Two Clarifying Lists

I am a list maker, and yesterday I made two lists on a single sheet of paper that improved my mood in untold ways. It was quite a clarifying experience, actually. Getting so many of my random and scattered thoughts pulled together in one place and ordered effectively proved to be illuminating.

As I was finishing my morning coffee, I was reading some blogs that I check regularly and happened on one that dealt with time management. Always looking for helpful tips in this area, I clicked it and got as far as list making, which was item 5 on the 10-item list. (I couldn't even tell you what items 6-10 dealt with!) 

I grabbed the nearest pad I could locate and proceeded to jot down 2 lists. These random projects need my attention, but when I don't have a clear plan, I tend to spin my wheels. I never get anything accomplished when my thoughts are so scattered. The lists provide the focus that I so desperately need. I plan to tack this list up on the wall or bulletin board, add to it as needed, and refer to if frequently, checking off items as I go.

One side of the page was labeled UFO List. I have 19 items on the UFO list. Dang, I gotta get busy! And I am so very eager to do just that - get busy on finishing these! The sad fact of the matter is that if I thought about it a little harder, I could add another 5 or 6 or more to this list.

The one drawback of having so many items on a UFO list is finally deciding which one to work on first. I can be quite indecisive at times. This is where I hope the Frankfort girls will help out. We are tossing around ideas for next year - 2017!! - and repeating a UFO Challenge is something we are considering.

The list on the other side of the page is called New Ones to Start. Oh, how I love starting things!! It is what leads so naturally to a long UFO list, unfortunately, but starting new things - oh what delightfulness!

This second list is much, much shorter, and I suppose that is a very good thing. I will try to keep this reigned in as much as possible. I do always leave myself some wiggle room for things that just pop up - the rather impromptu activity that is always so much fun.

Last evening I finished the borders on the last t-shirt quilt; now all that is left is to prep the backing. I do have the batting ready to go, and it all should be in the hands of my quilter by week's end. Hooray!!

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the projects you've started as well as those you hope to start, try making a list. It sure has benefited me and my state of mind.

Happy Quilting, Friends!