I’m all about lists. There’s something very satisfying about having a list and crossing things off. I tell Madeline it’s called “the plan.” She’s always asking me “What’s the plan, Mom?” and then we list off the day’s activities – Step 1: We get dressed. Step 2: We eat breakfast. She’s a real fan of “the plan.”
I have a small notebook (ok, several small notebooks scattered throughout the house) where I write down my various lists. Lists for today, lists for the week, lists for the month. I have a list of things I want to make but haven’t gotten around to yet. That list keeps growing, and not much is getting crossed off. I’m ok with that, because it means I never have a reason to be bored. Or, if I am bored, it’s my own fault. However, Aaron can attest to the fact that I’m a pacer. When I don’t know what I want to do, I just pace through the house, mulling over my options. It’s not wandering – it’s a fast, determined, somewhat nervous, indecisive walk. Is this productive? No. Is it helpful for coming to a decision? Not particularly. But sometimes, when I want to do something but I don’t know what that something is, it’s kind of satisfying to pace the house and contemplate all the things I could be doing.
I imagine this is what the lions and tigers in the zoo must feel like. Someday I’m going to wear a path into the tile floor.
