List 30: Today's To-do List

I'll create this in retrospect. Isn't that the best way to write to-do lists? Everything's already done!

1. Tidy for family coming over
2. Bake cookies
3. Make tea
4. Walk around the yard
5. Dance to Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong while holding the baby
6. Chat with bonus mom on the phone
7. Kiss husband
8. Feed the cat and the fish
9. Listen to Middlemarch (13 chapters in; my, it's a doozy!)
10. Generally, be thankful in spite of tiredness

I've sure enjoyed writing these lists! It surprised me that list writing could spark further reflection, too. 

List 29: Favorite Foods

1. Fettuccine Alfredo
2. Homemade bread
3. Coffee in the morning on a porch with family
4. Tomatoes and camembert 
5. Macaroni and cheese
6. Pho
7. Pancakes
8. French toast
9. Kale salad with mango
10. Kippered herring
11. Pecan pie
12. Fajitas
13. Margherita pizza
14. Kumquats
15. Tomato soup
16. Grilled cheese sandwich
17. Fresh lettuce from a garden
18. Dark chocolate
19. Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream
20. Any birthday dinner

List 28: Vacations to Take

1. Ireland
2. Prince Edward Island
3. Banff
4. South of France
5. Belgium

Short list! However, number one is a life long dream. So it probably counts for ten. Only two more lists to go!

List 27: Lessons Learned

1. Relax.
2. No matter how I try to plan, I'm not in control. 
3. Being single is not a punishment or merely a waiting period.
4. You can't actually read all of the assigned pages in grad school.
5. Life is not about getting everything right; it's about making it through and praising God.
6. Friendship takes different forms. Not all friends are lifelong, close-as-sisters friends, and that is ok.
7. If you want to be happy, start by being thankful.
8. I'm brought into God's family not because of anything I can or should do, not conditionally, but solely because of what Jesus did.
9. I will make mistakes, and it would be horrible if I didn't.
10. Moms are - somehow - inexhaustible treasuries of encouragement. I think it's a gift of God. 
11. Being tired is not the worst thing.

List 26: Books I'd Like to Read This Year

1. How Right You Are, Jeeves
2. 7 Women
3. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
4. The Aeneid
5. All the Light We Cannot See
6. Dead Wake
7. Middlemarch
8. Orthodoxy
9. Jane Eyre
10. Go Set a Watchman
11. Portrait of a Lady
12. The Hollow Hills
13. The Last Enchantment
14. Miracles
15. Anne of Green Gables
16. And Then There Were None
17. The Count of Monte Cristo
18. Bird by Bird
19. Van Gogh: The Life
20. The Jane Austen Guide to Life 

Authors are listed in my photo. I'd actually already made this list before the new year started, with eager anticipation. So far this year I've listened rather than read, and I have enjoyed it! Also, some of these books are old familiar friends I plan to bring out into my new place to make it more a home. You know how reading favorite books again can uncover sweet memories? I'm hoping that remembering will facilitate the tender cultivation of new memories, too.

List 25: Things I'd Rather Be Doing Right Now

1. Knitting the hat I started the other day
2. Baking
3. Going for a walk
4. Talking with a friend over coffee
5. Sleeping

This is an interesting list for me because I have been learning lately that I need to relax and enjoy the tasks that have been assigned to me. I may not have as much freedom in my schedule as I had before the baby, but I can still find enjoyment in the little things that seem to dominate my day. Who says it's my day, anyway?

List 24: I make lists for...

1. Groceries
2. Household items we need
3. Tasks
4. Books to read

I don't make lists that often, anymore! Used to list like crazy when I was working. A few more lists to go!

List 23: Guilty Pleasures

1. ABC Family Christmas movies
2. Eating peanut butter straight from the jar
3. Loooooong showers
4. Staying in jammies all day

Seven more days of lists!

List 22: Today I Saw

1. My husband getting ready for work in the dark
2. My daughter in her little jammies cuddling on my chest in the last light sleep before wake-up time
3. A small black cat in a cabinet, on a windowsill, and on my knees
4. A set of colorful blocks on a jungle quilt
5. Books fresh out of boxes and settled on shelves
6. Board games bringing back memories
7. A fish as old as our marriage swimming in a bowl
8. Homemade peppermint mocha creamer in a repurposed dark chili powder bottle with a silver lid
9. Take-out pho on the counter
10. A newly planted pineapple in a pot
11. A baby eating some banana mush
12. A skein of yarn in shades of blue
13. My husband home and looking cute in Friday casual attire
14. My daughter cozy in her crib
15. A soft blanket on the back of the couch

List 21: Things to Do This Spring

1. 5k with my husband
2. Check out the Riverwalk
3. Go to a museum
4. Visit the botanical garden
5. Plant a garden

List 20: Celebrity Crushes

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I'm a married woman! Is this a little strange? I promise I am just following the prompts I found here.

Suppose I just list some of my favorite actors and actresses? I might also happen to think some of them are attractive.

1. Cary Grant (all-time favorite!)
2. Audrey Hepburn
3. Yul Brynner
4. Katherine Hepburn
5. Matt Damon
6. Cate Blanchett
7. Joaquin Phoenix
8. Emma Thompson
9. Johnny Depp
10. Robert Downey Jr

List 19: Recipes I Want to Try

1. Pho
2. Princess Torte (I saw this on the Great British Baking Show and my husband and I think it looks like a fun, crazy challenge)
3. Gingerbread cookies
4. Lemon cookies
5. Baked apples
6. Pumpkin spice latte
7. Curry
8. Roasted tomato soup
9. Various breads
10. Whole food, plant-based staples I can learn by heart (any recommendations?)

Mmm.

List 18: Road Trip Must-Haves

1. Directions
2. Music 
3. Gummy worms
4. Water
5. Iced tea
6. Chapstick
7. Comfy clothes
8. Snacks
9. Sunglasses
10. Hat
11. Fun socks
12. A friend and good conversation, if possible!

List 17: Words That Are Hard to Spell

1. Pharaoh
2. Broccoli
3. Kumquat
4. Rhythm
5. Hemorrhoid
6. Hors d'oeuvres

List 16: Places to See in Your Town

Yes, I've missed a few days of lists, but I have a pretty good reason! Incidentally, this list topic is quite timely, for the same reason. And that reason is: We've moved! I'm currently sitting in the new nursery in our new house with the baby while my husband does some unpacking before starting his new job on Wednesday. This weekend has been long and tiring but also fruitful! We thank God for providing so richly for our family and we can't wait to sink our roots into the soil here.

Now for the list. I bet you will have a hard time guessing where we have moved based on this list. (Not.)

1. The Alamo
2. The Riverwalk
3. Natural Bridge Caverns
4. Pearl Brewery
5. Witte Museum
6. King William Historical District
7. Fiesta Texas
8. Sea World
9. San Antonio Botanical Garden
10. San Antonio Museum of Art
11. Aztec Theatre

My list includes some of the well-known places; I'm not familiar enough to have local favorite hidden spots! Hoping that soon enough that will change.

Keep up with my list prompts here.

List 15: On My Shopping List

1. Milk (almond, soy)
2. Yogurt
3. Eggs (sometimes)
4. Veggies
5. Fruits
6. Apples
7. Bananas
8. Potatoes
9. Sweet potatoes
10. Kale
11. Spinach
12. Peanuts
13. Peanut butter
14. Applesauce
15. Frozen blueberries
16. Frozen veggies
17. Frozen fruit
18. Beans
19. Rice
20. Lentils
21. Tomatoes

I've tried to jot down what a typical grocery list might look like for the week. Usually there would be some recipe ingredients on there, too. 

Follow along with the list prompts I'm using here.

List 14: Things I Love about ______

I decided to write a list of things I love about my husband, because there are so many things and I appreciate him so much!

1. He's mine - my very own to cuddle.
2. He listens to audio books and is better-read than I am! We can talk about books almost unendingly.
3. He likes to think.
4. He's a do-er, whereas I'm a planner. When I'm paralyzed by analyzing, he's over there getting stuff done.
5. He loves me just because.
6. He knows when to unleash the tickle monster.
7. He competently drives a manual.
8. He challenges me and makes me remember truth, especially when I'm feeling anxious.
9. He's cute!
10. He's a good daddy, and he plays with our daughter.
11. He reminds me who I am in Jesus.
12. He's a hard worker.
13. He has a good relationship with his parents.
14. He's a runner.
15. He knows how to make me laugh.
16. He likes to cook.
17. He knows how to make pies.
18. He's a loyal friend.
19. He has a servant mindset.
20. He's generous.
21. He is good at hospitality.
22. He can assemble things.
23. He's fun to be around.
24. He lets me pick the movie (sometimes).
25. He's been to a lot of the places I'd like to visit someday.
26. He makes me feel safe.
27. He is unfathomably patient with me.
28. He likes my family and my family likes him.
29. He introduces me to new things. 
30. He is kind.
31. He always told me exactly what his intentions were when we were dating. There was never a need to wonder.
32. He's so easy to talk to.
33. He roasts his own coffee, and it's delicious.
34. He teaches me things, like how to play cribbage.
35. He talks in very poetic imagery sometimes. He comes up with these apt metaphors out of nowhere. It's nice.
36. He's a healthy eater.
37. He doesn't judge me, but he does hold me accountable.
38. He prays with me. 
39. He sticks with me no matter what. 
40. Everything! The list continues . . .

List 13: DIYs I Want to Try

1. Sew some cloth wipes
2. Knit a blanket
3. Knit a hat
4. Plant a garden and keep it going
5. Make a Christmas tree skirt

I missed yesterday, so this is my catch-up list. 

List 12: Weekly Rituals

1. Pita? 
2. Walk with husband
3. Church
4. Water the fern

How many things do I do once a week? Not many, apparently. Some of these are a stretch.

Now don't get me started on daily rituals, because the list would take a while to write! As my family can tell you, I'm basically the daily ritual queen.

See the list prompts I'm using here.

List 11: Date Night Ideas

1. Ice skating
2. Bowling
3. Dinner at home and a Red Box movie
4. Make hot chocolate and homemade kettle corn (use a whirly pop)
5. Play a board game
6. Read aloud together
7. Take a walk in a familiar place and talk about memories
8. Take a walk in a new place and discover fun things together
9. Go for a nature walk or hike
10. Bake a complicated cake
11. Work on a project (build a model, Lego set, etc.)
12. Plan elaborate meal at home with multiple courses and fancy dinnerware

List 10: On My Wishlist

1. Several books
2. It's mostly books
3. Dreaming of some updates to freshen and lighten the bedroom
4. Dreaming of some beautiful plants and trees for the new yard, though we're not in it yet!
5. Beautiful ceramic loaf pan
6. Christmas with Solid Brass (CD)
7. A couple of board games
8. I'm not joking; so many books! 

As you may have guessed if you've seen any of my posts before, and from this list, I quite like books. My parents tell me that as a little girl, if I opened a gift that came with an instruction booklet, I'd hold up the booklet and delightedly cry, "books!" 

Follow along with the list prompts I'm using here.

List 9: Favorite Websites and Blogs

1. The Eric Metaxas Show
2. Gospelinlife.com
3. A Pile of Pebbles
4. Biblegateway.com
5. Kellymom.com
6. Apartment Therapy
7. Amazon
8. Abe Books
9. Google - gateway to finding out about things I love to do, like knit for fun! 
10. Thefederalist.com
11. Stream.org
12. My city's public library website!
13. Swap.com

List 8: In My Bag

1. Wallet
2. Chapstick x 2
3. Lip gloss x 2
4. Fingernail clippers
5. Bandaids
6. Watch with no battery
7. Gum
8. Movie ticket stubs from over two years ago (our honeymoon) (in Santa Fe!) ⬅ The Hobbit!
9. Small mirror
10. Pens (4)
11. Peppermint (1)
12. Coffee candy (2)
13. Keys
14. Purse hanger
15. Sleep blend essential oil in spray bottle

I tried to do this from memory, and, to be honest, did not check myself afterwards (gasp!). It was fun! It's amusing to me that purse contents can stir up so many memories. I have a peppermint chapstick from my mom that reminds me of my recent stay with my family. I have a strawberry lip gloss from my bonus mom that reminds me of spending Christmas in CO about a year ago. The movie tickets, of course, remind me of our wonderful honeymoon and all the crazy incidents that came along with it (who else has funny honeymoon stories?). The watch stopped working just this past spring, before the end of semester finals, so that I had to use my phone for a timer during the finals and found out it was ok to send a few texts while waiting for my students to furiously scribble those last few words in their essays. Fellow teachers, you know how it is. You can forgive me, I think. Keys, ever-symbolic, represent two places of belonging for me, and I am blessed. Coffee candy will always make me think of my husband, who introduced me to them. 

Wasn't expecting a simple list to spark an inventory of memories! Follow along with me and my 30 lists here.

List 7: Blog Goals

1. Write at least one post per month.
2. Think.
3. Don't stress.
4. Be genuine.
5. Make connections among different life experiences.

Follow my prompts here!

List 6: Least Favorite Words

1. Piss
2. Any cursing - it really bothers me
3. Ain't
4. Any word used completely incorrectly, especially thesaurus "replacers" in essays

There aren't many words I absolutely dislike; words have purpose, and can be beautiful when put to that purpose. Poetry with well-chosen words (both for meaning and sound) thrills my heart (and my ear).

List prompts can be found here.

List 5: Weekend Goals

1. Packing
2. Get to church on time with the baby
3. Reading
4. Nap
5. Cuddle time

This list feels a bit moot, since there's not much distinction between weekends and weekdays right now for me. Honestly, I'm just trying to make it through each day, one at a time, while maintaining trust in God and a thankful heart! 

List prompts can be found here.

List 4: Today's Playlist

1. "You're gonna have a good nap tonight..." - to my baby (alternate lyrics are fun)
2. "Skidamarink-y-dinky-dink" - also to my baby
3. Some Mumford and Sons in the car on the way to H-E-B
4. MUTEMATH songs from "Vitals" in my head all day

I'm usually humming or singing outright most of the time while I'm at home doing stuff. I picked up the habit through growing up with a musical sister, and it was reinforced by the best office mate one could ask for over the past 3 years. 

Follow along with my list prompts here.

List 3: I'm looking forward to...

1. MUTEMATH concert in February! Have waited years for this!
2. Moving to a new city and our new home (God willing).
3. Painting and gardening at said home.
4. Rest, no more anxiety, and no more tears in Heaven some day.
5. Christmas - less than a year to go! (wink)
6. Knitting a hat for my daughter (and husband and everyone) using my new loom. (Thanks, Mom!)

I'm enjoying the time spent brainstorming these lists! Lists were fun, I knew, but I didn't expect so much refreshment from such an inconsequential exercise. 3 down, 27 to go! See the prompts I'm using here.

List 2: Things You Are Good At

1. Hula hoop
2. Writing
3. Listening
4. Harmony
5. Communication
6. Teaching
7. Being R's mom

Follow along and try your own 30 days of lists here.

List 1: A Few Things about Yourself

Happy New Year! I'm starting this year off with some fun list writing, for absolutely no reason at all other than the pure enjoyment of it. 

1. I'm not very tall or very short; I'm just right in the middle.
2. Thinking is necessary for existence.
3. I've always loved books. Not just reading; books.
4. Smelling books makes me happy.
5. Christmas is my favorite.
6. I like the idea of tea better than I like drinking tea.
7. My favorite number is 14. Or 15.
8. I can lick my elbow.
9. I'm a good speller.
10. I always wanted to be married but never wanted to have kids.
11. Now I have both a husband and a daughter and I'll never be the same!
12. Having one or two deep friendships satisfies me immensely.
13. I'm definitely a cat person.
14. My love language is cuddles.

Follow along with me: 30 lists in 30 days! Find the prompts I'm using here.