Monthly Checklist January 2, 2011
Posted by indigobunting in Uncategorized.trackback
As I’ve noted previously, I’m not much of a resolution maker, although I experience annual frustration with myself for not finding/making/taking the time to plan meals around the endless supply of condiments and gifty foodstuffs that make their way into our home. I become more aware of this problem at holiday time when the newbies arrive and I realize that many of last year’s newbies are still taking up shelf space.
I successfully prepared a meal last week based on this must-use-condiments philosophy. I even invited a neighbor over at the last minute and subjected her to it, and she pronounced it good. Now I need to remember to remember to keep doing this.
But my monthly checklist idea isn’t about food. It’s about play. What makes me the most happy is playing outside. It is astounding, however, how easily I forget this. I work, I get sucked into the Internet, I collapse onto the couch at the end of a long day. When at some point I at last take a hike or go cross-country skiing or fly fishing, I remember: Oh yeah. Happiness. And then I go back to work and get all involved in projects and chores and I forget again. Or I remember, but it’s kind of theoretical and dreamlike.
So I made a checklist of a dozen activities that make me happy. If I’m not too busy (here we go already with the ifs), I’ll review the list at each month’s end and see how many I can check off. Many are seasonal, of course.
Here it is (in the imperative):
- Cross-country ski
- Snowshoe
- Ice skate
- Fly fish
- Hike
- Bike
- Bird
- Canoe
- Swing (on the swing set next door)
- Hang out at the swimming hole
- Read in the hammock
- Take a vacation (I have been particularly bad at this lately)
Maybe I’ll plaster my checklist to the refrigerator (which is currently and suddenly completely naked—but that’s another story). It’s nice to think that the checklist in the kitchen will serve as a visual reminder but, like all those forgotten condiments, maybe I’ll never really see it.
Route 153 
How brilliant to put a list of things one likes to do on the fridge–as opposed to just a list of things one has to do.
What a wonderful idea. All of my resolutions are things to not do or things that are not fun.
Looking forward to reading about the naked fridge.
I think instead of a list you need to plaster a fig leaf on your fridge. I recommend re-gifting some of the condiments; they are the kind of thing I would like to get as a present (not that I’m hinting at anything). I do love the idea of a condiment party too though. Finally, maybe you should write your list in bright pink on a really large piece of paper and tuck it under the top sheet of your bed every morning. That way, you’ll see it every night and morning and won’t be able to ignore it.
See how excited I am about condiments? I’m posting another comment about them. Why don’t you have a potluck event, and everyone has to bring something that can be served with one of your condiments? (You could specify a different condiment for each person/couple invited.) I like this idea so much I would do it myself, except I am sadly lacking in condiments (not that I’m hinting at anything).
Dear Helen: Please send me your address. I will send you a mix of things that you will both love and hate! I have certainly considered regifting (one chocolate-based item out for just that), but I will consider the potluck event or maybe a condiment swap.
Hmmmm, you know, Helen, I might already have your address in my file cabinet, but I have had some wine and some scotch and will not be checking that right this very second.
That sounds like a good plan. This past year was the first time I’d ever kept a resolution all year. I’m afraid to try again…
I like this idea. So often I can’t think of anything fun to do on the weekends, then during the week I’ll drive past a park or an entry to a bushwalk, and think “why didn’t I think of that?” I wish you much happiness in the outdoors in 2011.
Oh Indigo, how sweet of you. Honestly, I was just kidding though.
Or are you kidding as well?
Helen: I wasn’t actually kidding, but when I think about how I can’t seem to get both my work and the housework done, I’m betting that boxing up condiments and shipping them internationally doesn’t rise to the top of the list.
When, oh when, will I turn into Superwoman?
Maybe you need to get a cape–one with a big “S” on it.
I’ve already ticked something off my to-do list.
I’m now following this blog on blogger, which means I will read your posts often.
Reading your blog is always a treat–this post is so uncannily similar to how I feel about stopping over here: I know I’ll find good writing, something amusing or touching or both, I’ll enjoy it– and yet I stay away in my quamire of whatsits and whosits and so on….Happy New Year once again, Kate.
And to you, Damyanti!
I meant ‘quagmire’ obviously, but spotted the typo too late.
The Condiment Utilization Dinner was not only good, it was DELICIOUS! I am happy to assist with this endeavor in the future. I haven’t read your blog in a LONG time and I find it intriguing (in a psychic sort of way) that I am referred to twice in the post that I finally remember to read after over a year of not reading any. Shame on me. “Read Kate’s Blog” is going on my fridge. xoxo
Now if only I would actually write something!