lists

I love a good list. Do you?

Ever since starting my bullet journal in January I've found myself making lists, lists and more lists. Sometimes the lists are things to do, sometimes it's things i'm grateful, but there is something about list making that always feels refreshing at the end.

I think of it like a "brain dump." It's a chance for me to get all those thoughts out of my head and somewhere safer. With baby coming and a summer with lots of free time, I've made all sorts of lists. In looking over all my lists, it might be a bit much, but it's a way for me to creatively deal with the swirling thoughts in my head. How do you keep it all straight?

Here are a few of my lists from the last few weeks.

Project Steps

Scripture Doodle Lists

Workout Lists

Gratitude Lists

To-Do Lists (paper and digital)

Grocery Lists/Meal Planning

Thematic Lists 

bullet journal

I just bought a few new moleskin journals and am trying out bullet journalling for the first time. I'm excited to see how it influences my other journals. Can a person have too many? Here's my current rotation of journals:

• meal planning/recipe journal
• school meetings journal
• church meetings journal
• journal just my notes and thoughts on "The Fringe Hours" book
• bible study journal
• sermon/scripture doodling journal
• bullet journal

It seems like a lot when I list it out in that way but I love that each one serves a specific purpose. It's quick and easy to grab my bible study journal and know that everything inside is what I may need.

Enter the bullet journal. This is not new, but I finally decided to dive in a try. I highly recommend watching the video a few times to get a feel for the foundational purpose/structure. Then you can adapt as necessary. Seth and I each got a journal and sat down at the bookstore to get set up. I'm interested to see if this becomes complicated for me since there is a lot of crossover between work and home tasks. I don't really have a good bag/purse system currently so it is rare for me to consistently carry anything other than phone, wallet and chapstick. For now the bullet journal lives on my desk so I can check it in the morning and evening. On a rare occasion where I'll be out and about after work, I'm planning to bring it with me so I can work in it between appointments.

 

Have you tried bullet journaling? Do you have a different method you prefer? I am eager to see my stacks of sticky notes condensed into one place so i'll keep you posted on how it goes!

 

fall list

I love fall. I'm one of those people that craves the crisp morning air and the slightly cooler temps. This fall I have just a few simple things i'd love to do...

1. drink cider - hot and spiced
2. go to a farm for fall festivities
3. go for lots of walks in the neighborhood
4. make #allthesoup
5. wear boots and tights
6. hand quilt on my tree quilt so it's ready for december
7. host an autumnal gathering. i'm thinking there ought to be pie
8. knit some mittens or fingerless gloves
9. play guitar more, just for fun
10. make new pillow cases for the living room

what is something you love to do when falls comes around?
or are you a fan of another season?

currently

I love a good list and I've been inspired to bring back the currently posts. I was browsing around a new to me blog and saw Kristin's free download for a currently card template. I'm digging digital art these days (less physical mess!) so i typed my answers over the top of the image file. I might do this a few times this month since we're going on a road trip and my "currently" is bound to change from day to day!

lists

I love lists. I usually handwrite my lists with pretty pens and make them very large and colorful (code for hard to miss). Today I have a very structured to-do list so I can get things done! In fact, some are complete already!

1. laundry, laundry and more laundry

2. clean the kitchen (scrub, scrub, scrub)

3. complete lesson 1 of an online class

4. finish writing report card comments

5. go to the library

6. #coffeecoffeecoffee

7. make two meals that will have left overs

8. write 2 blog posts

9. work on the puzzle

10. read a book

What's on your to-do list? 

One Little Word - be

Today I made a to do list to get the most accomplished in the last 36 hours of Christmas Break. After filling an entire page of things I decided to do something new.

At the bottom of the page I wrote "goals" and then I tapped into my one little word and listed the following:

Be productive

Be focused

Be patient

Be trusting

Be willing to ask for support

Somehow the list is now exciting instead of daunting and I'm ready to make things happen! What a refreshing new perspective.

list no. 7 - gratitude

today i'm thankful for...

1. leftover chestnut praline latte that can be reheated

2. multiple knitting projects

3. layers upon layers of quilts

4. blank journaling pages

5. colorful pens and writing tools

6. cold quiet mornings

7. fresh laundry

8. a cozy hooded sweatshirt

9. lists

10. creative outlets

What little things are you thankful for today?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

currently - August 2014

tending to my plants that are somehow still thriving
planning lessons
eating olives and berries (not together)
racing to finish this sweater before school starts
opening this book with the goal of making time to read during the school year
snapping photos of the little people in my life
savoring the last days of summer freedom and sunshine
enjoying my clean and quiet house
sipping coffee
choosing to be joyful always and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5.16-18)

one little word wednesday

As August approaches I am working staying positive. It's hard to thinking about saying goodbye to slow mornings, fresh food and lots and lots of friends and family time.

So instead of saying "goodbye" to these things, I'm trying hard to choose a different attitude. So I choose gratitude. I am grateful for:

The next season brings back work, meetings, students, families, lessons, grading and much more. I hope to spend August looking at ways to incorporate my summer activities into daily life. I realize that knitting all day while reading my nook is not really an option come September, yet I know there is a way to make time for knitting and reading. Waking up early is usually my go to when I want to add things to my schedule but I rethinking the evenings a bit and wondering how to better utilize my time.

What activities do you make time for during your busy seasons so that you can stay sane?

a list for july

Taking a cue from Juliann's blog.

finish a shawl (or 2?)
run, run, then run some more
try some new recipes
finish a book
make music
do something with my photos from Hawai'i
finding ways to choose gratitude

list no. 6 - simple little luxuries

With the sun starting to peek out more consistenly I've been changing some of my rituals. Today's list is about the little shifts I've been making as we move toward summer.

1. Fruit infused water (image above includes orange, lemon and ginger slices)

2. Coconut oil for moisturizing - feels lighter than normal lotion and smells yummy

3. Granola - most mornings I eat oatmeal with a handful of nuts/fruit but this season I'm switching out the steaming bowl for a cool and crunchy alternative (recipe to come!)

4. Knitting on the porch with a podcast instead of on the couch with a show

5. Lacy and lightweight shawls, cowls and scarves - my large chunky, cozy ones are tucked away for a few months

6. Blankets for sitting on rather than sitting under

What switches do you make when the weather begins to change?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

weekend - list no. 5

Weekend Goals
1. fun with friends
2. laughing
3. playing with nephews
4. knitting
5. walking, walking, walking
6. at least one run
7. good great food
8. coffee - strong coffee
9. road trip conversations
10. mental rest

What are your weekend goals?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

weekend - list no. 2

Things You Are Good At

1. Taking naps
2. Predicting plot lines of movies & TV shows 
3. Remembering names
4. Thinking of everything that could go wrong 
5. Deleting emails
6. Finding things that have gone missing
7. Cooking with what I've got (as opposed to what the recipe calls for)
8. Learning new songs
9. Starting projects
10. Being cheerful no matter what

What are you good at?

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

weekend - list no. 1

A Few Things About Yourself

1. i am a morning person
2. i need to have creative outlets (hello blogging!)
3. i am a teacher & a learner 
4. i am a homebody for sure and my favorite activities include the people i love 
5. i love to cook - especially when someone else does the clean up
6. i love to load the dishwasher and will do anything to avoid unloading it when it's clean
7. i enjoy running and moving and pushing myself to be stronger and healthier
8. i love letters & cards - giving & receiving them, buying & making them
9. i want routine but thrive on change
10. i am learning to choose what i need and love

*the idea for this post came from here and is part of the 30 Days Of Lists Project

snow day

a great way to start christmas break!

Slice of Life 2012 - 22

Today I am making a list of things I am looking forward to doing and enjoying this summer. Here's the top ten:

1. Wearing shoes without socks and not losing the feeling in my toes
2. Iced tea and lattes
3. Opening the windows in the house
4. More dresses :)
5. Listening to fun music with the car windows rolled down
6. Having a reason to paint my toenails
7. Running in a tank and shoes and carrying water
8. Getting more miles in
9. Reading in the sun
10. Relaxing and freedom to play!!!

I noticed you, sunshine, and I am eager to see more of you!