Overwhelmed

[learnteach]

It's strange how easy it is to let the tide of projects and good ideas crest over one. I'm overwhelmed.


Things that MUST get done:
1. House sit for my mother, watching after my brother, until next Wednesday. Includes some chores.
2. Get house ready, disposing of extra things, organizing, etc. for new temp roommate to move in. Old roommate has been sick, and isn't out.
3. Sort out why system isn't accepting me and start substituting.
4. Keep promised dates: fighting on Saturday (5), dancing on Friday night (6), Meeting Rick to bring him down on Sunday(7).
5. Fix armor, make sword, replace lost RH guantlet. Do pell work and fighting movement drills. Work out.
6. Get clothes together.
7. Install DSL. Fix computer to install DSL with. (Or borrow.)
8. Patch bathroom window before winter.
9. Get car running and fix ticket before Oct. 4th court date.

Things that have got to get done:
1. Clean house to fight allergy problem.
2. Install light in Front bedroom; it's been a year.
3. Dig out two year old dead tree; permit expires at end of month and I don't want to re-apply.
4. Paint garage; paint house. have only had paint for little over 15 months.
5. Develop promised classes for Kurt.
6. Get Bike fixed so it's good.
7. Clean up things that went to Burning Man and store (wash, reassemble, unpack)
8. Continue developing emergency plans.
9. Get some money flowing in.
10. Replace damaged kitchen linoleum.

Things that I want to get done:
1. Put diet plan back together.
2. Perform cleanses to help with allergies; also talk to nutritionist.
3. Put together formal outfit for dancing at Dickens.
4. Close out some of the old issues, get some of the money owed back.
5. Put in for a fence permit.
6. Pull up the carpet and polish the floor.
7. Seal up all possible vermin entrances.
8. Dispose of dishwasher.
9. Sell boat (probably too late.)
10.

Things I'd like to do:
1. Write up more Burning Man/Europe stories.
2. Fix bathroom window.
3. Throw some dinner parties. I said I would do this.
4. Build a wooden gear clock; build several foundwood towers.
5. See my friends more.
6. Do adventure rides; learn to ride dirt.
7. Sing more; work out Bardic Songbook, and 5 more dance songs.
3.

I'm overwhelmed because all of this needs to be done now, and I can't hold it in my head, and I can't not do it, and I can't really decide what needs to be done except by immediate need--which means I keep adding items to the list. And this is the major list, not the minor list.

The other problem is that I am constantly making progress on things, but they are constantly catching up...I've got to finish some things. And get into some form of routine.

**This is why I've liked the travel recently. I can't work on the house or the local stuff, so I can focus down on other things, and get some creativity in without feeling guilty.**

Hmm.

Comments

[kfitzwarin.livejournal.com]

Wow. I suddenly feel...uncommitted!

But there's no reason to hold it in your head - put it here (on a FYEO filter if you feel like it, or publicly if you want to brag as you get things done), and get to it man!

Some of these seem like they need to be salami-ed a little further though (what does list 1 sub #2 entail, for example?)

An' it were me, I'd probably bail on the social-esque commitments (1 sub 4(a & b, and maybe c), which also shortens the urgency of some of the other list 1 items) and knock out the ones that are going to be more problematic/cost money: 1 sub 3, 8 & 9, and 2 sub 3.

But it makes my life look so uncomplicated....

Hugs!

[thread-walker.livejournal.com]

Hey! That's how my life feels. We must be using the same Crib Notes!

Seriously, that's a lot to do and there doesn't look like much difference between the first list (Must list) and the second list in terms of needfulness. I'm overwhelmed reading it.

I humbly suggest that you look at the things that can be put off without endangering your income or your home or your safety. For example, maybe you should apply for the tree permit one more time and just put that off while you get the bathroom repaired, the house ready for a roommate and your income issues settled.

Maybe you can put your brother to work while you're babysitting him and have him do your laundry or sort your Burning Man stuff. Or even tote all that stuff to your mom's house and clean and repack it into containers while you're there.

You should post stuff here as you get it done. I find it very encouraging to read my accomplished list when I'm feeling overwhelmed by my "to do" list.

Just some thoughts.

Wow.

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

The two people I most admire for getting things done have send me good encouragement.

Thanks!

I'm feeling better. And I'm going to push some stuff off...and ask for help.

(happy busy sigh.)

More advice! It's free! Take two, they're small!

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

Definitely keep a list. One fun way of keeping a list was successful for one of my friends. Each item got put on a cheery post-it note (your choice of colors, shapes, whatever) then that was stuck on a bare wall according to urgency on one axis and 'length of time to get it over' on the other axis.

So with the post-its, you can reorganize and prioritize, and then when you have an hour, you can look for a short project easily, or look and see what's most urgent, etc.

The list looks long, but when you can look at your post-it wall and grab ONE TASK and just deal with that one, it's much easier.

And the stuff that is finished can get stuck on another wall of accomplishment.

We're here for you...

[loudoggeek.livejournal.com]

But we're all hella busy. Let's pick a project -- maybe getting the tree out? And nail it. I can supply a computer and a DSL router if needed. (I've even got monitors) We're cleaning out the garage this weekend so we can tear it down, so now's a good time to grab computer stuff. Bathroom window we can seal in a few minutes with foam. Floors? We've done a non-linear butt load of research here -- we should talk.

Give us a call Bro!

-- Loudog

[vew.livejournal.com]

So Next Friday - clean house ?

I so understand the list thing.... It has taken me since April to organize the house, but the good news is the first room we did is about 90 % done still. Something we can live with.

It is about making reasonable commitments, and fiting it in your lifestyle.
Our garage had not been cleaned out for 8 years. We took 8 weeks, 3 to 6 hours a week to totally clean it out and figure out what was to keep, toss and give away.

I would encourage you to take one thing and get it done. Sucess helps lead to more sucess...
Call and we can chat.

Thanks!

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

I'd like to help with the greenhouse, but I'm a little booked; and I've got three decent boxen (windows) that just need minor fixes. But I am looking forward to the adventures du hydro that you cook up. Add "Plan Garden" to the list!

[ladybrid.livejournal.com]

I'm so relieved to see someone I respect with lists as long as mine!
lists: good
rechecking lists regularly and re-prioritizing as needed: good
sometimes just DOING and FINISHING what is closest at hand, best for motivation and sense of accomplishment!
not getting buried under list: priceless