The Magical Power of Lists
Are you a list-maker? If so, HELLO, FRIEND! If not, HUH?? I have known people who said they were “not list makers.” What does that even mean?? How do you keep track of EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE if not with a list? Or an app, or something???
I happen to be exceedingly good at doing nothing. Surfing the internet. Lying in bed with my eyes closed but not sleeping. Talking to myself, replaying past and future conversations with other people over and over and over and OVER again in my head. If I didn’t make To Do lists I could quite easily drift through the rest of my life accomplishing nothing at all.
My boss at my last job used to say “if it’s not in writing it doesn’t exist,” and that’s the power words on paper (or computer or tablet or cell phone, you get the drift) have for me. If I don’t write a task down, it doesn’t exist…which means I never have to do it and no one will be the wiser. And yes, I CAN live quite easily with a sinkful of dirty dishes and a messy car and towers of boxes all around me. The ability to ignore the conditions around me is one of my special gifts. A survival skill, if you will.
On a more scientific note, a study at Dominican University of California found that once you write a goal down, you are 33% more likely to actually achieve it. And the likelihood of success is even greater if you share the list with a friend! Which is why I am, once again, sharing My Vacation To-Do List with y’all.
The last time I did this was last August when I had a TWO WEEK VACATION (be still my heart) and on Day Two…I had heartbreaking news that knocked the wind right outta my sails and I really never recovered enough to accomplish much on The List. To be clear, that’s not the last time I made a LIST. That’s the last time I shared it with you guys. I make lists incessantly.
Besides my ongoing daily to-do lists at home and at work, I have lists of:
- blog topics to write on
- blogs to read regularly
- clothing items to round out a seasonal wardrobe
- movies I want to see
- books I want to read
- things I want to do
- restaurants where I want to eat
- outfits I want to style
- things I want to photograph
- photography skills I want to learn
- makeup/health/beauty products I’d like to try
- passwords
- things that are stressing me out (part list, part journal)
- in winter, addresses of houses that are decorated over the top for Christmas
- gifts I want to get for people
- gardens I want to visit
- songs to add to Spotify
- things to take to the hospital
- things to take to photoshoots
- names for future pets
- ETC.
Phew! I don’t think I’ve ever made a list of all my lists before. There’s a few more floating around (like, “models I want to shoot with,” but that’s so outdated by now…and “apartments to see,” but they go so fast and I have no need for that right now anyway) but this is the bulk of them (is anyone still reading this??).
ANYWAY, Julia of When the Girls Rule gave me the idea of writing this particular blog post when she commented on this week’s Week in Review that she was wondering about my vacation to-do list. So, this list’s for you, Julia!
MY VACATION TO DO LIST
APT
* finish unpacking kitchen once spice rack arrives
* move tall bedroom dresser (I never had to move furniture on carpet before! it’s a bear!)
* organize clothes closet (movers=boys=no clue)
* finish unpacking bathroom
* empty out car so I can…
* …get last things from Northport apt
* organize office area
* fix bedroom window blind (my bad)
* text Ms. Landlady about missing oven rack (it’s been a good excuse to not actually cook, but…)
BLOGGING
* shoot last of winter outfits, about 6 looks, offsite (Brooklyn??)
* plan blog topics up through April break (8 wks away)
* write 2 blog posts a day (hey look, this counts as one!)
* go back through missed days of blogger workshop (I signed up for this January workshop just days before I found out I needed to move right away. I barely got halfway through it…and it’s good stuff!)
* find item for February Match Made in Seven post
EBAY
* get one box of stuff listed (this was voted Least Likely to Actually Get Done)
LIFE
* laundromat, UGH (I don’t know why laundromats aren’t bundled with other businesses, like coffee shops or bars or book stores or internet cafes – are those even still a thing?)
* grocery shop and make big pot of something for dinners this week
* find new registration sticker and put it in car
* do a day outing by myself somewhere, anywhere
* Very Important: identify location of Julia’s Instagram photo
* help friend purge wardrobe
* read (where are my books?)
* nap early in the week
* actually USE the online yoga thing I signed up for like a month ago!
* change renter’s insurance to new address
At this point (Wednesday afternoon) I’ve already done a bunch of things…and I’ll let you know how I make out with the rest of the list once vacation is over.
The Season of Wardrobe Remix
Okay, this has got to go on the list of Most Captivating Blog Posts Ever, surely! (how many of you just said “don’t call me Shirley”?). But please note, I did share an outfit! The winter outfits are winding down as I haven’t bought anything new in a really long time. So this is the season of Wardrobe Remix. You’ve seen all these items before, but never combined in this way, so…
This is one of my favorite fall/winter tops. I love the chestnut color, I love the lightweight but squishy stretchy feel of it, and I LOVE LOVE the “poncho-ness” of it, with its open sides. I didn’t even realize it would be like that when I bought it last year (fall 2017) and at first I was disappointed but then I wore it and the magic revealed itself to me.
From the front it looks like any pullover sweater. But the sides are virtually nonexistent so it is never snug, tight, stretched taut, revealing…any of those frequently unpleasant clothing terms. It floats away from my body in a joyful way…revealing what’s underneath. In this case, a golden ochre colored waffle knit top. I topped all that with my autumnal scarf cuz it was COLD and I needed something around my neck.
I feel like this was my gateway sweater to wanting a real poncho, like a knitted, fringed, sweatery poncho. Something warm and cozy and loose to go over whatever else I might be wearing. I’ve seen a couple around on the interwebs that look cute but I haven’t actually shopped for one yet. But it’s on my radar.
When I came back inside after my little patio selfie shoot, I saw Janey had been watching me out the window.
What I Wore:
- Ellos Chestnut Poncho Pullover, size 2x.
- Woman Within High-Low Thermal Henley Tunic, size 2x
- Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Jeans in Callisto wash, size 22W short
I’ve linked this post up with Nancy’s Fashion Style and her Fancy Friday Link-Up
Photos by me.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
Iris
Love the sweater – it does look comfty and I especially like the “swingy” style.
I’m a list person too, thought I’m not sure I have quite as many as you do. I really can’t exist well without them at this stage in my life. (My memory definitely isn’t what it used to be.)
Also love the area you shot in – if that’s your patio it looks really inviting.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
That *is* my patio. It is a nice space, I’m looking forward to warmer weather to really be able to use and enjoy it. I was never a fire pit person but I’m wondering if that might be nice to have out there for cooler evenings. You probably need to keep wood and stuff for that, though…? I’m not good at fire-starting things.
Iris
Oh, I love the fire pit idea. I’ve thought about that, but don’t really have a patio and the yard, well…. I’ll bet you would enjoy one though.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Yeah, we’ll see. I feel I’d need to “ask permission,” and that’s never high on my list 🙂
jodie filogomo
There’s always so much to talk about with your posts, Bettye.
First…my husband always says that “don’t call me Shirley”….you guys have the same humor!! (I won’t say if that’s a good thing or not..)
As for lists. I have some, but definitely not as many as you do. Then again my desk is cluttered with written notes, and reminders. Does that count?
What to take to the hospital?? Never thought of that one.
The list of movies I have on my phone so when we go to the library, we know what to look for.
And when you find out about Julia’s location, let me know. I guessed a music store….I’m sure that’s too obvious.
bettyewp
Your husband has a BRILLIANT sense of humor!
The girls I share an office with are not listers, but post-it stickers…and I always worry a note will fall off and get lost and forgotten. Plus, my whole desk area would be wallpapered with post-its or notes and that would make me a little crazy.
I came up with the list of things to take to the hospital 2 years ago when I had two extended stays there and i wanted to be as comfortable and “ready for anything” as possible. I always meant to write a blog post about it and then “the moment” passed and now it feels weird cuz it’s more random than relevant, but…I still may someday. It’s a good list and could help someone.
Clover
Yes! Lists are soooo important! I make them every day. So many lists!
And yes, “don’t call me Shirley” is a catch phrase in my family. 🙂
Janey is such a cutie!
bettyewp
SO many lists!
julia
Oh, you crack me up Bettye! You were quite the sleuth finding Elderly Instruments on my Instagram. Everyone else just said “super cute outfit” — our favorite adjectives! I love lists and have daily, weekly and long term lists broken into three sections by season (before it gets cold, during the cold, and when it’s nice out) since our chores are driven by weather so much. I remember being so invested in your list last August since it seemed you had the perfect blend of relaxation, productivity and fun and then it all went to kaput. I hope this week’s vacation was the perfect blend!
bettyewp
That’s me, The Super Sleuth!
Uhm, I’ve been a little heavy on the “non-productive” time this week 🙂 But it’s okay, I needed some downtime. I did still get quite a bit done. I DO always put more on the vacation lists than I think I’ll actually do. Here it is, the last REAL vacation day, and I’m torn between doing the very productive all-day thing I planned to do (because the weather would be right!) and just staying home in my nightgown except for maybe a trip to the bakery later 🙂 I know next week I’ll regret not doing “A,” but right at this moment “B” is seeming way more appealing 🙂 I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Karen
Hi Bettye,
I came across your blog some days ago and had a great time reading, skimming and reviewing much of your 3 years blogging. It probably took over 5 hours! What fun–you are an especially funny and neat lady, real and honest. I learned a lot about New York ( I live in the Midwest), enjoyed your beautiful photography, enjoyed pictures of and commentary on your pets, your lifestyle, your challenges, and your clothes!
You have given me such an enjoyable experience with reading your blog and I will continue to follow you. You are articulate and have the much appreciated gift of excellent writing. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us!
bettyewp
Ooh, Karen, what nice things to say! I was just commenting last night that this blog has The Nicest followers…and look, here you are! It’s funny, I discovered that an Instagram fave of mine has a YouTube channel so I’ve been binge-watching all her videos from the beginning while on vacation (possibly why I haven’t been all that productive this week!), so I certainly know the feeling of “catching up” on someone’s life online…but I can’t imagine someone reading about MINE, ha ha! For FIVE HOURS?! Ohmygosh I’m flattered and embarrassed! But overall, I’m glad you’re here.
Can I just ask, if you even know or remember, how you found my blog? I keep meaning to put together a little reader survey and that’s one of the questions I’ll ask, but…
Hope to hear from you again soon!
Zaffi
Re: moving the dresser, get some furniture sliders for carpet before doing this one. Makes a world of difference.
Blessings
Zaffi
bettyewp
Yes! I’ve been meaning to order some from Amazon, will definitely do! PS – love your name!
Karen
I follow Jodie’s Touch of Style which I found by looking at a delightful blog I also follow by a woman named Liz that had been posted on Christopher and Bank’s website last summer. (I love some of their clothes and jewelry and they have petite-missy-womens plus size if you’re not familiar with this brick and mortar and on-line store). Somehow you were referenced on Jodie’s blog with the Sephora thing, so I checked out your blog too!
By the way, you could (should?) write a book about your life. Seriously I think it would sell well and be well received. You have a very interesting and fun way of writing. Just your name on the cover would make me choose to check it out! I can just see the cover with a lovely picture of rain falling over a pond. Haha. Love your name. (I personally know know/of two people who wrote/write books about their lives and one became a New York times bestseller, even though she self-published I believe.) It can happen to talented writers! 🙂
Have a good rest of the day!
K.
bettyewp
Ahh, that Jodie, spreading the love! 🙂
Ha ha, I loved the description of how you found us here…”I followed Jodie’s blog, which I learned about from Liz, who learned about it from The Monkey King, who was swinging from the ol’ banyan tree, that got pruned by Tom and Al, who sell ladies’ clothes!” The internet is a wonderful and magical place!
I have thought of writing a book…I feel like I have so many stories…but I fear I’m the only one interested in them. I wanted to call it “A Rose in the Shade.” And THAT is a subject for another time!
I’m off to check out Tom & Al’s website!
Susan Marinelli
Very interesting post, Bettye, as usual, and stellar outfit!
In particular, I loved this statement:
“If I didn’t make To Do lists I could quite easily drift through the rest of my life accomplishing nothing at all.”
I am still chuckling over that one. You’d get along well with my sister in law, who always has a list. I have stopped making lists, since when I need them, I can never find them. Now that I think about it, perhaps I have drifted through life accomplishing nothing at all? Nah! I’m pretty happy with what I’ve accomplished, and hope to continue to accomplish. All without a list. I make them in my head, and sometimes I remember them. Sometimes, I will just be sitting there, and a hithertofore forgotten list will just pop into my head. It’s all part of my intricate system of disorganization, which seems to work for me. If I had a list, and didn’t accomplish everything on it, my self esteem would suffer. It’s already fragile enough and I can’t handle all that stress on myself.
Now an Excel spreadsheet is another story entirely. I make those in my head too.
bettyewp
I can always find my lists cuz they’re on my computer (sometimes with cell phone addendums). And trust me, I do not always LOOK AT the list…(like today)…but I know it’s there when I’m ready to be, or at least FEEL, productive.
And there’s a lot to be said for not stressing yourself out. But when I can do to myself is NOTHING compared to what goes on, let’s just say “in other areas of my life,” so…I’ll continue my lists.
An Excel To Do list sounds like hell on earth. Do people do that?
I remembered some more lists today. In my high school to late-20s journal (which we called a diary back then cuz we weren’t fancy) I had lists of boys I liked, boys I’d dated, boys I’d kissed….I’m going to stop here but you can imagine what the other lists were. There were lists of “Reasons I Like (insert name of current boy here).” I still have this book and occasionally look through it and just shake my head. And cry.
Susan
I love Excel so much, I actually think in Excel about certain stuff. Like my budget. You can do anything in Excel.
bettyewp
Whoa, you’re a smarty smart smarty pants! Actually, I put all my finances in Excel, too. I think that’s the only thing I use it for in my private life. At work we use it tons.