Lists keep me sane. If I can lasso all the appointments, deadlines, groceries, projects, birthdays, budgets, and end-of-the-world scenarios into a list, I can face anything. So, in case of a Zombie Apocalypse or a particularly bad Tuesday, here are five lists I think we should all make and keep close at hand:
1. Where to Find the Important Stuff: The combination to the safe, the insurance papers, the bank accounts, the will, and where I hide the extra keys to the car. If I get sick and need someone to take care of things, I can just hand them a list.
2. Your passwords: Taping this list to your refrigerator is a bad idea. Hopefully, none of your houseguests will go shopping on your Amazon account, but let’s not lead anyone into temptation, okay? Maybe you want to keep this list in your safe. Or maybe you want to use one of the many online tools. Just google “Password Keepers” and you can research all the best sites.
3. The ages, grades, and shoe sizes of all your grandchildren: Or nieces and nephews. Possibly your children. Seriously, I once went to pick up Grandchild #8 at his school, and I told the secretary he was in kindergarten. Fortunately, she knew Jake and found him in the first grade room. Now, I carry a list.
4. Your medications and health history: You’d think a person would remember gall bladder surgery. Or the tape allergy that causes open wounds. But it is amazing what you can’t recall when you think you might be having a heart attack. Or when the perky new office assistant is pelting you with questions from behind her computer screen.
5. Last year’s Christmas gifts. If you buy for more than five people, chances are you will repeat yourself. Nothing is worse than standing in the checkout line and asking yourself, “Did we give Joe a Duck Dynasty mug last year, too?”
These are just my top five. I could go on. But, I’ll turn it over to you instead. Do you have a favorite list of lists?
I luuuuuve lists. Couldn’t function without them. My husband says I could get a lot done while I’m making my lists, but he’s wrong.:)
My husband makes similar comments.
Oh lists! How do I love thee? One of my most used lists is an app called Aisle411. It has all my local grocery and drug stores in its database. You can pick which store you are headed to, make a list of what you need, and it will tell you what aisle the items are on. Heavenly!
I love LastPass password keeper. I’ve used it for years. Very secure.
My most used work list right now is an Excel spreadsheet that I use to track all my reading curriculum books that I’ve written. There are so many steps from start to the final product that I needed something to remind me which book is in what part of the process.
Gotta run! I have a list to make!
City life has some definite list benefits!
I love love love love love making lists! But I should find a password keeper and get Claire one too because we are both always always losing our passwords.
Yes, you should, Ada!
I totally agree with the medication list. Personally, I just take one and I can remember it, but my husband has a bigger list, and I carry it in my wallet at all times. I would add that if you have any life insurance policies, share those with the beneficiaries…unless you think it might be dangerous:). Fortunately, I trust our kids not to get rid of us for the insurance money.
Ha! Judy! I hadn’t thought about how dangerous that might be! Especially when we get old and kinda cranky.