I spent today making lists.  All different kinds of lists.  The new school year and my writing retreat are fast approaching and our Summer break is dwindling down to just few more weeks.

The kids’ school supply list alone was 2 pages.  Highlighters, clipboards, specific kinds of folders, index cards.  I spent a good bit of time making a list of back to school clothes – who needs underwear, who needs socks, were to find the best selection of sneakers, where to find the best shorts for underneath dresses.  It felt daunting, but I’d rather be prepared than wait until the last weekend before the school year starts to try and find what they need.

At this point I’m just glad their backpacks from last year are still in great shape.  I spent a little extra money on them last Summer, but I’m excited they’ll get another year of use out of them.  Of course I’m still on the hunt for the perfect water bottle – one that is sturdy, leak proof, and doesn’t have some wacky top they can’t seem to work.

I also started to create the list of all the things I need to take on my writing retreat.  I have to consider anything and everything I could possibly need while locked in a cabin for a week.  This includes all materials, books, and resources to write part of my dissertation, all computer stuff and cables, food, clothes, light bulbs, batteries, and a variety of other things that may or may not come in handy.  Either way I have to be prepared.

And that is the whole purpose of making all these crazy lists – to do my best to be prepared.  I’m even attempting to prepare an inspiration board on the off chance I struggle with motivation or finding my muse while I’m stuck in the woods.  I’m using a bunch of pictures and quotes that speak to me, make me smile, and feed my imagination.  It’s like a tangible version of Pinterest that is portable as I trudge offfor a week of nature and writing.

With all my struggles lately to feel focused and inspired, I’d say being prepared with a few lists in a good way to start to change that.