Monday 5 December 2011

So, I'm making the list...


I thought you may like to know that this Monday, today, only the first in December and the 'oh-my-word-it's-closer-than-I-thought' day for kerjillions of us, is the 'big list' day for me.
This year's present list...turned up pages mean they're ready....
  • I need a list of Christmas cards to be written...subdivided into a list of those to be posted and those to be hand delivered.
  • I therefore need at list on my workdesk of the number of cards I still have to make!
  • I need a list of the presents left to be brought.  Not many, but you don't wanna be forgetting one because it wasn't on your mind at the right time!
  • I need a list of the 'bits and pieces' left to buy - you know, batteries, the odd stocking filler and such.
  • I need a list to be made as I wrap gifts - I put them all under the tree (because I love the look of my matching wrappings and ribbons before they get jumbled up with others that don't match!).  But I need to be sure that on the right day, we take the right presents.  It may be obvious that if you're going to your Mum's you need to take hers, but there's loads of other people who will be there that you won't see otherwise...and if there's a list, I don't have to be the one to make sure that the right presents are loaded...one less job.  Cunning!
  • I need a list of essentials that we'll need over the holiday.  But not the essentials of everyday or other holidays.  Tonic water, bottled lemon slices, cherries are good examples.  Not a weekly grocery list essential, but definitely a Christmas list essential!
  • I need a list of the customers that our new Company has enjoyed this year, there are more, quite important cards to be made.
  • I probably need a list of last posting dates.
  • I need a food shopping list.  It starts off at this time, a horrendously long and frightening affair, but I wrestle with it over the next 13 days or so and as things get crossed off, so it stops looking like a dinosaur sitting in my path!
  • I have a list of presents I'd like for myself, as I do for Mr D and Miss D.  I keep them on my phone and top them up whenever either of them mention anything, at any time of the year.  This efficiency is then utterly ignored because I forget to refer to it when shopping.  I'm such a luddite.  I still need lists on paper!
I don't need a list of lists. Really, I'm attempting organisation in a way that works for me.  And as I'm a stationery junkie and have had thirty adult years to fill the junkie cravings, I've got appropriate notebooks for these lists.  And some.  And truly, that's one of the great pleasures of my Christmas preparations - I get to press into action some lovely, often decorated, some lined, some plain blank pages. It's a bit like journalling for the journalling challenged. And you're allowed to doodle.  Stationery, ideas, a bit of art, all in the name of organisation. Bliss. 

24 comments:

Di said...

Oh Julia - reading this posting I was going to ask if you needed a list of all your lists! Grin :)) Keep on scribbling! Di xx

Tara Cardwell said...

I too have the stationery addiction - my family don't get my need for "another" notebook - nice to hear I'm not alone.....

Unknown said...

Ah, a list of lists - think I could do with a few of those lists!

And top must be to book a delivery slot for the Fri or Sat before they all get taken!

Helen said...

Love your list listing the lists you don't need.... I have finished my cards (smug look!) but that's it.... lol.

Craftychris said...

Lists are cool! The are a need not a want and you have got it down to a fine art - love it!!!
Enjoy x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This is MY idea of journalling, too. I simply don't journal, but I have been known to make lists and lots of them. Good going, and there are things on YOUR list I would not have considered. Like cherries!

Belinda Basson said...

Can I print your list, it is more comprehensive than mine, which is "write list"

Lunch Lady Jan said...

A list?? What's that then....?!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Morti said...

Jan!!!

A list is what you get when you've had one too many (or should that be one two many) G&Ts. You should know that by now!

Julia - you sound like me. We try to be organised, we mostly suceed, and then we throw all the presents under the tree to admire them before the Wrapping Philestines get involved.

Coming round for a drink soon?

misteejay said...

Love the list of lists Julia. I'm a stationery junkie too LOL...is it a crafting thing do you think?

Hope you are going to be a little more precise with your hints to Mr D this year...just look what your "something big and shiny" got you hehehe.

Toni xx

CLaire said...

What a lovely post.... so enjoyed this..I totally agree on the matching presents under the tree malarkey... I am just the same.. and I often take a picture before it turns into that unmatch mess !!!
Have a lovely time writing you list.
I have lists... ready for my 10 days of getting everything once back in the uk.
ARRRGGHHH

Cardarian said...

Ha, ha , ha loved this post - I am a list person too and there are a few of those lists you mentioned on my desk, in the kitchen on my fridge and there is a special one growing at my bedside - sometimes I remember and write something down right before I go to bed! He, he what would we do without these little helpers????
Hugs,
Cardarian

CoventryAnn said...

I do love a list, there's space for 2 in my journal!

Whimcees said...

Hello!

From one list maker to another - all I can say is WOW! You have taken this to new heights! You are the supreme list maker! :<)

Wishing you a blissful week!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Sunshine Girl said...

Ooooh no I love a list of lists! to me thats the best one - one day I am sure I am going to have a list of lists of lists! won't that be fun!!!

Glenda said...

I've given up on the list and now in a mad dash for the finish line! I, like everyone else, feel overwhelmed and just know I'm not going to make it! Somehow, year after year, it all falls into place and suddenly I have a day to sit back and breathe.

Neet said...

I too have given up - what is done is all that is done - once again I am saying "I will start earlier next time" - yeah! Heard it all before. Now to dash off out and buy some presents for the family. Ooer!

Spyder said...

Ready? You have pressies that are ready and finished and all wrapped up? if I do it too soon, I lose the tag and have to unwrap the pressie to see who it was for and what it is. Madison has grown on me. MY third card using her, you really have to think 'out side' the box or, in her case, get in it and nail down the lid!
(((Lyn))

fairy thoughts said...

I love list, trouble is I forget to look at them.
But I do have a special Christmas book started in 2002, it has every christmas present and card I have brought for friends and family in it over the years. I would be lost without it. thanks for the tip on list on your phone, great idea, I'll add it to my list
janet

Elizabeth said...

This is a champion list of lists needed - might just use it as an aide memoir. I do have a to-do list but it's here on my Outlook so not much good if I'm out shopping. Love stationery and have bought umpteen notebooks over many years, rather like you have, but find it hard to actually use them and spoil their pristine appearance ... there's no cure for me :)) Elizabeth x

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Lists, and More Lists. and checking them twice is very necessary. Glad to know we all do it. I really like the festive new look to your blog. Great choices. It is on a list for me too but..I've more important computer things to do. A laptop that has an alarm, and I don't know what the problem is.

Anonymous said...

I understand the presents going to the right location and this is what I do which works out great. Each family group has their own gift wrapping. That way I can easily snag the right presents fast and super easy! Happy list making!

sandra de said...

I love your plan of listing everything. But, at the moment I can't even find the note pad to make the list. Not overwhelmed ...just drowning under the wrapping paper and other bits and pieces that have landed up on my desk. But your post has made me focus so I am off to find the note pad to make a list!

HeARTworks said...

List of lists! Good grief! You are funny Julia!