View Full Version : Bookending
I always have trouble staying productive this time of year, so I'd like to try "bookending:" reporting here in the morning what I'm going to do on a particular day and making a commitment to report back later on how much of it I got done.
Today, I'm aiming for just two things:
1. Grade 7 papers
2. Finish grading grammar quizzes
If anybody else wants to join in, that would be great.
Well, I must get the Christmas tree up as it keeps getting delayed, wash the sheets to complete laundry. The upcoming snowstorm may keep me occupied otherwise.
Gardenarian
12-13-13, 10:55pm
I like this idea!
I'm recovering from surgery so the only goal for today is, get through it.
I did 5 of the 7 papers, did the whole set of quizzes.
The little bit of pressure I had knowing I'd committed to reporting here helped.
Razz, I hope your tasks are going well, and Gardenarian, I hope your recovery is going smoothly.
EJ, I did get the laundry finished and the Christmas tree was moved upstairs to be decorated today. I must repot some violets I picked up.
If the weather is not too bad, I hope to see a Metopera production of Falstaff so few large plans beyond decorating the tree today and maybe moving snow with the snowblower later.
catherine
12-14-13, 9:46am
Wow.. I'm in. I have a slew of all kinds of work to do until Christmas Eve.
Today:
--Stop procrastinating (I'm just working on coffee #1)
--Clean out the closet in guest room for DS and DDIL who are moving in this weekend (!!) They are planning on staying until after the baby is born--they'll be saving up money in the meantime.
--Go food shopping--I was traveling all week and the cupboard is BARE.
--Put in two hours on a report that has to be delivered on Wednesday.
--Take money out of the bank
--Submit expense report (End of year rush from Finance from my client)
--Clean bathrooms
--Do a load of laundry
--Go to Post Office and mail some project work back to my client
--Depending upon the snow situation here, maybe go with DS and DDIL to NYC to see Hallelujah Chorus
Welcome, Catherine! Glad you're in!
Razz, congrats on getting the laundry done and the tree moved.
I had a few setbacks this morning including the fact I have a massive cold. But we got the Christmas tree bought, set up, and decorated today, which was good.
I only graded two papers this morning, so I'm going to commit to doing just three more before a very early bedtime tonight. It's not much, but it's forward motion at least!
catherine
12-14-13, 8:35pm
--Stop procrastinating (I'm just working on coffee #1) DONE
--Clean out the closet in guest room for DS and DDIL who are moving in this weekend (!!) They are planning on staying until after the baby is born--they'll be saving up money in the meantime. DONE
--Go food shopping--I was traveling all week and the cupboard is BARE. DONE
--Put in two hours on a report that has to be delivered on Wednesday. NOT DONE
--Take money out of the bank NOT DONE
--Submit expense report (End of year rush from Finance from my client) DONE
--Clean bathrooms DONE
--Do a load of laundry DONE
--Go to Post Office and mail some project work back to my client NOT DONE
--Depending upon the snow situation here, maybe go with DS and DDIL to NYC to see Hallelujah Chorus NOT DONE We decided not to go--it's snowing. I'm pooped.
Got the tree decorated but got snowed in so no Metopera. I listened on the radio to the same broadcast.
Must make some almond crescents tonight and a pumpkin crunch dessert. Had to link on to find out the recipe for pumpkin spice.
Original recipe for pumpkin spice makes 8 tablespoons
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground allspice
Well done, Catherine and Razz.
I did my three papers. I REALLY didn't feel like it, but I did them.
I just found out some friends are taking our toddler daughter to a museum tomorrow morning, so I'm going to be a little more ambitious for tomorrow:
1. Grade seven more papers
2. pay mortgage and credit card bill and put both in the mail
3. settle up with SO on joint expenses
4. Do yoga
catherine
12-15-13, 10:02am
So today:
--Do the 2 hours on the report I should have done yesterday
--Go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and buy EZ cups for my Keurig
--Buy DDIL a Christmas stocking to go with all of the other family stockings hanging up
--Be around to help with DS & DDIL get here to move in
--One load of laundry
--Tidy my office
--Prepare for new project starting tomorrow
early morning
12-15-13, 1:27pm
Yay, a to-do list! maybe that will help motivate me!
It's noon so some of my chores for the day are done or in process, but I still need to:
* fold and put away towels and washcloths
* hang up my dark load of laundry
* change over the throws and pillows in the living room to winter stuff
* watch a show I missed Friday (we went to see The Nutcracker) and last night (because we went on a Christmas House Tour in an historic neighborhood)
* check on/visit my mother
* pick up a few things at the grocery and dollar store
* fix chicken and noodles for a carry-in for work tomorrow
* fix dinner
*A neighbour came cleared the heavy drifts with a snowblower this morning so now I must tidy up the walkways, deck and paths.
*Walk my dog for an extra long walk as he missed out on the morning stroll due to my being tied up with moving snow.
*I made my almond crescent cookies last night which turned out well.
*Tidy the kitchen and get my Christmas placemats on my dining table.
I stayed an extra hour at work today, so I was at it from 6am to 3pm. I have plenty of things to do around the house the rest of today so as long as I don't sit too long and realize how tired I am already. The things I need to do around the house are:
1. shovel the porch and front walk
2. shovel out my parking spot
3. do laundry
4. work on something I started in the studio
oh yeah, make my cold sesame noodle salad for meals for the next few days (I've been putting it off for days, but I actually defrosted the salad shrimp so I must make it today so as not to waste them).
5. play a little guitar
6. watch an episode of Treme (when the only thing I can do is crash on the couch, probably around 8pm).
7. Go to bed by 10pm so I can get up and do it all over tomorrow...
early morning
12-15-13, 9:18pm
Managed to do everything on my list today plus pay bills and clear up the kitchen after supper. Back to work tomorrow. I am so tired when I get home it's hard to get motivated, but I have to do SOMETHING or I won't be anywhere ready for the holidays! So tomorrow night, I plan to
* finish up the Christmas cards and mail them
* box up at least two cartons of stuff and put into the storeroom
* cut some holly for decorating
catherine
12-15-13, 10:27pm
Oh, man, didn't get the work done on my report, but I think I'm going to put in an hour right now.... just to keep this project moving.
--Do the 2 hours on the report I should have done yesterday NOT DONE
--Go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and buy EZ cups for my Keurig DONE
--Buy DDIL a Christmas stocking to go with all of the other family stockings hanging up LOOKED BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING DECENT
--Be around to help with DS & DDIL get here to move in DONE
--One load of laundry DONE
--Tidy my office TIDIED THE BASEMENT INSTEAD, SINCE THE WASHER/DRYER ARE THERE
--Prepare for new project starting tomorrow DONE
Congrats, Early Morning and Catherine on all you got done!
I only got six papers graded, so for tomorrow, I will
1) grade 5 more papers
2) pay mortgage and credit card bill and put both in the mail before work
3) settle up finances/receipts with my SO
4) do yoga
5) make a list, figuring out my priorities for the rest of the week, possibly for the next 2-3 weeks
6) drop off books at used bookstore I found that buys books
To do:
-Walk dog
-clean kitchen
-sew 2 pairs of sleep pants for DGS, I cut out one pair last night
- make 6 of the luggage labels that were suggested on the stocking stuffer thread
- pick up ingredients for spice mixes for stocking stuffers
catherine
12-16-13, 9:21am
Today:
--Take DH to hospital for outpatient procedure
--Take client call
--Do five interviews
--Work on report
--Buy a sink strainer (old one thrown out by mistake)
--Make soup
--Vacuum family room/hall
1) grade 5 more papers DID THREE OUT OF THE FIVE
2) pay mortgage and credit card bill and put both in the mail before work DONE - THOUGH ONE WAS PAID AFTER WORK
3) settle up finances/receipts with my SO NOT DONE
4) do yoga DONE
5) make a list, figuring out my priorities for the rest of the week, possibly for the next 2-3 weeks NOT DONE
6) drop off books at used bookstore I found that buys books DONE
So for tomorrow:
1) grade 10 papers (I'm giving two final exams during the day so should have the time!)
2) grade, record, and put out to return all scantron quizzes for my TR afternoon class
3) drop off stuff at thrift store
4) make to do list and set priorities for the rest of the week, maybe the next two weeks
5) email preschool about rescheduling tour, cc SO
catherine
12-17-13, 8:52am
Yesterday:
--Take DH to hospital for outpatient procedure RESCHEDULED
--Take client call DONE
--Do five interviews DONE
--Work on report KIND OF DONE (Argghhh!! Time running out!!)
--Buy a sink strainer (old one thrown out by mistake) DONE
--Make soup DIDN'T HAVE TO SINCE DH DIDN'T HAVE PROCEDURE SO MADE MINCE INSTEAD
--Vacuum family room/hall I THINK DDIL DID THAT--:)
Today:
--3 interviews
--Get that gosh-darn report almost finished!!!
--Make a list of gifts I still have to get (a lot)
--Help DDIL find pantry space for the food she brought
--Take dog to dog park
--One load laundry
I also think its important (at least for me), to limit my goals for a day, and get VERY specific.........like clean all the papers off the kitchen table; vacuum the entranceway, etc. And just a few firm commitments........otherwise I get easily overwhelmed with all the stuff to do and don't finish anything. Once I do those couple of firm commitments......then I can make 2 more.
I used to set my kitchen timer for 10-30 minutes, and have one task to complete during that time. It would help me keep focused on one thing.
Cathy A I tend to work that way as well. My running lists are overwhelming sometimes, so I will break them down into little wee steps. Clear one kitchen counter, clear one shelf, etc. Right now I MUST get the sticky buns made. It's been on my list for 2 days and I have yet to figure out what's keeping me from doing it. So my bookending is make sticky buns!
Snowblow out the fresh snow from driveway and make trails for wood supply from shed - Done!!!!!
Decided to make herb mixtures as stocking stuffers so bought the missing ingredients yesterday and must assemble - Taco seasoning, Greek seasoning, dried Bouquet Garni and Herb Provence
Today, must finish the sleep pants and the luggage labels.
Clean the fireplace and glass door and reset for this evening.
Wash the kitchen floor.
I also think its important (at least for me), to limit my goals for a day, and get VERY specific.........like clean all the papers off the kitchen table; vacuum the entranceway, etc. And just a few firm commitments........otherwise I get easily overwhelmed with all the stuff to do and don't finish anything. Once I do those couple of firm commitments......then I can make 2 more.
I used to set my kitchen timer for 10-30 minutes, and have one task to complete during that time. It would help me keep focused on one thing.
Good point. I've noticed I'm getting a little more ambitious - and a little less realistic? - every day, so I'm trying to rein myself in. Though I do find sometimes aiming a little too high is a good push for me. And yes, I'm totally into specificity AND timers!
1) grade 10 papers (I'm giving two final exams during the day so should have the time!) DONE
2) grade, record, and put out to return all scantron quizzes for my TR afternoon class DONE
3) drop off stuff at thrift store NOT DONE
4) make to do list and set priorities for the rest of the week, maybe the next two weeks DONE - FOR THIS WEEK ONLY
5) email preschool about rescheduling tour, cc SO DONE
For today:
1. Put my sister's bday card and present in mail
2. Buy holiday cards
3. Write holiday cards to work committee members
4. Buy gifts for secretary at work and copy place people
5. Buy gifts for neighbors
6. Call my brother back
7. Finish getting gifts for family, put them all in mail
early morning
12-18-13, 10:13pm
Good job everyone!!
So Monday I wanted to finish the cards, cut some holly, put two cartons in the store room. I got the cartons in and that was all. Last night I was done in, thought I was coming down with something, so I got one card written (with an invite to dinner to a BIL w/no phone) and mailed it today. Tonight I want to get the rest of the cards done (about halfway done at the moment). Won't be home until very late tomorrow night, so I'm not planning to get anything done then! :)
Early Morning, I'm glad you took it easy when you weren't feeling well, but it's impressive you got anything done at all.
From today:
1. Put my sister's bday card and present in mail DONE
2. Buy holiday cards DONE
3. Write holiday cards to work committee members DONE
4. Buy gifts for secretary at work and copy place people NOT DONE
5. Buy gifts for neighbors NOT DONE
6. Call my brother back NOT DONE
7. Finish getting gifts for family, put them all in mail DONE EXCEPT FOR MY DAD - THOUGH WE TALKED AND I MIGHT WAIT TO GET HIS GIFT UNTIL HE COMES TO VISIT ON NEW YEAR'S DAY
So for tomorrow:
1. Buy gifts for secretary at work and copy place people
2. Call my brother back
3. Deliver cards and/or gifts to work committee members, secretary, and copy place people
4. Buy and deliver gifts and cards to neighbors
5. Make up holiday card list
7. Make copies of picture of A and picture of old co-workers to enclose in cards
8. Write holiday cards/thank you notes to people at old job and put in mail
7. Turn in grades for MWF 7:45 class
8. Grade finals for MW class
9. Grade P4's for MW class
Made Bouquet garni, Herb Provence and Italian seasoning mixtures and packaged for giving. I am trying to find a mix for each that I really like.
Make Taco seasoning and Greek seasoning but I need to buy more ingredients first today
Cleaned the fireplace and spread the ash.
Finished the sleep pants so need a long sleeved and a tshirt to go with them
Return library books today and download some ebooks for the train ride coming up fairly soon
Paint a Christmas and anniversary card today.
Yesterday, I barely got to tackle my list at all because a work project that I thought would take 3 hours took 6, so I'm not even going to go through the list because most of it didn't get done.
For today:
1. Calculate and turn in grades for MWF class
2. Calculate and turn in grades for MW class
3. Calculate and turn in grades for TR afternoon class
4. Calculate and turn in grades for TR morning class
This is a tall order, but I'm really going to try to get through it all.
Found some long-sleeved polo shirts to match the sleep pants!!!
Made a pillow out of the sleep pant fabric to wrap the pj's.
Making some seatbelt protectors, aka pads, as stocking stuffers out of quilted fabric.
Finish the herb mixes.
Download some ebooks
Pay monthly bills online.
Congrats, razz, on all you're getting done!
My progress:
1. Calculate and turn in grades for MWF class DONE
2. Calculate and turn in grades for MW class DONE
3. Calculate and turn in grades for TR afternoon class NOT DONE
4. Calculate and turn in grades for TR morning class DONE
Not bad, considering I had to stop work at 2:30.
Will make tomorrow's list tomorrow morning!
For today:
1. Calculate and turn in grades for TR afternoon class
2. Go to frame store to figure out Xmas gift for Dad
3. 10 minutes meditation
4. 30 minute walk
5. 30 minutes yoga
early morning
12-22-13, 12:59pm
Wow, ej, you're on a roll!! Yesterday was a bust for me, had to go to the grocery and go check on my mom - which took 5 hours out of my day off. I have a lot of trouble getting things done when I know I have to leave and go do something else, esp something I don't really want to do. It's like this dark cloud hanging over me, and my brain says "no point in starting THAT, gotta run to Mom's here shortly...may as well just read a chapter or so...." I've tried putting a set time on this sort of thing - it does not help. I need to just get over it already. Today (when hopefully I don't have to go anywhere else!) I need to:
1. gather all the boxes etc that need to go upstairs for storage (dd and i will take them up tonight)
2. clean up the living room, esp. the coffee table
3. I cut a bunch of holly yesterday, so I need to get all that distributed
4. bring in pinecones for several bowls
5. put away the sewing machines
6. scoop the litter boxes
7. plan and write out menu for Saturday's gathering
Early Morning, I relate to that difficulty with starting something when you know you may be interrupted by something else. Ah well. Some days are like that.
Yesterday's list:
1. Calculate and turn in grades for TR afternoon class DONE
2. Go to frame store to figure out Xmas gift for Dad DONE
3. 10 minutes meditation DONE
4. 30 minute walk DONE
5. 30 minutes yoga DONE
For today:
1. 30 minute walk
2. 30 minutes of yoga
3. 10 minutes meditation
4. do data entry for MW class
5. Set priorities and make to do lists for next three days
6. Do 30 minutes of straightening up upstairs hallway and bedroom
The walking and stretching and meditation are a bit of an indulgence at a busy time, but if I don't take care of myself, I simply won't be able to enjoy the holidays.
From yesterday:
1. 30 minute walk DONE
2. 30 minutes of yoga DONE
3. 10 minutes meditation DONE
4. do data entry for MW class NOT DONE
5. Set priorities and make to do lists for next three days NOT DONE
6. Do 30 minutes of straightening up upstairs hallway and bedroom NOT DONE
For today:
1. get gift certificate at golf course for SO
2. get present for babysitter
3. get gift certificate at Macy's
4. walk
5. do yoga
6. meditate
7. update receipts
Well the weather put the kibosh on my travels to visit DD2 and her DH so a fresh start staying home.
Walk the dog.
Sort out veggie donation to menu when visiting friend for Dec 24th dinner in evening as she is providing the protein dish.
Sort out donation to table when visiting friend on Dec 25th who celebrates her family Christmas on Dec 24 so has lots of leftovers to use up.
Celebrate DH's and my wedding anniversary date by eating lunch at his favourite spot today.
Clean up fireplace and restock wood supply.
Happy Anniversary, razz!
From yesterday:
1. get gift certificate at golf course for SO DONE
2. get present for babysitter DONE
3. get gift certificate at Macy's DONE
4. walk DONE
5. do yoga NOT DONE
6. meditate NOT DONE
7. update receipts NOT DONE
For today - I can't be too ambitious because I have no childcare. My daughter and I are going to the zoo, then the whole family has holiday parties. But here's what I will try to squeeze in:
1. 30 minutes weeding out receipts, inputting what I can
2. yoga
3. meditation
4. Wrap all presents
5. Deal with stockings
6. Unpack presents from family and put under tree
7. Get stuff at Galco's with Jim
Thanks EJ. Just keep on keeping on as you are.
Got sidetracked yesterday so got all done except move over a month's supply of fireplace wood and cleanout. That is for today.
Walk dog
Cleared last night's light and fluffy snow by broom and snow shovel from deck and some of the driveway
Vacuum house after cleaning fireplace
Move wood
early morning
12-26-13, 11:39am
I got everything completed on my last list - today is:
1. visit large cupboard I'm considering purchasing and see if DD and I can move it ourselves
2. exchange DS's shirt (he shrank, yay!)
3. check on Mom and put out her (and our) trash and recycling
4. pick up a ham at store (having more people than planned over for family holiday dinner Saturday. They are mostly unemployed and say they have no money to bring a carry-in dish... hard for me to understand that but no point in quibbling - but a large part of why we have NOT had a family get together for about 5 years!!)
5. gather up sturdy chairs for said gathering and stash my good chairs upstairs (for not having money to bring food they are a really HEAVY bunch, lol) Not that I'm small but I eat well :|(
Early morning you made me laugh. Thank you and good luck with finishing up all you have to do...and hoping you stay calm with the crew of family.
*Got the wood moved
*walked the dog am and pm
*cleared the last night's snowfall with snowblower. It is getting easier to figure out a pattern to follow to work around vehicles and get snow moved
*made squares for neighbour's get- together for Chinese food this pm and enjoyed the outing
*got turkey and ham out of freezer and into fridge to defrost for Saturday evening Christmas meal with family
*clean house and do laundry tonight while on low time-of-use rate
*make vanilla icecream
*make apple pie
Congrats, early morning and razz on all you are getting done.
I will report on my old list and make a new list soon. Taking a little time out at the moment.
early morning
12-27-13, 3:57pm
razz, you have a lot more energy than I do - way to go!
nswef, always glad to bring a chuckle. I have to take DH's family with a HUGE nod to the ridiculous. It's that or cut off contact. They are all the family DH has, so I choose to laugh.
ej, enjoy your break! I'm taking one Sunday. I think it will last at least a week...
From yesterday -
1. visit large cupboard I'm considering purchasing and see if DD and I can move it ourselves - DONE, we can, so I bought it, Merry Christmas to me! :)
2. exchange DS's shirt DONE - also found him some pants on sale for his upcoming birthday
3. check on Mom and put out her (and our) trash and recycling - DONE, and my sister is checking on Mom today and tomorrow! She is the best!
4. pick up a ham at store - DONE - and I got one that's cooked so I only have to warm it up!
5. gather up sturdy chairs for said gathering and stash my good chairs upstairs- DONE
So for today -
1. wash and hang a load of laundry so that it can be put away before company arrives tomorrow (hanging now but still wet!)
2. get out Christmas dishes, glasses, napkins and be sure I have enough ready to go
3. vac upstairs bathroom and hall
4. find key to upstairs bedrooms where cats will be residing during gathering, to keep inquiring minds and bodies on the other side of the door.
5. bake cake
6. dice carrots
7. continue to poke and glare at turkey until it thaws
Teacher Terry
12-27-13, 6:13pm
I think you have a great attitude about DH's family. It will make for a long & happy marriage. I also laughed when I read your post.:D
catherine
12-28-13, 10:03am
Well, I've been so swamped in the whirlwind of the past few days that I had no time to create a list--things I had to do were appearing before me like stuff tossed around in a tornado, with my four kids home, one new DIL,, and three dogs.
Anyway, things are starting to quiet down, even though the house teeters on a mess most of the day. But it is so wonderful to have everyone together.
So my things on my list today is:
1) Watch the Rutgers/Notre Dame game with the kids
2) Eat
3) Make a date on my calendar to go up to Burlington in February to visit my two sons who live there. I realize when they're here how much I miss them.
early morning
12-29-13, 2:39pm
catherine, I like your list! Hope you had a fun and relaxing day.
T T - we've been married for 36 years, some great, some not so, but we're in it for the long haul,lol.
Got through yesterday's family gathering with no broken chairs or bruised egos. Huge success!! Sent home leftovers with large starving people.
I have only 1 item on my list for today, and that's to pick up my new cupboard (if it stops raining!).
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