The epiphany
July 9, 2007 | Filed under: Whoopdie Doo
“Being out of control is one of the worst feelings in the world, sometimes even worse than pain. It is its own kind of pain.” ~Danzae Pace
Remember the other day, when I admitted to being neglectful of making lists though far better than my younger Africa bound, sibling who thought that lists were for pussies? This weekend, I decided to dip my toe into the tepid water of list making. A territory that I was sure I was not meant for because it required focus and some semblance of organization.
This list was everything that needed to be done on Sunday. It held some important information like “call Uhaul” so that I didn’t end up walking my possessions from Washington, DC to New York. And also such gems as “Figure out how to Patty Hearst, Kris’ ass” and “email D&P about the flight attendant who Jack saw and what Kate did” , because obviously the recollection of the goings on of Lost are just as important as “pack for 9 day trip to DC”. I also had on there “drink a beer”. Just so I wouldn’t forget that I had saved 3 dub-dub points for that fucking beer so I’m drinking it come hell or high water. There was also some other jibberish and maybe something about heel savers for my new shoes.
That last point was completely moot because the new shoes are apparently indestructible so says my cobbler.
Anyway, making a list was far from the agony that I had previously imagined. Instead it warmed the cockles of my heart and every time I got to drag a red pen across an item, I sighed the sweet, sweet sigh of someone who is accomplishing things. As opposed to that I would definitely do something and then noticing a shiny object on the floor, I actually completed tasks.
I now feel worthy of that beer and less like a lazy invalid whose indolence has gotten out of control. I mean I even wrote down and completed the very important task of ordering Harry Potter tickets. At least I’m well aware of my priorities.
Suebob says:
My old housemate used to make lists with things he had already done included on them - so he could cross them out right away and feel so good!
Dude, I put drink a beer on there because I knew that was one thing I could accomplish.
heather anne says:
What about “buy my ticket to Harry Potter?”
I DID! I DID!
Abi says:
Dang, that is one impressive list. I will be in DC all of July and August (also known as the months of hell on Earth, why did I move to a swamp?). So let’s get some drinks.
Oh, and get yourself some heel savers. Invest the $12 now and enjoy your shoes for a seriously long amount of time. It is a lot easier (and safer for your shoes) if the heel (and toe) savers are attached prior to shoe wear.
I just walked to my apartment and at first was OK because the airplane was so cold and I ended up sweating my ass off by the time I got to my front door. EMAIL me! (nopasanadablog@gmail.com) and we’ll get some vino.
hannita says:
Wow! I’m a little scared of your list. That’s a lot of stuff to do chica.
It actually wasn’t too bad. I didn’t finish everything and my giant suitcase that I brought up about two months ago that has yet to be unpacked. Maybe next week.
Dagny says:
Beautiful list. I was just discussing with BWB this weekend the joy in making lists and then being able to cross items off.
There was just something about crossing each item off that filled my heart with glee. And you’ll appreciate this, I was asked repeatedly why I had to put ‘wash hair’ on my list. Possibly because it’s something I need to think about and seriously prepare for, because it takes time and effort and will power to then comb my hair. Thank God, this is a once a week (eh, maybe) process.
mcgee says:
welcome to the world of listwhores! although admittedly, yours has much more interesting things on it than any of mine ever do.
Never fear, the list I made for today is so freaking boring. The only interesting thing is to stop at Trader Joe’s after the gym and find wine opener. See? Boring.
Marci says:
Yes, I imagine you to be a very good list maker and checker-offer; it suits you somehow (and now I am not in the list-making is for pussies camp, so I am so not calling you a pussy…swear).
Also? Hate. Fucking gorgeous shoes and pedicure.
Mmmmhmm sure. And thank you for the compliments. Oh and for the record I’ve been dreaming of crepes since last week…
Kate says:
You have a COBBLER! I’m jealous.
I appreciate that! Most people TEASE me for using the word ‘cobbler’ but that’s what they’re called! So, thank you much. Though I must admit that I love my DC cobbler far more than my Upstate cobbler, but whatever.
GIN says:
I love the shoes.
How ironic the list my weekend trip includes “buy HP tickets” as well! Which shows my priorities because the rest of the 48 hours is playing catch up with my husband that I haven’t seen in month. Wow … he’s almost as cool as HP! Where’s that beer again?
Stephanie says:
Did you find the source of the beeping noise? Because that is something that would drive me batshit crazy until I could cross it off my list.
My to-do list currently just lists all the various studying I need to get done before the bar exam. Also, while I usually love lists and crossing things off, making a day-by-day to do list for what to get done before the exam freaked me the hell out last night when I realized how few days are left… I just stopped my list halfway there because I didn’t want to admit that there was so little time to get everything done. It’s called denial.
Maria says:
Love the list. It looks long and complicated
You described my joy of lists perfectly. It feels especially good to cross things off when you’re having a bad day.
Nice shoes and pedi.
The beeping noise would make me crazeeee! Do you have a travel clock or an old watch with an alarm put away somewhere?
Liz says:
Cute shoes! Nice pedicure!
Jay says:
Cute shoes, bad ass list!
gorillabuns says:
your penmanship is beautiful. i’m a stickler for a well drawn hand….
but…..your A’s are not consistent. this finding is consistent of that you are soooo trying to find your way in this combustible world! definition? you are trying to find your voice in a sea of many mermaids…. and you, my friend, are pearl among many clams.
Lena says:
Am doing this right now. And I am ashamed to admit that I have “Tivo Victoria Beckham: Coming To America!”.
I think the lists may be too self-enlightening, don’t you?
BTW, those shoes look way too comfy to be so cute.