THE ART OF LIST MAKING 101

Years ago when Wal-mart started selling the spiral notebooks for less than 20 cents, we started buying them in bulk as Jackson was always drawing and a notebook, not an sketchpad, was his favorite paper to use.  We don’t buy as many as we used to, as each new school year approaches, but Jackson is not the only one to use the notebooks.  I use these same notebooks for list making. You will find many scattered throughout the house and if it is mine…you will find lists!

If you are a fellow list maker you have your own medium for a list, but you know what I am talking about.  They even make special books in which to make lists, but I see no need to go to that expense, and I don’t care to be told what kind of list to make.

List making brings organization and a certain satisfaction into my life.  I am a proud list maker; I do not keep my obsession secret.  Just as I carry a book or my nook with me everywhere I go, I also carry some kind of notebook, large or small.  I never know when a list will spring out of me.

Here is a list (oh, I am loving this, of course) of the kinds of lists I make…

1. The grocery list is probably the most common among list makers and non list makers alike. I do not even attempt to do any kind of grocery shopping without a list.  My list is usually laid out according to the store lay out.  I start a new list almost immediately after doing my weekly shopping and before the week is over may revise the list several times.
2. The to-do list is also common and very necessary if you are going to get everything done that needs to be done.  My to-do list may be on file cards, scrap papers, the calendar…you name it, and you may see them anywhere in my house…kitchen counter, dresser, desk, etc.  I cross the items off as I go and carry over to the next list if needed.
3. A menu list comes in handy when you are planning dinner guests or a party and then you refine the list by adding the ingredients you will need so that you can prepare your grocery list (a list within a list…how sweet is that).
4. Packing lists are necessary if you don’t want to leave anything behind…my wonderful husband can attest to this.
5. I usually start a Christmas list in August and it contains those I will buy for and gift suggestions and ideas for those blessed enough to be on that list.  Sweet satisfaction as I check off the items I buy.
6. My Christmas wish list is the items I would like to receive for Christmas. It is time consuming as it has to be just right!
7. My gardening list includes what I want to grow in the garden or maybe just ideas I am tossing around for the garden.
8. I absolutely love to make book/author recommendation lists for a dear friend.
9. As ideas and inspiration come I make a blogging list.
10. When I first moved back to Florence the summer of 2008, I kept a note book of the passwords I used for job hunting and I must tell you that notebook with that list has come in handy as I found myself job hunting again…was so glad I did not throw it out.

There you have it…10 reasons to be a list maker.  You can start small and go from there.  That is all for now as I need to start a new list…my parents are coming in just 2 weeks and I need to work on my menu list…ingredient list…grocery list.  I love when that happens.