Lists and Listlessness

I have a friend and a sister who are both masterfully practiced in the art of constant "busy-ness." They both have jobs that require them to travel often. And thus, one could see that their days would often be jam-packed with activities. But, I know that even if they were not busy they would make themselves busy. "Multi-taskers" is what they're called.

For instance, on a stormy night, even though she is completely caught up on her tasks, and there is nothing else to do, my sister will turn on her DVR to "catch up" on her favorite recorded television shows; but she won't sit down to relax and watch just the television programs, you know, give it her full attention? No, she will pull out her iron and ironing board and press all of her work clothing or her golf outfits for the following week. She's an avid golfer, who walks the entire course while her golf partner drives the cart, so she can multitask by getting walking exercise in with her golf. My friend, likewise, would figure a way to cook during her "downtime." For instance, she would probably make some healthy do-ahead meals for the week and at the same time pull out her sewing or knitting to work on while the food is cooking or baking.

And although neither of them would admit it, I bet they both think they are just a teeny bit better than sloths like me. They might choose to knit a scarf in their spare time, while I choose to knit thoughts in my head, most having little to do with reality. I’m more protective of my personal time. My time, now that I'm retired, may be spent daydreaming while staring slack-jawed off into space, much, I'm certain to my multitaskers' horror and, let's face it, disgust.

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As a younger person, I had a pretty awesome memory. Not so much anymore. So I've become a list maker. I purchased this application that I use on my Mac laptop, my IPad and my IPhone. It's called "Evernote." If I type my notes in, the app will conveniently store my notes in a cloud somewhere, which I can later pull up on whichever device I have at hand. It's a pretty nifty tool. It has certainly helped me to reduce the piles of paper that seem to perpetually surround me like the dust that envelops the Charlie Brown character, "Pigpen."

Still, at any given moment, I have "old-fashioned" handwritten paper notes around. Like a list of science fiction I wish to read. Someday...

Or lists of possible titles for blog ideas floating in my brain.

But, sometimes I can't remember what inspired the title… like "The Pharmacy Queen"??
What the heck is that? I've no recall. 

Or lists of plants suitable for thriving in an area abundant with deer, rabbits, gophers and other plant-devouring mammals.

and this list…

becomes this...

Or this...

and I sometimes draw out this list and then the plans get muddy in the field.

I frequently make lists of menu ideas when we are expecting guests. This week I'm expecting both a vegetarian and an absolute meat-lover, so it gets a bit trickier. I try to recall what I've most recently served them and plan to prepare something different. So, lists help with that, too. I used to be able to remember every dish I served to every friend or family member on any given occasion. When those memories began to fog, I switched to lists.

Lists like this have always helped me with my shopping.

It takes time to plan a menu, shop for ingredients, prep and cook the food. Lists help. Especially when the nearest decent grocery store is over twenty miles away. There is no running at the last minute to buy a forgotten ingredient, nor is there much hope that a nearby store will have the forgotten ingredient.

Much to my husband's dismay, I rarely worry about the cost of the foods I purchase for entertaining. I know what foods my family and friends enjoy and I like to serve those foods. Be it for two or twelve or twenty, I enjoy feeding people. Some people have big bankrolls and can take guests out to eat at expensive restaurants. Not me. And even if I did, there are few acceptable restaurants within a 30 mile radius of our home. So planning and prepping and cooking is my way of nourishing the people I care about.

And I don't mind one bit when guests arrive and one of the first things they ask me is, "What's on the menu?"