I know that’s a fantasy. I just am mind boggled at our ability to always know what needs to be done. How do we just innately know the status of our fridge, the toilet paper roll, our inbox, and everyone’s laundry basket simultaneously? We’re amazing.
Still, I can have a hugely productive day and when I sit down after dinner, my mind is suddenly like: oh, you could throw on that load of laundry or return that email or… like just stop already, right?
I’m not one to beat myself up for not getting more done; in fact I’m usually fairly self congratulatory 😂 I definitely recognize how much I juggle, but goodness I still struggle with fully turning off the conveyor belt of items I could attend to.
Currently on my brain and to do this Thursday morning:
- Find pattern for Hailey’s sewing project
- Finalize Christmas lists for all and start shopping
- Get birthday presents for Hailey’s friends
- Make dinner
- Find a lighting fixture for the dining room
- Find a dining room table that isn’t crazy expensive
- Wash kid bed sheets
- Drop off donation candy
- Drop off dry cleaning
- Organize items to bring to Bearolina (we are going to make a quick visit and decorate it for the holidays!)
- Grocery run for the next few days
- Organize laundry room/make sure kids have basketball shoes
- Outfits for family photos
- Choose 2022 planner
You know when I write it out, it doesn’t seem that bad actually! And today is a light day: schooling in the morning and just TKD this afternoon. I should be able to knock a lot out!
I think my foot dragging on some of it has to do with the fact that I feel we’re spending so much money right now so to go check lighting fixture and and dining table and Christmas off the list is going to require swiping ye old credit card.
Now probably isn’t the best time to chat with David about 2022 family travel… 😉
Speaking of to do lists and organization, I need to order a 2022 planner. I’ve played with the idea of going digital because of the obvious advantages of easily entering repeating events (sports practices, piano, etc) and the ability to sync with David. However, I really love my paper planners.
I like a fairly simple option with a weekly spread with a place for daily/weekly to do lists. I never end up using a lot of the extra bells and whistles some planners put in there (place to put meals, Christmas idea lists, etc).
I’m leaning toward Erin Condren Life Planner (weekly spread) right now just because I’ve heard so many good things about it. Or maybe build my own with Inkwell? Since we’re in November right now, I need to order one quickly because we’re already starting to book things for 2022.
Are you a paper or digital planner person? Do you have a planner you recommend? Let me know because I’m impulsive and want to order one by tomorrow 😋
McKinzey B says
Plum paper! I always regret when I buy something different.
SHU says
Love the ECLP (currently using one in fact even though next year I am going back to Hobonichi). You might like the vertical 3 box layout – you could separate out kid tasks, scheduled stuff, and your own stuff. The paper is wonderful and the styling is great.
I like IWP too, but if I had to pick between the two for a catchall – ECLP is fantastic. If I was not using a Hobonichi next year I’d probably stay with EC!
In case you want a deep dive – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acCpQ17jyYM (Amanda’s Favorite top 5 weekly planners for 2022!).
Brittany Dixon says
I knew you’d be the right person to talk to! I’m so intrigued by the Hobonichi but I think I need the guidance of the traditional 🙂
Randi says
I made the switch to digital years back, fully assuming I’d hate it. On the contrary, love it. I don’t use any fancy apps mostly just what comes in the iPhone. KathEats did a good post about how to use the notes and tasks apps. It’s so great to be able to update lists & calendars anywhere, since with technology we can do so much from just another anywhere!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll have to check out her post- thanks! Digital sounds so nice when I’m making appointments on the go but I love having a paper one to write all over too 🙂
Kelli says
I use my phone but I do love a paper grocery list for ingredients. I don’t like using my phone much in public so I wouldn’t like staring at my phone in the store. Man, that never ending list of things I should do isn’t only me?! Just kidding. I try hard to not let the should list get to me and just relax when the kids are finally in bed.
Nikki says
Paper Planner for sure – I love my Erin Condren! Though, we did start using an app just to start keeping track of kids events, appointments, practices, etc!
Brittany Dixon says
What app do you use for the shared calendar?
Laura says
As more of a type B personality, I actually don’t use any sort of planner- for work or home. I typically write more important things like doctor/ dentist appts. on our wall calendar, but usually I already remember if something is coming up and look up the email reminder or card reminder. At work I teach 130 students a day, 3 different plans (subjects), 5 different classes, and do best by going with the flow of what comes next. Of course I always actually have detailed plans and powerpoints for every class, but it is nothing I planned out more than a day ahead of time. I know for many people this system wouldn’t work, but it does for me (I honestly can’t remember the last time I missed an appointment or important plan), and feels most natural. Once I tried using a planner for work, aiming for at least a week of plans, and I found I never once looked back at it (same for when I tried meal planning). All that being said- one “planning” I do take very seriously is holiday planning, starting with Halloween. Before putting away all my decorations for the year, I make a detailed list of everything I want to do for the next year (things that went well this year, things to add to next year, decorations ideas to add, food ideas, etc.). Nothing better than opening up my bins of decorations the following year and have a nice handwritten list for inspiration!
Amy says
Plum paper. I just ordered my fifth one
Brittany Dixon says
5th! That is definitely a solid recommendation. Pulling it up to check out right now. Thanks!
Audrey says
Planners are my spirit animal, seriously. I’ve had them all! My hands down favorite is the Day Designer ones that allow you to plan hourly. My current one is the “chic” design & I’m currently shopping for my next year’s cover choice.
https://daydesigner.com/collections/2022-original-daily-planners
I use Well Planned Gal for homeschool and love it, too.
Brittany Dixon says
Going to google both of those now; thank you!