to-do lists | Bead Happily Ever After

Snap Out Of It, Crystal

Posted on September 20, 2010 by crystal

Happy Monday!

(or “hi there!”, if you’ve stopped by on another day.) 😉

I’m not sure how you feel, but I’m thinking if the days continue to fly by (We’re almost three weeks into September!) then I’m about to become a teeny bit nervous. It means the holiday season is not only around the corner, but it’s barreling down on us at full speed!

Take this last weekend, for example. I had a long list of things that needed doing but all of a sudden it was Sunday night and I hadn’t done half of them. I couldn’t believe it. It made me think, though. I’m at a point in life where I’m finally realizing that I need to acknowledge a critical fact – I’ll never be able to do all I want to do in any given weekend, or month for that matter. It’s time for me to be content if I finish the most important things. There, I said it! Next I have to put it into practice. 😉

I need to re-write my lists with the absolute priorities at the top, the moderately essential things in the middle, and with an eraser for the things on the bottom!!! I’ll bet if I tried, I could really shorten the end of that old list – eliminate some of those would-like-to’s and feel better for doing so!!

When I look back on the last few days, and the chores I never got to, I am comforted when I remember what I did do.

* I did spend quality time with my parents 🙂 (who will be leaving for their winter home in Florida in a few weeks and so I won’t get to see them as often).

* We did drive into the city to see our daughter’s band perform. We loved it and she was happy we were there. 🙂

In the grand scheme of things, we accomplished much. Nothing could be more important than making memories with people you love . . . certainly not to-do-lists!

The Weekly Question!

How do you handle the ever-present “time crunch” in your world?

Hugs,

Summer Wind

Posted on August 19, 2010 by crystal

Do you ever feel as if your lists have lists?

You know – there’s a lot to do, but not enough time to do it?

I’m in that club! 😉

This summer, I’ve really been hoping to make a dent in my “to-do” list. I should say, right up front, that it’s not all chores! At least half of the items are fun. 🙂

Crystal’s List:

* Big chores that need to be done periodically.
* Small chores that I need to complete.
* New projects and craft techniques I’d like to try.
* Then there are the crafts I enjoy doing – but can’t seem to squeeze into my regular schedule.

It really hit me yesterday that summer is flying, and I’d better jump in and scratch a few things off that old list! 😉

Hmmmm . . . chores???

No way!

Learn a new technique?

Not enough time at the moment.

Do something fun that I haven’t done for a while?

Bingo!!!!

May I present Exhibit A?

Summer Wind Bracelet

I hadn’t realized how much I missed working with thread and beads until I began this bracelet.

It’s made with Swarovski Crystals and Glass Seed Beads in shades of Cobalt Blue and Amethyst Aurora Borealis.

The sparkle is really fabulous! Wish I could hand it to you through the computer screen, so you could hold it near the light and be dazzled! 🙂

The moral of this story? Don’t put off something you enjoy! I beg you to do as I say (not as I do!).

Summer is flying ya know . . .

(What’s on your list?)

xoxo

It’s On My List . . .

Posted on April 2, 2009 by crystal

Lists. Do you make them?

Does a having a “list” ease your stress about the things you need to do?

Or do you feel it’s better to be blissfully unaware of the vast number of upcoming obligations you have?

Me? Well, I’ve had an on-again/off-again love affair with lists. On the one hand, I believe they are definitely helpful when you need to pack for a vacation, or plan a party. And I’ll admit there’s something very satisfying about crossing things off as you complete them. You get that wonderful sense that you’re actually making progress!

But creating multiple lists of things that could be done, should be done, and must be done, can be a little overwhelming – not to mention time-consuming. After all, in the time it takes to make and refer to multiple lists; you could be accomplishing a task that’s on the list. 😉

My grandmother was the most organized person I’ve ever met. For example, if her kitchen clock stopped running, she could refer to her notes and tell you not only what battery was needed, but also the date she last replaced it, and the price she paid for that replacement! I haven’t inherited the organization gene to that extent, but I always thought it was pretty impressive that she had so much info at her fingertips.

These days, I figure I’m doing pretty well if I can keep the file cabinet from bulging too much with its receipts, important papers, and appliance manuals. If the drawers close – I’m happy.

As for lists??? I’m in a “do not need them” phase – except for my grocery list and a blog topics list. But you never know. I might be tempted to keep track of things next time the battery in my kitchen clock needs replacing. 😉