List Making - Is There A Better Way?

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My dry erase board with today's to-do listI have a friend I admire who's an action gal. Unlike me, with half my life spent huddled over a to-do list (either admiring it, adding to it, or crossing something off with a sense of satisfaction), my friend just does things. Phone call needs to be made? Bam. She picks up the phone and makes the call. Letter to be sent out? She's at the computer - type type type print - done. Need to get the dogs in to the vet? She's on the phone making the appointment. 

It's my goal to be more like her. Quit dithering around and just DO what needs to be done. Do it, move on, quit thinking about it. Sounds lovely, doesn't it?

Part of my "to do" list fetish comes from a fear that I'll forget something. Heaven forbid I be less than perfect. But I think a lot of it is just showing off. A written record of "Sigh, look how much work I have to do!" Big, fat, hairy deal. Do YOU know anyone who isn't swamped? Me either. 

I think I'd get a lot more done if I just jumped into a task versus planning WHEN I'll start it and HOW LONG it will take and IN WHAT ORDER things should be done. Let go of the OCD and just do the work, Dena.

I think I'll start by erasing "Write blog entry" from my to-do list. ;)

Cheers,

Dena

Relationship Deal Breakers

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Blair and I saw a movie the other day with a couple with whom we've been friends for years. Lovely people - smart, intelligent, funny, great parents, etc. Which is why I was horrified to discover the secret they'd kept hidden from us all these years. They are, and perhaps always have been... movie talkers.

I get a little nervous when people talk to me during the previews of a movie, although I've relaxed my stance on that since so many commercials take the place of previews these days. Plus, people often settle into silence once the main attraction starts. But talking during a movie? Uh-uh. Nope. I have to take a stand. 

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Good Vs. Bad Service

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I like rewarding good service. That’s why on Monday, after two young men from Play It Again Sports spent well over an hour wrestling our home gym out the door, down the steps, and onto their truck, and did so with smiles and upbeat attitudes, I immediately e-mailed the store to let them know how much I appreciated their workers and what great service they offered. The store supervisor e-mailed back to say:

Thanks a bunch! It seems as though we only hear about the bad things these days… so it’s always nice to hear the good things.

That being said, I have to admit I’m quick to react to bad service. I don’t always point it out, unless I think doing so will actually alter the situation, and I do try to keep in mind that everyone has their off days. But Blair and I experienced bad service on such a new level the other day that no “I’m having a bad day” excuse could cover it.

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How My Flat Iron Wrecked My Morning

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I hit the ground running today. Out of bed by 6 and straight to the laptop where I pounded out the final edits on my book proposal and hit the SEND button, sending them flying across the electric miles to my agent in California. Then a quick check of e-mail before I prepared a marinated asparagus that must sit for 8 hours in the fridge. Hopped on the treadmill for 3 quick miles, showered, blew dry and... the world came to a halt.

My flat iron, the most treasured possession of any curly-haired woman living in the humid South, was dead.

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