Lists and Distractions
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I really need to first make some lists and then execute the actions on them. My house is in serious need of a deep intense cleaning, but I'll settle for organized and tidy before I leave next Saturday. Yard stuff needs to be dealt with, and that means the garage first needs to be dealt with. I have to get a list made for my kids for contacts on the house should anything go askew. My BIL (sister's husband) will likely be their go to first. I haven't begun to pack and need to make lists for that as well as lists of items I still need to purchase or take possession of. I've succumbed to distraction all week, but today and tomorrow and into the first half of the week, the lists must win.
I finally dealt with the last big zucchinis. I roasted two and will freeze once cooled. I shredded two more and drained, and froze in two cups portions, perfect for my bread recipe. I was going to make some zucchini fritters but just decided to freeze it all.
I took care of some me banking yesterday and should have British pounds by Tuesday. I might have to do some shuffling of funds as the HSA payment hasn't been deposited, normally happens between the 20-22 of the month. I hope I don't have followup to do when I get back. I can't risk not paying on time so if not deposited by Monday, I'll transfer funds from the sinking funds, though my last contract payment will be deposited by then, it's just close timing. I switched bank accounts for my retirement fund deposit as well so watching for that to pay all bills before I leave Saturday.
My lovely siblings gave me an early birthday gift of cash to buy a decent lined rain coat. I'm going shopping with same sister mentioned above tomorrow. I'll wear that on the plane and it'll serve as a blanket. I've Googled a few options. I'll get a lot of use from it so extremely grateful to them.
And speaking of distractions, fall colors are at their peak so I must get out and about on a good walk. It is wet outside, but not very cold. A little damp won't hurt me.

The coat sounds nice. It won't be long now for your trip. I bet you are excited.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting very excited. I think I found just what I need for a cost, or extra long jacket.
DeleteThe coat seems to be a very practical gift for your trip.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate their thoughtfulness.
DeleteWhenever I land at an airport I always get cash out of the wall at one of the ATMs. You can use your US bank card and it comes straight out of your US account. Sometimes the exchange rates aren't so great but it is easy enough. I even got money out to the wall in Machu Picchu, Peru, using my Swiss bank card. Have fun, and I hope the weather will be kind (but that raincoat is probably going to be a blessing)!
ReplyDeleteGood to know should I need more. No one really knows the weather so the cost will cost me in handy!
DeleteOh, that was very nice of your siblings. I hope you enjoy your new coat for years to come. It’s good to have the zucchini taken care of before your trip. I hope you have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteIt was very kind and thoughtful. Lots of baking in December for sure.
DeleteMay all go well on your travels and may you savor the experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks April. I'm sure the days will be good ones.
DeleteHappy and safe travels! Your raincoats sounds like a very smart purchase. I live by my lists - I sit down every morning and write one for the day. Checking off the items gives me so much satisfaction!
ReplyDeleteI procrastinate too much even with a list, but they do helped focus.
DeleteWhooooohoooo. Enjoy. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I especially love the UK, because as you know, as I met my husband there. Safe travels.
ReplyDelete-Meg B.
Find memories for me too as we visited my daughter there. My husband loved the country.
DeleteLists ahead of traveling are what keep me sane! I have a lot to do this week ahead of a mini trip, but mostly because it's interspersed with work stuff, a trip into the office & normal life. We'll see how much I get done. I also need to go & get cash. I finally shredded my zucchini & tossed it into the freezer as well. I do need to make fritters or something, but so far, it's just waiting me out in the freezer. :-) - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteIf it saves any forgetfulness I m glad to write things out ahead of time. My freezer is nicely full of summer produce.
DeleteFabulous gift from your siblings. Like you, I tend to lay out what I think I want to pack in advance. Then pack the night before. I consistently seem to put away about 1/3 of what I laid out and even 14d trip w/o laundry access I get in a carry-on and my daypack.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear about your British invasion😊😊
I'm looking at mux and match options, one sweater three outfits kind of thing. I'm not good at capsule wardrobe but need to be practical.
DeleteOne thing I have learned when I travel is to have a packing list both in my suitcase and my backpack. I can't tell you the number of times after looking at my list before packing to return, I found I forgot something .
ReplyDeleteI know you are going to have a wonderful time and I agree. Straightening the house is enough!
That's very clever. I must have passport, phone, and credit card/cash access so anything else is what I'd like to bring but I certainly don't want to spend on things I have already.
Deletewhat works for me is taking a huge vague project like 'learn Spanish' or 'clean out the closet' is turning them into daily tasks - usually at the same time - to do something. My examples are down as "every 830PM do 15 minutes of Spanish" and "every time I go out of the garage I will take something with me to throw away'. Nibbling away at something means I get something done. Better than none.
ReplyDeleteNibbling on tasks. That's a great way to think about it.
DeleteAhhhhh the anticipation! So excited for you. I use a travel card (Wise) whenever I travel - you put the money there in your original currency (USD for example) then convert it in the app and tap away, it is amazing I find. Lists are also great because inevtiably, we do forget something or the other. So sweet of your siblings to gift you the coat in cash :)!
ReplyDelete