To Do or Not To Do . . .

Very recently, I was cleaning off my desk and happened upon an old "to-do" list.  I despise these lists and the mere sight of them pisses me off greatly.  In fact, to-do lists make me less productive because though I may take the time to create one I immediately boycott it in protest and find something else, far more interesting, to occupy my time.

My little sister, on the other hand, is a professional to-do lister; a virtual Olympian at to-do list creating and executing.  She loves them.  In fact, her to-do lists have to-do lists.  I've seen these meticulous little lists lying about the desk in her office.  They are explicit.  They are detailed.  They are lengthy and they would take me an entire lifetime to complete.

Her to-do lists are first-rate.  She not only takes the time to type them out but she also places three-dimensional computerized boxes next to each item awaiting completion.  And when all items are appropriately checked, she reviews each in turn and then files the list away all the while feeling extraordinary pleased at her unparalleled productiveness. 

 
First, my list wasn't typed which already makes it sub-par and second, it was worn and tattered about the edges which, according to my little sister, would render it criminal.  Beyond aesthetics, the other notable difference would be the tiny red check marks on her's indicating those tasks successfully completed.  Mine didn't have any check marks . . . at all.

In fact, the to-do list that I unearthed was from the fall of 2005!  I looked it over, and not a SINGLE item have I completed in the last FIVE years!  This is good news actually; it saves me from having to create a new one.  Now, there is really a very good reason why all of these tasks remain uncompleted . . . . really. 

I do recall making this particular to-do list and at the time had every honorable intention of ticking off the things that I thought most important to accomplish on my one day off.  I got up on Sunday morning all ready to be super-duper productive.  I ate my first meal and poured a second cup of coffee.  With a renewed sense of resolve, I plopped down at my desk and regarded my list.  The first task was "clean off desk."  Huh.  From there, I looked down the list and not a single item seemed like any fun.  With my list firmly in my grip, I thought "fuck that" and off I went to read a book!

But being an open-minded person, I decided to give to-do lists another try.  Here goes:

CHRISTINE' S NEW AND IMPROVED TO-DO LIST

1.  Never, ever, EVER, create a to-do list.

CHECK!

Comments

[Betz]

Read Christine's fabulous blog- check.

[Eve]

On list:enroll procrastination course, attend, complete, GET a LIFE, feed the dog.

[Elise]

I don't know why, but the part where you said "This is good new actually; it saves me from having to create a new one" made me literally laugh out loud. You're a great writer :)
You could add "Fit Elise into my schedule for a workout in the next month" to your to-do list :)
J/K...unless you can :)

[Elizabeth Rackover]

cuz you f**kin' *DRAW* on your To Do list instead of making matter-of-fact check-boxes like I do. Snap out of it & get with the program Hardy!!! ;-)

[Christine]

I would rather doodle to be honest! I'm better at it.