sit down with this

REMODELING GUIDES 13 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Tackling a Renovation

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

No one knows you better than yourself, so to get the remodel you truly want, consider these questions first

BUDGET DECORATING Simple Pleasures: Treat Yourself to Cut Flowers

By Laura Gaskill

Enjoy priceless beauty with just a few inexpensive stems — and you don’t need fancy vases, either

Sponsored

More Discussions

Oh no! Another one!

658

Let's start a chain reaction game -- Part 4

144

House buyers LOVE this

29

Sunday Brain Game---Solution, Kinda

10

Monday's Daily Quiz

5