Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Lists......

I am a bit of a control freak just in case you haven't noticed yet.  I like things clean and orderly.  I can't go to sleep if my floors and counters are dirty.  I like to get things done ahead of time.  And because I am like this I am also a freak about lists.  I LOVE lists, because I love crossing things off of them.  I feel such a sense of accompaniment when I draw a line through a completed item on my list.

This past weekend I had to be a bit stern with myself on getting things done so I made my list up.  Do two of four pending re-evaluations for work, check.  Wipe down the area outside as we have trees spreading pollen everywhere, check.  Finish my audiobook, Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky, great book by the way and there is knitting in it although it is not a book about knitting, that was just a bonus, check.  


Work on my Lady Kina so Kathy B does not beat me to the finish.  She just started hers, I have had mine on the needles for a while now.  My goal was to cast off the sleeves, check.

Watch the Packers win, check!!!!!!  We are a big Packer family here as my husband grew up in Wisconsin and much of his family still lives there. Knit and crochet during multiple football games, check. 


I wanted to get at least six squares completed on my Crazy Granny Square Blanket, check.  I finished square number eight last night while watching the Ohio State/Oregon game.  It was a great game, I stayed up until the last two minutes of the game, that is late for me.  Ohio State won, check!  Sorry Oregon fans, it was a great game to watch if your son swims at Ohio State and you want them to win.


This pattern is really so easy.  I love the simplicity of it,  I can almost do it with my eyes closed so it is a great project to work on while chatting, watching TV, listening to a book, etc.   

I had a minor injury to my shoulder on Saturday night while holding Little Buddy for 45 minutes at my neighbor's party.  We ended up coming home after less than an hour because I was in a lot of pain.  Once I got home and put him down, stretched my arm, took some Tylenol and put on my PJ's I suddenly realized I had several bonus hours of yarn time.  I tried to take full advantage of it and was thrilled my shoulder did not hurt while I knit.
 

On the list was taking a walk on Saturday and enjoying the beauty surrounding me, check.  This is what I see behind my neighbor's house.  It is right on my side yard and the funny thing is they don't see it at all.  All this beautiful color is a treat.
 

Seeing new leaves emerging from the trees already.  It seems a bit early for this, usually they pop out closer to the end of the month.  No walk for me on Sunday, see shoulder injury above.

The past two years I have kept a list of all the projects I have made, and all the yarn yardage I use.  I don't  have a set goal, I just find it fascinating to see what I have done at the end of the year.  This year I am also keeping a list of all the books I read or listen to.  I think that will be fun to see, too. 

Now to be totally weird, I have even been known to add something to a list I have already completed and cross it off just to feel better about my accomplishments, and of course to remember I got it done.  Are you a list maker, too?

46 comments:

kathyinozarks said...

I am not one for lists; only lists I use are when going shopping in town, or a to do list in town-lol I am loving your granny squares allot, and I am a huge Packer fan too-go Packers

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

I can't get anything done without a list!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am a list maker! I am not compulsive about everything being done before bed (I wish I was more like you) but I do love lists. It helps me organize my day and my thoughts.
hugs,
Linda

Between Me and You said...

Wish I had your organisational skills, Meredith. Me, I just plod along hoping for the best!x

mamasmercantile said...

I am a big fan of a list. I have a notebook for everything it keeps me organized. Love the granny squares.

CJ said...

Oh yes, I'm a list maker too, and I'll something just to cross it off. And I can't go to bed if things are messy either. You're so busy and organised, it's always most impressive and inspirational. I do so love to visit this space. I do hope your shoulder's better soon. CJ xx

My Garden Diaries said...

I am a list maker like you!! I love that you add things you have already accomplished to cross it off! And your squares up there for that blanket are gorgeous!!! Glad you had some extra yarn time....and I hope you heal up quick friend! Nicole xoxo

Clare said...

I love a good list and have also been known to write something down just to cross it off, loving all the yarniness hope you're shoulder is better soon.
Clare xx

Anonymous said...

I have started using the notes section on my phone and find it us really working for me. No more pieces of paper to lose or clutter up the place . Happy Days to you and rake care if that shoulder x

Home Meadows said...

I am a list maker too, but mostly in order to get things done. I had my list of "To Do's this morning and most got checked off the list, I think one load of laundry didn't get folded, but I'll add it onto tomorrows and fold tomorrow. :-) Your projects are all moving along nicely. I really like your patchwork afghan you are working on. Looks like you are joining as you go, so you won't have that big task at the end. Take care and have a nice evening. Heather

Tasha said...

OMG! Im a big list maker for everything. If its not in my notebook its on my phone . I like looking back sometimes on my lists an little notes I make.

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Mere!!!

It's lovely to see that green granny blanket taking shape, well done!!!

And your lady kina also looks lovely, good luck with your knitting!

Hugs!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Grammy Braxton said...

I loved this post. It sounds as if you and I are sisters. I make lists all the time. And your last line, about adding things you've already done so you can cross them off???? I am so that person. I usually have a list lying around beside the computer and sometimes one beside the recliner if I've thought of things while sitting there. Love the green granny square blanket. Hope you have a great week.
Hugs,
Sharon

Betsy said...

I enjoyed reading about everything you accomplished on your list over the weekend with the exception of your shoulder injury. I hope it's better with the "yarn therapy". I can't believe the gorgeous flowers you have in January. I NEED to move to a warmer climate. I had to turn around and come home this morning from my LIST of errands because of icy roads. It wasn't worth an accident to cross those items off. I'll do them tomorrow. :-) My husband is a list maker from way back. He makes lists for everything and is like you that he has got to get them all crossed off. I wasn't so much of a list maker until after my stroke. If I don't write it down, I'll probably forget to do it.
Blessings my dear Meredith.
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

I make lists too. I used to do it with paper and pen but I've added using the "note pad" on my iPhone. That is really handy as I always have my phone with me. And you can "air print" the list to your printer and take it with you for shopping. The O vs. O gave was painful for us Oregonians. I hope your shoulder gets all better and you need to not hold him for 45 minute! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Babajeza said...

Good Morning Meredtih!

We're soulmates! :-)

Anonymous said...

I AM a list maker.

I too like to keep track of projects and books and of course, chores to do and chores all done.

BUT --- I'm also a terrible delete-er and starter-over.

I'm hoping to keep better track this year.

Hope your shoulder is feeling better soon.

Taci simmons said...

Omg my friend you have no idea ... I make a list about making my list ... I don't think I would function at all if I didn't have lists... So I have to tell you that I sent you a little gift since Christmas ( just a little token) and it came back to me :( I wrote Oregon instead of Florida ....:( ami getting that old ?? Well fter all I'm going to be 53 next month... So I have to start making lists to double check my work ha ha . I'm run jog to the post office tomorrow again and this time hopefully you will get it. Love the sweater you re making ... Hoping to make one for myself this year. Hope your shoulder gets better soon.

linda said...

What can I say Meredith, I do exactly the same. This year I have an A4 diary and it's brilliant for lists I can can put a huge list a day. I even set myself a timetable and fit the things on the list into it. The huge downfall is if I don't manage to do everything I have on the list I feel awful and have to add that thing onto the next days list. I do that last thing too it makes the list look better and it's only fair we have done that thing afterall haha have a great day. :) xxx

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Big list maker here too, and definitely add things in order to immediately put a line through them. Hope your shoulder eases soon,and very glad it didn't impede the knitting!
Jillxx

gaia said...

Dera Meredith,
Crazy Granny Square Blanket is gorgeous! Can't wait to see it finished.
As for lists, though I love to read lists, I could never succeed in making them.I wish to be as organized as you are one day :)
Hugs,
Gaia.

Amy at love made my home said...

Sorry to hear about your shoulder, not nice at all. I hope that it is OK by now. I think that my love of lists and notebooks has already been firmly established this week, so I totally understand your love of lists and keeping things organised!! xx

Jo said...

I am indeed a list maker and ticker also falling for the writing things on I have already done for the thrill of the cross off!! I like goals and targets and achievement - is that the teacher in me do you think? I have seen the Kinna, it is on my 'list' too, yours looks good so far. Jo x

Unknown said...

I'm a bit of a control freak myself, though I can't manage to keep my things in nice clean order - I'm strange, I know, and I can't remember a thing if I don't write it down, so I love lists!
About your projects, they look really interesting! I'm sure the blanket will turn out great!
And what a lovely Bougainvillea you have! We've got a rather old one at our family home by the sea, unfortunately where I live it's too cold for them... they're such beautiful trees...
Hope your shoulder gets better soon! xx

Linda said...

I do admit that I am a list maker, it helps to keep me focused on what needs to be done. You did well with checking everything off your list and I do hope your shoulder makes a full recovery for you.
I love your Granny square blanket, it is so simple and yet so attractive.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Meredith, Yes, I am a list maker too! I also love different books to write in, mole books, pens, and all the nerdy things. Oh yes, I'm with you girlfriend! Let's keep the nerds alive xoxoxoxoRobin

Heldasland said...

Poor you and your shoulder. I used to live by list. I couldn't do anything without one , shopping ,housework, what I need to read , clothes list, cleaning rota you name it I had a list. That all changed when illness came and turned my world upside down. I was suddenly faced with lists that I could not do. The routines I had established suddenly changed and I had no choice but to live my life on a day to day basis. It was so hard but the longer the illness went on I became free.
Letting go of the cleaning list was tough .I'm in a better place health wise and I am now almost list free but I still list yarn and as I design I always do that.
Lots of love

Gillian said...

Oh yes! I make lists about everything. I don't always cross off the items on paper but I certainly do it mentally. Your crochet squares are looking great - love the colours.

kristieinbc said...

I'm laughing because all the way through your post I was planning to leave a comment telling you about the trick of writing something down on your list you've already accomplished, just so you can have the satisfaction of crossing it off. Then I got to your last paragraph. Great minds think alike! :-)

Unknown said...

I should be a list maker! I love your granny square blanket. It looks so soft and light. I am sorry to hear about the shoulder. I also have problems with mine. Not good when you are a housekeeper. lol.

Ljubinka said...

Lovely granny squares, beautiful flowers!
I have a list, but I do not like...
Many greetings.:*

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

What a productive weekend, lots of crossing off too. I sometimes make lists but for work I have been known to add things to my to-do list just so that I get the satisfaction of crossing something off.
Caz xx

kathy b said...

Oh Yes. There is a daily list. I love to cross things off with a pink highlighter pen. :)
My parents were list makers

Joyful said...

I love lists too but seldom keep them anymore since I don't have a day job. They used to help me keep track of everything I needed to do at work and at home and also what I needed to buy. These days I just keep lists of groceries and shopping needs if they are things I don't usually get. I also keep a list when I'm getting ready to travel as there is usually a lot to do. I could relate to adding things to a list after they done, lol. Mostly I like to do this to see how long my list was and how much I got done! lol. I enjoyed your makes in progress. You do so much with your limited time. xx

Susan H. said...

I love lists! My co-worker just showed me a list she found that her 8 year old wrote down. It was amazing, she had her entire day planned out.
I really need to find some time to tackle knitting, so many possibilities...

Hugs :)
Susan

Annie Cholewa said...

Nothing wrong with adding completed tasks to a list just to cross them through, seeing everything you've achieved is way more satisfactory than only seeing part of it ;o)

Carla from The River said...

We are two peas in a pod!! I have been known to make lists of my lists! :-)
Yay, for the Packers.
One more game to go.
Carla
P.S.
Hope your feeling better. I know how you feel. I did something like that too.

Chris said...

Oh I never write anything down as I had such a good memory! Well times change! I need to write a list of things to get to write lists !! But I do have a book I write all my project info down. Love your crochet squares ! Watch your shoulder!!

handmade by amalia said...

I've made my sister a little notebook to hang on her fridge for her shopping lists. I like making them from scraps though I'm not a list maker myself. She took it before I could take a photo for the blog, these non-blogger people just don't understand :-)
xo

Jennifer Hays said...

I make lots of lists too. I don't think I could live without them. I just really enjoy keeping track of things, it helps me get through my days. Your projects are looking great. I'm always in awe of people who can both knit and crochet. I hope your shoulder feels better soon!

Lynne said...

Just bought a new notebook a couple of days ago to write down my daily lists. I have a smartphone but never use the notes app. Must have pen/pencil and paper!
Your granny squares look great :)

Threads of Inspiration said...

Wow! What a lot you accomplished with your lists! I live in WI and while I am not looking at azaleas, nor will I be anytime soon evidence of a Packer craze is everywhere! I'll be in front of the tv with my knitting on Sunday!

Helen said...

Hope your shoulder is feeling better soon. I'm exactly the same with lists! loving the knitting and the crochet blanket is lovely :) xo

Toni said...

I do the exact same thing! I love lists--even if they're ones I'm adding to AS I can cross things off. It feels so gratifying to see progress IN WRITING.

Hope your shoulder is feeling better! Ouch.

kathyinozarks said...

Hi you can delete this and not post it-for some reason when I reply back to your email I am getting a message from aol that my email can not be delivered-so didn't know if anyone else has mentioned this-

Gracie Saylor said...

So sorry you injured your shoulder, and I too hope it heals soon!

Your Crazy Granny Square Blanket looks so cool, and your Lady Kina is coming along nicely! While I am glad you finished square 8 while watching your Bucks beat our Ducks, I have to admit we were happy for you, but sad for us :-)

Mere, even when I make lists I am apt to not read them while I shop sometimes forgetting the MOST important item. I am fascinated by the responses you got to your question, and am enlightened. Some of the most productive Bloggers I know are devout list makers...thus if I want to accomplish more I need to make more lists. Mercy!!! xx