Thursday, August 18, 2011

Summer 2011, Part Four--Reality and Relaxing and Relishing Every Minute

Lists.  Lists.  Lists.

I love lists.  It seems I don't get anything done without a list (or three--one of things to do, one of a current project, one of what to buy).

This summer gave me a reality check.

We've done our summer list three or four times now, and every year we've accomplished everything on that list--every year but 2011.

It started when something came up to postpone our fishing trip, and there really was no time to reschedule it.  In my mind, I thought we could scrounge up fishing in Washington, but logistically that was impossible.  Next, I thought surely Grandpa Tucker will want to fish when we go down in the canyon, but the mosquitoes were horrible, so that trip was abandoned.

Then, of course, was Micah's now-famous concussion (which cost $11,000 before insurance kicked in, thought you might want to know).  That little diversion from the list forced us to give up our Bounce U day.

And, for some reason, I never penciled in a sewing day with Lily.  I thought I would find a day and we would joyfully squeeze in some stitching.  Never happened.

And a summer party for Lil?  Never even made it on the calendar.

Completely contrary to my nature, I removed the poster the other day, without finishing those last four activities.  It was difficult to admit that we hadn't finished the list, and Micah asked me why I'd taken it down when we hadn't done EVERYTHING yet.  Ouch.  Transferring an obsession to one of my kids.

Summer 2011 taught me one very important lesson--it's not about the lists.  It's about joy--the quality of each experience, not the quantity squeezed into each day.

The reality of life is that I never accomplish everything on that list.  What I need to work on is relaxing enough to revel in the things that I do complete.  And relishing every minute.

I'm still a accomplishment-driven list compiler.  But I'm working on relaxing.  Even if it's only four unchecked items on a summer list.

Thanks, Summer 2011.

Linking up to R at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday.
Jenny Matlock

22 comments:

  1. I'm a list-maker, too. And I applaud you for being able to take yours down and call it good!

    (I always seem to transfer my not-done items over to the next, new list.)

    But I think I am going to try to take a page from your book! Or should I say, list??

    ;)

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  2. I have to have lists, but I don't sweat it if I can't accomplish everything on my list. I learned years ago, life has a way of interferring with even the best plans.

    I hope you’ll decide to check…
    R is for Robin
    Have a lovely weekend!

    Your friend,
    Cathy Kennedy, Children's Author
    The Tale of Ole Green Eyes

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  3. Great to see that you manage to cross/tick off so many things from your list to do during summer. Visiting from alpha thursday.

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  4. We haven't finished everything on our summer list either. I panicked when school started back. I have decided that summer lassts until fall begins (versus when school starts) to give me extra time.
    http://mann17.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-officially-summer-do-you-have-your.html
    Visiting from Alphabe-Thursday! :)

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  5. Well I won't be posting about how half of our activities have not been accomplished. The list is very pretty though, so maybe I will take a picture of it, in all of its undone glory : ) You're right, it is about the joy.
    Dana

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  6. I'm still trying to breathe since you threw out that $11,000 number at me. Sorta took my breath away and filled me with great fear. WOW! So glad you have insurance AND a healthy Micah.

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  7. Total list maker here too!
    But we didn't get to all our "shortened summer list items" this year either...and that's ok with me!:)
    we relished and we enjoyed for sure
    have a happy day

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  8. I'm a list maker too. It just seems to keep me focused. But you're right, the important thing is relishing every minute. Time goes so quickly and little ones grow up in the blink of an eye.

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  9. I am a list maker too. I should have made one for Summer, as I think it is an awesome idea. We usually play it by ear. Sorry to hear about the expense of the conconsion. I certainly hope he is ok now. Quick! Maybe you can incorporate a fishing game in Lily' birthday party. Lst minute. Summer isn't over just yet! :)~Ames

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  10. Yeah, I like to make lists ... but I like to put things on my list that I've already done, so I can mark them off :)

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  11. I have to say: I love my lists, just as you do. But you're right - we can't always be slaves to them. A little serendipity, a little spontaneity can give as much, if not more, joy. You done good this summer - give yourself a little pat on the back, Mama.

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  12. I am a MASSIVE list maker! Seriously. I cannot get anything done without a list. I also am a sticky note addict. I have those boogers everywhere...with lists on them!

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  13. I think you did amazing! I feel sad that our last 3 weeks of summer were a total nightmere, one awful thing after another. You have a super great family!

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  14. We have loved our 2010+1 goal list this year (+1 bc we made it the first week of jan and i wasn't used to writing 2012 yet so I had to improvise, haha!). I have loved checking off the things i didn't think we'd get to but not so happy looking at the ones that are not checked off yet;)

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  15. As a fellow List Lover I applaud you! Sounds like you've really lived and loved and learned this summer, good for you! I enjoyed these posts, but it makes me miss you even more!

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  16. I love making lists and crossing items off as they are accomplished. It feels great to see all that has been completed and helps me to be organized!

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  17. gosh! That's horrible for Micah... and the whole family! Especially Lil! You'll just have to have a special day with her {:-D

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  18. Years ago, it hit me one day while I was writing things in my Franklin Planner ~ If I needed a planner, something was wrong, life was to chaotic. Today, I have no planner, make a small list every so often. It is good to keep things simple. Have a lovely day ~ Alexandra

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  19. You are so right! You can find joy in small and wonderful activities.

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  20. I love that you do this! I never thought to try this with summer vacation, but next year I will.

    It would be fun to have a poster board up with our 'summer dreams'!

    Thanks for the fun link.

    Isn't this weather beyond awful?

    A+

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  21. A summer list is a great idea. Without one, it would be so easy to drift along without doing anything much at all.

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