Dkzody had a post yesterday about her to-do list, and the satisfaction she receives from completing and crossing off every item on it.
The post got me thinking about my organizing system, and how it has changed over the years. In the 1980s I used a desk-sized paper calendar, hand writing my daily to-dos and appointments on each square. But as time passed there were five of us in the family, each with different activities. Some days the squares weren't big enough to hold all the things I needed to write in them.
Late in the decade the boys were attending different schools with different schedules and carpools. About that time we moved our desktop computer up to the kitchen and I started using Microsoft Calendar. It was so nice to be able to add events as recurring appointments and not have to in write each carpool, sports practice, and Scout meeting one at a time.
Over the years the Microsoft Calendar app became more complex, but all I needed was the basic calendar function. The only issue was that I didn't have the schedule when I was out and about...until I got my first phone that contained a calendar. Then I started syncing the information.
Phones came and went and the calendar syncing process changed. Sometimes it worked better than others, depending on the phone operating system. In 2020 I needed a new desktop computer and purchased a Mac Mini, which syncs seamlessly with the iPhones Hubby Tony and I have. If one of us adds something to the calendar, if there is a wi-fi network available it takes seconds to show up on every device.
The computer calendar is great for a big-view picture of what's going on, but when I stopped working at the mall Customer Service desk in October 2014 my schedule became less predictable. After I forgot to do a couple of things I had to come up with a backup system.
I keep a tickler file (with a folder for each month) to hold papers, appointment reminders, and other important things. At the beginning of each month I arrange the items in sequential date order and place them in an inbox. As other things get added to the schedule I jot a quick reminder and put it in the correct date order in the pile. Each evening I transfer the next day’s items to the bedroom dresser, and if a reminder involves doing something outside the house I will carry it with me when I leave. Once a given task is completed I toss the reminder into the recycling bin.
I can't remember the last time I forgot to do something or be somewhere, so I guess the system works for me.
Five years ago: All Aboard! (The Great Pacific Northwest Adventure of 2017)
You are so organized -Christine cmlk79.blogspit.com
ReplyDeleteThanks. I do my best.
DeleteIt's been 8 years since you left the mall job??!! How is that possible? I remember when you got that job! Oh well, these years fly by, don't they, and of course the last two years were a murky blur. That's why I need to make those lists, to keep track of it all.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how long it's been either. Time really flies, doesn't it?
DeleteI still use a paper wall calendar. It has to be where I can see it when I'm walking by or I would forget many many things to do. And lists don't do me any good. It's like once I put something on a list it's done and I forget all about it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a system that works for you.
DeleteI have a planner book, much like I had when I was teaching. So far, it's been working for me but then I don't have all that much on my list.
ReplyDeleteI've stopped lists. Sometimes I like to do a list after I've done them all! I guess 25 years teaching, every 40 minutes a new class, has left me lossey goosey.
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Jenn Jilks , ON, Canada!
I LIKE the idea of completing a bunch of tasks, then writing down and crossing them all off!
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