The Best Lists To Keep (That Might Seem Obsessive But Are Actually Super Useful)
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I am kind of an obsessive list-keeper and note-taker. Back when I had a Palm Pilot, it was filled with 'em; now that I'm on Android I'm still happily using the program B-Folders to keep track of my myriad lists. Am I crazy? Sure. (All the best people are.)
But I sometimes really marvel at how useful my odd little lists are, so I thought we'd discuss — are you guys fond of lists? Have you found that certain “weird” lists you make are really helpful from an organizing/productivity standpoint, either for life or work?
For my own $.02, here are some of the weirder lists I keep that I've found to be ridiculously useful (and how I use 'em):
“Health” lists / diaries. I've kept track of every cold I've ever had since about 2000 — symptoms, duration, treatment. It was through this list that I realized that I seemed to have the same “cold” every spring — and switched to OTC allergy treatments instead. I also have a habit of starting a specific health diary as soon as something weird starts happening.
For example, a few years ago I started experiencing vertigo a lot, so I started keeping track of anything that I thought might have be a cause — my diet, my sleep, my stress, my exercise, etc. The problem kind of disappeared on its own, but if it ever comes back I can always go back to the list and see if there are any common denominators.
I have a similar list called “headaches of note,” and when I suffered from canker sores I kept a list for that too. (They just kind of went away on their own!)
(2020 Update: See Kat's health chart here!)
Ingredients in my kitchen. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not great at cooking. But over the years I've attempted enough recipes that I've collected a ridiculous number of uncommon-for-me ingredients in the kitchen, from achiote seeds to oyster sauce. So I keep a list of which ingredients I have, when I bought them, and when the marked expiration date is.
That way, when I decide at the last minute that I want to try a new recipe, I don't have to go rifling around in my kitchen to figure out what we might have — I can just check the list. It also prevents me from saying, “don't worry, we JUST BOUGHT white pepper!” and then realizing that it expired in 2008.
Notes on diets / grocery lists. Lately, I've just been trying to eat whole foods as often as possible, but I have been known to flirt with food-restrictive diets from time to time (I did Atkins in law school and then in short spurts for a few years thereafter… then South Beach some time after that… and then for about six weeks last year I did Slow Carb, and may try it again soon).
There are a lot of similarities between the diets (hint: no bread) but a lot of differences too, and since I've done all of them I tend to get really confused. Are beans allowed? Nuts? Only low-fat cheeses? Only high fat cheeses but in small quantities? So I just keep a simple list of which foods are allowed and which aren't and then I don't have to wonder.
When I was really keen on Weight Watchers I kept notes on which meals I might order at different chain restaurants, with the Points info for both the low calorie options as well as my more “regular,” higher calorie meals, and I religiously did check those lists every time I visited my family in Ohio.
Summer dinners / menus. It always seems to come as a surprise to me when it gets to be hot and disgustingly humid in NYC (YUCK), and it also always surprises me how much I hate to stand over a hot stove or be around a hot oven when it turns disgusting outside. So I keep a list of quick/easy summer meals that we enjoy that don't involve the oven.
(These aren't particularly healthy or interesting meals — “bread and cheese” makes the list — but at least I don't have to rediscover the wheel every summer.) Similarly, I keep lists of things like “2 week low carb meal plan” of things that I am always happy to eat for at least the first two weeks and help me kick off one of my low carb phases.
Money spent on trips. We don't vacation often, but it always comes as a surprise to me how much airfare/hotels/everything else costs. So I keep a list of what we paid on various things for previous vacations — that way I can consult my memory and current prices and decide if we're getting a good deal on something.
I similarly keep a list of prices we've paid for different furniture pieces — it helps me gauge how much a new piece is “worth” compared to an older piece, and it also helps assuage whatever guilt I may feel about replacing furniture pieces. (“Well, we paid $200 and have used it for ten years, so I don't think we should feel too bad about just donating it.”)
Oh, and I don't keep this in my phone/B-Folders system, but I did recently start keeping a Excel spreadsheet of yearly health numbers, inspired by a Real Simple article. I went back and looked at the data I'd kept from previous doctor's appointments (I have a tendency to scan blood test results into my computer) and filled out what information I had for myself, with a separate spreadsheet for my husband and son. I may not understand the majority of the numbers or what they mean, but it gives me the ability to note a trend.
For example, my triglycerides readings are still really low (according to the Real Simple article they should be below 150), but I can go back to my notes and say, “Ah, my reading was 43 in 2000, then 59 in 2004, then 69 in 2010, and 79 in 2011. I should bring that up the next time I'm at the doctor's.”
I've also started keep an Excel spreadsheet of notes on different sizes/brands/styles that I've tried — I tend to return about 80% of what I buy online, so I can never remember if I liked a particular item or not, and if I did what size I was in it (particularly with shoes and bras!).
Readers, do you keep lists? Do you have any that are surprisingly helpful?
2020 updated images (1-4 list) via Stencil. Originally pictured: 0610 list, originally uploaded to Flickr by paloetic.
Like Kat, I am list-obsessed. I keep lists of all the following:
*Trips taken (countries and cities visited)
*Cultural things I want to do for each season — movies/plays/shows to see, books to read, restaurants to try, etc.
*Gifts I buy each person in my family for birthdays and Christmas so I don’t duplicate and remember what went over well
*Every penny I’ve spent since 2008 (yes, I am crazy)
*Restaurants I’ve visited in my city and restaurants I want to try
*Goals/plans/dreams
I find that having everything written down really helps me prioritize and focus! Sometimes I think I might be TOO into lists, but I can’t imagine my life without them.
I’m not as list-obsessed as Kat and listaholic, but I have found it useful to have a list of what medications and vitamins I take (including how much) so that I can readily write it down when I have to fill out a form at a doctor’s office. I also have a list of the annuals that I’ve planted in my garden so that I can remember how much to buy next season/year. Plus lists of restaurants, books, and movies that I’d like to try/read/see. I use the Notes function on my iPhone and just have a separate page for each. (I use the reminders app on the iPhone for things that are more time-sensitive.) And I keep a list on an Excel spreadsheet of hotel and airline award points so that I won’t forget to use them.
Two lists are key (other than my “to do” list):
1) Packing list. I hate reinventing the wheel, so now I just keep a list in NoteTaker on my iPad. When it’s time to pack, I copy it, and then I can pack and erase items as they are packed while still maintaining the original to copy and use for the next trip.
2) List of things to take for a run. I am not a morning runner, and especially for race day, I’m often half asleep when I leave the house. So I just keep a short list of all the items I need (like, don’t forget the pins for the race bib! don’t forget to bring flip flops for after a long race!).
I don’t need a list for running stuff, but I will say that for anyone running a race, the best thing you can do is take a change of clothes, including underwear, bra and socks. I love nothing more than changing out of sweaty clothes and putting on dry clothes after a race. Makes the post-race party and awards so much better. I even bring a little bottle of facewash so I can have a clean face.
As for lists, I do the ingredient list because I hate having three jars of cumin because I’ve bought it for every recipe that’s called for it.
I also keep a wishlist for clothing and other items I want.
I ‘m much more of a google docs/spreadsheets person, but my packing list is my one constant. I have several versions based on season and location that I update and reuse constantly. Other than the categories of lingerie and pajamas, I list exactly what items of clothing, shoes, hair products, etc. I plan to pack. I still tend to overpack a little, but I am sooooo much better than I was before I started making lists.
I recently went on a week-long vacation with my mom and sister and they were both impressed that I only brought a carry-on when they both brought large suitcases. My overpacking tendencies come honestly!
I would LOVE to see your list as an example – there could probably be a whole post about this!
I used to keep an Excel of all my clothes and accessories and then virtually creating and packing in Excel on the Subway for a particular trip, thus minimizing packing time at home.
While I gave that up (too difficult to maintain a current list of all my items), I kept the lists for all the trips, so sometimes when I take trips in similar conditions I can go back and get inspired. I’ve managed a 3 week road trip on carry-on only, never wore and outfit twice and only did laundry once — that was a bit extreme but I usually only do carry on.
Other than that, I keep short and long term to do lists and shopping lists (clothes, foods, drugstore) .
I am not nearly this thorough but I use the Notes feature on my iPhone to keep track of the following: gift ideas (if I see something good for a future event or someone says “I love X,” I write it down so I can remember later); restaurants I see/read about that I want to go to (very helpful to group by neighborhood so next time I am forced to eat near Times Sq., I can at least know my options); books I want to read; and local recommendations from this site that seem like they might be helpful to me down the line (e.g., who restrings pearls in diamond district; doctors & dentists; good tailors; etc.).
I also write down places I liked while on vacation so if someone asks me for a recommendation for a trip to Paris, it’s easy to remember (or I can go back there myself!).
I used to try to do this on post its that cluttered my desk but it was never productive. Now, with the phone it’s very easy to both jot down and to later reference.
I have pretty much the same lists. I default to Notes or Evernote on my phone, except for books which I track on Goodreads. I stole the gift list idea from a friend and it is genius.
The other things I keep lists of are:
Quotes that I hear that resonate with me
Candle scents that I love (so I can order online)
Weight and monthly measurements since I’ve been focused on losing weight
Packing list like Friday does
Returned purchases that I’ve mailed back instead of returned to the store with the tracking numbers (this is recent and I haven’t totally worked it all out yet)
There are other things that I track using specific apps:
Goodreads for books I’ve read and want to read
Spark people for food tracking (inconsistently)
Slice for purchases and package tracking
Fitocracy for workout details
I should do that to make notes (use my phone). I am forever thinking of something I want to look up later, then by the time I am near my laptop, I forget. Although this wouldn’t help when I’m in the shower.
By the way, we were discussing once about people seeming to be obsessively looking at their phones. My brother was telling a story about playing an incredible golf course with his son (my nephew, who is almost 17) and my nephew kept messing with his phone. My brother was getting more and more exasperated and finally asked him what he was doing and why was he missing this amazing opportunity by playing with his phone. It turns out my nephew was writing down how he played every shot on every hole so he could remember. My brother felt awful!
That’s pretty cute.
In addition to some of these suggestions (recommended books, products, good quotes, restaurants I want to try), I also use the Notes on my iPhone to keep track of things such as AC filter size, particular light bulb needed for half-bath light fixture, random measurements of different walls, windows or floors so when I see a rug, drape or picture I like, there’s no question if it’ll fit in the space, etc.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to keep a list of places I want to try in town, so next time I’m going out for lunch, I don’t just sit with my lunch mate and shrug, saying, “I don’t know–where do you want to go?”
Mr. Monday and I actually share a google document of restaurants for this purpose, with comments on what kind of food they serve and whether they’re vegetarian- or vegan-friendly. It’s incredibly useful especially when we have out-of-town guests. It also helps us avoid going the same places all the time just by default.
I second the google doc for restaurants you want to try. That way it’s available on your phone (through the google drive app), any computer, and you can share it with whoever you want. I usually note the name, address, type of food, meal I want to try most, and any specific menu item that was recommended.
i’m a big fan of the clear app for iphone. it distills everything down to a handy dandy list, so you can’t write a novel (and it makes a cute sound when you cross something off of your list).
i keep track of things to pack, gifts, restaurant/things to do recommendations grouped by city, as well as a food diary for the day.
i love lists
I am also a LIST person!
Between all the thing’s I have to keep up with on my job, and in my PERSONAL life, I have alot of thing’s to put down and check OFF when I do them.
At work, I keep a list of all my cases, and under each, a list of TO-DO’s, so that when I do them I check them off.
At home, I have a big list of things that I have to do, rangeing from payeing the cleaneing lady, talkeing with the superintendent about getting my window’s washed, and getting my new clothe’s fitted properly at the taileor. Each time I get thing’s done, I take it off the list thru a cross out b/c they are sure to re-occur in the future!
Right now, I do NOT need to get new running shoe’s, but I will have to soon, either b/c they wear out or I step into something that can NOT get cleaned. So I leave it on the list. I have on the list “go home to LI” b/c I often have to go home, even if I already went, I will have to DO this again. FOOEY on my dad for telling me to take this off the list. I know he like’s to see me even if he scowles when I come in and take food out of his refregierator for me to take home! YAY MOM for feedeing me!
As to this SAM, I am not sure why he is texteing so much. Myrna says he realy liked me. I will say that at least he is NOT bald like Harold and he is not to weazeley. Myrna says I should NOT write him off to quickley b/c he makes alot of money (YAY!) and if I married him, I at least would NOT be grossed out if I go to bed with him. But I do NOT want to sleep at his place at all b/f we are engaged, and Myrna will do the bet thing for the 500 pound’s. With 500 pound’s, I can buy alot of stuff I need without dad getteing on my case! YAY!!!
Myrna wants to get this done next week. I am not sure when but I will coooordineate with her and let her talk with Sam. I still think he want’s to see my boobies. FOOEY on that for now!
I used Tasks on Outlook to keep track of year-over-year cholesterol #s. I am trying to see how low I can go :) but also with keeping an eye out for ratios of good and bad cholesterol.
As a relatively recent law school grad who’s lived in at least 12 apartments over the last five years — a table listing where everything I own is located, with enough detail so I can tell apart the various “J.Crew black shirt” entries (e.g., “J.Crew scoop-neck 3/4 sleeved ruffle black T”).
At various times these boxes have been in up to three different states, and it’s kept me sane(r) to not have to unpack/repack everything with each move if I know I’m not taking all of it with me. It also reminds me what I already own when I want to shop, or else I’d forget that I already have X sundresses (since some may be in boxes elsewhere — out of sight/out of mind) and don’t need to buy another.
Looking forward to the day when I can delete the table entirely!!
I use the Evernote app to keep track of my lists. I like that I can keep it in sync with updates I make when I login via the web.
– Grocery lists: I add items when I think about them, so I don’t forget. Since the list is in one place, I don’t have to worry about slips of paper.
– Menu Planning: I try to menu plan weekly and I’ll make notes about recipes I want to try for the following weeks.
– To Do Lists: I have standard daily and weekly lists to keep track of household chores.
– Fashion & Beauty: I’ll make note of beauty products I want to try or clothing items I want to add to my wardrobe.
– Travel: I have a standard packing checklist. I also add notes about sight-seeing, restaturants, etc.
This is pretty much exactly what I do plus a books and movies list. I just keep them in my notes app on my iPhone and update them whenever something occurs to me so I don’t forget.
The books list is most helpful when I’m usually adding something to an online order so I can get free shipping. At least I know I’m getting something I want to read.
I keep lists of makeup products I use and date purchased. I use some fairly expensive makeup items, and I wondered how much I was really spending given they usually last me a few months. This way I can keep track of how much that $50 foundation actually costs me per year, which makes me feel a little better about my Sephora habit!
I also keep lists of books I’ve read. I’ve done this since 2008 in my planner, and now I track it in GoodReads too.
Super random: list of good airplane food. It seems like I research this every time I have a long flight, so at some point I decided it would make sense to just write it down and have it for easy reference.
Also, I set a list of goals at the beginning of the year (new year’s resolutions, basically). I then check in every three months to see how I’m doing, where I’m track and where I need to focus more, etc. I have financial, personal, and career goals I like to monitor using this method.
I keep a book list, too. It’s in Excel on Google docs. It’s all books I’ve read since 2004, with a rating and a genre as well.
I’m definitely a list person, but so far it’s been chiefly all about the to-do list.
I’m definitely taking the health list idea and the menu planning one with me.
Does anyone else just get super down when they look at photos of themselves? I know I’m not ugly, by any stretch of the imagination, but I sometimes think I must be the least photogenic person on the planet and it depresses me.
I feel the same way and I’ve just accepted that I look better in person than I do in photos. Honestly, I’d prefer that to the latter ;)
All the time – plus, I don’t really know how to smile in pictures so I usually look too surprised or too tired.
I strongly dislike photos of myself, and also think I look better in person. However, over the years I’ve developed a list of things to do if I know my photo is about to be taken: chin down (I tend to carry it too high and it doesn’t look good in photos), tongue touching roof of mouth (for some reason, this makes my smiles look better – I think it has something to do with how your muscles work), shoulders down and back. Also, if I’m going somewhere where my photo is likely to be taken, I try to keep my hair loose around my face that day – otherwise I may pull it back too tight, which looks OK in person but doesn’t translate well in photos of me.
Ugh, I have the opposite problem, I have to remind myself to raise my chin so I don’t get a double chin in photos.
I have kept the same official company headshot through two “re-take” rounds now because it is the first photo since my wedding 20 years ago that I really like.
All the time.
I look large and unattractive in photos. (not that I’m skinny in real life, but I look much larger in pictures)
I also have big eyes, so I either look drunk or high in most pictures (when they are open a regular amount or when they are too closed because I am trying to make them seem less large).
I’ve just come to accept it. I’ve tried the tricks to look skinnier and they just don’t seem to work well for me.
I love these lyrics from an ani difranco song:
“It took me too long to realize that I don’t take good pictures
’cause I have the kind of beauty that… moves.”
I love this.
I’m looking for a new show (or some new shows and movies) to watch. Any recommendations? I’m using my Roku, so anything on Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime or a free roku channel (like the PBS or old shows ones) are preferred. (I don’t have Netflix currently.)
Thanks!
This summer I’m watching Major Crimes on TNT on Mondays. It’s in its second season so I downloaded the first season from Amazon. And I’m watching Graceland on TNT on Thursdays.
Oh, I started Major Crimes but then forgot about it! (I watched all of The Closer first.) Graceland is so good – but I’m awful at keeping up with current shows! (I tend to watch full seasons and then forget for months about a show.)
Thanks!
I’ve watched these on Netflix, but worth checking availability elsewhere:
BBC’s Sherlock Holmes, BBC’s Top of the Lake, and BBC’s The Fall…for some reason we’ve been on a BBC/police drama kick, but I would highly recommend all three series.
I usually like BBC and police dramas, so I’ll look into these!
Seasons 1-4 of The Good Wife are on Amazon Prime now.
These are my faves:
– Good Wife
– New Girl (season 1 on Netflix)
– Bones (lots of seasons on Netflix)
– The Closer (netflix)
– Community (netflix and huluplus)
– Justified (netflix I think)
– BBC Sherlock (I second Karen)
Thanks all! I’m excited to try some new shows (and go back to ones I forgot about)!
I always recommend my favorite TV show of all time: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”!
I second “Bones,” too. Also, “House, MD.”
Yes. I love love love Buffy and Angel. And Veronica Mars, but that’s only available for purchase on Amazon. I also actually really like Greek.
I started watching Suits on Amazon this weekend and am hooked !
I second the vote for Suits. I also really like Perception, although that may not be on Netflix yet (it is on Amazon for $). On Netflix, I’m currently watching Psych and Crossing Jordan – both not great, but pretty good. The Closer is also fantastic if you haven’t watched it yet.
I love lists! A health list sounds extremely useful.
Lists I use:
-To Dos
-Grocery/Target/things to buy for our house
-What sizes my husband and I wear for different clothing items at different stores
-Meals I want to make
-Favorite and reliable meals (if nothing new is inspiring me, I turn to the classics)
-Books I’d like to read
-Movies I’d like to watch
-Wines we like
-Packing list
Wine list…fantastic idea! I also enjoy craft beer so this may be something I need to start.
My dad has a wine list in Evernote and takes a picture of the label with his phone and then adds notes. He says the picture is super helpful.
This is inspiring! Right now, I just keep to-do lists and packing lists. I have started organizing the lists by activity and participants, because we tend to do combination work/personal trips.
To whoever was looking at things for their child going to college for the first time (I think on the weekend open thread):
Best Buy has a lot of student-only deals up right now. Have your child sign up for them (using their .edu email address). There are a ton of deals, including save $100 on a microwave and minifridge, computers, and printers.
This would also be useful for anyone with a .edu email address, it just made me think of you!
Thanks Nutshell! and Thanks to everyone for the input, as well. I am compiling a list of things to buy based on your reccomendations, of course now to convince my daughter that she really doesn’t NEED 30 sweaters in September because she is close enough to come home for them!
You’re welcome.
Something I’ve noticed works with my friends: tell her if she needs something desperately, you’ll mail it to her (or have it shipped from online if she doesn’t already own it). That way, it doesn’t sound like you will be taking trips to campus a few times a week and dropping in randomly. (and then if anything is actually needed, it’s usually not a big deal to make the trip. As you are moving to college for the first time and wanting to be independent, though, it seems to be a fear that parents/relatives will come interrupt or such. However, after the initial period wanes, you realize it’s great to see family – plus, you get to do things you wouldn’t normally (whether it is eating at certain places or a big grocery run or an excuse to do something touristy).
That is a good approach, I will keep it in my back pocket.
I use the notes app on my iPhone, and my current lists are:
-Rare Passwords (things like my student loan pin that I don’t need very regularly – I put them under vague descriptions)
-Clothing Needs
-Household Goods List (I use this to jot down when I’m running low on things like toothpaste, TP, etc.)
-Books to Read
-Grocery List
-Weekly Meal Plan
I relocate and travel frequently for work, so I’m thinking of starting a “previous address” list as well as reminders for when I need to get my teeth cleaned, get my yearly check-up, etc.
+1 to the list of previous addresses.
DH and I have lived in 8 abodes in 8 years of marriage. This list comes in handy whenever we need to apply for drivers licenses, rental history, mortgage app, etc.
I also keep a list of clothes I need to purchase to fill holes in my wardrobe, for example “navy blazer” or “nude flats”.
Love evernote–each notebook is a new beginning! My lists include: packing, beauty products, books to read; reciepes, etc. My biggest list is on Amazon and it’s my wishlist for just about everything–you can add non-amazon items from other websites to your wishlist–genius!
My favorite thing to do is write lists for other people to do, like comprehensive lists for the nanny/housekeeper, for my secretary, and then of course all my to-do list.
For groceries, I have an iPhone app that I update as I think of things and send the list to my nanny ever Friday (Any List).
I use Mint.com app to keep track of my spending habbits and it could tell me every penny spent and every investment.
I use wish lists on amazon for books and household items.
I keep a list of every item of clothing/jewelry I buy each year. At the end of the year, I mark which items were brilliant buys, and which were mistakes. Then I do a yearly summary of what I should continue to buy and what I need to avoid. This is really helpful. For example, I’ve realized I just can’t buy linen, and that there are only three brands of shoes that work really well (Ara, Arche and Beautifeel). The totals are helpful to see if I’m ramping up spending (and shouldn’t), and to set a budget for the following year.
And if I should have a fire/robbery, this would be great for insurance purposes.
What a great idea!
I like the idea of the list of clothing purchased. That is a great idea. I might try to recreate that for this year.
I guess I am old school. I have a paper organizer. The brand I like comes with a slim address book at the back, which is where I keep my lists, under the letter it starts with. I keep lists of Vacation ideas (and track my vacation days), Birthdays (new ones to add to my master birthday book), Books, Movies, Restaurants and Bars to try, Gift ideas, Projects (crafts), Activities, Classes (for the baby).
I have a packing list, but it is its own document, that I laminated so I can check things off and then erase when I’m done packing. Yes, I own a laminating machine. It is surprisingly useful.
Grocery/target shopping lists are on a notepad in the kitchen.
Can’t believe nobody has mentioned TeuxDeux! (www.teuxdeux.com) The recent redesign has ramped up its usefulness, and the developers seem to be committed to getting the Android app out, too (fingers crossed), though the mobile web site is currently adequate for us non-iPholks. No relation to the company, just a very satisfied several-years user.
It’s now a paid service, but honestly, I’ve used it long enough and found it useful enough that I don’t really mind throwing a few bucks their way. (And I’d love to see them get more support from Corporettes, hint!) It’s one of the few sites I keep open in a browser tab all day.
It’s nice to have standing items (workout daily, trash every Tuesdays) pop up every day/week/month with the auto-repeat feature. I also use it to “docket” things I want to forget about until I need to take action on them (next Wednesday, confirm Friday’s lunch; order my credit reports every four months). I know you can do that on your calendar, but often an online calendar is necessarily shared with others and the “every…” reminders/items can get a little cluttery. Plus, the crossing-off feature on TeuxDeux allows you to see what you got done over the course of the day–very encouraging on some of those “where did the time go” afternoons. It also automatically rolls over “open” items each day.
Looking over the above, I come across as a real fangirl, and I guess I am. It’s not a complete Evernote-type package (tried and didn’t like that), but between TeuxDeux and Note Everything, I feel like my listmania and calendar juggling is kept in check, as well as in order.
A moving list.
Because of circumstances, I have moved 6 times in 6 years. And I hate moving.
A master moving list includes everything from my key issues to look for in a new apartment, boxes/movers/planning pointers, details on day of move (and the items in that important “First Box” to open after moving), all the places/people to contact with my new address after moving etc…
It is my masterpiece.
EXACTLY…. where do you keep all these lists?! I try to keep lists like this for long term items and they are forgotten and pushed aside and never revisited.
Speaking of lists…
I’ve been looking for an app that will track my coupons – not the grocery store kind, but the 20% of at Skin Store, $10 off at Philosophy, $25 of $50 at Macy’s kind – so that I know both 1) what I have and 2) get some kind of reminder when they are about to expire. I hate when I go to buy something, remember I have a coupon, find it, and then realize it expired yesterday.
Anyone have any recommendations?
For tracking health symptoms and potential triggers, I use the app mysymptoms. It’s free and lets you put in what you ate, how you slept, any symptoms you’re having, and anything else you want to include, and after it has enough data it will cross check to look for triggers for your symptoms or any trends in the data.
I have an excel spreadsheet tracking every run on I go and any aches and pains during that run. I’ve had a couple not-serious injuries that still took some time to get over, and when the doctors asked things like “how long has it been hurting?” my memory of how long it had been hurting and my notes were always totally inconsistent. My memory was always “well, not that long, maybe a week?” and but when I checked my spreadsheet my notes would reveal that I had been lying to myself about how much it hurt for much longer (once for 2 months!). Basically, I highly recommend keeping a log like this to anyone who runs a lot!