12 days...

12 days ago I made a commitment. I said I was going to make a list of things that I wanted to blog about and then systematically work through them- posting a decent piece of writing, one including a coherent line of though, twice a week.

Correct me if I'm wrong- but 12 days is close to 2 weeks. And here goes post number one...

My amazing need for to-do lists. (AKA- I'll implement this and maybe get back to the goal!)

Structure, plans and commitment have never really been my speciality. I like to fly by the seat of my pants, enjoy the day for what it offers and not be tied down. However, as I've gotten older and been been entrusted with more and more responsibilities I've discovered my planner and to-do lists are imperative for getting anything done efficiently (and, deep down inside I really really love efficiency).

Recently I've not been using my planner (I went about a month without being able to remember where I put it-woops) and in the past week and a half I have been reminded of why my planner became my BFF while in college. When life is pretty calm I can handle all I have to do in my own little brain, juggling one or two things without dropping anything. However, trying to juggle multiple friendships that span multiple cities, states and countries, a job, applying for other jobs, volunteer opportunities, the kids ministry at my church and any other random items thrown my way has proven to be impossible. I can't juggle them all anymore- I need a solid place to carry them.

Its kind of like when I go to the grocery store. I have this thing where I hate getting a cart- I always seem to pick the one with the rickety wheel- but I've recently given in to taking a basket. Without the basket I'm wandering around with chips and shampoo and frozen pizza and carrots tucked under each arm, a bag of apples hooked on my hand some bread and lunch meat somehow captured in the other. If someone gets in my way when I'm walking toward the check-out its all going to get dropped. However, with my handy-dandy basket- I throw it all in, sorting and organizing to be sure the bread doesn't get smushed and the chips stay nice and full and I walk out of the store without the stress of the balancing act.

My planner is that basket. I can put everything in one big to-do list and then sort and organize as things get added, figuring out what needs to be done each day and based on that know how much time I have to spend with others outside of work. I'd forgotten how much I need that organization to be able to live the way I want to.

So here goes nothing- I purchased a new planner this week and I have high hopes for getting back on track with spending my time wisely.