My “To Do” List

I don’t know whether it’s just me, but I seem to have a list which never decreases.  No matter how well I feel that things are going, and regardless how many ticks I put in the little boxes on the right side of the page, the number increases!  At the end of every day I check my special notebook which shows a point by point column of headings written in pencil which I gleefully pore over.  I’m just looking for the tiniest excuse to be able to justify a tick.  I don’t mind if it’s just a weeny little tick – I’m not greedy – well, I possibly am, but that is a whole different story and not for today!

No, my dear, going back to what I was saying when I rudely interrupted myself, I start each day on a fresh page with the date at the top.  First I check back to yesterday, and write down everything from yesterday’s list which didn’t manage to have that elusive tick.  I refuse to mark an “x” when I haven’t managed to achieve something – it’s such a negative sign, and I’m not going there!

I am a positive person – I tell myself that on a regular basis, and it usually works quite well for me.  However, at the moment I am being tormented by THE LIST.  It’s all very well, suggesting that I just close the notebook so I don’t see the numbers which are steadily increasing.  No, I couldn’t do that – it’s still there in my head.  I go over to the little book and tell myself not to be silly; it’s only a list suggesting things which I may like to do at some point!  Who am I trying to kid? That little list is the one I depend on to keep me from forgetting the mundane things in life which often get overlooked. 

To be perfectly honest that comprehensive list has saved me on many occasions.  The number of times that things would be left undone, if it were not for my trusty notes reminding me you really wouldn’t believe.

The problem is that I’ve made a rod for my own back.  I write the list with a number to the left of it.  I don’t continue the numbers from yesterday – no, I start afresh at number one.  Could you imagine the chaos otherwise, my dear – I would be starting each day with a four digit number – you must agree that would depress anyone!

So every day we start at number one and continue till I can’t think of anything more to add.  As the day goes on I refer to my list and take great pleasure in putting a tick next to an item which has been done.  Oh yes, I do lightly score through that item in pencil – not heavily, I sometimes need to confirm what I had written!

However, as I said at the beginning, this list never gets any shorter.  I can feel quite pleased with myself, but as I add to the list during the day when I suddenly think of something – I can end the day with the list being longer than when I started – which is when I can become rather deflated!  Actually being deflated would rather assist with the comment I made earlier about being greedy!   Now I’ve digressed again.  However, I’m really sorry my dear, that this post is beginning to sound rather tiresome – and if I think so, I’m sure you will be getting very irritated with it.

Onwards and upwards is a phrase which is used regularly here – well perhaps, not written down, but certainly in my head!  Oh yes, I have just remembered that I said I’d update you regarding our Knit and Natter group at the library.  Well the good news is that the group has now, more or less, successfully split into two separate entities.  We do have a slight overlap – a couple of the women seem to want to be in both of the groups, swapping and changing on a weekly basis!  Well it couldn’t be completely straightforward – that would have been too much to ask!  However, we now have two groups – neither of them which do much more than nattering, but I’m not going to complain about that – well, not yet.  There are about twelve women in each group, although that obviously varies when folk are jumping from one to another!  Anyway, everyone seems to be happy, which is all that I really want.  Anything for a quiet life!  How often have I said that since I moved here? 

So that brings you up-to-date with the knitting groups, although some bright spark has asked about me opening another one in the new village hall.  To be fair, that is a legitimate suggestion, and after the end of March when we have passed the Wedding of the Year I may well take that on board.  The location is very good – it’s quite central and for those folk with mobility problems there is plenty of parking.  The site is flat and ideal for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

I also promised that I would let you know the current situation regarding the development around the corner.  I’m delighted to know that all the workmen should have finished at the site – if not by the end of March – certainly during the first half of April.  There always are the snagging issues which take time to do – sometimes longer than the original job!  Alex has been checking things over for me and he is very pleased with the situation, and I know how pernickety he is!

The main items on my to-do list now relate to the wedding.  The majority of the big things have been done – it’s the myriad of small items, and each one needs a few minutes spending on it – and then either the morning or afternoon has disappeared.   I have started to look at outfits for Georgie and myself and in fact, have even ordered a couple of pieces which may be suitable.  At least they’ll give us a good idea of whether the colours work, and how warm or otherwise they will be – I rather like having several layers which can be adjusted according to the vagaries of our English weather.

Anyway my dear, I feel a good deal happier now I’ve spoken to you about them.  I’ve probably sent you to sleep, or bored you rigid, but unfortunately these things happen, and this time I’m afraid you’re going to need to deal with it.  I’m sorry I began in such a negative way, but sometimes you feel better for actually saying what the problem is, rather than keeping it all bottled up inside.   Anyway, if you are still with me now, thank you, I do appreciate it.  It really is lovely to have your company.

Just talking about company, I’m going to be rather busy on Tuesday, when I understand that Mrs. M is coming for coffee in the morning – she invited herself!  I’m also expecting a visit in the afternoon from another old friend, which will be lovely.  I’ll tell you all about it later in the week.  Now I really must get on with starting today’s list as I don’t think I can put a tick next to anything just yet.  As Always –

With Love – Jan  xx