Good morning!

It’s still early out here in SoCal – and the sun is creeping over the dome of Mount Palomar. Jack Frost painted the grass a dull white, and the bird feeders are empty. Leaves are scattered on the lawn, blown off the trees after the last storm. One long look out the back window, and I know there’s sweeping, raking, and clean-up duty in my future. The “Things to do” list just got a little longer.

Now that I’m writing full time, and being a full time mama to my girls, I live by my list. What I can check off. What I can do to contribute to the home, while my hubby is out saving the city, one pot hole at a time (ha! ha!) Still, the list is of utmost importance. I separate it into three parts – as learned from Steven Covey ages ago:

A list items: Things I HAVE to do.
B list items: Things I NEED to do, but could possibly wait a day.
C list items: Things I’d LIKE to do, but don’t really need to get done any time soon.

Within the A, B, C – you can rank your items. Level A-1: DON’T DELAY! Do it First! A-2, 3, 4… etc. Same with B & C.

Another tip, if an item has been a C-5 for ages – take it off the list. You don’t need to think about it anymore. Also, figure out what C items can be delegated to other people.

So, here’s my list for today – to give you an idea on how it works.

A-1: Feed/Dress kids
A-2: Mail package to Granddaddy
A-3: Vacuum up “snow” from floors upstairs & down (Kids had a “fake snow fight” while I made brittle yesterday… UGH!)
A-4: Take girls to Play date at Park
A-5: Pick up Hubby’s present from Sporting Goods Store!
B-1: Write 1500 words in Mammoth Secrets
B-2: Shop for Kitty Litter, Produce, Milk
B-3: Pick up glasses from Eye Doctor
B-4: Clean up back porch & yard
C-1: Deliver Candy/Cookies to mom’s club friends & Neighbors
C-2: Put out St. Nicholas Square

Now, I’ve had St. Nicholas Square on that list since we started decorating after Thanksgiving. WHY o Why putting out the tiny little village has become a point of contention, I have no idea. I think because suddenly I have SO much help!!! More than I can handle. Still, the thought of seeing their eyes light up at the familiar buildings, the sledding hill, the town square, maybe we will move that one up to the B’s today. After I clean up the yard & finally pick up my new glasses. SIGH.

What’s on your to do list for the day? Do you have a better system for getting things done? I’d LOVE to hear!

~Ashley