Moments D583: Making lists, checking them twice and cleaning it up

As I near the next chapter in my my new novel, I find myself making lists of lists to make sure I don't forget anything.  Ever since the big shift in June, I haven't really been paying close attention to the details, I haven't really had to.  But now, as things become ever more deep, it's time to really clean things up and prepare for this next chapter.  Why?  Because it's a big important chapter and much is changing.

Today I took some time to dig a little deeper into a post separation finances.  Check.  All cleaned up and ready to talk to my CFP about better diversification now that I have all the information sorted out.

Today I took some time to set up a checklist for my coming trip.  You know.  What do I need to pack.  What do I need to wash.  Which hat.  Do I need sunscreen?  Should I bring my tablet or just my laptop.  Do I have enough supplements?  It's a simple way of getting the chorus of things out of my head so I can better focus on the other lists that are more pressing in the short term.

Like making sure I have detailed out information for my kitty sitters.  Oh.  Right.  Not so short term.

Okay, how about my checklist for Christmas gifts for my immediate family as I won't be spending Christmas at home with them.  No?  Still not short term enough?

Well fine then!  How about a checklist of what to buy for my girls night in this coming weekend and a checklist of small things that I need to get done before they all show up?  Yes, that's definitely more short term.

Today I also made a checklist of thoughts and ideas that needed to be shared with a friend of mine.  It was one of the most challenging lists I've made in a long time because, sadly, it was filled with points of grief, frustration and disappointment.  Yes, that's definitely a list that was long over due.

But at the end of the day, I feel more organized.  I feel a little less burdened by the weight of things bearing down on me because I have sorted through it and know that piece by piece, bit by bit, I will check things off my lists.

And before you  know it I'll be enjoying a cocktail on a cruise ship looking back smiling at all that I managed to get done in short order.

Oooooh how I love lists.  Strange, perhaps.  But, there's no denying their effectiveness!

Moments pausing to sort through the hum in my head.

Moments knowing that the future is mine to mould.

Moments D482: Slow and steady

I had a lot of plans for today.  A project, a workout, another project, groceries, cleaning up, etc.    I woke up later than normal, which was a lovely treat.  Where I would normally jump out of bed and dive into my list of "to do's", I, instead, stayed in bed and sat reading for a good hour or so.

Fortunately it was still pretty early by the time I did jump out of bed.  First thing I did was check off my workout.  (What a workout it was too - nearly 2 hours later!)  After puttering and tidying up around my apartment, it was time to get myself some lunch, which meant getting groceries.

I shopped slowly today.  I was in no rush.  I had no list.  I walked up and down all the isles.  (This is something I love to do when I have time!)  Once home I made myself lunch and instead of eating it while working on one of my projects at the dining room table, I decided to sit my lazy-feeling-butt down on the couch and watch an episode of Sons of Anarchy.  What a treat.  Sunday afternoon, watching TV.

I then decided to make my way outside to enjoy the last hours of the beautiful summer sunshine.  I worked on a couple of things from my to do list: had a chat with my boyfriend, browsed all BFF's skydiving pictures, I made myself a big tasty Indian dinner with plenty of leftovers for lunch tomorrow, and sent out my own fundraising request to my peeps for my coming Tough Mudder event.    (Total sidebar, BUT, by the end of the day, I've already seen some funds come in for the Wounded Warriors Project!  I hope I can keep the funds coming in as it's an amazing cause to support.  One of the reasons I signed up for this crazy event in the first place!)

Slowly and steadily I checked things off my list.  And the upside:  I wasn't stressed about the pieces that I didn't get done today. (I do have a couple of things that I will need to work on tomorrow night after work but I look forward to it!) It ended up being a lazier productive day.  Not bad.

All in all a lovely day, but the moment, was the fact that it was all slow and steady and not a frantic (and typical) pace.  A perfect Sunday.  Well, a mostly perfect Sunday, there was only one thing missing, but that will come with time.

Moments being productive at a slower pace.

Moments enjoying the slower pace (and not just being frustrated by it!)