Saturday, September 17, 2011

How Does Anyone Get Along Without Lists?

Red and I went to see “I Don’t Know How She Does It?” today. It’s great taking Red along, because I never have to pay for her and she doesn’t try to eat my popcorn. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear and Pierce Brosnan (two guys who are easy on the eyes). One of the plot points revolves around Kate (SJP) making lists obsessively – which kicked off one of our fun conversations. Red listening demurely, as usual, as I expressed myself.

Kathy: How is it possible that she even considers giving up her lists?

Red: Not everyone is obsessive about lists as you are.

Kathy: Well, obviously some people are or no one would relate to Kate’s obsessiveness.

Red: We all know someone like that – for instance, I know you and you are so completely OCD about lists.

Kathy: (puffing up) Who, me? I’m not obsessive.

Red: Really? Then why is there a list for the next book, what you have to do at work, what you plan to get done today, your New Years resolutions (posted on the refrigerator), what to buy at the grocery store….

Kathy: (cutting Red off) Okay, okay. Maybe I’m a little compulsive about it.

Red: You forget, I happen to know that you add things on to the list that you’ve already done – just so you can cross it off.

Kathy: (sheepishly) I didn’t know you noticed.

Red: Oh, I see everything. Remember.

Kathy: You forget that you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for my list-making. I had a three-page Excel list of plot points and things about you to put into Red Mojo Mama.

Red: Oh, yeah, huh? (suddenly inspecting her Bloody Mary) Did I mention what a great Bloody Mary you make?

Kathy: Luckily, I had vodka on my grocery list today!

Red: Touché, my friend, touché

10 comments:

  1. Lists are the best! They are so awesome, I love lists.
    For real, I do. I have five seperate lists right now. Do things get crossed off? Well, it seems like one gets crossed off and two more things get added! WHY!
    Loved the post

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  2. This is the second blog I have read this week about the value of lists. LOL!!! I like how Red "sasses" you. It adds such spark to your blog. I used to despise lists but now I am becoming a list maker even though I feel compelled to ROLL my eyes every time my roomie mentions making a list. I still feel boxed in by lists rather than freed up by them. I am glad lists work for you and hope that in this my second half century that they start to work more for me. We shall see what we shall see.

    Cheers to you in your list making,

    Ardee-ann who wishes she was in on the Bloodies!

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  3. My problem with list: I never remember to take them with me when I go out... And for writing, everytime I make a chart, list, plot or direction for a book it takes me about three pages to get off track and I can't get back to what I was planning. So list do me no good.

    And Red should be so thankful you do make list! She was supurb in Red Mojo Mama. Hotter than a two dollar pistol! Keep on with your list, Kathy! Great post!

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  4. I love lists too. I feel lost without one! :)

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  5. Lists are definitely a must have! How else would I pay my bills on time?? :)
    Loved the post!

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  6. I agree with lists. My mother kept lists, I keep lists, and days that I don't take the time to compile one are a little more chaotic. Lists help keep me more focused. What I especially like about them is being able to cross off what I have actually managed to complete - for that sense of accomplishment. (I have also been known to add the other things I did while distracted.)

    A friend and I went to see I Don't Know How She Does It. Sarah Jessica Parker is a fun actress to watch, it was an enjoyable movie.

    Good post!

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  7. Loved the movie! Love SJP. Love lists. Loving your blog, too.

    xoxo michele

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  8. This made me laugh because I could see my 'old self' in there. I say 'old self' because I used to be a big list maker, but gave it up at the beginning of this year. It has been a liberating experience, although I am a lot more disorganised because of it... and I do quite miss the old strike through!

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