Page 40 - DEC2019 BBQNEWS DIGITAL

bbq lists
Making a List
Vic Clevenger
Chimney Cartel
victor0568@gmail.com
Yep, its that time of year when
the lists start coming out, even
for the big man himself. Al-
though, if you’re like me, you’re
surrounded by lists throughout
the year. I have my weekly “To
Do” list which has things like
mowing, writing and phone calls
which need made. Sometimes I’ll
add something I’ve just com-
pleted just so I can strike a line
through it, marking it complete.
We all have our “Bucket Lists”
which are continually added to,
like hand gliding off Mt. Everest then diving into the Atlantic Ocean to dolphin surf. Then there’s shopping lists, packing lists, cooking lists, cleaning lists, guest list, the ever so popular “Honey-Do” lists and this list of lists could continue forevermore. But what is so important about lists? Why do we make them? Why should we make them?
Lists Give Us Direction
There is a whole science to making lists, especially “To Do” lists. When I was in college pursuing my communications degrees, ‘to do’ lists were all the rage. But it wasn’t enough just to have a list, it had to be prioritized with most important at the top then less important further down. Then I read an article at the time which mentioned this and how much time we spend making the list when we could have just been doing what we said we were going to do. Such a valid point. However, lists give us direction. It helps Santa know who’s getting a gift and who’s getting coal. It helps us stay on budget when grocery shopping, saving us some money for those Black Friday or Cyber Monday excursions. A list delivers a plan for whatever it is we are making them for, giving us direc- tion.
Lists Help Us Focus
I know this isn’t really a confessional, but after all the years we’ve spent together, I feel I can tell you anything, so here it goes. Sometimes I have trouble focusing. I feel better now. Thank you. You’ve met those people, haven’t you? Those who are easily side- tracked. They’re like a dog just doing their thing until they see the squirrel, then they are totally distracted. I know we’ve all had days like this then we lament nothing was accomplished making our
As you continue to try to be on Santa’s “Good” list this month, it the wish of me and my family that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
and Checking
it Twice
“He's making a list, next day twice as difficult. Lists keep us from chasing the squir-
he's checking it twice Gonna find out who's naughty or nice Santa Claus
is coming to town”
rel and getting off track. I know it’s a struggle because Facebook is so interesting and Instagram seems to bring those food pic- tures to life. This is where our lists come in to help us stay fo- cused.
Lists Deliver a Sense of Accomplishment
Have you ever completed a task
then placed it on your “To Do” list just so you can strike line through it? Keeping focused and staying on track is great but there is just something about placing a line trough a task or pack- ing list which gives you a sense of accomplishment, some satis- faction. I recently didn’t make a packing list when 4 hours into my trip I suddenly realized I had forgotten all my shirts. It was then my sense of accomplishment switched to, “I knew I was forgetting something!” When I look at my lists, whether it’s a to do, grocery or packing lists, when they are complete, I feel a pride about fin- ishing them.
Lists Get Us Gifts at Christmas
Back to our original lines, even the Big Guy makes a list then checks it twice to see who’s been naughty or nice. I remember as a child making my Christmas list then repeating the practice with my own kids. I still make my lists for Santa every year, the size of my trucks has gotten bigger though. If you are like me your Christmas list has a new grill or trailer which you know will be re- placed by underwear and socks.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!